3 in 4 feature phone users interested in switching to smartphones in Rs 6K-8K price range

Feature phones still remain a lifeline for many people in India, but a new survey reveals a dynamic shift in consumer preferences within the country's mobile phone market.

According to CyberMedia Research (CMR), India is experiencing a surge in digital acceleration, driving a renewed interest in affordable 4G smartphones and even 5G offerings. 

The study by CMR, which covered over 2,000 mobile phone users across major Indian cities, found that three in four feature phone users are interested in switching to smartphones, primarily in Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000 price range.

“Consumers are increasingly looking for feature phones with a more premium experience, including features like UPI payments. However, the inherent limitations of these devices are ultimately driving them towards smartphones, especially affordable 4G and 5G models,” says Prabhu Ram, Head of Industry Intelligence Group (IIG), CMR.

Furthermore, the research shows that consumers increasingly prefer feature phones with longer battery life (78 per cent), ease of use (74 per cent), affordability (57 per cent) and digital capabilities.

Indians spend an average of three hours every day calling (87 per cent), raising alarms (72 per cent) and texting (62 per cent). A third use apps such as the weather (47 per cent), news (34 per cent) and social media (24 per cent), the research shows.

While users recognized the benefits, they also cited disadvantages of feature phones, such as poor camera quality (62 per cent), lack of advanced apps (56 per cent) and limited internet access (53 per cent), fueling the shift to smartphones, including 5G models.