India has emerged as the second-largest 5G smartphone market after China in the first half of 2024, surpassing the US, according to a report by Counterpoint Research. The growth was driven by affordable models from Xiaomi, Vivo, Samsung, and others, catering to the rising demand for fifth-generation network-enabled smartphones.
Global 5G Shipments See 20% YoY Growth
Global 5G smartphone shipments grew 20% year-on-year in the first half of 2024. Apple led the market with over 25% share, driven by the success of its iPhone 15 and 14 series. Samsung followed closely with more than 21% market share, primarily due to the strong performance of its Galaxy A and S24 series.
Xiaomi’s Triple-Digit Growth in India
Xiaomi recorded a remarkable triple-digit growth rate in India, becoming one of the key drivers of its global success. In addition to India, the company also saw double-digit growth in markets like the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and China. Vivo also experienced significant growth, with India and emerging Asian markets playing a pivotal role in its expansion.
Motorola Emerges as Fastest-Growing Brand
Motorola registered the fastest growth among the top 10 smartphone brands, posting strong performance in regions such as the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA), India, and North America. The CALA region, which includes countries like Mexico and Brazil, experienced a 63% year-on-year growth in 5G smartphone shipments.
Budget 5G Handsets Drive Growth in Emerging Markets
The availability of 5G smartphones in the budget segment has fueled growth in emerging markets, according to Prachir Singh, a senior analyst at Counterpoint Research. Consumers in these regions are increasingly viewing 5G handsets as a valuable upgrade option, even at lower price points.
Asia-Pacific Leads Global 5G Net Additions
Asia-Pacific accounted for 63% of the overall global net additions in 5G handset shipments, commanding 58% of the total shipment share. The region’s rapid adoption of 5G technology has contributed significantly to the global surge in demand for these smartphones.
