According to Counterpoint Research, global sales penetration of 5G smartphones reached 51% in January 2022, exceeding 4G smartphone penetration for the first time. China, North America, and Western Europe, according to the research organization, were the primary drivers of this expansion. In North America and Western Europe, 5G smartphone penetration was 73 percent and 76 percent, respectively.
Due to the launch of the 5G iPhone 12 series in October 2020, Apple will have a sales share of more than 50% in North America and 30% in Western Europe, respectively.
“China had the greatest 5G penetration in the world in January, at 84 percent,” it claimed, adding that the drive for 5G from Chinese telecom carriers, combined with OEMs’ preparedness to offer consumers with competitively priced 5G devices, enabled this rise.
The iOS user base has an “immense and persistent desire for 5G upgrade,” according to Counterpoint. This demand is also fueled by iPhone users who have been holding on to their older iPhones for years and are ready for a new device.
“After Apple shifted to 5G in October 2020 with the iPhone 12 Series, North America and Western Europe saw a natural increase in the sales penetration of 5G smartphones. These regions are expected to continue contributing substantially to 5G sales globally,” the research firm said.
Due to the affordable CPUs given by Qualcomm and MediaTek, Android 5G smartphones have penetrated the mid-to-high pricing bracket of $250-$400 (Rs 18,900 to Rs 30,500).
According to the company, 5G Android handsets are now available for $150-$250 (Rs 11,300 to Rs 19,000), accounting for one-fifth of all 5G sales in January.
OEMs’ next emphasis areas for increasing 5G penetration are Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America. “The sweet spot for these locations, which are now dominated by 4G, is 5G models in the sub-$150 pricing range,” Counterpoint stated. The company also anticipates the market to see 5G handsets in the affordable sector once the low-end 5G system-on-chip drops below $20 (Rs 1,500).
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