Huawei and Samsung Capture 73 Percent 5G Smartphone Shipments in 2019

Global 5G smartphone shipments reached 19 million units in 2019, with demand much higher than expected, according to Strategy Analytics. Huawei holds first position with 37 percent marketshare, followed by Samsung in second place at 36 percent.

Global 5G smartphone shipments grew from zero in 2018 to 18.7 million units in 2019, and the demand is higher than many expected. Fierce vendor competition in China and heavy carrier subsidies across South Korea have been the main drivers of 5G demand. Other regions, like the US and Europe, are lagging behind Asia, but they should close the gap later this year.

Huawei is number one and shipped 6.9 million 5G smartphones worldwide in 2019, capturing an impressive 37 percent marketshare. Almost all of their smartphones were shipped in China, where US sanctions have made relatively less impact. Samsung is number two and shipped 6.7 million 5G smartphones worldwide, capturing a 36 percent marketshare. Samsung’s 5G smartphone shipments are international and span a wide spread of countries, from South Korea to the UK to the United States.

Vivo is number three and shipped 2.0 million 5G smartphones worldwide in 2019, capturing a solid 11 percent marketshare. Vivo’s 5G smartphone portfolio is heavily focused on China and that remains its primary market for now. Xiaomi is number four and shipped 1.2 million 5G smartphones, capturing 6 percent. Xiaomi is quietly making headway in Western Europe and teaming up with carriers from Switzerland, UK and elsewhere.“

Upcoming 5G models from Apple and other big brands mean 5G will be the hottest part of the worldwide smartphone market this year. However, the recent coronavirus scare is currently restricting trade in some parts of China and this may well cause a slowdown in 5G supply or demand across Asia or worldwide during the first half of 2020.