With the rise of 5G, 4G smartphones are making a comeback in India. 4G phone shipments are projected to grow by 3% in 2026. Find out why consumers are returning to 4G amid rising 5G phone prices.
4G vs 5G smartphone market
Smartphone buying trends in India appear to be shifting once again. While 5G phones are being seen as new technology and offer improved connectivity, demand for 4G smartphones is also beginning to rise again. According to Counterpoint Research, 4G smartphone shipments in India are expected to grow 3 percent year-on-year by 2026. Significantly, this growth comes at a time when 4G smartphone shipments saw a significant decline of 48 percent in 2025. So let's understand why demand for 4G is increasing even in the 5G era.
The share of 4G smartphones will increase.
According to Counterpoint Research, 4G's share of the Indian smartphone market is projected to increase from 11 percent in 2025 to 13 percent in 2026. Subsequently, 4G's share is expected to reach 15 percent in 2027. 4G is no longer limited to ultra-low-cost phones; its use and demand are also increasing in the budget segment.
Why is the demand for 4G increasing even in the era of 5G?
A major reason for the growing demand for 4G is the growing price gap between 4G and 5G smartphones. Expensive components are driving up the price of 5G phones. Consequently, customers are looking for phones with better specifications and features at a lower price. This impact is particularly visible in two segments: the entry segment priced under ₹10,000 and the budget segment priced between ₹10,000 and ₹20,000. Customers are increasingly considering 4G phones over 5G.
4G's presence has increased in the 10,000-20,000 rupee segment.
Smartphone companies are also changing their strategies to meet the growing demand. 4G models are no longer limited to the entry-level category. Companies are also offering 4G smartphones in the ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 price range. According to Counterpoint, the number of companies offering 4G models in this price band has increased from just two in 2025 to 12 by 2026.
4G is getting a new price-value role
The 4G recovery is no longer limited to the entry-level market. The ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 segment is also becoming important, where customers are prioritizing specifications and experience over the higher price of 5G. According to the report, component prices are unlikely to normalize soon. Consequently, 4G's role could expand further, with its share projected to reach 15% by 2027.
