Archive · 28 Sep 2026
India's 4G Smartphone Shipments Rise as 5G Price Gap Widens
More people in India may buy 4G phones because 5G phones are becoming more expensive.
The higher prices are linked to rising costs for phone components.
Shoppers looking for affordable phones are choosing 4G models in lower price ranges.
More phone companies are now selling 4G devices between Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000.
This gives buyers more choices.
A research report expects 4G phones to make up 13% of India’s smartphone sales in 2026.
It predicts that share could reach 15% in 2027.
However, very cheap smartphones worldwide are expected to become less common through 2030.
India’s 4G smartphone shipments are expected to grow 3% year-on-year after declining 48% in 2025.
4G phones are projected to account for 13% of India’s smartphone market in 2026, up from 11% in 2025.
Rising component costs have widened the price gap between 4G and 5G smartphones.
Value-conscious buyers in the sub-Rs 10,000 and Rs 10,000–Rs 20,000 segments are increasingly choosing 4G devices.
The number of manufacturers offering 4G models priced at Rs 10,000–Rs 20,000 rose from two in 2025 to 12 in 2026 year-to-date.
- Who
- Indian smartphone buyers, manufacturers, and Counterpoint Research.
- What
- 4G smartphone shipments in India are expected to increase as 5G devices become relatively more expensive.
- When
- The report provides forecasts for 2026 and 2027 and compares them with 2025; it was reported on September 28.
- Where
- India, with a separate forecast covering the global sub-$200 smartphone market.
- Why
- Rising component costs are widening the price difference between 4G and 5G phones, encouraging price-sensitive consumers to choose 4G models.
- 2026 4G shipment growth
- Expected to rise 3% year-on-year
- 2025 shipment change
- 4G shipments declined 48% year-on-year
- 2026 market share
- 4G phones are expected to reach 13%, up from 11% in 2025
- 2027 market share forecast
- 4G phones are projected to reach 15% of India’s smartphone market
- Expanded price segment
- Manufacturers offering 4G models priced at Rs 10,000–Rs 20,000 increased from two to 12
- Global sub-$200 outlook
- Shipments are forecast to fall approximately 40% between 2025 and 2030