India's 4G phone shipments expected to rise 3% in 2026 amid market slowdown
Counterpoint Research says 4G smartphone shipments in India will grow 3% year-on-year in 2026, even as overall phone sales fall.
According to Counterpoint Research, India's 4G smartphone market is set to grow 3% in 2026, raising its share of total shipments from 11% to 13% despite a decline in the overall market. The surge is driven by rising component prices that push 5G devices into higher price tiers, making 4G phones more attractive to consumers seeking value. Entry-level and budget shoppers, particularly in the sub-Rs 10,000 and Rs 10,000-Rs 20,000 segments, are gravitating toward 4G models that offer better specifications at lower cost.
Original equipment manufacturers are expanding their 4G portfolios, with the count of OEMs offering budget-range 4G phones climbing from two in 2025 to twelve so far in 2026. Senior analyst Prachir Singh notes that demand is gaining momentum across the sub-Rs 20,000 range, while research director Tarun Pathak predicts the 4G share will rise to 15% in 2027, reflecting a broader shift in the role of 4G beyond entry-level devices.
