Narrative: Global Smartphone Sales Forecast by Technology for 88 Countries 2017 to 2030

Explore the shifting smartphone landscape—learn why 3G is fading, 4G remains relevant, and 5G is taking over with nearly 1 billion devices projected in 2025, led by China, India, and the US.

The smartphone market has evolved significantly, with 3G smartphones being surpassed by 4G in 2015 and now 5G leading the way. In 2025, around 8 million 3G smartphones will be sold, mainly in Africa and Asia, but sales will decline by 35% YoY. 4G smartphones, once dominant, are expected to decline by -19% in 2025, with India leading sales. Despite the rise of 5G, 4G will remain important in certain regions, and there will still be 246 million 4G smartphones sold in 2025. Over 950 million 5G smartphones are projected to be sold in 2025, with China, India, and the US having high penetration rates. India offers a promising market for affordable 5G devices, while the US is strong for premium models.