If you don’t have a 4G enabled smartphone you can still go in for the Reliance JioFi portable router and get free Jio Welcome Offer. Here is the review of Jio portable router your 4G personal hotspot. You can now get it for Rs. 1,999.
If you check the Jio website the JioFi model has changed but the functionality is the same. When you buy this device you will also get a free SIM card with Jio Welcome Offer voice / data. You can get the SIM instantly activated using eKYC.
Unboxing
Inside the box: JioFi router, battery 2300 mAh, USB Adapter, USB Cable, user manuals and warranty card. SSiD and Password details are mentioned on the box pack. SAR Value as mentioned on the box : 0.384 W/Kg.
Design and features
The JioFi that I used for the review is an older version that was initially launched. It is compact, very good build and finishing (plastic body) and comes with indicator + removable battery. There is a power button on the top. To switch on – press and hold for few seconds, use the same method to switch off.
On one side there is a micro USB port to charge this JioFi Portable Router and on the other side there is a WPS button (WPS supported).
Back cover can be removed that will unveil the removable battery of 2300 mAh capacity.
JioFi comes with two slots, one slot will house the reliance Jio SIM (Micro SD) and the other slot is for micro SD card. You can share content of Micro SD card with other devices connected with JioFi Portable Router.
This JioFi Portable Router comes with indicators like the battery indicator near the power button that gives you an idea about the battery level and other WiFi / network / WPS indicators.
What can you do with JioFi Portable Router?
You can create your own hotspot, connect up to 31 devices (the new JioFi Portable Router model listed on the Jio website recommends up to 10+ devices). Micro SD card of up to 32GB is supported – you can share the content with others using wireless sharing and you can also use the Jio SIM that you get for making / receiving calls – however to do that you will need to put the SIM in a 4G enabled smartphone with VoLTE support.
Or you can use JioJoin (Jio4GVoice) to enable HD voice and video calls on any Smartphone connected to this router.
JioFi Portable Router Performance and Battery life
You can connect multiple devices and share the Jio 4G network. Furthermore if you want you also use the micro SD card and share it’s content wirelessly. The WiFi (2.4GHz) JioFi Portable Router WiFi range is okay and since the router is portable in case there is any issue with connectivity / distance you can move the router closer to the device you are using (example desktop) or move the device closer to the router (example your laptop).
This is a portable, small sized WiFi router don’t expect it to give you the access range that you get from a generic router you use at your home / office.
It takes less than 2 hours 30 minutes to charge the 2300 mAh battery and on a full charge you get almost 23 hours of mixed usage (including standby). With continuous non-stop WiFi usage you will get up to 5 hours of battery life. Do note that there is a 4GB per day usage restriction on Jio SIM (Welcome Offer) after that you can continue using, but at a much lower speed.
Verdict
Reliance JioFi Portable Router is a very good option in case you were not able to get a free Jio SIM, if you don’t have a 4G enabled handset or if you want to share the Jio 4G on multiple devices simultaneously.
Rating 4.5 out of 5
Pricing is also very good. The one that I used for this review was available for Rs. 2,500 but the new JioFi model listed is priced at Rs. 1,999.