Smartphone sales with 5G technology grow 230% in Brazil, according to consultancy

Sales of smartphones compatible with 5G technology grew 230% in Brazil between January and May 2022 compared to the same period last year, according to a survey by consultancy GfK.

One of the factors for the surge, according to the company, was the increase in the supply of devices with more affordable prices. Until the beginning of 2021, the few options that the consumer had were models considered premium.

Since the second half of the year, however —and especially on Black Friday—, intermediate launches have appeared, with prices between R$1,700 and R$2,500, opening up the 5G portfolio.

“In the 1st half of 2021, the average price of a cell phone with 5G was close to R$5,350. In the same period of 2022, with the expansion of the portfolio of brands, prices fit more into the pocket of Brazilians”, said Felipe Mendes, general director of GfK for Latin America.

Data from the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) show that 67 cell phone models are able to connect to the 5G network.

“This is a typical behavior of technology markets, which bring their news at higher prices, reaching at first the great lovers of technology. After a while, there is a democratization of the product, with the price reduction and thus increasing the presence in homes”, comments Mendes.

Activation of the 5G network began last week in Brasília, but it is expected that other capitals will have access until September 29.