JioPhone
A KaiOS-powered "smart feature phone" that connected hundreds of millions in India to 4G.
The Reliance Jio JioPhone is a budget Reliance Jio smartphone released Aug 2017, with a launch price of $24. It pairs its chipset with a 2.4" LCD display, a 2 MP main camera and a 2,000 mAh battery. In SpecEagle's editorial review it scores 38/100 — India's 4G mass-onboarding device. Standout strengths: sold for the equivalent of ~$24 with refundable deposit. and whatsapp, youtube, facebook on kaios. Main trade-off: t9 keypad limited typing.
India's 4G mass-onboarding device.
JioPhone was a phenomenon — Reliance Jio's ~$24 KaiOS-powered "smart feature phone" that brought 4G data, WhatsApp and YouTube to hundreds of millions of Indians who had never had internet. A landmark in mobile inclusion.
Read the full review- Sold for the equivalent of ~$24 with refundable deposit.
- WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook on KaiOS.
- 4G VoLTE for first-time-online buyers.
- Connected hundreds of millions in India.
Full specifications
Benchmarks
How the JioPhone compares
| JioPhone | Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| SpecEagle score | 38 | 89 |
| Chipset | — | SD 8 Elite |
| Display | 2.4" LCD | 6.9" LTPO AMOLED |
| Main camera | 2 MP | 200 MP · f/1.7 |
| Battery | 2,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Launch price | $24 | $1,299 |
Frequently asked questions
When was the JioPhone released?
The JioPhone was released in Aug 2017.
How much does the JioPhone cost?
The JioPhone launched at $24 (manufacturer suggested price at release; street and second-hand prices vary by region, storage tier and time since launch).
What is the JioPhone screen size and type?
The JioPhone has a 2.4" LCD display.
How much RAM and storage does the JioPhone have?
The JioPhone ships with 512 MB · 4 GB (RAM · base storage); higher configurations may be available.
What is the JioPhone battery capacity?
The JioPhone has a 2,000 mAh battery.
What is the JioPhone main camera?
The JioPhone has a 2 MP main camera.
Does the JioPhone have a headphone jack?
The JioPhone has a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
How much does the JioPhone weigh?
The JioPhone weighs 76 g.
What colours does the JioPhone come in?
The JioPhone is available in 1 colour: Black.
Is the JioPhone worth buying?
JioPhone was a phenomenon — Reliance Jio's ~$24 KaiOS-powered "smart feature phone" that brought 4G data, WhatsApp and YouTube to hundreds of millions of Indians who had never had internet. A landmark in mobile inclusion. SpecEagle gives the JioPhone an editorial score of 38/100.
Owner opinions
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