Global 5G smartphone shipments exceed 2 billion units

According to Counterpoint Technology Market Research’s Global Market Monitor Service, cumulative global shipments of 5G smartphones exceeded 2 billion units in the fourth quarter (4th quarter of 2023).

This milestone was achieved in less than five years. This was the shortest period when compared to previous technologies such as 4G and 3G. It took 4G smartphones six years to reach this level. Nearly 70% of his total 5G shipments came from developed smartphone markets such as China, the United States, and Western Europe. Apple and Samsung are his top 5G smartphone brands, with cumulative shipments exceeding his 1 billion units.

Smartphone brands have heavily promoted 5G features and capabilities while differentiating their products in a competitive market. The launch of his first 5G-enabled iPhone, the iPhone 12 series, has significantly accelerated his 5G adoption, with global 5G shipments exceeding his 100 million mark in a single quarter for the first time in Q4 2020. It exceeded the table. This momentum continued, with shipments reaching an all-time high. In the fourth quarter of 2023, it broke records, reaching 200 million units in a single quarter.

The narrowing price gap between 5G and 4G chipsets and strategic component selection by OEMs to maintain bill of materials (BOM) costs are increasing the affordability and accessibility of 5G smartphones. did. Additionally, chipset players such as MediaTek and Qualcomm have helped smartphone OEMs offer affordable 5G phones by launching entry-level 5G chipsets.

All this has enabled OEMs, especially Chinese brands, to offer a broader portfolio of 5G smartphones, especially in the mid- and mid-high price segments. Even in markets where 5G networks are not fully operational, a consumer chooses his 5G smartphone to future-proof his investment.

Markets in developed countries are nearing saturation, and the contribution of 5G smartphones to total shipments in 2023 will exceed 80%, led by the premium segment. Therefore, major smartphone players are introducing 5G functionality as a common feature in their mid-range devices, while also introducing 5G functionality in the affordable segment.

Additionally, in developing countries, consumer awareness and demand for 5G capabilities is increasing, and carriers are also expanding 5G coverage. 5G smartphones have all the necessary elements to penetrate the affordable segment of emerging markets. Emerging markets such as India and Southeast Asia will therefore drive billions of 5G smartphone shipments in the coming years.