Global smartphone market was hit in 2018, blaming to lengthening smartphone replacement cycle, increased smartphone prices, industry consolidation, saturated China and US market, as well as economic headwinds / uncertainties etc. Our Wireless Smartphone Strategies (WSS) service tracked global smartphone shipments and sales went down -5% and -6% YoY in 2018 respectively.

We expect both smartphone shipment and sales will maintain the downturn track in 2019. A modest rebound(+2% YoY)  is expected in 2020, thanks to 5G migration, hardware innovations, as well as improved economic climate. We further expect the growth rate for both handsets and smartphones will pick up from 2021 onwards coupled with the 5G rollout.

WSS clients please click here to access the full report.