Qualcomm & Jio to Launch Entry-Level 5G Smartphone in India: Report

Qualcomm is reportedly working with Reliance Jio to launch an affordable 5G-enabled smartphone in India by the end of 2024. The smartphone, expected to be priced at $99, will be the most affordable 5G device globally when it launches.

According to a report by MoneyControl, Qualcomm is developing a new custom chipset optimised for standalone 5G networks that will power an entry-level smartphone priced under $99 (around Rs 8,000). The US-based chipmaker is collaborating with Jio, India's largest telecom operator, and OEMs to develop and launch the device.

Qualcomm believes it can help drive the mass adoption of 5G networks in India and accelerate the migration from 2G to 4G/5G.

Speaking to Moneycontrol, Chris Patrick, SVP and General Manager of Handsets, Qualcomm, said, "The product is inspired by India. We're focusing pretty heavily on the transition between 4G and 5G. So, for us, it's how do we make sure that the transition is as frictionless as possible and that we have products really optimised for handset developers, telcos and end consumers."

Reliance Jio has rapidly rolled out 5G services across India between 2022 and 2023, but the high prices of 5G handsets, starting around Rs 10,000 currently, have limited user upgrade potential, especially feature phone users. Qualcomm and Jio's partnership aims to solve this issue by making 5G more accessible for budget-conscious Indian consumers.

Jio has its fair share of experience in this segment as it has previously launched some 4G feature phones and collaborated with Google to launch the JioPhone Next 4G smartphone in 2021.

If and when it sees the light of the day, the proposed sub-Rs. 8,000 5G smartphone could reshape India's mobile landscape and potentially ignite a massive wave of 5G upgrades from India's hundreds of millions of 2G users.