eMBB, the Data and Advanced Connectivity Driver of 5G, Will be in Over 1 Billion Mobile Devices by 2024

image
As the first 5G service, eMBB ushers in the age of 5G
21 Nov 2019

The demand and excitement for the latest next generation mobile technology is growing as users now demand increased data throughput on their devices, enhanced signal reliability, and better coverage. Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) will enable 5G to do this by focusing on data-driven use cases that require high rates of data across a large coverage area mainly through mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, Mi-Fi, and wearables. ABI Research, a global tech market advisory firm, forecasts that shipments of eMBB enabled mobile devices will increase from 15 million in 2019 to 1 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 132.4%.

“Initially, eMBB is an extension of 4G LTE, relying on the previous generation network to provide the advantages of implementing 5G. Smartphones and Mi-Fi devices are getting the technology first as these devices are the ones that typically provide cellular connectivity throughout the day. Other device types expected to see the technology integrated from 2020 onward,” said Stephanie Tomsett, Research Analyst at ABI Research.

Multiple companies have already released 5G devices, with more expected to continue to reach the market. In terms of eMBB 5G devices, smartphones will dominate, with roughly 87% of 5G mobile device shipments in 2024. Companies including Huawei, Lenovo, LG, Oppo, Samsung, Vivo, Xiaomi, and ZTE already offer 5G devices, with Apple yet to release a 5G smartphone. Several Mi-Fi devices have also been released, including those from HTC, Inseego, Motorola, and ZTE. Lenovo has confirmed that is working with Qualcomm to develop a 5G laptop.

As the 5G technology evolves to no longer rely on 4G, mobile devices will continue to require more components and more processing capabilities, with particular emphasis on reducing the impact made on the form factor. A few suppliers have developed multiple 5G modems and platforms for various mobile device types across the price tiers, including Qualcomm and MediaTek, although not all have yet reached commercial deployment. Additionally, some device manufacturers develop their own chipsets, with 5G versions now added to their line-ups, to be used for their own devices, including Huawei and Samsung (the latter of which also uses Qualcomm’s 5G chipsets in some regions).  With its acquisition of Intel’s smartphone modem business, Apple may be expected to adopt the same strategy in 2020.

“To stand alone from 4G LTE, 5G technology will require a greater number of RF and RFFE components such as transceivers, amplifiers, trackers, antennas, and MIMO systems, which could lead to substantial changes in the design of smartphones. All the new components need to be added to ensure that 5G works correctly, but if that comes at the expense of device size, form factor, or battery life, then  the consumer user experience will be compromised and demand hampered. Device manufacturers need to work tightly with modem and component suppliers to ensure that 5G can deliver on its promise and fit to expected eMBB device specifications,” Tomsett concludes.

These findings are from ABI Research’s 5G eMBB application analysis report. This report is part of the company’s 5G Devices, Smartphones and Wearables research service, which includes research, data, and ABI Insights. Application Analysis reports present in-depth analysis on key market trends and factors for a specific technology.

 

 

About ABI Research

ABI Research provides strategic guidance to visionaries, delivering actionable intelligence on the transformative technologies that are dramatically reshaping industries, economies, and workforces across the world. ABI Research’s global team of analysts publish groundbreaking studies often years ahead of other technology advisory firms, empowering our clients to stay ahead of their markets and their competitors. 
 

For more information about ABI Research’s services, contact us at +1.516.624.2500 in the Americas, +44.203.326.0140 in Europe, +65.6592.0290 in Asia-Pacific or visit www.abiresearch.com.

About ABI Research

ABI Research is a global technology intelligence firm uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology solution providers and end-market companies. We serve as the bridge that seamlessly connects these two segments by providing exclusive research and expert guidance to drive successful technology implementations and deliver strategies proven to attract and retain customers.

ABI Research 是一家全球性的技术情报公司,拥有得天独厚的优势,充当终端市场公司和技术解决方案提供商之间的桥梁,通过提供独家研究和专业性指导,推动成功的技术实施和提供经证明可吸引和留住客户的战略,无缝连接这两大主体。

For more information about ABI Research’s services, contact us at +1.516.624.2500 in the Americas, +44.203.326.0140 in Europe, +65.6592.0290 in Asia-Pacific, or visit www.abiresearch.com.

Contact ABI Research

Media Contacts

Americas: +1.516.624.2542
Europe: +44.(0).203.326.0142
Asia: +65 6950.5670

Related Research

Related Service