Qualcomm, Jio reportedly working on entry-level 5G smartphone; It could launch by the end of 2024

Qualcomm is reportedly working with Reliance Jio to launch a 5G smartphone for the Indian market. Reliance Jio has been quite aggressive with its 5G adoption. The company has almost completed the implementation of 5G technology in the country. However, there is a large population of 2G users in the country who want to switch to a 5G network. This is where Qualcomm plans to work with Jio. The US-based chipmaker is rumored to unveil a new chipset to enable the launch of an entry-level 5G smartphone in the country.

According to a report by Moneycontrol, Qualcomm will partner with Jio to offer an entry-level 5G smartphone that is said to be priced below $99 (roughly Rs. 8,200). The report adds that the low-cost 5G phone could be on the market by the end of 2024.

Qualcomm is also reportedly working with various OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to develop this entry-level smartphone. The report further adds that the smartphone will support 5G standalone architecture that Jio offers with its network.

The report further mentions that the base 5G phone could be powered by a low-cost custom processor using SA-2Rx capability. The new chipset will reportedly provide a full 5G experience to those looking for affordable smartphones in the country. “The product is inspired by India… we are focusing quite heavily on the transition between 4G and 5G. So for us, it’s about making sure that the transition is as seamless as possible and that we have products that are really optimized for phone developers, telcos and end users,” said Chris Patrick, senior vice president and general manager of phones, Qualcomm . told the publication.

Qualcomm aims to introduce this chipset to encourage 2G users in the country to switch to the 5G network. The company said that its R&D department in India has been hard at work developing this new chipset. The move could help bring the 5G network to an estimated 2.8 billion people across the globe, including India.

With this, 5G adoption in India is sure to skyrocket. However, it would be interesting to see the prices of the new low-cost 5G smartphones from Qualcomm and Reliance Jio. The entry-level smartphone segment currently starts around Rs. 7,000, although no phone currently provides 5G services at this price point. Offering a 5G phone under Rs. 8000 price segment can change the market scenario in the country and help users shift from 2G enabled phones to smartphones.