JioPhone Next 4G smartphone to cost Rs 6,499

Reliance and Google on Friday said their much awaited JioPhone Next 4G smartphone will cost Rs 6,499, with EMI options.

The made-for-India device jointly designed by the duo will be available from Diwali.

The phone had missed the earlier launch date of September 10 because of the global semi-conductor shortage.

The launch of the JioPhone is widely expected to help the telecom company retain customers. Jio saw the exodus of 11 million subscribers in the second quarter ended September 30.

In the EMI options, customers will have to pay Rs 1,999 upfront and the rest over 18 or 24 months.

In the “always-on plan’’, the EMI will stand at Rs 300 per month for 24 months and Rs 350 per month for 18 months.