5G Sales Share at 69% in Smartphone Market... Apple and Samsung Lead

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Cho] The global smartphone market is rapidly transitioning to 5G models. In the first quarter, the sales revenue share of 5G smartphones, including Samsung Electronics' Galaxy S21, reached 69%.

According to market research firm Counterpoint Research on the 27th, 5G smartphone sales accounted for 69% of the global smartphone market in the first quarter. In terms of shipment volume, it accounted for 39% of the total.

Just one year ago, in the first quarter of 2020, the share of 5G smartphones in the overall smartphone market was only 17% in sales revenue and 7% in shipment volume. However, despite the spread of COVID-19, the use of 5G smartphones is increasing across all regions.

In particular, the launch of Apple's first 5G smartphone, the iPhone 12, in the second half of last year was a major turning point for the expansion of the 5G market. Since then, the momentum has continued with the release of Samsung Electronics' flagship smartphone Galaxy S21 in the first quarter of this year.

Counterpoint Research stated, "Despite COVID-19, the use of 5G smartphones continues to increase in all regions," adding, "Apple's first launch of the iPhone 12 in the fourth quarter of last year injected vitality into the market."

While the total smartphone shipment volume in the first quarter decreased by 10% compared to the same period last year, 5G smartphone shipments increased by 7%. The launch of new models such as Samsung Electronics' Galaxy S21 series and Xiaomi's Mi11 series in the first quarter offset Apple's decline. Counterpoint Research added that many manufacturers such as Lenovo, Vivo, Oppo, and Realme have consecutively released mid-to-low priced 5G products, leading to growth in the 5G market in terms of both sales and shipment volume.

Apple ranked first in both sales revenue and shipment volume in the 5G smartphone market in the first quarter of this year.

In terms of shipment volume market share by company, Apple held 34%, Samsung 13%, Oppo 13%, Vivo 12%, and Xiaomi 10%. In terms of sales revenue, Apple accounted for 53%, Samsung 14%, Oppo 7%, Vivo 7%, and Xiaomi 6%.

Counterpoint Research predicted, "So far, 5G demand has been centered on flagship product lines, but going forward, 5G adoption will increase targeting consumers who are price-sensitive and efficiency-focused," adding, "The release of manufacturers' budget models and 5G transition centered on emerging countries are expected to be important factors."