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According to a survey by market research firm Counterpoint Research, global 5G smartphone sales overtook 4G handset sales for the first time in January. China accounted for the majority of the growth, with 84 percent 5G smartphone penetration, while North America and Western Europe were also big contributors, with 73 percent and 76 percent 5G smartphone penetration, respectively. According to the report, Chinese telecom operators' support for 5G technology, as well as the provision of competitively priced 5G handsets by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), has fueled growth in China. During the period, Apple, which began its 5G push with the iPhone 12 series, had a strong sales share in North America and Western Europe.
According to Counterpoint Research's global monthly handset model sales tracking report, 5G equipped smartphone sales peaked at 51 percent in January 2022, exceeding 4G smartphone sales for the first time. China, as previously stated, had the world's highest 5G penetration rate of 84 percent. Apple dominates North America and Western Europe, with over 50% and 30% market share, respectively. The natural increase in 5G adoption in these locations is also expected to be due to the iPhone 13 series, which was released in 2021. These regions, according to Counterpoint, will continue to play a big role in the global expansion of 5G smartphone sales.
iOS customers are expected to fuel the sale, as they try to replace their outdated iPhone models inside the normal four-year replacement cycle.
According to the Counterpoint research, Qualcomm and MediaTek's inexpensive chipsets are to blame for the spike in 5G smartphone sales. In January, one-fifth of sales were due to a price reduction on Android 5G handsets. Android 5G phones that were formerly priced between $250 and $400 (approximately Rs. 18,900 and Rs. 30,000) are now priced between $150 and $250 (about Rs. 11,300 and Rs. 18,900).
By making 5G handsets available in the sub-$150 (approximately Rs. 11,300) pricing range, the next-generation mobile network is likely to develop throughout Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America. 4G is currently dominating the market. Counterpoint also expects the market to see 5G handsets in the affordable sector if the low-end 5G SoC drops below $20 (approximately Rs. 1,500).
