5G Smartphones on Pace for 132% 2021 Growth: SA

Samsung and Vivo were the fastest-growing smartphone vendors globally in Q1, reported Strategy Analytics Wednesday. Samsung’s shipments grew 78% sequentially from 2020's Q4, while Vivo’s were up 62%. Global 5G smartphone shipments grew “a healthy” 6% quarter on quarter, reaching a quarterly record 136 million handsets in Q1, said analyst Ken Hyers. Demand for 5G smartphones “remains very strong,” especially in China, the U.S. and Western Europe, he said. SA forecasts global 5G smartphone shipments to reach 624 million handsets this year for 132% year-over-year growth.