Airtel vs Jio Prepaid Plans: Detailed Comparison After Latest Price Hike

HomeFeatureAirtel vs Jio Prepaid Plans: Detailed Comparison After Latest Price Hike
  • Airtel and Jio announce price hikes effective from July 3, 2024.
  • Jio offers unlimited 5G data benefits on selected plans.
  • Airtel and Jio plans now include 28, 56, 84, and 365 days validity options.
  • Jio generally offers more competitive pricing and data benefits.

In a move that’s sure to have mobile users across India reaching for their calculators, telecom giants Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio prepaid plans are seeing significant changes.

The new pricing structure, which came into effect on July 3rd, 2024, marks a shift in the competitive landscape of India’s mobile market.

Reliance Jio and Airtel Price Hike

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Airtel and Jio are both increasing and revising their prepaid plans

Reliance Jio, known for its disruptive entry into the telecom sector, was the first to announce the price adjustments. 

In a surprising twist, the company has decided to limit its much-touted unlimited 5G data benefit to plans offering 2GB or more data per day.

This move has left many wondering if the era of unrestricted 5G access is coming to an end.

Airtel Prepaid: New Plans vs Old Plan

Validity Old Plan Price Revised Plan Price Benefits
28 Days Rs. 179 Rs. 199 2GB total, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day
Rs. 265 Rs. 299 1GB/day, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day
Rs. 299 Rs. 349 1.5GB/day, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day
Rs. 359 Rs. 409 2.5GB/day, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day
Rs. 399 Rs. 449 3GB/day, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day
56 Days Rs. 479 Rs. 579 1.5GB/day, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day
Rs. 549 Rs. 649 2GB/day, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day
84 Days Rs. 455 Rs. 509 6GB total, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day
Rs. 719 Rs. 859 1.5GB/day, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day
Rs. 839 Rs. 979 2GB/day, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day
365 Days Rs. 1799 Rs. 1999 24GB total, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day
Rs. 2999 Rs. 3599 2GB/day, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day

Not to be left behind, Bharti Airtel quickly followed with its own revised pricing structure.

However, as of this writing, Airtel has kept mum on whether it will follow Jio’s lead in restricting unlimited 5G data. 

This silence has left consumers and industry watchers alike speculating about the future of 5G offerings from India’s second-largest telecom provider.

Jio Prepaid: New Plan vs Old Plan

Validity Old Plan Price Revised Plan Price Benefits
28 Days Rs. 155 Rs. 189 2GB total, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day
Rs. 209 Rs. 249 1GB/day, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day
Rs. 239 Rs. 299 1.5GB/day, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day
Rs. 299 Rs. 349 2GB/day, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day
Rs. 349 Rs. 399 2.5GB/day, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day
Rs. 399 Rs. 449 3GB/day, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day
56 Days Rs. 479 Rs. 579 1.5GB/day, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day
Rs. 533 Rs. 629 2GB/day, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day
84 Days Rs. 395 Rs. 479 6GB total, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day
Rs. 666 Rs. 799 1.5GB/day, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day
Rs. 719 Rs. 859 2GB/day, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day
Rs. 999 Rs. 1199 3GB/day, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day
365 Days Rs. 1559 Rs. 1899 24GB total, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day
Rs. 2999 Rs. 3599 2.5GB/day, UL Calling, 100 SMS/day

 

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of these new plans, shall we?

Airtel vs Jio Prepaid Plans at a Glance

Validity Airtel Plan Price Jio Plan Price Benefits Comments
28 Days Rs. 199 Rs. 189 2GB total Jio offers a slightly lower price
Rs. 299 Rs. 249 1GB per day Jio offers a better price
Rs. 349 Rs. 299 1.5GB per day Jio offers a better price
N/A Rs. 349 2GB per day Only Jio offers this plan
Rs. 409 Rs. 399 2.5GB per day Jio offers a slightly lower price
Rs. 449 Rs. 449 3GB per day Both offer the same price
56 Days Rs. 579 Rs. 579 1.5GB per day, unlimited calls Both offer the same benefits
Rs. 649 Rs. 629 2GB per day, unlimited calls Jio offers a slightly lower price with 5G data
84 Days Rs. 509 Rs. 479 6GB total Jio offers a better price
Rs. 859 Rs. 799 1.5GB per day Jio offers a better price
Rs. 979 Rs. 859 2GB per day Jio offers a better price
N/A Rs. 1199 3GB per day Only Jio offers this plan
365 Days Rs. 1999 Rs. 1999 24GB total, 365 days (Airtel), 336 days (Jio) Airtel offers longer validity
Rs. 3599 Rs. 3599 2GB per day (Airtel), 2.5GB per day with 5G (Jio) Jio offers more data and 5G benefits

 

Airtel vs Jio Prepaid Plan: 28-Day

Jio Records Significant Subscriber Growth of 32.4 Lakh in August 2023
Jio has been the disruptor in the telecom space in India

For those who prefer to keep their options open, both Airtel and Jio have shuffled their 28-day validity plans.

