Smartphone Market Size (2023 – 2030)

The Global Smartphone Market was valued at USD 607.8 Billion and is projected to reach a market size of USD 1060.03 Billion by the end of 2030. Over the outlook period of 2023-2030, the market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.2%. 

The smartphone market is a dynamic and highly competitive industry characterized by rapid technological advancements and intense innovation. Major players such as Apple, Samsung, and Google continue to release cutting-edge devices, often featuring improved camera capabilities, faster processors, and enhanced AI integration. The market has seen the rise of Chinese manufacturers like Huawei and Xiaomi, offering affordable yet feature-rich smartphones. The adoption of 5G technology is also shaping the market, enabling faster data speeds and new possibilities for mobile connectivity. Sustainability and environmental concerns are gaining importance as consumers seek more eco-friendly smartphone options. Overall, the smartphone market remains a focal point for innovation, with a diverse range of offerings catering to the ever-evolving needs and preferences of consumers worldwide.

Key Market Insights:

By April 2023, the United States had the highest number of cities (503) with 5G network access, surpassing all other countries. China came in second with 356 cities offering 5G connectivity. Predictions indicate a significant global surge in 5G subscriptions from 12 million in 2019 to an estimated 4.5 billion by 2028. The regions of North East Asia, South East Asia, India, Nepal, and Bhutan are expected to lead in the number of 5G subscriptions. While 5G-compatible smartphone sales were initially forecasted to grow by 47% in 2022, the actual increase was 29%, likely influenced by China's stringent COVID-19 measures, impacting consumer spending on non-essential items like 5G smartphones. Sales projections for 5G smartphones in 2023 are anticipated to rebound.

In 2022, North America boasted the highest smartphone adoption rate, accounting for 84% of all mobile connections. Predictions indicate that North America's smartphone adoption rate is set to climb to 90% by 2030, while regions such as CIS and Asia Pacific are expected to experience even more significant growth. The global count of smartphone mobile network subscriptions reached nearly 6.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to surpass 7.7 billion by 2028. Notably, China, India, and the United States lead the pack with the highest number of smartphone mobile network subscriptions.

In 2022, smartphone manufacturers collectively shipped 1.21 billion smartphones globally. Samsung emerged as the top manufacturer, shipping 261 million units worldwide, closely trailed by Apple, which shipped 266.4 million units. Apple claimed the most significant portion of smartphone production in the fourth quarter of 2022, accounting for nearly a quarter of the smartphones produced during that period. Samsung, although a strong contender, held just under 20 percent of the production volume in the same quarter.

Global Smartphone Market Drivers:

Technological advancements in the smartphone industry have greatly influenced the growth of the market as consumers demand better upgrades.

Constant technological advancements drive the smartphone market forward. Manufacturers are consistently improving the hardware, software, and features of smartphones. This includes faster processors, higher-resolution displays, better cameras, augmented reality capabilities, and improved battery life. Technological innovations often lead to consumers upgrading their devices to access the latest features and capabilities. For example, the introduction of 5G technology has been a major driver, as it offers significantly faster data speeds and lower latency, paving the way for new applications and experiences on smartphones.

A notable driver in the smartphone market is consumer demand and preferences, driving businesses to continuously evolve and change.

Consumer demand and preferences play a crucial role in shaping the smartphone market. As users increasingly rely on smartphones for various aspects of their lives, they seek devices that align with their individual needs and preferences. This drives manufacturers to create a diverse range of products, catering to various price points, form factors, and feature sets. Additionally, trends like the emphasis on sustainability, longer-lasting batteries, and camera quality often result from consumer demands. The desire for the latest designs and capabilities, as well as the need for regular replacements due to wear and tear or changing user requirements, keeps the market highly active and competitive.

Global Smartphone Market Restraints and Challenges:

A major challenge in the smartphone market is the saturation of the market and slower replacement cycles.

One major challenge in the smartphone market is the saturation of mature markets. In many developed countries, most consumers already own a smartphone, and the rate of new customer acquisition has slowed down. This saturation, combined with the fact that smartphones are becoming more durable and reliable, has led to longer replacement cycles. Consumers are holding onto their devices for longer periods before upgrading, which can result in slower sales growth for manufacturers and increased competition for a smaller pool of potential buyers.

Innovation and competitive pressure due to the saturation of the market pose challenges for new businesses as well as for existing manufacturers.

