The baseband market grew 27 percent to $7.4 billion in Q1 2021, on the strength of 5G in Q1 2021, according to Strategy Analytics report.
Qualcomm, MediaTek, Samsung LSI, Intel and Unisoc are the leaders in cellular baseband market based on revenue share in Q1 2021.

Qualcomm led the baseband market with 53 percent revenue share in Q1 2021. HiSilicon dropped out of the top-five baseband revenue share rankings. Qualcomm has benefitted from the drop in the share of HiSilicon. HiSilicon’s retrenchment was due to US-driven trade sanctions.

MediaTek has 25 percent share in the baseband market.

Samsung LSI has 10 percent share in the baseband market.

Despite foundry capacity constraints, 5G basebands grew three-fold and drove the baseband shipment and revenue growth in Q1 2021.

Qualcomm increased its 5G baseband unit share to 70 percent during Q1, driven by Apple iPhone 12 design-wins and Android 5G momentum. Qualcomm’s new 5 nm-based Snapdragon 888 5G applications processor featured in popular flagship devices.

“For the first time in four years, HiSilicon dropped out of the top-five baseband revenue share rankings. Qualcomm is well-situated to grow its 5G baseband shipments with the help of its multi-tier portfolio,” Sravan Kundojjala, Associate Director of Handset Component Technologies service at Strategy Analytics, said.

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 in Q1 2021, driven by 5G and 4G share gains. MediaTek’s 5G momentum will continue through 2021, driven by expansion beyond China.