About 75% smartphones launched in India this year could be 5G – Times of India

5G smartphones have come a long way since their launch and they are predicted to go further this year. The 5G smartphone market will expand by more than 70% on a year-over-year (YoY) basis by the end of the calendar year 2023 (CY2023), as per a new report.
According to Cyber Media Research (CMR)’s India Mobile Handset Market Review Report, the Indian smartphone market recorded more than 13X growth in its 5G shipments from the year of its initial introduction in 2020.
“From a mere 4% in CY2020 to a potential more than 45% market share in CY2023, 5G smartphones have definitely come a long way. In CY2022, close to 100 5G smartphones were launched in the India market. In 2023, we anticipate close to 75% of the new smartphones to be introduced in the India market to be 5G-capable,” said Menka Kumari, Analyst- Industry Intelligence Group (IIG), CyberMedia Research (CMR).

What brands led Indian 5G smartphone market
As per the market research firm, Samsung, OnePlus and Vivo led the Indian market in 5G smartphone shipments in CY2022. In the 5G Value for Money (Rs 10,000- Rs 25,000) price segment, Xiaomi and Realme were the major contributors, CMR report noted.
Last year saw a limited consumer demand for 5G smartphones because of prevailing macroeconomic conditions and relatively limited access to 5G networks. However, with the introduction of 5G networks across Indian cities, there has been a growing consumer interest and awareness around 5G smartphones, CyberMedia Research (CMR) said.
In CY2023, 5G smartphone shipments are expected to register over 70% YoY growth.

5G launch in India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 5G services in October last year and in the last three months, 5G has been rolled out in more than 18 states and over 100 cities. Reliance Jio and Airtel have been introducing the next-gen networks to more cities and towns on a weekly basis.
“As consumers seek to switch and upgrade their phones, inclination towards 5G smartphones is bound to rise. Going forward, we anticipate further momentum for 5G smartphone shipments in the new year driven by strong consumer demand and aggressive 5G network deployment by Indian telcos,” added Shipra Sinha, Analyst – Industry Intelligence Group (IIG), CyberMedia Research (CMR).
In CY2023, the market research firm anticipates 5G smartphone shipments to increase significantly in the Value for Money smartphone segment. “All said, the key for mass 5G adoption in India will depend, amongst others, on the introduction of 5G smartphones in the affordable smartphone segment (less than Rs 10,000). Alongside, better 5G availability and accessibility will be key for consumer experience,” Sinha added.