Digital assistive technology: Smartphones

Market overview

Supplier landscape

Pricing

  • At least 4.3 billion people use or own a smartphone, and 57 per cent of the world’s population uses mobile internet.
  • Growth in smartphone ownership across low- and middle-income countries lags significantly behind high-income countries. For example, as of 2022, smartphone ownership is at 21 per cent in Sub-Saharan Africa and 35 per cent in South Asia compared to 76 per cent in high-income countries.
  • People with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries are significantly less likely to own a smartphone compared to people without disabilities.
  • A fairly consolidated market, with 6 to 10 major global companies.
  • The United States, China, and Japan are the primary manufacturing locations.
  • Local developers in South Asia and Africa are emerging to provide low-cost/ budget alternatives.
  • Premium smartphones range from 700 to 2,000 dollars, with mid- range options available from 400 to 700 dollars, and budget options available for less than 100 dollars.
  • Ultra-low-cost smartphones from local manufacturers may be available for as little as 50 dollars but provide limited functionalities.
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