India Becomes World’s Second-Largest 5G Mobile Market, Surpassing the US

The global mobile market is rapidly evolving, and 2024 has marked a significant milestone with India emerging as the world’s second-largest 5G mobile market, overtaking the United States.

According to Counterpoint Research, the global shipments of 5G handsets grew by 20 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2024. Among the major highlights, India’s surge in 5G handset adoption, backed by strong sales from brands like Xiaomi, Vivo, Samsung, and Apple, played a critical role in this shift.

With the increasing availability of 5G handsets, particularly in the budget segment, the country has demonstrated a rapid adoption of this next-gen mobile technology.

India’s journey to becoming the world’s second-largest 5G mobile market reflects not only the demand for advanced connectivity but also the growing need for smartphone upgrades in a price-sensitive market.

The country, which has consistently been among the top mobile markets globally, has now achieved another milestone by surpassing the US in the 5G space.

With China still holding the top spot, India’s rise in the 5G handset market is impressive, driven by a combination of affordability, technological advancement, and market demand.

The rise of India as the world’s second-largest 5G mobile market is fueled by several factors. The global 5G handset shipments were up 20 percent in the first half of 2024, and in India, this growth was even more pronounced.

The launch of budget-friendly 5G handsets from major brands has made advanced connectivity affordable to a larger section of the population. Xiaomi, Vivo, Samsung, and other manufacturers have been at the forefront of this growth, offering a range of devices that cater to both high-end and budget-conscious consumers.

India Becomes World’s Second-Largest 5G Mobile Market, Surpassing the US

One of the key drivers for India becoming the world’s second-largest 5G mobile market has been the aggressive push by handset manufacturers to introduce affordable 5G devices.

As the global market witnessed a 20 percent year-on-year growth in 5G handset shipments, India capitalized on this trend, with strong sales figures from brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Vivo.

Apple, with its premium devices like the iPhone 15 and 14 series, also played a significant role in the surge, accounting for more than 25 percent of global 5G handset shipments. Samsung, too, held a significant share, particularly with its Galaxy A series and S24 series dominating the market.

India’s rise as the world’s second-largest 5G mobile market has been driven not only by the availability of affordable handsets but also by the increasing demand for advanced features.

Consumers are now viewing 5G handsets as an essential upgrade, not just in terms of connectivity but also in terms of device performance, camera quality, and processing power.

This consumer shift towards upgrading to 5G-compatible handsets has made India one of the fastest-growing markets globally.

The competition in India’s 5G mobile market is fierce, with both global and local manufacturers vying for market share. This competition has been a significant factor in driving down the cost of 5G handsets, making India the world’s second-largest 5G mobile market.

The democratization of 5G technology has allowed more consumers to access advanced connectivity at an affordable price, particularly in emerging markets where price sensitivity plays a crucial role.

Another contributing factor to India’s emergence as the world’s second-largest 5G mobile market is the rapid expansion of 5G networks across the country. Telecommunications companies have been quick to roll out 5G infrastructure, ensuring that more regions are covered, which in turn has boosted demand for 5G handsets.

This network expansion is expected to continue, further driving growth in the 5G handset market as consumers upgrade their devices to take advantage of faster data speeds and improved connectivity.

As India cements its position as the world’s second-largest 5G mobile market, the ripple effect is being felt across other emerging markets as well. Asia-Pacific accounted for 63 percent of the overall global net adds in 5G shipments and commanded a 58 percent share of global 5G handset shipments.

Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (MEA) regions also witnessed strong growth, reflecting the global trend toward increased adoption of 5G technology. However, India’s growth stands out due to the sheer volume of handset shipments and the rapid adoption of 5G technology in the lower price segments.

India’s success in becoming the world’s second-largest 5G mobile market is also a testament to the country’s technological advancements and the appetite for digital transformation.

With the digital economy playing a crucial role in India’s economic growth, the widespread adoption of 5G technology is expected to further boost sectors such as e-commerce, entertainment, education, and healthcare.

Faster and more reliable mobile connectivity will enable consumers to engage with digital services in new and innovative ways, driving economic growth and improving quality of life.

The 5G revolution in India is far from over, and the country’s position as the world’s second-largest 5G mobile market is likely to strengthen further in the coming years. As more consumers upgrade their devices and telecommunications companies continue to expand their 5G networks, the demand for 5G handsets will only increase.

Moreover, the introduction of even more affordable 5G devices in the near future is expected to drive further growth, making advanced mobile connectivity accessible to a broader segment of the population.

India’s rise as the world’s second-largest 5G mobile market also highlights the country’s growing importance in the global technology ecosystem. With a large and increasingly tech-savvy population, India is not only a major consumer of advanced technology but also a key player in shaping the future of the global mobile market.

As more consumers in India adopt 5G technology, the country will continue to play a critical role in driving innovation and shaping the future of mobile connectivity.

While India’s growth in the 5G handset market is remarkable, the competition is expected to intensify in the coming years. With manufacturers continuously introducing new models and price points, consumers will have more options than ever before.

This increased competition will likely lead to even more innovation in the mobile market, as companies strive to differentiate their products and capture a larger share of the world’s second-largest 5G mobile market.

In conclusion, India’s emergence as the world’s second-largest 5G mobile market is a significant milestone in the country’s technological journey. The rapid growth in 5G handset shipments, driven by affordable devices and network expansion, has allowed India to surpass the US and solidify its position as a global leader in mobile technology.

With continued advancements in both handset technology and network infrastructure, India is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of the global 5G mobile market.