realme announces plans for a $100 5G phone

Realme
Realme 5i (Image credit: Realme)

realme, who are the world's fastest-growing smartphone brand, have hosted their inaugural 5G summit and made some important commitments including enabling 100 million young consumers to use 5G phones within the next three years, as well as plans to launch a 5G mobile phone at a US $100 price point in the next few years.

New 5G phones this summer

At the summit, which was held in partnership with GSMA, Counterpoint Research and Qualcomm, realme also revealed that new models in GT series, realme 5G performance and camera flagships, will be launched in June and July 2021, respectively, among several other corporate initiatives to promote 5G adoption globally.

“In the 5G era, helping to accelerate the adoption of this new technology is a crucial mission.”

Madhav Sheth, realme.

“Starting with our first 5G model, the realme X50, we have been exploring new design concepts and technical innovations to bring users more slimline and design-rich 5G phones that have a powerful performance. We believe that in the 5G era, helping to accelerate the adoption of this new technology is a crucial mission for realme. We will work hard to help popularize 5G by listening more to consumers’ needs, pushing forward product innovation, and helping to build the broader 5G ecosystem with our industry partners,” said Madhav Sheth, VP and CEO of India and Europe, realme.

“A better 5G user experience.”

Johnny Chen, realme.

“realme believes that 5G is for the younger generation - internet natives who are looking for ways to connect and express themselves beyond the physical world. As a brand that’s dedicated to young consumers, realme tries to listen carefully to what they expect from 5G technology and get them more involved in the process of creating a better 5G user experience. By empowering the young, we hope they can, in turn, become the forerunners of 5G adoption and help lead more people into the 5G era,” added Johnny Chen, Brand Director, realme.

Making 5G global

At the 5G summit, which was themed “Making 5G Global: Accessibility for All”, realme reaffirmed its commitment to become a “populariser of 5G” and shared its latest pledge to advance the adoption of 5G in global markets and bring the technology to more users worldwide.

Last year realme launched 14 5G devices in 21 markets, accounting for around 40% of all its products and by 2022, the company aims to increase the number of its 5G offerings to over 20, upping the ratio to 70% across 50 markets.

realme also revealed its very interesting plans to take the industry lead in launching a 5G mobile phone at a US $100 price point in the next few years. This move would certainly further accelerate 5G adoption, especially across the rapidly emerging economies.

The 5G phone maker also revealed that it plans to set up more than ten 5G pop-up stores around the world – exclusive spaces where young people can enjoy 5G experiences through cloud gaming, ultra-clear AR, live broadcasting and other popular 5G applications.

“The transition to 5G is inevitable across the world.”

Kalvin Bahia, GSMA Intelligence.

Kalvin Bahia, Principal Economist, GSMA Intelligence, who was at the summit commented: “As of May this year, 60 countries around the world had launched 5G - 12 of them are emerging markets and mostly in Asia. While the growth of 5G coverage is encouraging, a survey by GSMA shows that other barriers remain for widespread adoption of the new technology amongst consumers, such as affordability of the devices, lack of digital literacy and skills, and costs of mobile data. But nevertheless, the transition to 5G is inevitable across the world, and 5G is expected to bring US $600 billion to the global economy over the next decade.”

$300 million 5G technology investment

In order to support the global adoption of 5G, realme plans to establish seven R&D centers around the world in 2021, dedicated to exploring innovative 5G technologies and products. At present, 90% of realme’s R&D resources have been converted to 5G technology and products. The company says that, in the next two years, it will invest US $300 million globally in 5G technology research and product development, as well as in promoting global 5G popularisation.

Rachael Sharpe

Rachael is a British journalist with 17 years experience in the publishing industry. Since launching www.digitalcameraworld.com, she’s been freelancing, and working for some of the world’s best-loved websites and magazines including T3.com and TechRadar.com and has also had a book, iPad for Photographers, published. A regular contributor at 5Gradar, Rachael is following the 5G market closely. Find out more at www.rachaelsharpe.com