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5G Smartphones vs 4G Smartphones
The new-gen 5G capable smartphones are gaining more popularity as smartphone OEMs are bringing their premium to budget smartphones with 5G connectivity. And for the first time since 5G smartphones debuted, the global 5G smartphone sales have surpassed the 4G smartphones. According to a report from Counterpoint Research, in January 2022, the sales of 5G enabled smartphones reached 51% globally, boosted by affordable 5G smartphones.
With big chip makers like Qualcomm and MediaTek offering affordable 5G chips, it has allowed smartphone OEMs to enter the $150-$250 price segment with 5G smartphones. In January alone, smartphones of this price segment accounted for one-fifth of the 5G sales.
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Regions like China, North America, and Western Europe were the main regions that drove the growth of 5G smartphones. China saw the highest rate of 5G penetration in the world at 84% in January. Analysts credit the push for 5G from Chinese telecom operators along with the readiness of OEMs to offer 5G smartphones at a competitive price to be the major factor behind the growth of 5G smartphones in China.
After China, North America, and Western Europe was the highest rate of 5G penetration at 73% and 76%, respectively. Both the regions were dominated by Apple with a 5G smartphone sales share of over 50% and 30%, respectively.
Apple launching its iPhone 12 series with 5G connectivity in 2020 and ongoing demand for a 5G upgrade within the iOS user base are said to be the fueling factor for the growth of 5G in these two regions.
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Analysts believe that the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Latin America are the next focus areas for OEMs to increase 5G penetration, which are currently dominated by 4G smartphones. The budget or the sub-$150 price segment is said to be the sweet spot for these regions.
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