India has overtaken the United States to become the world’s second-largest market for 5G handsets, following China, according to a recent report by Counterpoint Research. This marks a significant milestone in India’s rapid technological advancement and highlights the country’s growing appetite for advanced mobile technologies. The report revealed that global 5G handset shipments surged by 20 percent in the first half of 2024, driven by increasing demand across emerging markets. Apple led the global 5G handset shipments, capturing over 25 percent of the market share, fueled by the strong performance of its iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 series.
India’s rise as a major player in the 5G handset market was largely attributed to the expansion of 5G availability in budget segments, which appealed to a wide range of consumers. Brands like Xiaomi, vivo, and Samsung played a pivotal role in this growth, offering affordable 5G-enabled smartphones that catered to India’s price-sensitive market. As a result, India solidified its position as the second-largest 5G handset market globally, surpassing the US and signaling the country’s growing influence in the tech space.
Samsung followed closely behind Apple, securing the second spot in global 5G handset shipments, with over 21 percent market share. The South Korean giant’s success was driven by its Galaxy A series and the premium S24 series, both of which performed well in key markets. Notably, both Apple and Samsung dominated the top 10 list for 5G models in the first half of 2024, with Apple claiming the top four positions. The competition between these tech giants continues to shape the global smartphone landscape, with both companies focusing on expanding their 5G portfolios.
The report also emphasized the growing importance of emerging markets in the global 5G race. Asia-Pacific, in particular, witnessed substantial growth, accounting for 63 percent of global net additions and commanding a 58 percent share of 5G handset shipments. The increasing availability of 5G handsets in lower price segments, combined with the rapid expansion of 5G networks, has fueled demand across the region. India, with its vast population and increasing digital penetration, emerged as a key market, underscoring the transformative potential of 5G technology in bridging the digital divide.
Europe and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) regions also experienced double-digit growth in 5G handset shipments, highlighting the global nature of this trend. The expansion of 5G networks in these regions, coupled with growing consumer awareness of the benefits of 5G technology, contributed to the surge in demand. As 5G coverage continues to expand, more consumers are expected to adopt 5G-enabled devices, further driving the growth of the global 5G handset market.
Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint, noted that the steady increase in 5G handset availability, especially in the budget segment, along with the continued expansion of 5G networks, is expected to drive further growth in the coming years. He emphasized that as more affordable 5G devices hit the market, adoption rates in emerging economies are likely to accelerate, providing a significant boost to global 5G handset shipments.
In parallel with India’s rise in the 5G market, the country is also witnessing rapid growth in its e-commerce ecosystem. The government-run Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has emerged as a key player, processing more than 12 million orders each month. With over 600,000 active sellers on the platform, ONDC is transforming the way small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engage with the digital economy. By providing a level playing field for sellers, ONDC is empowering local businesses to reach a broader audience, driving digital inclusion and fostering economic growth.
ONDC’s achievements were recently recognized at the National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG), where it was awarded the prestigious gold award in the ‘Application of Emerging Technologies for Providing Citizen-Centric Services’ category. This accolade highlights the platform’s role in leveraging technology to enhance the delivery of public services and promote the digitalization of commerce in India.
As India continues to assert itself as a major player in both the 5G and digital commerce spaces, the country’s technological landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. With the expansion of 5G networks and the increasing availability of affordable 5G devices, India is poised to further strengthen its position in the global tech market. At the same time, initiatives like ONDC are helping to drive digital inclusion and empower local businesses, ensuring that the benefits of technological progress are shared across the country.
Looking ahead, the continued growth of the 5G handset market and the ongoing digitalization of commerce are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s future. As the country embraces these technological advancements, it will not only enhance connectivity and innovation but also unlock new economic opportunities for millions of people across the nation.