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More than two billion 5G-enabled smartphones have now been shipped worldwide, according to the latest figures published by Counterpoint Research. This milestone has been reached in less than five years, faster than for either 3G or 4G.
Cumulative shipments of 5G smartphones have passed the symbolic two-billion mark. In the last quarter of 2023 alone, 200 million 5G-capable units were shipped.
In the most developed markets (China, USA, EU), over 80% of smartphones sold are 5G-capable. Conversely, in South America and South-West Asia, this technology accounts for less than half of all shipments.
Between them, Apple and Samsung have sold over a billion units and have undeniably driven the market upwards. Initially reserved for high-end smartphones, 5G is now available to almost everyone.
Again according to Counterpoint Research, 97% of smartphones sold for over US$600 are 5G-compatible, but so are 65% of more affordable phones, priced between US$150 and US$249. In fact, only lower-priced phones are still few and far between in offering 5G support (12% of handsets sold for less than $150).
Note that owning a 5G-compatible smartphone does not necessarily bring a corresponding price plan offering access to the service, as these devices are, by definition, also 4G-compatible. Nevertheless, according to Ericsson, there are some 1.5 billion active 5G subscriptions worldwide. – AFP Relaxnews
