A record number of consumers are abandoning their basic cell phones for advanced models, and the primary beneficiaries of that are Research-in-Motion (RIM) and Apple, according to a ChangeWave Research study released on Thursday. In addition, the Apple iPhone leads all other manufacturers in customer satisfaction.

In January, ChangeWave surved 4,182 consumers and focused on market share changes among cellular manufacturers and service providers. The results were characterized as a seismic shift in the cell phone market.

"Among respondents who said they plan to buy a new cell phone in the next six months, the Apple iPhone (17%; up 1-pt) remains the top choice. However, the RIM BlackBerry is a close second (15%; up 3-pts), and shows the most momentum going forward," the report said.

The report continued: "On the downside, one-time market dominator Motorola (11%) has declined another 4-pts in terms of future planned purchases, continuing a horrendous slide that began immediately after Apple CEO Steve Jobs’ announcement of the iPhone."

Data source: ChangeWave Research

Apple's lead in customer satisfaction with the iPhone was dramatic, with 72 percent Very Satisfied. RIM was second with 55 percent.

Even as consumers are shifting their purchases to smartphones, the overall market appears to be weakening. "Our surveys show that the overall consumer cell phone buying environment appears weaker -- only 23% of respondents said they'll purchase or upgrade their cell phone during the next six months," ChangeWave said. "That's three points less than at any other point during the past year."

The data appears to be saying that while the overall market may be pulling back, for now, customers who are planning to buy a new smartphone in the next six months are focusing on Apple and RIM. Competitors who don't notice that trend could end up in the same boat as Motorola.