Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani has officially launched the much-awaited JioPhone with new features and affordable price. If you look at the cost of the JioPhone, you will have to pay Rs. 1500 initially. However, the amount will be refunded back after 3 years to the customers. Hence, you will be virtually getting a 4G-enabled feature phone for free after three years. It remains to be seen as to for how long the JioPhone will work without fail. The team also demonstrated the features of the phone by doing live activities in presence of Ambani and other board of directors.
Display
The JioPhone is equipped with a 2.4-inch QVGA display with digital voice assistant and support for 22 Indian languages. During the AGM, the product team led by Isha Ambani demonstrated the features of the JioPhone. You can simply talk to your phone to perform a wide range of activities.
Functionalities
The phone helps you to perform calling and messaging functionalities in addition to playback of music. The team also showcased how to play Vande Mataram by voice and the audience gave a standing ovation.
Performance
On the Specifications front, the JioPhone is expected to ship with 512MB RAM coupled with 4GB of internal storage. Even though 512MB RAM is not sufficient for heavy users, it will not be a problem for JioPhone because it’s mainly oriented as a feature phone.
Camera
According to reports, the phone will also feature a 2MP camera on the rear to enable you to snap photos. When it comes to the front, the phone will have a VGA front camera. The camera part doesn’t look promising but we can’t expect too much from a budget-friendly feature phone.
Emergency Handling
The JioPhone is not just a feature phone since it is designed to protect the life of citizens. The company has integrated emergency handling situation. To activate the feature, you need to long press 5 and the emergency contact configured on the handset will be notified of your location and geographical details.
Connectivity
In addition to microSD card slot, the JioPhone also provides support for dual-SIM, FM radio, Bluetooth, and torchlight. Moreover, you will work with an alphanumeric keypad, which looks identical to that of the old Nokia handsets.
Advanced features
Just like any other phone, the JioPhone will also provide an ability to install and run apps. You will be able to install apps such as JioXPressNews, JioMag, JioTV, JioCinema, JioMusic and much more. The highlight of the JioPhone is that you can establish connectivity to any Television (both LED and CRT) using an exclusive cable. You can cast the content from your JioPhone to your Television and watch live TV shows, movies, and others. The feature will be useful in case your cable service fails to work and you need to watch an important program.
Price
Even though Mukesh Ambani disclosed that JioPhone will be effectively free, you will be required to pay Rs. 1500 as a refundable security deposit. The company will refund the amount after three years of purchase. The main purpose behind this mechanism is to avoid misuse of the phone.
Release Date
The JioPhone will be available from August 15 in beta testing format. The pre-order for the phone will start on August 24 with availability in September. The new handset will be delivered to customers on a first come, first served basis. You can book the phone either via Jio offline retail stores or via MyJio app. Ambani also revealed that the handset will be manufactured in India under Make in India initiative by the end of 2017.
