However, pointed out that the currently deployed 5G architecture is non-standalone (NSA) 5G NR networks, which can only be envisaged as 4G + 5G services to make the network run faster but cannot support innovative services that often require high-speed and low-latency. And thus a standalone 5G NR architecture network, a genuine 5G network, is needed to offer innovative services for smart manufacturing, smart healthcare, and smart transportation.

"Most importantly, the smartphone industry is expected to regain momentum lost during 2018 and 2019, supported by the increase in 5G smartphone shipments from 260 million units in 2020 to 540 million in 2021 and accelerated by the growing replacement demand of 4G smartphones by 5G ones.”

“Following the 5G commercial launch this November, 5G smartphone users in China has outperformed users in Korea, which used to have the world’s largest 5G user base since commercial launch this April. And the early commercialization of 5G services in China is due to China’s decision to boost domestic demand earlier to offset the impact of the US-China trade war,” said Eddie Han, senior industry analyst of MIC.