Micromax has partnered with BSNL to launch a new 4G feature phone in the Indian market. The new Micromax Bharat 1 will take on Reliance Jio Phone. In addition to an affordable price tag, the new phone offers unlimited data and calling plan from BSNL. In fact, Micromax claims that the effective ownership cost of its new Bharat 1 phone will be lower than the Jio Phone. Confused? Let us help you figure out the differences. Read more to find about Reliance Jio Phone Vs Micromax Bharat 1 Comparison – Which Phone Is Better?
Both 4G feature phones come with decent features. While the Jio Phone includes voice assistant, digital payments, and an app store, the Bharat 1 comes with Wi-Fi hotspot and dual-SIM. Let’s take a closer look:
Price and Availability
| Reliance Jio Phone | Rs 2,200 |
| Micromax Bharat 1 | Rs 0 (effective price) |
The Micromax Bharat 1 is priced in India at Rs 2,200. BSNL is offering unlimited data and calling plan for the phone, at just Rs 97 for 28 days. Bundled services include live TV, and video/music streaming.
On the other hand, the Reliance Jio Phone comes at an ‘effective price’ of zero rupees. However, you will need to pay Rs 1,500 as a security deposit (Rs 500 while booking and Rs 1,000 at the time of delivery) which will be refunded after three years from the date of purchase. However, this deal comes with multiple conditions to be eligible. For example, if you don’t use the Jio Phone, the company can reclaim the device. Also, you will have to return the device within three months of the three-year time limit.
Plans and Tariff
With the Bharat 1, BSNL is offering 5GB of high-speed data (validity of 28 days at Rs 97) along with unlimited free local and STD calls (including outgoing calls on roaming). Once the 5GB data is crossed, the Internet speed will be lowered to 80kbps. You can also use another SIM such as Airtel, Vodafone, Idea or even Jio.
Whereas you have to use recharge of Rs 153 (with 28-day validity) on the Jio Phone. It is network-locked, so buyers can’t use any SIM card they want to use with the handset. Users will get 500MB of 4G data per day, after which the speed is reduced to 128kbps (amounting to a total of 14GB high-speed data). Overall, Jio Phone users are expected to purchase recharges of at least Rs 1,500 per year to be eligible for the refund. Additionally, to watch the phone’s content on your TV, you will have to get the Rs 309 plan (with 1GB data per day).
Also read: Things You Need To Know Before Buying Reliance Jio Phone
Specifications
| Specifications | Micromax Bharat 1 | Reliance Jio Phone |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon | Spreadtrum chipset |
| RAM512MB | 512MB | 512MB RAM |
| Inbuilt Storage | 4GB (expandable) | 4GB (expandable) |
| Display | 2.4-inch, QVGA | 2.4-inch, 240 x 320 pixels |
| Rear Camera | 2MP | 2MP with flash |
| Front Camera | VGA | VGA |
| Battery | 2000mAh | 2000mAh |
| Dual SIM | Yes | Yes |
The Micromax Bharat 1 features a 2.4-inch display with QVGA resolution. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor along with 512MB RAM and 4GB internal storage. The affordable feature phone sports a 2-megapixel rear camera and VGA front camera. The dual-SIM handset is backed by a 2000mAh battery.
The Reliance Jio Phone is supported by 512MB RAM and 4GB internal storage (expandable up to 128GB via a micro SD card). The 4G feature phone will sport a 2.4-inch display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. On the camera front, it will sport a 2-megapixel rear camera and VGA front camera. The Jio Phone is also backed by a 2000mAh battery.
Features
The new Bharat 1 comes pre-loaded with multiple content options under Micromax Entertainment. A suite of entertainment apps will offer access to Live TV, Music, Movies, and Videos. The new feature phone supports 22 different languages. Additionally, the new feature phone will offer access to online payments.
On the other hand, the Jio Phone comes with the HelloJio voice assistant, an app store, and a proprietary cable that allows you to relay videos played on the phone onto a television (both modern LCD/ LED TVs, and old-school CRT TVs).
The Jio Phone also comes pre-loaded with apps like Facebook and an internet browser. Users will be able to access digital content with the free subscription to Jio apps. It comes with dedicated buttons for MyJio, JioTV, JioCinema, and JioMusic apps. It also comes with NFC support that will offer ‘Tap and Pay’ solutions with a linked bank account.
Also read: Nokia 7 Launched With ‘Bothie’ Camera – All You Need To Know
Conclusion
The Reliance Jio Phone offers cool features at zero cost but requires a three-year commitment. On the other hand, the BSNL Micromax Bharat 1 offers cool features and unlimited plans without any commitments. Over the three year period, the cost of the handset and the recharge packs is less for the Micromax Bharat 1 with BSNL plan. Which of the two devices would you go for? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: WhatsApp Adds Live Location Sharing Feature – How Does It Work?
