Canalys: 5G smartphones to overtake 4G devices in 2022

According to the latest smartphone market research by Canalys, global smartphone shipments are set to grow by 12 percent in 2021, despite supply pressure. Its data also revealed that 5G smartphone shipments will overtake 4G smartphone shipments in 2022.

File photo: 5G vs 4G

The global smartphone market bounced back, 5G smartphones to dominate soon

1.4 billion units will be shipped this year

In particular, Canalys noted that worldwide smartphone market shipments will reach 1.4 billion units representing a strong recovery from 2020 where shipments fell by 7 percent due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But, the firm noted that while vaccine roll-out continues around the world and the pandemic is subdued, component supply will be the new bottleneck in the smartphone industry.

5G smartphones to dominate soon

There is also a strong momentum behind 5G handsets which accounted for 37 percent of global shipments in Q1. 5G phones are also expected to account for 43 percent for the full year which is around 610 million units. The firm shared that this will be driven by intense price competition between vendors, with many sacrificing other features such as display or power, to accommodate 5G in the cheapest device possible. 

Canalys predicts that by the end of the year by 32 percent of all 5G devices will have a cost less than USD 300 (around PHP 14.4K) signaling the time for mass adoption.

Its report also added that by 2022, 52 percent of the smartphones that will be shipped globally will be 5G-ready smartphones. In 2023, 69 percent of smartphones shipped worldwide will have 5G.

To read Canalys' full report, click the source link below.

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Source: Canalys