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Technomania
India’s 4G Smartphone Shipments to Rise 3% Despite Market Slump
India’s 4G smartphone market is showing signs of recovery in 2026, with its shipments set to grow 3% YoY after a 48% YoY decline in 2025, and its share in the overall market rising to 13% in 2026 from 11% in 2025. Rising component costs have widened the price gap between 4G and 5G devices, making 5G smartphones more expensive for consumers. As a result, consumers in the entry (sub-INR 10,000) and budget (INR 10,000-INR 20,000) segments are turning to 4G devices for better specifications and value at a lower price. OEMs are also expanding their 4G portfolios into the INR 10,000-INR 20,000 band to cater to this demand and fill the gaps created as 5G models move up the price ladder. Commenting on the market dynamics, Senior Analyst Prachir Singh said, “India’s 4G recovery is increasingly extending beyond the traditional entry-level segment, with demand gaining momentum across the sub-INR 20,000 price range. The INR 10,000-INR 20,000 segment is emerging as a key growth area as consumers seek better specifications and device experiences without the higher price associated with 5G. OEMs are responding to this shift by expanding their 4G portfolios beyond the entry segment. The number of OEMs offering 4G models in the budget price band has increased from just two in 2025 to 12 in 2026 so far. This growing portfolio is positioning 4G as a broader value proposition, giving consumers a balance of price, specifications and performance as rising costs push 5G smartphones into higher price bands.” Commenting on the market outlook, Research Director Tarun Pathak said, “Looking ahead, 4G is set to become a more meaningful part of India’s smartphone market, with its share expected to rise from 13% in 2026 to 15% in 2027. This growth reflects a broader shift in the role of 4G, rather than simply a short-term response to higher smartphone prices, as component prices are unlikely to normalize soon. As consumers increasingly weigh specifications against price, 4G is gaining relevance beyond the entry-level segment, particularly in the sub-INR 20,000 range. We expect this broader price-value positioning to support continued 4G demand, while encouraging OEMs to expand their portfolios with more capable 4G devices. This could mark a shift in how 4G is positioned in India, from an entry-level connectivity choice to a broader value proposition.”
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