The JioBharat phone has been making waves in India’s feature phone market, and now Reliance Jio’s President, Sunil Dutt, has shed light on what makes it special, how it stacks up against rivals, and why it’s not just another basic handset.
Only for Jio Users — For Now
When asked if the JioBharat will support SIM cards from other networks in the future, Dutt was straightforward: right now, it only works with a Jio SIM.
On whether Jio is edging towards a monopoly, he disagreed, saying people still have the option to buy 2G feature phones from other brands. Jio, he explained, is simply trying to offer more value in the same space.
Rivals Bring Touchscreens, Jio Focuses on Value
Competitors like HMD have started launching feature phones with larger touchscreens for media-hungry users. But Jio is pitching the JioBharat differently. Dutt described it as a complete entertainment and utility package rather than a stripped-down device.
Entertainment, UPI, and Safety Features
So, what exactly do you get for ₹799?
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450+ live TV channels right on your phone
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The ability to watch cricket matches, movies, and live videos
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UPI payments, helping bring digital finance to more users
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A brand-new “Safety First” feature, which lets families keep track of loved ones — something that could be especially handy for travelers or trekkers
Why ₹799 Changes the Game
For Dutt, the biggest strength of the JioBharat is its price point. At under ₹800, it gives users access to features that usually belong in smartphones. “It’s more than just a feature phone,” he said, adding that the value it delivers at this cost is unmatched in the segment.
The Takeaway
With entertainment, payments, safety, and affordability bundled into one compact device, the JioBharat is clearly Jio’s way of redefining what a feature phone can be in India. Instead of being just an entry-level option, it’s aiming to be a gateway to digital life for millions.
