Reliance Jio has been transforming India’s digital landscape for years, and now the company has entered the budget 5G smartphone race with the launch of the Jio Phone 5G. Positioned as one of the most affordable 5G devices in the market, this phone is designed to bring high-speed internet and reliable performance to the masses. Priced under ₹10,000, the Jio Phone 5G combines everyday practicality with next-gen connectivity.
Design and Display
At first glance, the Jio Phone 5G looks modern and sleek for its price point. It comes with a 6.5-inch HD+ display that supports a 90Hz refresh rate, offering smoother scrolling and a more enjoyable viewing experience than most budget smartphones. The waterdrop notch design and slim bezels add to its appeal, giving it a contemporary look. While the resolution is limited to HD+, the screen still performs well for casual media consumption, gaming, and everyday use.
Performance and Hardware
The Jio Phone 5G is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 480 Plus processor, which is specifically designed for affordable 5G devices. Paired with 4GB of RAM, the phone can handle regular tasks like browsing, messaging, video calls, and light gaming without major slowdowns. Storage starts at 32GB, and for users who need more space, the device supports expandable memory up to 512GB via a microSD card.
This combination of hardware ensures that the phone remains smooth for everyday use while keeping power efficiency in check. For first-time smartphone buyers, it delivers the right balance of performance and affordability.
Camera Setup
Photography is not the main focus of this device, but the Jio Phone 5G still offers a decent camera setup for casual users. On the back, it features a 13MP primary camera paired with a 2MP depth sensor. The front houses a 5MP selfie camera that works well for video calls and social media updates. While low-light photography may not be its strength, the cameras are good enough for everyday snapshots and online sharing.
Long-Lasting Battery
One of the highlights of the Jio Phone 5G is its large 5000mAh battery. This ensures all-day performance, even with heavy data usage. Users can stream, browse, or game without worrying about running out of charge too quickly. The phone also supports 18W fast charging, which means less time spent plugged in and more time using the device. For a budget smartphone, this level of battery performance is impressive.
Software and User Experience
The Jio Phone 5G runs on Android 12, layered with Jio’s Pragati OS, which is customized for Indian users. The interface is simple, lightweight, and comes with Jio’s suite of apps pre-installed. Features like local language support make it more user-friendly for first-time smartphone users. The software is also optimized to work seamlessly with Jio’s 5G network, ensuring a smoother experience when browsing or streaming.
Pricing and Variants
Reliance has priced the Jio Phone 5G aggressively to capture the budget market. The base variant with 4GB RAM and 32GB storage starts at ₹9,990, making it one of the cheapest 5G smartphones available. Higher variants with more RAM and storage are also available for slightly higher prices, but all models remain well within the affordable range compared to competitors.
Connectivity and Network Advantage
A major selling point of this device is its deep integration with Jio’s growing 5G network. Users can enjoy high-speed downloads, smooth video streaming, and stable connectivity across supported regions. Jio has already expanded its 5G coverage to thousands of cities and towns, and the phone is fully optimized to take advantage of that network strength.
Final Verdict
The Jio Phone 5G is not designed to compete with high-end flagships, but it doesn’t need to. Its main goal is to bring affordable 5G connectivity to millions of Indians, and it does that remarkably well. With a strong battery, Snapdragon processor, reliable design, and budget-friendly price, this phone is perfect for first-time buyers or those upgrading from a basic 4G device.
For users who want to experience the speed of 5G without spending a fortune, the Jio Phone 5G stands out as one of the best choices in 2025.