More affordable 5G handsets will keep China’s smartphone market on level ground after three years of decline, IDC report says

China’s smartphone market forecast to grow 0.7% year on year in 2020 after three straight years of decline. More than 20% of 5G phones will cost less than 2,000 yuan (US$286) next year, says IDC. — SCMP

5G phones will become more affordable next year, with some priced at less than half the cost of Apple’s new 4G iPhone11 released this year, helping the Chinese smartphone market recover from three years of declining growth, according to research firm IDC China.

More than 20% of 5G phones will cost less than 2,000 yuan (RM1,183) next year and prices will be even cheaper over the next five years, says IDC. That will see China’s smartphone market eke out a 0.7% year-on-year increase in shipments after three straight years of decline.