Shipments for 5G smartphones reached 700 million in 2022
According to estimates from the International Data Corporation, 5G continued a growth trajectory in 2022, nearing 700 million units shipped in the year.
However, the growth rate is beginning to slow down as it becomes the de facto cellular technology in high and premium-tier smartphones. The stagnating growth was also connected with the overall decline in smartphone shipments in the year reaching the lowest point since 2013.
Shipment declined 12% in 2022 due to the geopolitical and economic turbulence which dampened consumer sentiments in the year and is expected to continue to hinder growth in 2023.
In the vendor category, Apple remained the leading 5G device vendor, while Samsung was the fastest-growing major vendor globally and is fast catching up to Apple.
Xiaomi established itself in the third position amid a turbulent year for the smartphone maker. Oppo and Vivo both suffered steep declines in 2022 as they struggle for adoption outside the Chinese market. TCL-Alcatel was again the fastest-growing vendor, but its volumes are still insignificant compared to the main vendors.
Per region, Central and Latin America and the Middle East and Africa were the fastest-growing regions in 2022.