Pure 4G phones are losing their appeal as Indonesian consumers increasingly avoid devices that may feel outdated too quickly. The shift is being driven by a simple calculation: many buyers no longer want to pay for a handset that could be overtaken by network upgrades in the near future.
That caution is becoming more visible as the country moves closer to a more mature 5G era. With frequency auctions for 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz being accelerated, the groundwork for 5G Standalone, or 5G SA, is expected to be completed before Indonesia’s Independence Day celebration in 2026.
Consumers Are Thinking Beyond 4G
For many shoppers, a 4G-only smartphone now feels like a short-term purchase rather than a long-term investment. The prospect of broader 5G availability within months is pushing buyers to choose devices that can stay relevant for longer.
Operator expansion is reinforcing that behavior. Telkomsel, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, and XL Axiata continue to broaden 5G coverage, making 5G-ready phones more appealing to consumers who want to avoid paying twice for the same upgrade cycle.
Techno.viva.co.id reported that the market is moving toward more future-proof choices, not because of a passing trend, but because users want to reduce the risk of buying something that quickly loses value.
Vendor Support Is Narrowing The Window For 4G Devices
Network development is only part of the story. Smartphone vendors are also changing the economics of ownership by phasing out security updates for many models released one to two years ago that are still based on 4G.
At the same time, global operating system update cuts throughout 2026 are making the practical lifespan of pure 4G devices feel shorter. Vendors are also directing more research and development toward AI-based operating systems that work best on modern chipsets with 5G support.
| Factor | Impact On Consumers | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz frequency auction | 5G SA gets closer | Targeted for completion before Independence Day 2026 |
| Operator network expansion | 5G phones become more attractive | Telkomsel, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, and XL Axiata continue expanding coverage |
| Security update phase-outs | 4G devices become more exposed | Several older models are starting to lose security support |
| Focus on AI and modern chipsets | Pure 4G compatibility weakens | Optimization is increasingly centered on 5G-capable devices |
As a result, phones with pure 4G modems are being seen as less secure and less compatible with modern applications. For some consumers, that no longer looks like a budget-friendly option, but an added risk.
With Indonesia’s digital ecosystem continuing to move toward modernization, the era of pure 4G phones appears to be approaching its final stretch. If network rollouts and vendor priorities keep moving in the same direction, the local smartphone market is likely to tilt further toward 5G-ready devices.
