…As 5G Smartphone Models Hit 650
More than 615 million units of 5G enabled devices were shipped in 2021, which is more than double what was shipped in 2020.
This is according to the ‘Ericsson Mobility Report (June 2022)’ It added that over 650 5G smartphone models have now been launched, which accounts for 50 per cent of all 5G devices by form factor.
It said, “Over 650 5G smartphone models have been launched, accounting for 50 percent of all 5G devices by form factor.
“5G device shipments more than doubled in 2021 over 2020 and surpassed 615 million units shipped. There is a greater focus on standalone (SA) enablement for smartphones including 3CC New Radio carrier aggregation. Global smartphone shipments rose 6 per cent in 2021 compared with 2020.
“However, additional limitations are evident in 2022 due to geopolitics, continued supply chain constraints and the COVID-19 situation in China. There is an optimistic outlook for extended reality use cases over the intermediate-term based on XR glasses, headsets or heads-up displays as peripherals connected to smartphones or other 5G smart devices.”
The report revealed that devices introduced so far in 2022 have shown improve capabilities, including carrier aggregation extended from two to three NR carriers for SA, NR dual connectivity for SA, and improved uplink capabilities.
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It added that with more focus on SA and apart from improved device capabilities, a wider range of 5G smartphone models are now available in the mid-tier price segment increasing the affordability of 5G smartphones. It stated that impacted by supply, inflation, and globalisation challenges, it is likely the emerging price floor of 5G devices stay at $120.
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The report said continued smartphone adoption and video consumption are driving up mobile data traffic, and 5G accounted for about 10 per cent in 2021. It stated that the global monthly average usage per smartphone is expected to surpass 15GB in 2022.
It further said, “Traffic growth can be highly volatile between years and can vary significantly between countries, depending on local market dynamics.
“Globally, the growth in mobile data traffic per smartphone can be attributed to three main drivers: improved device capabilities, an increase in data-intensive content, and growth in data consumption due to continued improvements in the performance of deployed networks.