1 out of 2 smartphones to support 5G by 2022-end globally

With the average selling prices (ASP) likely to continue declining by double-digits in the near future, it is expected that one out of every two smartphones sold globally will support 5G by the end of 2022, a new report showed on Monday.

In first quarter of 2021, within just one year after the launch of the world's first commercial 5G network, almost one out of every three smartphones sold worldwide was supported by 5G.

Developed markets have been driving 5G adoption.

However, this is expected to change as more emerging markets are starting to launch commercial 5G services, according to a white paper released by smartphone brand realme and Counterpoint Research.

In 2020, 5G phones in the low-to-mid-range price segments accounted for nearly 40 per cent of all 5G devices sold.

"It's encouraging to learn that the global adoption rate of 5G continues to grow steadily with developed markets experiencing adoption levels approaching 80 per cent-90 per cent while emerging economies are set to become the next big growth driver of 5G," said Sky Li, chief executive officer at realme.

In the highly-competitive $100-$199 wholesale ASP band, realme ranked third, while also gaining significant market share in the $200-$299 mid-end range.