After the hype, 5G reality set to unfold

After being overwhelmed by big 5G announcements and advertisements for months, domestic consumers can finally get their hands on the much-awaited 5G smartphones in June.

Pinning hopes on the next-generation devices to revive a market mired in an innovation lull and a sales slump, smartphone vendors are scrambling to woo early adopters and hope to gain a first-mover advantage in the global 5G battle.

Consumers can apply to be part of Oppo's 5G smartphone experience program starting on Wednesday and the company will officially bring the commercial models to the market within two months. Huawei's 5G foldable smartphone Mate X is also scheduled to hit the market by the middle of this year.