After Jio's feature phone, Airtel to launch 4G smartphone at Rs 2,500

India

oi-Madhuri

India's biggest mobile phone company Bharti Airtel is likely to counter JioPhone proposition by launching a 4G smartphones before Diwali at Rs 2,500. Airtel is in talks with handset vendors to bring to the market their versions of the VoLTE feature phone.

''Airtel's 4G device will have a bigger screen, better camera and better battery performance than other featured phone,'' said a senior industry executive who is aware of Airtel's plans.

The 4G device, which will be co-promoted by India's top telco and the handset maker but not subsidised by Airtel, will be based on the popular Android operating system.

Telco will allow users to download all apps available on the Google Play app store. The launch is likely around the end of September or in early October.

Earlier, Mukesh Ambani had announced the launch of Jio smartphones, offering life-long free voice calls, followed by 4G data streaming at zero prices. The phone, will be available for pre-booking from August 24th on paying a deposit of just Rs 1,500. The deposit will be refunded on returning the phone.

OneIndia News