realme was the fastest-growing 5G Android smartphone brand globally, posting 831% YoY growth in Q3 2021, according to the latest Counterpoint report. Global 5G smartphone sales saw 121% YoY in Q3 2021. with this realme retains the 6th spot in global 5G Android smartphone sales for the second consecutive quarter.
According to the report, OPPO grabbed the second spot with 165% YoY growth, followed by vivo with 147% growth, Xiaomi with 134% growth, Samsung with 70% growth and HONOR posted 11% growth. These lists only the OEMs that sold more than 5 million 5G smartphones globally in Q3 2021, other companies are missing.
It added that much of realme’s growth came from China, India, and Europe. realme India CEO a few months back said that all the realme products above Rs. 15,000 will have 5G support.
He already said that the company is already working on 5G phones in India priced under Rs. 10,000, which might launch next year.
Commenting on the rapid growth of 5G, Research Director Tarun Pathak said:
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.
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.