Of the five most important technological products for the group, mobile phones took 26% with television a mere 12%.
The report also found that text is taking over calls for the 18-24 age group, where 51% send or receive up at least six texts a day, but only 15% have the same number of phone conversations.
Of men and women under 30, the study found that 62% said the mobile phone had improved the quality of their lives, dropping to 46% for those over 40.
Online research company YouGov surveyed more than 16,500 people for the report, the first in a series called MobileLife, to study how the mobile phone effects the way we live.
The idea was developed by the mobile phone retailer in conjunction with the London School of Economics and Labour peer Lord Phillip Gould's company Phillip Gould Associates.
Charles Dunstone, Carphone Warehouse chief executive officer, said: "We need to make sure we understand our customer and they live their lives, which is changing and evolving faster than ever."
Other key findings include the use of the mobile phone by women to spurn the unwanted advances of men. As many as 21% agreed that they used their mobile phone in public situations "to deter people from approaching me". For those under 25, the percentage increases to 55%.
Phones are key in the dating game with 57% of 18- to 24-year-olds having sent or received an invitation to date by text, with over a fifth ending a relationship by SMS.
Most interesting is the times people say they switch off their phone. Almost 50% of workers never or rarely turn their phone off, but only 14% of people asked said they turn it off completely before having sex.
Carphone Warehouse intends to publish two more studies this year including a teen report and real-life experiences study.
The full report can be found on .
If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the .