Competitor to JioPhone? Airtel introduces new 4G smartphone at Rs 1399

To compete with the Jio 4G feature phone, Airtel has partnered with Karbonn Mobiles to sell a 4G smartphone at a price of Rs 1,399. Unlike the Jio phone, the Karbonn A40 will support 4G, which means customers will have access to the Google Play Store to download apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook and YouTube. The device will be available across all Karbonn Mobile retailers.

The ‘Mera Pehla 4G Smartphone’ initiative, which is also called 'My First Smartphone', will bring "highly affordable bundled 4G smartphone options to the market and fulfill the digital aspirations of millions of Indians."

Those interested to purchase the device, will need to make a down payment of Rs 2,899 for the smartphone, and then make a minimum amount of recharges over the course of 3 years to receive cash backs totaling Rs 1,500. There will be no need to return the device to claim a cash benefit.