Handset makers look to make hay as demand for 5G phones surges

Competition among handset makers has intensified in China as the rising demand for 5G smartphones is prompting companies to attract users with price reductions and other incentives.

Indications that consumers are showing an inclination for 5G phones became evident after companies reported record sales on online platforms during the ongoing June 18 shopping carnival, which started on June 1.

E-commerce giant JD, which promoted the campaign, said iPhone sales surpassed 100 million yuan ($14 million) within five seconds after the clock struck midnight on June 1 and total revenue from smartphone sales stood at 1.5 billion yuan on that day.