The smartphone market is marked by intense competition and the need for constant innovation. Manufacturers are under pressure to deliver new and compelling features with each product iteration to attract consumers. However, reaching significant breakthroughs in design or technology can be increasingly challenging, making it difficult for companies to differentiate their products in a meaningful way. This can lead to escalating research and development costs and, in some cases, a race to introduce incremental improvements, which may not always justify the high price tags of new devices. Balancing innovation with the demands of cost-conscious consumers is a persistent challenge for smartphone companies.

Global Smartphone Market Opportunities:

Opportunities in the global smartphone market lie in the continued expansion of 5G technology, as its adoption reaches more regions and becomes a catalyst for enhanced mobile experiences and the Internet of Things (IoT). Furthermore, the growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable smartphones provides a chance for manufacturers to develop environmentally responsible devices, catering to a conscious consumer base. The potential for further integration of artificial intelligence and augmented reality technologies into smartphones can open doors for innovative applications in fields such as healthcare, education, and entertainment, creating new revenue streams and market growth. Emerging markets in developing countries represent untapped opportunities for smartphone sales, offering companies a chance to diversify their customer base and expand their global footprint.

SMARTPHONE MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Global Smartphone Market Segmentation: By Price Range

• Entry-level smartphones

• Mid-range smartphones

• Premium smartphones

• Luxury and ultra-premium smartphones

The largest segment by price range in the smartphone market is typically the mid-range segment holding a market share of 41%, which includes devices priced between $200 to $600. This is because mid-range smartphones strike a balance between affordability and performance, appealing to a broad range of consumers who seek a good balance between features, quality, and price. Mid-range smartphones often offer a compelling mix of specifications, camera capabilities, and design, making them a popular choice for most smartphone buyers, as they provide excellent value for money while avoiding the premium price tags associated with flagship models. The fastest-growing segment in the smartphone market is premium smartphones anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 16.8% in the future. This trend is primarily driven by consumers seeking cutting-edge technology and premium features, such as high-quality cameras, advanced processing power, and innovative design elements. Additionally, the increasing demand for 5G connectivity and the integration of AI and augmented reality capabilities have contributed to the growth of this segment. As smartphone manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of innovation in this price range, consumers are willing to invest more in devices that offer superior performance and a more enhanced user experience.

Global Smartphones Market Segmentation: By Operating System

• Android

• iOS

• Others

The largest segment by operating system in the smartphone market is Android holding over 65.4% revenue share. Android dominated the market due to its open-source nature, which allowed a wide range of manufacturers to adopt and customize the platform for their devices. This flexibility led to a diverse ecosystem of Android smartphones with varying features and price points, appealing to a broad consumer base. Android had a robust app ecosystem and integration with Google services, making it the preferred choice for many users, contributing to its market dominance. The fastest-growing segment by the operating system is Android anticipated to grow Tata's CAGR by 20%. Android's growth can be attributed to its open-source nature, which allows for a wide range of devices across various price points and manufacturers. This flexibility has made Android the operating system of choice in emerging markets, where cost-sensitive consumers and a diverse range of smartphone options have fueled its rapid adoption.

Global Smartphones Market Segmentation: By Network Connectivity

• 4G

• 5G

• Dual-SIM

The largest segment by network connectivity in the smartphone market is 4G holding a market share of more than 56%. This dominance is due to the widespread global infrastructure of 4G networks, offering fast and reliable connectivity. 4G technology provides a balance between speed and coverage, making it accessible to a broad range of users, even in areas where 5G networks are still being deployed. It has been widely adopted by mobile network operators, who have invested heavily in expanding and improving their 4G infrastructure. While 5G technology was emerging, the global rollout was in its early stages, and 4G LTE remained the primary network connectivity option for most smartphone users, especially in regions where 5G was not widely available. The fastest-growing segment by network connectivity in the technology industry is 5G expected to grow at a fast rate of 34.5%. 5G networks are experiencing rapid expansion due to their potential to deliver significantly faster data speeds, lower latency, and improved network reliability compared to previous generations. This growth was driven by the increasing demand for high-bandwidth applications such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and remote work requirements. 5G is also seen as a foundational technology for the development of smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and other transformative applications, further fueling its adoption.

