Market Overview
In telecommunication, long-term evolution or LTE is a standard for wireless broadband communication for mobile devices. Mobile devices are portable, compact, and lightweight computing devices, featured with touch or non-touch display screen an optional mini-keyboard. Smartphone refers to an advanced version of basic mobile phone with various advanced features. A smartphone operates on different types of operating systems namely Blackberry OS, Android OS, iOS, Windows, and others. Furthermore, a tablet refers to wireless, portable computer with touchscreen interface, which is relatively smaller than computer though larger than a smartphone. These devices are available at multi-brand stores, single brand stores, and online shopping platforms such as eBay, Alibaba, and Amazon.
The global 4G (LTE) devices market was valued at US$ 429.7 Bn in 2018 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecasted period (2019-2027)
Market Dynamics- Drivers
Growing adoption of smartphones worldwide has accelerated data traffic, resulting in growing strain on communication infrastructure. This has compelled telecommunication service providers to upgrade 4G (LTE) networks, in order to ensure capacity and meet consumer requirements at affordable costs. These factors are, in turn, expected to drive the market growth over the forecast period. For instance, in September 2015, Micomax Informatics, an Indian mobile handset manufacturer, collaborated with MediaTek, Inc., a Taiwan-based semiconductor company, to use the premium smartphone chips made by the latter in its smartphones in order to enhance performance and efficiency of its devices. Micromax launched mid-range 4G-LTE phones namely Micromax Canvas Fire 4G that runs on Mediatek’s MT6735 chips. The primary aim of this collaboration was to accelerate 4G accessibility in the country.
Rampant development in IoT has resulted in integration of vast network of smart, cellular connected devices and machines. This, in turn, has let to introduction of a variety of connectivity options that are expected to boost the market growth over the forecast period. For instance, in June 2016, Qualcomm Technologies secured over 100 designs of modems, especially for IoT concept thereby aiding LTE technology being transformed into cohesive and scalable IoT platform. It will also address connectivity and power challenges in number of applications such as commercial applications, industrial design, and smart cities. Thus, these factors are expected to support the market growth in the near future.
Asia Pacific region dominated the global 4G (LTE) devices market in 2018, accounting for 38.6% share in terms of value, followed by Europe and North America, respectively.
Source: Coherent Market Insights
Market Dynamics- Restraints
Heavy tax imposed on devices by governments of various countries and other regulatory scenarios, especially in price sensitive economies are expected to hinder the market growth up to certain extent. For instance, in July 2015, the Government of Indonesia implemented measures to mandate using local components and hardware in smartphones that are locally manufactured. Moreover, it imposed 20% extra tax on imported mobile phones. Consumers would be required pay more for imported brands of 4G-enabled smartphones. This, in turn, is expected to restrain the global 4G (LTE) devices market growth in the near future.
Some countries such as the U.K. have sufficiently functioning 3G networks with high speeds. This has limited the improvement of network infrastructure to 4G (LTE) infrastructure. Furthermore, low awareness concerning benefits of 4G-LTE is expected to hamper the global 4G (LTE) devices market growth over the forecast period. According to the latest Internet report by Akamai in 2016, mobile users in the U.K. experience average 3G network speed of 27.9 Mbps, which is higher than Internet speeds in the rest of Europe. This, in turn, limits the penetration of 4G LTE in the country. Moreover, in October 2016, All India Mobile Retailers Association (AIMRA) planned to educate its members about the 4G LTE experience with the aim being that retailers can share the information with potential consumers. Thus, limited awareness/knowledge related to 4G (LTE) is a major hampering factor.
Market Opportunities
Consumers in emerging economies increasingly adopting low-cost 4G LTE-enabled smartphones with advanced features. Thus, manufacturers are focused on offering low-cost 4G LTE smartphones, in order to expand their consumer base. For instance, in April 2016, Philcomm Communication Company Ltd. introduced its cheapest smartphone ‘Philcomm Clue 360’ in the India market and was priced at US$ 60. Furthermore, according to Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA)’s consumer survey in countries such Brazil, Mexico, Kenya, China, and India, consumers often prioritize data reception over processor speed, camera resolution, memory capacity, and screen size. This, in turn, is expected to pose lucrative growth opportunity for market players.