At first glance, Jio seems to be offering slightly better value, with their entry-level 2GB plan priced at Rs. 189 compared to Airtel’s Rs. 199. 

However, the difference narrows as we move up the ladder, with both providers offering a 3GB per day plan at Rs. 449.

Airtel vs Jio Prepaid Plan: 56-Day

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Airtel has also consolidated its pricing for its prepaid plans

When it comes to plans with 56 days of validity, Jio appears to have the upper hand.

Their 2GB per day plan, priced at Rs. 629, not only undercuts Airtel’s Rs. 649 offering but also throws in unlimited 5G data.

It’s a move that’s sure to catch the eye of data-hungry consumers.

Airtel vs Jio Prepaid Plan: 84-Day

Airtel-5G-Unlimited-Data-Not-Working
Unlimited 5G data may not just be ending on Airtel

In the 84-day validity category, Jio once again edges out the competition.

Not only are their plans generally priced lower, but they also offer a high-end 3GB per day option that Airtel currently lacks.

It’s a clear play for power users who demand more from their mobile plans.

Airtel vs Jio Prepaid Plan: Annual Plans

Jio Rs 2,999 Annual Plan
Jio annual plans remain largely unchanged except for the data caps per day

When it comes to annual plans, things get interesting. Both providers now offer a Rs. 1,999 plan, but with a twist.

Jio’s version comes with a slightly shorter 336-day validity, while Airtel sticks to the full 365 days.

It’s a trade-off that consumers will need to weigh carefully.

At the top end, both companies have a Rs. 3,599 plan with 365-day validity.

However, Jio sweetens the pot with 2.5GB of daily data and unlimited 5G, compared to Airtel’s 2GB per day offering.

It’s a difference that could sway heavy data users towards the Reliance-owned network.

What Does This Mean for Consumers?

These price hikes and plan adjustments signal a shifting strategy in India’s telecom sector.

As 5G infrastructure continues to expand, providers are looking for ways to monetize these investments while still offering competitive packages.

For consumers, the choice between Airtel and Jio now comes down to more than just price.

Factors like network coverage, 5G availability, and additional perks will play a crucial role in decision-making.

Those who rely heavily on 5G might find Jio’s offerings more appealing, while others may prefer Airtel’s established network and customer service.

As the dust settles on these new pricing structures, all eyes will be on how consumers respond.

Will Airtel clarify its stance on unlimited 5G data? Could we see further adjustments from either provider in the coming months?

One thing’s for certain – the battle for India’s mobile market is far from over.

As 5G technology becomes more widespread and data consumption continues to rise, we can expect to see more innovation and competition in the plans offered by these telecom giants.

FAQs

What changes have been made to Airtel and Jio’s prepaid plans?

Both Airtel and Jio have increased the prices of their prepaid plans as of July 3, 2024. Jio has also included unlimited 5G data benefits for plans with 2GB of data per day or more.

How do Airtel and Jio compare in terms of prepaid plan pricing?

Jio generally offers more competitive pricing compared to Airtel across various plan durations, including 28, 56, 84, and 365 days of validity.

What are the data benefits offered by Jio and Airtel’s 56-day prepaid plans?

For 56 days of validity, both Airtel and Jio offer a plan with 1.5GB of data per day at Rs. 579. Jio also offers a 2GB per day plan at Rs. 629, which includes unlimited 5G data.

Which operator provides better annual prepaid plans, Airtel or Jio?

Both Airtel and Jio offer a Rs. 3,599 annual plan with 365 days validity. Jio’s plan provides 2.5GB of data per day along with unlimited 5G data, while Airtel’s plan offers 2GB of data per day.

What is the benefit of Jio’s unlimited 5G data offer?

Jio includes unlimited 5G data with its plans that offer 2GB of data per day or more, providing users with significant data benefits and faster internet speeds.

Also Read: Bharti Airtel 5G Service Goes Live; 4G Plan Payment for Consumers

Also Read: Airtel Offers Cricket Plans to Amazon Prime; Earlier it was Disney Hotstar

Also Read: Reliance Jio Rolls Out Rs 909 Prepaid Plan with OTT Benefits

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