Rising 5G phone prices push buyers back to 4G phones: Report

Consumers are increasingly choosing affordable 4G smartphones as rising prices make 5G devices less accessible, particularly in smaller cities and towns. IDC data shows 4G phones' share of smartphone shipments nearly doubled to 11.1% in Q2 2026 from 5.8% in Q1. Rising costs are making below ₹15,000 5G phones harder to sustain, prompting brands to offer more 4G alternatives.