If you thought Reliance Jio signed off 2016 with a bang, by announcing the Happy New Year Offer, then it¡¯s starting 2017 with a smash as it gears up to launch two VoLTE phones priced at Rs 999 & Rs 1,500. These phones will be feature phones, not Android smartphones, and are expected to cater to the absolute entry level market segment.
Where most good feature phones are priced between Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 in India, looks like this is another disruptive masterstroke from Reliance Jio¡¯s Mukesh Ambani, who is expected to launch these super inexpensive Jio 4G VoLTE phones before March 31, according to reports.
The two upcoming Rs 999 and Rs 1500 Jio VoLTE feature phones won¡¯t pack in a full-fledged Android build, but they¡¯ll most likely feature front-facing and rear cameras. The Jio VoLTE feature phones will reportedly have some essential apps like Jio Chat, Live TV and more.
Representative image - This is not the Reliance Jio 4G VoLTE Feature Phone
According to people aware of the matter, Reliance Jio may also try to pack in its digital wallet service -- Jio Money Wallet -- in the upcoming Rs 999 and Rs 1500 Jio VoLTE feature phones.
If you¡¯re confused as to why Reliance Jio¡¯s launching inexpensive ¡°feature¡± VoLTE phones with 4G connectivity and not a clear cut Android smartphone, it¡¯s because over 65% of India¡¯s 1 billion strong mobile phone devices market is still dominated with cheap, inexpensive feature phones.
With inputs from Economic Times