Cheap smartphones vanishing: 230 million sub‑$200 devices to disappear by 2030
The risk will require broader affordability measures, including device financing and trade‑in programmes.
By 2030, the era of ultra‑cheap smartphones may come to an end, with global shipments of sub‑$200 devices projected to fall by about 40%, according to Counterpoint Research. This contraction is mainly due to rising memory and chipset costs, stricter specifications, and reduced willingness among Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to support low-margin segments.
Analysts warn that the affordable segment won't regain its previous standing, shifting the market focus toward better‑spec'd mainstream devices and premium products. Global smartphone shipments are expected to hit 1.2 billion units by 2030, with premium smartphones growing at a 7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). The loss of affordable smartphones could make it harder for first‑time users in lower‑income markets to access connectivity, highlighting the broader risks posed by this trend.
Addressing this challenge will require measures like device financing, trade‑in programmes, subsidies, tax reforms, and circular-device initiatives.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
