The JioPhone Next pre booking date is set to be revealed very soon, with reports suggesting sign-ups will open within the coming week ahead of the phone's official sale on 10 September 2021. Made in partnership between Reliance Jio and Google, this budget Android smartphone is widely expected to be one of the most affordable 4G devices ever launched in India.
JioPhone Next Pre Booking: What We Know So Far
Reliance Jio first unveiled the JioPhone Next at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) earlier in 2021, showcasing a large touchscreen design running a custom version of Android. While the company withheld the price and detailed specifications at launch, leaks have since filled in many of the gaps. Pre-booking is expected to begin imminently, giving prospective buyers a chance to secure the device before its 10 September 2021 on-sale date.
The Jio-Google partnership means the phone ships with all core Google apps pre-installed, including the Play Store for downloading third-party applications. Additional highlights include a voice assistant, a smart camera with augmented reality filters, and a Read Aloud & Translate Now feature designed to make the device accessible to first-time smartphone users across India. For more coverage of Jio devices and announcements, visit the Jio category page.
JioPhone Next Specifications and Price
According to leaked information, the JioPhone Next packs a respectable set of specifications for an entry-level 4G phone. It is expected to run Android 11 Go Edition — Google's lightweight operating system optimised for devices with limited RAM — ensuring smooth performance even on modest hardware.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 5.5-inch HD screen |
| Processor | Qualcomm QM215 |
| RAM | 2GB or 3GB |
| Internal Storage | 16GB or 32GB (eMMC 4.5) |
| Rear Camera | 13MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP |
| Battery | 2,500mAh |
| Connectivity | 4G VoLTE, Dual-SIM |
| Operating System | Android 11 Go Edition |
Expected Price in India
Leaked pricing points to a retail price of Rs 3,499 in India, which closely aligns with an earlier report suggesting the device would launch at around $50 (approximately Rs 3,700 at prevailing exchange rates). If confirmed, this would make JioPhone Next one of the cheapest 4G smartphones available in the country, putting internet connectivity within reach of millions of new users.
Key Software Features
- Custom Android build developed in collaboration with Google
- Full access to the Google Play Store
- Built-in voice assistant for hands-free operation
- Smart camera with augmented reality filters
- Read Aloud feature that reads on-screen text aloud
- Translate Now for real-time language translation
With a sub-Rs 4,000 price tag and Google's software backing, the JioPhone Next targets first-time smartphone users and those looking to upgrade from feature phones to 4G connectivity. The combination of Reliance's vast network and Google's Android expertise could make this one of the most significant budget phone launches in India in recent years.
