JioPhone 2: The next game changer from the Jio camp
The smartphone market under the INR 5,000 price range has been rapidly expanding. Home grown brands Intex and Detel have been matching incumbent smartphone companies every step of the way. After launching the JioPhone last year, Reliance Jio is introducing its second generation model with changes that will set new benchmarks in the affordable smartphone segment. Operating on KaiOS, the JioPhone offered smartphone capabilities with access to Jio Apps with support available in 22 Indian languages. JioPhone 2 on the other hand, will also offer access to Facebook, WhatsApp and YouTube — apps which define the smartphone user experience.
In India’s booming mobile phone and internet connectivity market, price points and ease of usage.
have been key focus areas for smartphone companies keen on capturing the Indian market. With the JioPhone 2, Reliance Jio seems to have cracked this riddle. Here’s why JioPhone 2 is poised to be a game changer in the Indian smartphone market.
1) Cost effective
JioPhone 2 is hitting all the right notes in this regard. The JioPhone 2 promises to be value for money. The JioPhone 2 will be available for INR 2,999. Like with its predecessor, users can expect combo deals packaging the new device with affordable data Jio 4G data plans too. This will be the most attractive deal in the affordable smartphone market allowing users to finally own their first smart feature phone.
2) Access to Apps
While the JioPhone 1 offered access to the Jio suite of apps which included MyJio, JioMusic, JioTv, JioCinema, JioXpressNews and JioGames among others, users were missing out on apps like Facebook, WhatsApp and YouTube. From August 15 onwards, KaiOS on both JioPhone 1 and 2 will be adapted to support these apps. This will be in addition to the suite of Jio apps already available of the JioPhone. With this update, the JioPhone 2 formally enters the affordable smartphone segment and poses competition to incumbents.
3) Voice Assistant
Considering that those migrating to their first 4G phone tend to be the unlettered and the elderly, availability of the voice assistant on the JioPhone will enable it to find more takers in the market. The JioPhone 2 comes with the Google voice assistant in addition to the Jio voice assistant. Between the two services, users will be able to give voice commands in multiple languages! Users will be able to make calls, open apps or simply find out about the weather by issuing voice commands to their smart feature phones!
How does it compare with competition?
Mass consumption in India is characterised by price sensitive products which can be bought and used on a pre-paid basis. Additionally, inconsistent access to 4G network access across regions means that inadequate infrastructure has been an inherent obstacle in smartphone adoption. At the same time, access to affordable 4G internet following the entry of Jio in the telecommunications industry, has ushered several new trends in consumption. After rural marketing propelled the growth of FMCG firms in outside metros in India, online shopping has taken rural consumerism to new heights.
Access to VoLTE calling, online retail and high quality video content has finally become a reality with the entry of affordable smartphones in the market. India’s 1 billion-strong consumer market, most of which has been excluded from the internet revolution for the most part, will welcome a smartphone like the JioPhone. As a smart feature phone, the JioPhone 2 coupled with the Jio 4G network would prove to be a valuable asset for those looking at joining the digital economy. In addition, the Jio voice assistant will be available in multiple regional languages to provide seamless access to news and video content.
Incumbents Micromax, Karbonn, Itel, Celkon and Swipe Konnect have similar offerings in the category of smart feature phones under INR 3000. Some of these come combined with deals with other telecom service providers. However, different features and colour variations in the model drive prices beyond INR 3000.
The JioPhone 2 seems to be striking the right balance between these two categories and hence, will be game changing. The second generation device comes with 512MB RAM and 4GB of internal storage, expandable upto 128 GB via a SD card. Further, a horizontal screen will improve the video content viewing experience for users. Along with access to apps like Facebook and WhatsApp, the new device also comes with a QWERTY keyboard. It will also have a 2-megapixel primary camera and a 0.3-megapixel front camera. Connectivity options like Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, NFC and FM radio are also included.
With bookings starting from August 15, the JioPhone 2 definitely looks promising!
