Jio Phone Next (Jio Phone 3): Specs, Price and 2026 Options
The Jio Phone Next, often called Jio Phone 3, was Reliance Jio’s first low-cost 4G smartphone, built with Google. It was announced by Mukesh Ambani and Sundar Pichai at the Reliance AGM in June 2021 and launched around Diwali 2021 to help feature phone users move to a smartphone. It followed the original Jio Phone and Jio Phone 2. Here is what the Jio Phone Next offers, and what to buy instead in 2026.
Quick answer: The Jio Phone Next is a 5.45-inch Android Go smartphone with a Snapdragon 215 chip, 2 GB RAM, 32 GB storage, a 13 MP rear camera and a 3,500 mAh battery. It launched at Rs 6,499 (or about Rs 1,999 down with EMI). In 2026, Jio’s current phone line-up focuses on JioBharat 4G feature phones and the JioPhone Prima 2, while Jio Phone Next accessories are still sold.
Table of Contents
Jio Phone Next specifications
| Display | 5.45-inch HD+ (720 x 1440), Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 |
| Memory | 2 GB RAM, 32 GB storage, microSD up to 512 GB |
| Cameras | 13 MP rear, 8 MP front, with portrait, night and AR filters |
| Software | PragatiOS, based on Android Go edition |
| Battery | 3,500 mAh, removable |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Jio 4G on SIM 1 |
| Launch price | Rs 6,499 (EMI plans from about Rs 1,999 down payment) |
Best Jio Phone Next features
- Read aloud: the phone can read the text on screen aloud, which helps people who are not comfortable reading.
- Translate: translate any screen into many Indian languages. See also how to translate Hindi to English.
- Google Assistant: open apps, search and change settings with your voice in Indian languages.
- Smart camera: portrait mode, night mode and Snapchat-style filters.
- Automatic updates: PragatiOS was designed to get security updates and new features over the air.
- Preloaded Jio and Google apps: JioTV, JioCinema (now JioHotstar), YouTube Go and more.
Is the Jio Phone Next worth buying in 2026?
The Jio Phone Next was a good first smartphone in 2021, but its Snapdragon 215 chip and 2 GB RAM feel slow with today’s apps. Jio’s current listing of phones and accessories in 2026 shows the JioBharat 4G feature phones and JioPhone Prima 2, while for the Jio Phone Next only spare batteries and chargers are listed.
- Need a basic phone for calls and UPI? A JioBharat 4G feature phone costs far less and includes JioPay UPI.
- Want WhatsApp and YouTube on a keypad phone? The JioPhone Prima 2 is Jio’s 4G keypad phone with those apps.
- Need a real smartphone? A budget Android phone with at least 4 GB RAM and Android updates will be much smoother than the Jio Phone Next.
Prices change often, so check the current price on JioMart or your local Reliance Digital store before you buy.
Jio Phone Next vs older Jio Phones
- Jio Phone (2017): a 4G feature phone with a keypad running KaiOS.
- Jio Phone 2 (2018): a QWERTY keypad feature phone with a horizontal screen.
- Jio Phone Next (2021): a full touchscreen Android smartphone, which is why many people called it Jio Phone 3.
Interested in how phone screens differ? Read our guide to types of smartphone displays.
FAQ
Is Jio Phone Next the same as Jio Phone 3?
Yes. People searched for Jio Phone 3, but Jio launched its third phone as the Jio Phone Next.
What is the Jio Phone Next price?
It launched at Rs 6,499, with EMI options starting from about Rs 1,999 down payment. It is no longer one of the phones Jio lists in its main line-up.
Does Jio Phone Next support WhatsApp?
Yes. It runs Android Go, so you can install WhatsApp and other Play Store apps.
Can I use another SIM in Jio Phone Next?
It is a dual SIM phone. Jio 4G data works on SIM 1; check the latest Jio terms for using other networks.
