Global 5G Smartphone Sales Surpasses 4G for the First Time

India is still waiting for the experience of 5G technology, but in January this year, the global sales penetration rate of 5G compatible smartphones reached 51%, surpassing the penetration rate of 4G smartphones for the first time. China, North America and Western Europe were the main drivers of this growth. 

China had the highest 5G penetration rate in the world at 84% in January. This growth is possible as Chinese carriers are driving 5G and OEMs are motivated to offer consumers 5G smartphones at competitive prices, according to research. 

According to research analyst Karn Chauhan, North America and Western Europe saw a natural increase in the sales penetration of 5G smartphones after Apple shifted to 5G in October 2020, with its iPhone 12 series. The demand is also growing by iPhone users who are ready for new devices after having their older iPhones for years.

Chauhan also said, “ Thanks to the affordable chips offered by MediaTek and Qualcomm, Android 5G smartphones entered the mid-to-high price segment and are now trickling down to the $150-$250 price range, contributing one-fifth of the 5G sales in January."

The Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Latin America are the next priority areas for OEMs to increase 5G penetration. 5G models under $ 150 are sweet spots in these areas where 4G is now mainstream.