Huawei and Samsung dominate the 5G market with nearly 70 percent market share, but 5G iPhone 12 models could tip the scales

A report by Strategy Analytics indicates that Huawei and Samsung together maintain an overwhelming lead in the 5G race, accounting for nearly 70 percent of all 5G smartphones sold in Q1 2020. According to the report, over 24 million 5G smartphones were sold in the first quarter. 8.3 million of these were Samsung handsets while a further 8 million were shipped by Huawei.

The Galaxy S10 5G likely accounts for a good chunk of Samsung's 5G sales. Huawei's high numbers, in contrast, are largely due to higher than expected demand in the Chinese market. This seems to have offset a loss of sales elsewhere after Google pulled the plug on Google services for Huawei devices.

Individuals fueled by conspiracy theories have been burning down 5G towers across the world and questions of Chinese government involvement in Huawei do little to assuage matters. While Samsung and Huawei are in the lead right now, the impending arrival of Apple's iPhone 12 lineup will likely shake things up by the year's end.