Strategy Analytics has assessed the balance of power in the global baseband processor market – the chips that support cellular communications in smartphones and other mobile devices.
It is noted that in the first quarter of this year, the industry showed significant growth amid the recovery of the smartphone market after the impact of the coronavirus and the rapid development of 5G technologies.
Revenue from suppliers of baseband products in the period from January to March inclusive amounted to $ 7.4 billion, a 27% increase over the result for the first quarter of last year.
In addition, the largest player in the market is Qualcomm with a 53% share in monetary terms. MediaTek is in second place with 25%, and Samsung LSI closes the top three with 10%. The five largest suppliers also included Intel and Unisoc.
If we consider only the 5G segment, then here the undisputed leader in piece terms is Qualcomm. The share of this company in the first quarter of 2021 was approximately 70%.
Also, it is worth mentioning that MediaTek is actively developing its business. The company’s baseband revenues rose 162% over the year.
- Qualcomm led the baseband market with a 53 percent revenue share in Q1 2021; followed by MediaTek with 25 percent and Samsung LSI with 10 percent.
- Despite foundry capacity constraints, 5G basebands grew three-fold and drove the baseband shipment and revenue growth in Q1 2021.
Gizchina News of the week
Qualcomm captures 70% of the 5G baseband processor market
Sravan Kundojjala, author of the report and Associate Director of Handset Component Technologies service at Strategy Analytics, commented, “Qualcomm increased its 5G baseband unit share to 70 percent in Q1 2021, driven by Apple iPhone 12 design-wins and Android 5G momentum. Qualcomm’s new 5 nm-based Snapdragon 888 5G applications processor off to a strong start and featured in popular flagship devices. Qualcomm benefited from HiSilicon’s retrenchment due to trade sanctions and gained 5G market share. For the first time in four years, HiSilicon dropped out of the top-five baseband revenue share rankings. Strategy Analytics believes that Qualcomm is well-situated to grow its 5G baseband shipments with the help of its multi-tier portfolio.”
According to Christopher Taylor, Director of the Strategy Analytics RF & Wireless Components service, added, “MediaTek established itself as the strong number two to Qualcomm in the 5G baseband market in Q1 2021 with its Dimensity-branded 5G chips. MediaTek’s baseband revenue grew 162 percent year-on-year in Q1 2021, driven by 5G and 4G share gains. Strategy Analytics believes that MediaTek’s 5G momentum will continue through 2021, driven by expansion beyond China.”
