The Jio JioBharat series is a lineup of cheap 4G feature phones launched by Reliance Jio, aiming to make India "2G Mukt" (2G-Free). Initially launched in two variants as part of a beta trial in July 2023—one by Jio and another in partnership with Karbonn—the JioBharat phone was promoted as India's most cheapest 4G phone. At the time of the announcement, the company said "The beta trial for the first 1 million JioBharat phones would begin on July 7, 2023, with a vision to eliminate 2G usage in India."
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Reliance Jio Bharat phone
The Jio Bharat phone was launched on the market at a price of Rs 999. Jio also introduced the JioBharat platform, partnering with OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), starting with Karbonn, to launch feature phones with 4G capabilities around the Rs 1,000 price point.
In August 2023, Jio’s JioBharat K1 Karbonn 4G was made available on Amazon and Jio's own e-commerce platforms for Rs 999, catering to users seeking access to affordable 4G connectivity. Later in the year, at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2023, Jio showcased another 4G phone, the JioPhone Prima 4G, which was subsequently released in November 2023 at Rs 2,599.
In February 2024, Jio launched the JioBharat B1, listed on Amazon India at Rs 1,299, followed by a silent release of the JioBharat J1 4G in July 2024, also on Amazon and its own platforms.
Fast forward to the recently concluded IMC2024, where Jio introduced two more affordable 4G feature phones—the JioBharat V3 and V4—each priced at Rs 1,099.
What began as a platform to convert 2G users to 4G has grown into a series of JioBharat launches. Interestingly, beyond the initial launch of the JioBharat platform and the showcases at IMC2023 and IMC2024, Jio has rarely announced new launches officially. Instead, people have discovered the latest releases either through listings on the company's website or on Amazon.
Jio has a pattern of lowering prices for its services and phones during festival seasons, making them even more accessible. As of October 2024, let's take a look at the current lineup and prices on the official Jio website.
JioBharat Phone Series
JioBharat - J1 Series
The "TV-wala phone" with a larger 2.8-inch screen and a 2500 mAh battery is available for Rs 1,799 (originally Rs 2,999).
JioBharat - B2 Series
Another new TV wala phone to enjoy movies, videos, sports highlights, and UPI payments through JioPay, priced at Rs 1,399 (originally Rs 2,599).
JioBharat - B1 Series
Featuring a 2.4-inch screen and a 2000 mAh battery, this phone supports JioPay and is priced at Rs 1,299 (originally Rs 2,599).
JioBharat - K1 Karbonn
The first model in partnership with Karbonn, originally priced at Rs 999, is currently available for Rs 699 under the Diwali offer (originally Rs 1,999).
JioBharat - V2 Series
Another affordable 4G feature phone with a range of features, including JioCinema, JioPay, and JioTV, is the JioBharat - V2 Series. Initially priced at Rs 999, the phone is now being sold for Rs 699 under the Diwali 2024 offer. The device, available in two colours, is originally priced at Rs 1,999.
JioBharat - V3 Series
The TV Waala Phone, Bharat Ka Naya Style device, is the latest phone launched at IMC2024. The JioBharat - V3 Series phone is currently available at a price of Rs 1,099 (originally priced at Rs 1,999).
JioBharat - V4 Series
In what Jio describes as "Design jo dekhte reh jaoge, TV dekhne ka naya andaaz," on its website, this phone was also launched at the recently concluded IMC2024. This 4G phone is currently available at a price of Rs. 1,099 (originally Rs 1,999).
Diwali Offer
Jio JioBharat 4G Phones Starting from Rs 699
For Diwali, Jio announced that JioBharat phones are now starting at Rs 699, reduced from Rs 999, to give users "Digital Freedom."
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Conclusion
As of this writing, Jio's website lists seven variants of JioBharat devices, with prices starting as low as Rs 699 and going up to Rs 1,799. These devices are locked to the Jio network, aligning with Jio's aim to eliminate or transition every 2G user in India to the 4G network.
