According to research company Counterpoint, in the fourth quarter of 2023, the all-time sales number of smartphones supporting fifth generation (5G) communication networks worldwide exceeded 2 billion. Apple and Samsung have become the largest suppliers of 5G smartphones, together selling more than 1 billion devices.

In particular, 5G-enabled smartphones exceeded the 2 billion sales figure faster than previous generation devices such as 4G and 3G. For example, 2 billion 4G supported smartphones were sold in six years. Almost 70 percent of 5G smartphone sales came from developed smartphone markets such as China, the USA and Western European countries.

Mobile device manufacturers are actively promoting 5G-based capabilities and features, differentiating their offerings in a highly competitive market. Apple implemented 5G support for the first time on the iPhone 12; its launch significantly accelerated the adoption of the advanced communications standard and helped 5G smartphones surpass the 100 million devices sold mark in the fourth quarter of 2020. At the same time, 200 million 5G smartphones were sold worldwide in the fourth quarter of 2023; This is a record achievement for a three-month period.

The affordability of 5G smartphones has increased thanks to the narrowing of the price gap between 5G and 4G microprocessors. Additionally, major chipmakers like Qualcomm and MediaTek have created entry-level 5G chips, helping OEMs launch more affordable 5G smartphones. All this has allowed manufacturers, especially Chinese, to offer buyers a wide range of 5G smartphones, especially in the middle and high price segments.

The report emphasizes that developed markets are approaching saturation with 5G smartphones, and it is stated that the share of these smartphones in the total supply volume will exceed 80% in 2023, especially thanks to premium devices. For this reason, major manufacturers are implementing 5G support for devices in the middle price segment. In addition, in developing countries where telecom operators are expanding their 5G coverage area, there is an increase in consumer awareness of advanced technology and demand for 5G. Emerging markets such as India and Southeast Asia are expected to drive shipments of an additional 1 billion units of 5G smartphones.