5G smartphones: availability runs ahead of adoption
This report is available to those subscribed to the Digital Consumer module.
Recent quarters show an upward trend in terms of 5G device availability, network rollouts and service launches. 5G networks are already available in nearly 70 markets around the world. By the end of Q2 2021, two markets will have 5G adoption above 20% – South Korea and China. However, adoption elsewhere, including markets with much higher levels of disposable income, is significantly lower. In fact, no market outside East Asia has yet reached 10% 5G adoption. As smartphone manufacturers intensify their 5G efforts in a fiercely competitive environment and lower device price points come to market, can subscribers be encouraged along the 5G upgrade path?
Related research
The 5G-Advanced era revs up: Asia Pacific and MENA show the highest interest in commercialisation
GSMA Intelligence's Chart of the Month is a visual way of telling an important story in the mobile and broader tech ecosystem. From the shape and size of markets to trends in consumer behaviour, we aim to provide food for thought through informative visuals designed to bring colour and clarity to complex issues facing the industry. This edition looks at announced launches and plans for 5G-Advanced networks.
Industry Checkpoint: consumer devices, Q3 2025
This edition of the Industry Checkpoint series focuses on consumer devices, highlighting how the market has changed in the last six months and its implications. The report considers four major developments: innovation expanding beyond smartphones to wearables and the smart home; smart glasses seeing a revival; chipmakers intensifying efforts with generative AI; and direct-to-device strategies increasingly becoming a regional play.
MWC Shanghai 2025: a window into the future?
MWC Shanghai is in the books for another year, having attracted 45,000 visitors (from 12,500 companies), along with 400 exhibitors and partner groups. The numbers were up from the 2024 event by 13% and 92% respectively. This analysis highlights the key takeaways and implications from meetings, summits and announcements at the event – and in particular, whether the progress seen in China can be mapped to other regions.
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn moreRelated research
The 5G-Advanced era revs up: Asia Pacific and MENA show the highest interest in commercialisation
GSMA Intelligence's Chart of the Month is a visual way of telling an important story in the mobile and broader tech ecosystem. From the shape and size of markets to trends in consumer behaviour, we aim to provide food for thought through informative visuals designed to bring colour and clarity to complex issues facing the industry. This edition looks at announced launches and plans for 5G-Advanced networks.
Industry Checkpoint: consumer devices, Q3 2025
This edition of the Industry Checkpoint series focuses on consumer devices, highlighting how the market has changed in the last six months and its implications. The report considers four major developments: innovation expanding beyond smartphones to wearables and the smart home; smart glasses seeing a revival; chipmakers intensifying efforts with generative AI; and direct-to-device strategies increasingly becoming a regional play.
MWC Shanghai 2025: a window into the future?
MWC Shanghai is in the books for another year, having attracted 45,000 visitors (from 12,500 companies), along with 400 exhibitors and partner groups. The numbers were up from the 2024 event by 13% and 92% respectively. This analysis highlights the key takeaways and implications from meetings, summits and announcements at the event – and in particular, whether the progress seen in China can be mapped to other regions.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics