realme’s 5G sales grew the fastest, at 831% YoY in Q3 2021, followed by OPPO (165% YoY) and vivo (147% YoY)

Beijing, Seoul, Taipei, London, Boston, Toronto, New Delhi, Hong Kong – December 29, 2021

realme was the fastest-growing 5G Android smartphone brand globally in Q3 2021, according to Counterpoint Research’s monthly Market Pulse Service. realme was able to outgrow the market with its 5G smartphone sales growing 831% YoY, compared to the global 5G smartphone sales, which grew at 121% YoY. The growth helped realme retain the 6th spot in global 5G Android smartphone sales for the second consecutive quarter. Other fast-growing 5G smartphone brands include OPPO and vivo, driven by their mid-to-high-end 5G smartphones.

Global 5G Smartphone Sales: YoY Growth of Key OEMs* in Q3 2021

Source: Counterpoint Research Monthly Market Pulse, October 2021

Commenting on the rapid growth of 5G, Research Director Tarun Pathak said, “5G as a tech has penetrated much faster than its predecessor. As 5G technology continues to evolve, we enter the next phase of growth supported by maturing and broadening device portfolios. OEMs have been continuously bringing 5G across price-tiers and regions, making it more accessible. Furthermore, the companies also actively pushed 5G smartphones due to the better availability of 5G components. OEMs with a more robust 5G portfolio were able to capture the growing mid-tier demand. realme, with its strong multi-channel strategy and a wide 5G portfolio across price-bands, helped it grow the fastest, followed by OPPO and vivo. Apple, the current 5G market leader, only entered the 5G smartphone market in Q4 2020.”

Much of realme’s growth came from China, India, and Europe. Commenting on the regional dynamics, Varun Mishra, Senior Analyst, noted “In India, realme’s 5G sales grew 9519% YoY, the most among all regions. This growth is especially remarkable for a country where 5G network is yet to be deployed. This was followed by China, where its 5G sales grew 830% YoY, making it one of the fastest-growing 5G smartphone brands in China. The third highest growth came from Europe. Furthermore, realme’s 5G growth in emerging markets has also positioned it well for the future, as 5G rollouts ramp up. Affordability and accessibility will continue to be crucial for all OEMs to capitalize on the grand 5G opportunity.”

*OEMs that sold more than 5 million 5G smartphones globally in Q3 2021.

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Background

Counterpoint Technology Market Research is a global research firm specializing in products in the TMT (technology, media, and telecom) industry. It services major technology and financial firms with a mix of monthly reports, customized projects, and detailed analyses of the mobile and technology markets. Its key analysts are seasoned experts in the high-tech industry.

Analyst Contacts: 

Tarun Pathak

Varun Mishra

Karn Chauhan

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