In the present scenario, the adoption rate of digital x-ray systems is not (or close to) 100%, in spite of their advantages over the analog systems. However, this scenario is expected to change soon, and the x-ray devices market is likely to be almost completely dominated by digital x-ray systems in the future. Although the cost-benefit ratio of a digital x-ray system may not work well in the emerging markets, manufacturers are making efforts to bring down the prices, keeping in view the resistance of users to switch from analog to digital, due to high cost. Moreover, government funding for film-based / analog x-ray systems is on the decline. The governments in the Asia-Pacific region are increasing their focus on improving the healthcare facilities and digital systems, in order to cut down on the time and dose (exposure to radiation). This trend can also be observed in the developed countries, like the United States, where, the Medicare system reduced 20% of payments for exams performed on analog x-ray systems, in order to promote the adoption of digital radiography (DR) among the US healthcare providers. 

Digital x-ray has the largest share in the market, owing to factors, such as its high patient throughput rates, fast image acquisition rates, good image quality, and low radiation risks. Furthermore, rise in government focus on high-quality diagnostic imaging, combined with efforts of manufacturers, in order to release a low-cost variant or to ensure price reduction of existing digital products, is also driving the growth of digital x-ray systems.

North America is the largest market for portable x-ray devices, owing to the presence of leading medical device manufacturers and growing awareness regarding preventive care and early diagnosis, which are augmenting the demand for portable x-ray devices in the region.

The market growth in North America can be attributed to the use of portable x-ray devices in multiple fields of medicine. These devices can be used in emergency medicine, in-patient services, musculoskeletal, and cardiology.  In Mexico, the rural areas have enough potential to implement the point-of-care x-ray systems, such as portable x-ray devices, with the help and guidance of regional training institutions. The medics in US Armed Special Forces are using portable x-ray devices, for on-field diagnosis and in applications, like forensic odontology, in order to create high-quality images in environments, where transfer to hospital/clinic/diagnostic imaging centers is not possible. There is also an increase in the usage of these devices in academic settings, especially in the field of emergency medicine.