5G development is in full bloom. Based on reports from a number of analysts, full adoption of 5G smartphones and services will commence next year. Currently, the high prices of 5G devices and scarce coverage is deterring the users. However, if reports are to be believed, affordable 5G phones are on the way and telecommunication companies are also working on improving 5G network penetration.
TSMC, the world’s largest dedicated independent semiconductor foundry, has predicted that the demand for 5G smartphones will rise to 300 million units next year, based on the demand for 5G modems for smartphones.
This information is based on an internal leak, however, analysts are predicting that the demand will be 200 million units or less. In any case, we are looking at a huge increase in the demand for 5G smartphones as compared to this year.
This year, 5G smartphones only accounted for 1 percent of smartphone sales but Strategy Analytics is predicting them to be 10 times higher next year. Five years from now, 5G smartphones are expected to account for 50 percent of all smartphone sales.
If we look at the current market, Samsung is leading the 5G smartphone market mainly due to strong sales in its home country. Huawei is also gearing up to ship at least 80 million 5G units to China by next year.
At present, the leading brand of 5G smartphones is Samsung. According to the report, LG, Huawei, OPPO, Vivo and Xiaomi are also 5G smartphone leaders in the market. However, the rise of 5G mobile phones in 2020 will be a turning point in sales. All major smartphone vendors, including Apple, are developing 5G phones and will launch more devices in 2020.