JioPhone Next: Top features of the affordable Google-Jio smartphone

Reliance today announced the JioPhone Next at the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) conference. JioPhone Next has been jointly developed by Reliance and Google. It’s a low-cost Android phone that is dedicated to feature phone users in India who want to upgrade to a smartphone. JioPhone Next will be available from September 10 this year.

Reliance hasn’t revealed the price of the JioPhone Next but RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani said it will be “ultra-affordable”. Ambani added that the JioPhone Next comes with cutting-edge features, and it is powered by an optimised version of Android OS developed by Jio and Google. The detailed specifications of the JioPhone Next are yet to be revealed but here are its top features.

Voice-first features

The JioPhone Next is equipped with Google Assistant for hands-free features such as finding out one’s mobile balance through the My Jio app or playing music on Jio Saavn. You can also listen to any content on the JioPhone Next by tapping the ‘Listen’ button. The JioPhone Next also has Google Lens so you can quickly translate any content on your phone’s screen or through the phone’s camera.

Indian languages support

The JioPhone Next has been tailor-made for Indian users with support for different Indian languages. It features Read Aloud and Translate Now that will translate what’s on the screen and also read it back to users in their own language. These two features have seamlessly integrated the OS so that it works with any text on the phone screen including web pages, apps, messages and even photos.

Camera

The JioPhone Next camera features Night mode for clearer photos in low light environments. It also has HDR mode so photos have wider dynamic range. Google and Jio have also added Snapchat lenses to the JioPhone Next’s camera so users can easily access Indian-specific effects.

Latest Android updates

Google has promised the latest Android releases and security updates for the JioPhone Next. It will also roll out new features and customisations through over-the-air updates. JioPhone Next users will also have access to the Google Play Store along with access to Jio apps.