5G continued to grow but growth is stagnating as 5G has become the de facto cellular technology in high and premium tier smartphones. Overall smartphone shipments are at their lowest point since 2013. Smartphone market declined -12% in 2022 due geopolitical and economic turbulence. The geopolitical situation will continue to hinder growth in 2023.

High global consumer price inflation is envisioned to persist for longer than previously assumed as a result of surging commodity prices and lingering supply bottlenecks. The pandemic has left deep scars in the form of lower investment, lower human capital, and a retreat from global supply chains, all of which are likely to dampen potential growth in the longer term. People are seizing non-essential purchases which affects many industries including smartphones.

Apple continues as the leading 5G device vendor, whereas Samsung is globally the fastest growing major vendor and catching up to Apple. Xiaomi has managed to solidify its position as world’s third largest 5G vendor, but the past two quarters have been rough for Xiaomi. Oppo and Vivo suffered steep declines in 2022 due China market problems as they still have not managed to create enough growth outside China to make up with the decline. TCL-Alcatel was again the fastest growing vendor, but its volumes are still small compared to main vendors. Central and Latin America and Middle East and Africa were the fastest growing regions in 2022.

Clients of our Device Technologies (EDT) service can learn more about display technological evolution in different regions or price tiers from the report Global 5G Smartphone Vendor Market Share by Region: Q4 2022