Rising penetration of IoT worldwide due to high usage of connected devices has presented a lucrative opportunity to invest in 4G-LTE networks. Moreover, 4G-LTE network offers increased traffic-carrying capacity, scalability, minimum latency, and better network efficiency, which is the basic requirement of IoT infrastructures. For instance, in July 2016, Aeris Communications, Inc. upgraded its existing Neo service to offer 4G-LTE high-speed wireless data communication for enterprises, enabling consumers to reduce costs and enhance operational efficiency.
Source: Coherent Market Insights
Market Trends
Smartphones manufacturers are offering mobile phones with larger screen and clear display, in order to expand their consumer base. Increasing demand for enhanced video content has resulted in transformation of phones from 2K to 4K screens. Moreover, mobile technology and internet connectivity have witnessed significant evolution, which in turn, is expected to boost the demand for 4G-LTE devices. For instance, premium smartphone makers such as Samsung, LG, and Apple are offering high-pixel resolution for smartphone screens with screen size exceeding five inches, making it a standard for other market players.
Consumer demand is rapidly shifting towards devices that offer innovative features and reduced latency. The difference between 3G and 4G networks is noticeable while streaming HD videos or playing online games. 4G (LTE) facilitate consumers to access content and data at a relatively higher speed as compared to 3G, which in turn, is propelling transition from 3G to 4G cellular networks.
Segment information:
On the basis of device type, the global 4G (LTE) devices market is segmented into smartphones and tablets. Smartphones segment accounting for 80.8% share in terms of value, followed by tablets.
Source: Coherent Market Insights
Regulations
Europe
Value Chain Analysis
Competitive Section
Key players operating in the global 4G (LTE) devices market are Apple Inc., ASUSTeK Computer Inc., Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Lenovo Group, LG Electronics, Panasonic Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Xiaomi Inc., and ZTE Corporation.
Key Developments
Mobile devices are portable, compact, and lightweight computing devices, featured with touch or non-touch display screen an optional mini-keyboard. Smartphone refers to an advanced version of basic mobile phone with various advanced functionality such as Ram (2GB, 3GB–4GB, 6GB, and 8GB) and Operating system such as (Android, iOS, Windows, Blackberry OS, and others (Smartphone refers to an advanced version of basic mobile phone with various advanced features)). Furthermore, tablet is also a type of mobile phone, which is larger than smartphone through smaller than laptop or computer. These devices are available at various channels include multi-brand stores, single brand stores, and online shopping platforms such as eBay, Alibaba, and Amazon.
Market Dynamics
Proliferating demand for 4G-LTE smartphones from the emerging economies such as India and China is expected to boost the market growth over the forecast period. Therefore, key manufacturers in the market are offering low-cost 4G LTE smartphones, in order to expand their consumer base. For instance, in December 2019, Xiomi Inc., introduced its new Redmi K30 series smartphone in 4G LTE and 5G variants in China.
In October 2017, Micomax Informatics, an Indian mobile handset manufacturer, entered into business agreement with telecom operator Vodafone to launch an entry-level 4G smartphone called Bharat 2 Ultra in India. Furthermore, recent technological advancements in the 4G-LTE smartphones will propel the global 4G (LTE) devices market over the forecast period. For instance, in June 2019, China based ZTE Corporation launched its first 5G smartphone ZTE Axon 10 Pro 5G in China for commercial use. However, regulatory uncertainties in certain countries are expected to hinder the global 4G (LTE) devices market over the forecast period.
Market Taxonomy
This report segments the global 4G (LTE) devices market on the basis of device type, pricing range, and distribution channel. On the basis of device type, the global 4G (LTE) devices market is segmented into smartphones and tablets, On the basis of pricing range, the global 4G (LTE) devices market is segmented into low, medium and premium, On the basis of distribution channel, the global 4G (LTE) devices market is segmented into Multi-brand Store is further sub-segmented into (Organized and Independent), Single Brand Store, and Online.
Key features of the study:
Detailed Segmentation:
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