India’s largest telecom operator Airtel doesn’t seem to bow down to the fierce competition from Reliance Jio and is now in talks with multiple handset makers to bring an affordable android based 4G smartphone to counter the Reliance Jio phone, which comes at a refundable amount of Rs 1500. Remember, this news comes days after Airtel announced low rates for its data and voice calls.

Despite the smartphones being Rs 1000-1200 costlier than the Reliance Jio phones, Airtel is optimistic that buyers won’t be shy in shelling extra bucks for a more complete and feature-full handset in place of the bare boned Jio phone.

In order to further entice buyers, the affordable Airtel 4G smartphone is likely to feature company’s mouthwatering bundle packages including Airtel’s celebrated 4G network, attractive voice and data plans.

A PTI report stated that Airtel is in talks with different handset makers to introduce an Android-based 4G smartphone costing in the range of Rs 2500-2700. The handsets would be making way into the market by Diwali, as per the source familiar with the development quoted to PTI. However, there was no official word on the bookings of the 4G Airtel smartphone.

The specifications of this upcoming Airtel smartphone are likely to include dual SIM ports, touchscreen four-inch display, VoLTE calling, longer battery backup and front and rear camera. With respect to RAM, 1GB RAM is expected to be installed in the smartphone. If the telecom major is able to provide these many features at Rs 2500, Reliance Jio phone would certainly find it tough to continue its dream run.

Based on the details gathered from different reports and sources, a detailed questionnaire was sent to Airtel by PTI. However, it was reverted with company’s reply – “As a policy, we do not comment on market speculations.” Airtel’s market analysis has identified and is looking to target people who are looking to upgrade from feature phones to smartphones with bigger screens.

The question over who these handset makers with which Airtel is negotiating are is still under wraps. Besides, all the offers and schemes that it will be rolling out with the 4G smartphone are also undisclosed. To penetrate better, Airtel is likely to flex its retail distribution arm to spread its upcoming smartphone to as distant buyers as possible.

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The telecom giant had to take out-of-the-box steps to tackle the fast proliferating Reliance Jio as things are looking messy for it, as Airtel saw a decline of 75 per cent in its net profit in the first quarter of this financial year.