Global Smartphones Market Segmentation: By Screen Size

• Compact smartphones

• Standard-sized smartphones

• Phablets (large-screen smartphones)

The largest segment by screen size in the smartphone market is Standard-sized smartphones holding a market share of 63.1%. This was primarily because standard-sized smartphones struck a balance between screen real estate and portability. They catered to the broadest range of consumer preferences, offering screens typically ranging from 5.5 to 6.5 inches, which was considered an optimal size for various tasks such as browsing, media consumption, and communication. This segment's popularity was driven by a diverse user base seeking a versatile device that could fit comfortably in their hands and pockets while providing a satisfactory visual experience for most applications. The fastest-growing segment by screen size is phablets, which are large-screen smartphones and are anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 14.3%. This growth can be attributed to evolving consumer preferences and increasing demand for devices that offer a balance between phone and tablet functionality. Phablets provide users with larger displays for multimedia consumption, gaming, productivity, and an enhanced overall user experience. Advancements in technology have made it possible to reduce bezel sizes and increase screen-to-body ratios, making large screens more manageable. The trend toward larger screens also aligns with the increasing popularity of video streaming, mobile gaming, and productivity applications, making phablets a favored choice among consumers seeking a versatile and immersive smartphone experience.

Global Smartphone Market Segmentation: Regional Analysis

• North America

• Europe

• Asia-Pacific

• South America

• Middle East and Africa

The Asia-Pacific region represented the largest segment in the global smartphone market holding a prominent share of 39%. Asia-Pacific is home to some of the world's most populous countries, including China and India, where the smartphone penetration rate is still rising. Many smartphone manufacturers are based in this region, leading to a wide range of options and price points, catering to diverse consumer needs. Rapid urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and a growing tech-savvy middle-class population in Asia-Pacific have driven the demand for smartphones. Asia-Pacific is also the fastest-growing region due to the immense booming of the smartphone industry. This growth can be attributed to several key factors, including a large and diverse population, rising disposable incomes, and increasing smartphone penetration. Additionally, many smartphone manufacturers have been targeting this region with affordable and feature-rich devices tailored to local preferences and needs. Rapid urbanization, expanding mobile networks, and a burgeoning middle class have all contributed to the smartphone market's exceptional growth in Asia-Pacific, making it a focal point for smartphone companies looking to expand their market share.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the Global Smartphone Market:

The global smartphone market witnessed a mixed impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. While there was an initial disruption in supply chains due to factory shutdowns and restrictions on movement, there was a surge in demand for smartphones as remote work, online learning, and increased connectivity became essential. As a result, some manufacturers quickly adapted to the changing consumer needs by offering budget-friendly and mid-range devices, while premium flagship sales experienced fluctuations. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of e-commerce platforms for purchasing smartphones, and the focus on health-related features, such as contact tracing and health monitoring apps, became more prominent in device development. Overall, the pandemic highlighted the market's resilience and adaptability, with its lasting effects likely to influence consumer preferences and business strategies in the post-COVID era.

Latest Trends/ Developments:

A notable trend in the smartphone market is the growing interest in foldable and flexible display technology. Manufacturers like Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola have introduced smartphones with foldable screens, which offer the convenience of a larger display in a compact form factor. This trend represents a shift toward more versatile and multifunctional devices, enabling users to benefit from both traditional smartphone and tablet experiences in a single device.

A significant development in the smartphone market is the increasing focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Many smartphone manufacturers are incorporating eco-friendly materials, reducing electronic waste, and improving energy efficiency in their devices. They are also implementing recycling programs and reducing their carbon footprint in production and distribution. Consumer demand for greener, longer-lasting products has pushed companies to adopt more sustainable practices and introduce smartphones with extended lifecycles and repairability, addressing concerns about electronic waste and environmental impact.

Key Players:

1. Apple

2. Samsung

3. Huawei

4. Xiaomi

5. Oppo

6. Vivo

7. OnePlus

8. Google

9. Sony

10. Nokia

In October 2023, Samsung unveiled the highly- anticipated Galaxy A05s smartphone as part of its popular A-Series, with a spacious 6.7-inch full-HD+ display, powered by a Snapdragon 680 SoC, equipped with 6GB of RAM, and features a 50MP camera. The device is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery and offers support for 25W charging.

In October 2023, Oppo announced to increase in its investments in artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on integrating Large Language Models (LLMs) directly into smartphones. However, the Chinese company intends to exclusively utilize its in-house language model, AndesGPT, for this endeavor. By implementing this sizeable language model within the device, Oppo aims to enhance the responsiveness and reliability of AI chat features.