It’s no secret that Reliance is working on an affordable Android smartphone to disrupt the Indian market. Earlier this year, the company announced at the RIL 43rd AGM 2020 that the company has tied up with Google to develop an entry-level affordable smartphone, with a custom version of Android and the Play Store. Now — according to Bloomberg — the brand is in talks with local suppliers to increase the production capacity in the country.
The report cites sources close to the matter who claim that the company has plans to sell 150-200 million smartphones over the next two years. With this move, Reliance is trying to compete with major brands in the affordable segment, like Xiaomi. Here’s everything that we know so far about the matter.
Reliance’s Android smartphone will be priced around Rs 4,000
Reliance Jio working towards launching an affordable Android smartphone in India
According to the Bloomberg report, the company is in talks with the local suppliers to manufacture an Android version of Jio Phone. The new report suggests that the upcoming smartphone will be priced around Rs 4,000 and come with affordable plans from Jio. This is in line with the announcement at the AGM 2020 stating that Reliance has partnered with Google to develop a custom OS for entry-level 4G/5G smartphones.
The report, citing Pankaj Mohindroo, chairman of the India Cellular & Electronic Association, states that local manufacturers assembled around 165 million smartphones in the year ended March. And an equal number of features phones were also assembled in the same year. Reliance’s target of 150 million to 200 million phones over two years has the potential to boost the local manufacturers further.
Notably, a recent report by The Economic Times has revealed that the rival brand Airtel is already in talks with local smartphone manufacturers to launch affordable 4G phones in the country.