When new smartphone buyers go to purchase their new device, odds are, they’ll be selecting an iPhone over Android and other competitors to Apple’s apparent mobile thrown. That’s what a new survey from ChangeWave Research tells us, and while Apple’s iOS isn’t completely obliterating the competition, its lead is sizable.

According to the findings, which were taken from a survey size of 4,163 consumers, 46 percent of new smartphone buyers are going to be looking Apple’s way, thanks to iOS. Considering the proliferation of the iPhone, the news doesn’t come as a surprise, although, when compared to the growth of the Android, such a high percentage is perhaps eye-opening. Recent reports by comScore show that, in the United States, Android devices actually outnumber the iPhone in regards to device web traffic.

Nevertheless, ChangeWave’s findings indicate more people still want iPhones when it comes time to purchase a new smartphone. Apparently, satisfaction ratings come into play here, as the reported data shows 70 percent of iOS users are “very satisfied,” compared to the 50 percent mark for Android users. Further findings reveal Apple’s upcoming iCloud service plays a part in piquing the interest of potential consumers:

We took a close-up look at the potential impact of the iCloud service going forward, and found 29% of Apple product owners say Apple’s iCloud announcement makes them More Likely to buy Apple products in the future, as do 13% of Non-Apple owners. This initial look at the impact of Apple’s new iCloud service shows it enhancing existing customer loyalty. But the survey also provides highly encouraging signs that iCloud will generate additional customer demand for other Apple products, not only from current Apple product owners but from a substantial numbers of non-owners as well.

Considering the amount of those surveyed who indicated they would purchase a device with iOS, it should come as no surprise that 48 percent also indicated that, if buying a new smartphone in the next 90 days, the iPhone will be the choice. While the future looks incredibly profitable for Apple, thanks to their mobile device success, Blackberry makers RIM find their levels of customer satisfaction plummeting.

ChangeWave’s information indicates RIM device satisfaction is down to 27%, a shocking level considering the past successes of the Blackberry device. Perhaps executive attitudes have something to do with such low results.

What does all this mean? Are people easily marketed to or are they genuinely happy with the iOS/iPhone experience? Probably a little bit of both. The reason for this disposition has to do with how many people of the general public — not device geeks or tech blog readers — actually know the name of their smartphone’s operating system? However, if you preface the question with something “iOS, iPhone’s operating system” or “Apple’s iOS,” the recognition, as well as the desire to have an iPhone, kicks in.