SUMMARY
While specific details about the Jio Bharat B2 phone are unknown, enthusiasts expect significant upgrades compared to its predecessor, the Jio Bharat B1
While specifications of Jio Bharat B2 are undisclosed, insiders suggest it may follow the budget-friendly trend of its predecessor Bharat V2, featuring potential upgrades like a larger display, enhanced camera, and improved processor
In five months since its launch, JioBharat feature phone now commands a 45% market share in the sub-INR 1,000 price segment
Jio Bharat B2, the potential successor to the previously launched Jio Bharat B1, has reportedly made a subtle appearance on the certification site Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), hinting at an imminent launch in India.
A recent report from 91Mobiles Hindi has revealed a new Jio Phone with model number JBB121B1 on the BIS website, suggesting it could be the anticipated Jio Bharat B2. However, the report does not provide specific details, but expectations are high for significant improvements, such as a larger display, enhanced camera capabilities, and an upgraded processor.
Launched in October last year, the Jio Bharat B1 included 4G connectivity and a pre-installed UPI payment feature, accommodating multiple Indian regional languages. With a budget-friendly price tag of INR 1299, the phone allowed users to choose between two colours. Its compact design, weighing 110g and measuring 125 mm x 52 mm x 17 mm, added to its appeal among consumers.
Reportedly, Jio Bharat B2’s specifications, features, pricing, and launch date remain undisclosed. Insiders suggest it may continue the budget-friendly trend of its predecessor, the Bharat V2, with potential upgrades like a larger display, enhanced camera, and a better processor. If it delivers improved features at an affordable price, it could attract budget-conscious consumers, contributing to smartphone penetration and digital inclusion in India.
Since the very beginning, Jio has focussed its energies on scaling its feature phone ecosystem. It began in 2018, when the Mukesh Ambani-led conglomerate’s subsidiary Reliance Retail acquired a 16% stake in KaiOS for $7 Mn. Subsequently, the conglomerate integrated the operating system into its JioPhone.
In five months since its launch, JioBharat feature phone now command a 45% market share in the sub-INR 1,000 price segment, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) said in its quarterly financial results on January 19.
RIL chairman and managing director, Mukesh Ambani, termed the strong uptake of the feature phone as one of the reasons behind telecom operator Jio’s expansion of subscriber base.
Recently the company said that the JioBharat platform now operates three SKUs with price points ranging between INR 999 to INR 2,599. While touting its newest launch, JioPhone Prima, the conglomerate also said that discussions were underway with multiple original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to expand the platform further.
RIL also claimed that JioBharat users accounted for a majority, 60% to be precise, of the UPI123 Pay transactions in December 2023.
