Reliance cheap 4G phone is finally a reality: the company announced JioPhone Next at RIL AGM 2021, developed in partnership with Google to bring affordable 4G connectivity to the hundreds of millions of Indians still stuck on 2G networks. Here is everything you need to know about this groundbreaking device.
What Is the Reliance Cheap 4G Phone — JioPhone Next?
Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani revealed at the AGM 2021 virtual event that around 300 million mobile users in India have not yet been able to move beyond 2G service, primarily because even the most affordable 4G phone in the country remains out of reach for many. To tackle this gap, Ambani joined hands with Google CEO Sundar Pichai to develop a next-generation, ultra-affordable 4G smartphone.
The result is the JioPhone Next, a device built on a highly optimised custom version of the Android operating system, specially designed by Google for Jio. The phone targets middle-class and first-time smartphone buyers who want to make the leap from 2G to 4G without stretching their budget.
JioPhone Next Key Features and Specifications
While Reliance has not yet disclosed a full technical spec sheet, the company and Google have confirmed several notable features that set the JioPhone Next apart from other entry-level devices.
- Custom Android OS: A specially optimised Android build, designed by Google exclusively for JioPhone Next users.
- Google Play Store access: Full access to millions of apps through the official Play Store.
- Voice Assistant: Built-in Google voice assistant support for hands-free control.
- Read-Aloud and Translation: An innovative feature that can automatically read on-screen text and translate it into different regional languages — a major accessibility win for non-English speakers.
- AR Camera: The camera is equipped with augmented reality (AR) capabilities.
- Regular Android Updates: Because the collaboration with Google is deep at the software level, the phone is promised regular Android OS updates over time.
- Full Touchscreen: Unlike Jio Phone 2 (2018) which featured a QWERTY keyboard, JioPhone Next comes with a full touchscreen display.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Custom optimised Android (built by Google for Jio) |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE |
| Display Type | Full Touchscreen |
| Camera | AR-enabled camera |
| App Store | Google Play Store |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant |
| Special Feature | Screen read-aloud and multi-language translation |
| Android Updates | Regular updates guaranteed |
JioPhone Next Price and Launch Date in India
Reliance has confirmed that the JioPhone Next price in India has not been disclosed yet. The company has, however, stated that the phone will be the cheapest 4G smartphone not just in India but across the globe. The expected launch date was set for Ganesh Chaturthi — September 10, as announced by Mukesh Ambani at the AGM 2021. No pricing tiers or EMI details have been officially shared as of the announcement.
Jio's History of Affordable Handsets
This is not the first time Reliance Jio has taken on the affordable handset market. In July 2017, Jio introduced the original JioPhone, a 4G-enabled smart feature phone designed to bridge the digital divide. This was followed by the JioPhone 2 in 2018, which came with a QWERTY keyboard form factor. JioPhone Next represents the next step in this journey — moving from feature phones to a full-fledged Android touchscreen smartphone at an unprecedented price point.
