5G Smartphones Take the Lead: What It Means for Phone Buyers

Whether iPhone or Android smartphone, 5G connectivity is the future standard. At least in the Android area, this can be more expensive than some buyers would like. The current development shows that 5G cell phones will soon become more affordable. Because their triumphal procession has cleared an important hurdle.

Global lead: For the first time, more 5G smartphones than 4G cell phones

The triumph of 5G smartphones has reached an important milestone. According to market researchers, in January 2022, for the first time, more 5G-enabled cell phones were sold worldwide than models that only support 4G. The so-called market penetration of the new mobile radio standard increases to 51 percent (source: Counterpoint Research). For mobile phone buyers, this should have some positive effects in the future.

According to experts from Counterpoint Research, growth drivers are not only China with 84 percent, but also North America (73 percent) and Western Europe (76 percent). Apple is said to have the largest share in this development. The manufacturer has been using 5G since the iPhone 12. In America it makes up more than half of the 5G smartphones, in Europe it is still over 30 percent.

But not only Apple relies on 5G, there are also numerous models in the Android world - and no longer only in the high-priced segment. With the increase in technology on the market - especially in the Android area - consumers will also have more and more affordable offers available in the future.

Our mobile phone price recommendations:

5G on the rise: How consumers will benefit from the ramp-up

In the case of sales prices, other factors stand in the way of a favorable development, such as the ongoing, globally tense supply situation. But the mobile phone providers are also getting their 5G network into shape. In the medium to long term, with more 5G users, tariff costs for providers are likely to fall.

In addition, the competition in the German mobile communications market will intensify in the coming months when 1&1 finally launches its own network. In all probability, this will also ensure further price pressure on Telekom, o2 and Vodafone. It is no coincidence that the established network operators keep bringing complaints against 1&1.

The signs are good for customers: If the next smartphone is due soon, there are many reasons to opt for one with 5G connectivity. The same applies to the contract.