The latest research by Strategy Analytics points out that China''s rapid adoption of 5G technology has driven the demand for 5G smartphones. With the surge in demand, Apple, and domestic manufacturers OPPO, vivo, and Xiaomi have benefited the most. OPPO, vivo and Xiaomi will have 16%, 14%, and 12% of the global market share in Q1 of 2021.
Ville-Petteri Ukonaho, Deputy Director of Strategy Analytics, said: "Global 5G smartphone shipments increased by 458% year-on-year, from 24 million units in Q1 2020 to a record 133.9 million units in Q1 in 2021. The huge demand in the Chinese market, the vigorous promotion of Apple''s iPhone, and the launch of several cost-effective Android models have driven 5G smartphone shipments to a quarterly high. "
Ken Hyers, Director of Strategy Analytics, added: "We estimate that based on Apple''s global shipments of 52 million units in Q4 of 2020, international 5G iPhone shipments in Q1 of 2021 will reach a record 40.4 million units.”
“Apple iPhone is the leader in the 5G smartphone market, with its global 5G smartphone market share of 30% in the quarter. Apple iPhone 12 5G is popular in China, Europe, and the United States because of its excellent hardware design and price competitiveness. " said Ken Hyers.
Wu Yiwen, the Senior Analyst at Strategy Analytics, commented: "OPPO will occupy 16% of the global 5G smartphone market share in Q1 of 2021, more than double the 7% in Q1 of 2020. In the context of Huawei''s strategic retreat, OPPO surpassed domestic competitors vivo and Xiaomi to seize more than 5G market share. OPPO''s A55 5G and Reno5 5G are trendy in China. Vivo also increased its share of global 5G smartphones in Q1 of 2021, with shipments increasing by 646% year-on-year to 19.4 million units. In the quarter, vivo ranked third in international 5G smartphone shipments. "
Woody Oh, Director of Strategy Analytics, added: "Samsung''s global shipments of 5G smartphones will be 17 million in Q1 of 2021, up from 8.3 million in Q1 of 2020; the market share is 13%, down from 35% in the same period last year. Although Samsung has a rich 5G product portfolio, the surge in 5G sales in China, coupled with Apple''s factors, inevitably harms its market share. Xiaomi is the fifth largest 5G smartphone manufacturer globally, with shipments rising from 2.5 million units in Q1 in 2020 to 16.6 million units in Q1 in 2021; Xiaomi occupies 12% of the global 5G smartphone market. "
