Share of 5G smartphones to more than double in 2021

The share of 5G smartphones in the global smartphone market is expected to increase to 43% this year, more than doubling from 19% last year as the number of mid- to low-end 5G smartphones rapidly increases, according to new data released by Omdia.

In the first release of its newly launched Smartphone Feature Forecast Database, covering the first half of 2021, Omdia reports that 81% of 5G smartphones this year will support only Sub6, the mid- and low-frequency 5G that supports lower data transmission speeds. Meanwhile, 19% of 5G smartphones this year will support both mmWave and Sub6, the higher frequency radio bands that offer higher transmission speeds.

However, as China commercializes mmWave service next year, and as major Asian countries start deploying mmWave service, the proportion of 5G smartphones that support mmWave is expected to increase to 32% of the total 5G smartphone shipments next year and continue to grow.

Smartphone Price Tier

Elsewhere, the Omdia data show that low-end smartphones with set prices between $91-150 hold the largest share of the global smartphone market, but the price of smartphone sets is continuing to rise due to increased demand for 5G smartphones and improved hardware features.

As demand for premium smartphones has also steadily increased recently, shipments of premium smartphones with a set price exceeding $751 are expected to exceed 200 million units for the first time this year, according to Omdia.

Significant Expansion of Smartphone Research

The new database, to be updated bi-annually, represents a significant expansion of Omdia’s smartphone research. The Smartphone Feature Forecast report goes beyond top-line and model-level shipment numbers, which are available in other Omdia Smartphone research reports, and details the trajectory of technologies like 5G connectivity, display dimensions and technology, sensors, camera, price tiers, and other trends.

In addition to the technology outlook, the Smartphone Feature Forecast report also details how OEMs have integrated and adapted to new technologies across their device portfolio in the past. At the same time, the global technology forecast gives insights into how new technology generations will impact existing ones.

The Smartphone Feature Forecast Database joins Omdia’s existing smartphone reports in Omdia’s Smartphone Spotlight Service, including the Smartphone Model Market Tracker, the Mobile Handset Database – Country, the Mobile Phones & Electronics Market Tracker: China, and Smartphone Active Installed Base.

Combined, the insights in the Smartphone Spotlight Service guide industry stakeholders through the fast-changing global smartphone market, enabling participants at various points of the smartphone value chain to make strategic decisions impacting their business, more quickly react to changing trends, mitigate risks and gain competitive advantage.

Jusy Hong, senior research manager for mobile devices at Omdia: “Omdia’s Smartphone Spotlight Service gives clients access to a wealth of smartphone shipment, usage, and related insights. With the new database, Omdia clients now have access to a report that gives insights into smartphone hardware trends looking into the future, with five-year feature-level forecasts for major smartphone hardware trends.”

Screenshot from Smartphone Feature Forecast Database