Just a few days ago, Reliance Jio silently replaced its JioFi 2 portable wireless modem with a new JioFi model. The updated version is quite different from its predecessor in various aspects. Recently, we published an article showing the downgraded specifications of the newer model of the portable 4G hotspot.
So far, we have been testing out both the devices and have some interesting findings of them. Read on to know about the similarities and differences between the two JioFi versions. Please note that JioFi 2 is the older version, while the newer version is named as JioFi.
Similarities between JioFi 2 and JioFi
- Reliance has not changed the price of their Wireless 4G Modem. Both the previous JioFi 2 and the latest JioFi are sold at Rs. 1999 even though their box prices are different.
- The duo is fully compatible with Reliance Jio 4G bands and supports voice calling through the Jio4GVoice application.
- Each of the two can take in micro SD cards up to 32 GB capacity.
- Both of them comes with the Jio Preview Offer and offers unlimited calls, data, and SMS till 31st December
Differences Between the JioFi 2 and JioFi
- The revised variant sports a mere 512 MB LPDDR RAM in comparison to the decent 2 GB LPDDR2 RAM of its predecessor.
- ROM capacity has also been significantly downgraded in the new model. The original JioFi 2 features 4 GB of NAND storage, while the current JioFi only has 1 GB of NAND memory.
- The older JioFi 2 has a smaller dimension than the latest one. However, the new model is a bit slimmer with a thickness of 15.2 mm in contrast to 16 mm of the original version.
- The newer JioFi looks a lot different than its predecessor. While the JioFi 2 has a glossy paint job, the newest one sports a matt finish.
- Another notable change is seen in the battery department. The 2300mAh cell of the JioFi 2 has been replaced with a 2600mAh unit in the later model. However, the battery performance has actually degraded in the newer one. While the first variant has a rated battery life of 8 hours, in the revised version it is just 5 hours.
- Speaking of the total number of devices that can be simultaneously connected to the wireless modems, once again, the newer model lacks behind its predecessor. 31 gadgets can concurrently connect to the JioFi 2 via Wi-Fi, while it is just 10 in the latest variant.
- The Wi-Fi signal strength and coverage is considerably improved in the newest JioFi.
- Older JioFi 2 has full sized Mini-SIM slot whereas the revised version sports a Micro-SIM one. However, Reliance packs in a Micro-SIM to Mini-SIM adapter with the previous model.
| Category | JioFi 2 (Older) | JioFi (Newer) |
|---|---|---|
| RAM | 2 GB LPDDR2 | 512 MB Mobile DDR |
| ROM | 4 GB NAND | 1 GB NAND |
| 4G LTE Bands | 850 / 1800 / 2300 MHzs | 850 / 1800 / 2300 MHzs |
| WLAN (Wi-Fi) | 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n | 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n |
| Micro SD Card Capacity | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| SIM Card Size | Mini-SIM (Full Sized), Micro-SIM (through supplied adapter) | Micro-SIM |
| No. of Devices Supported | 31 (Wi-Fi) + 1 (USB) | 10 (Wi-Fi) + 1 (USB) |
| Battery | 2300mAH (8 hours) | 2600mAh (5 hours) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 85.0 x 55.0 x 16.0 (mm) | 96.6 x 65.2 x 15.2 (mm) |
As you can see, the older and newer JioFi versions have more differences than similarities. The original JioFi 2 beats the recent model in almost every aspect. We have experienced this very prominently during our usage. The Web Admin page of the older model looks much modern, has added functionalities and is far more responsive than that of the newer one.
The older model is also much more energy efficient and lasts markedly longer than its successor. It is much more reliable than the new version. While there were some occasional cellular signal drops in the latest JioFi, the older one maintained consistent connectivity.
One important thing that we haven’t mentioned in above points is the about the addition of a new OLED display of the new JioFi. The small monochrome screen shows the battery percentage, cellular signal strength and the number of connected devices. Although the display looks outdated, it actually has a great deal of utility.
Another advantage of the revised model is its’s enhanced Wi-Fi coverage. When using both the models, the newer model did keep us connected at places, where the JioFi 2 couldn’t even dare to reach. This increased signal strength may be the reason of the lower battery life of the latest model.
Finally, summarizing everything, we came to a conclusion that the newer JioFi model is better only if you need better Wi-Fi coverage and the OLED display. In every other way, the older JioFi 2 is much superior.
I have both the devices, and I am agreed with nearly all of your points.
That’s true, the new JioFi or JMR520 has better wifi coverage nearly same coverage as of my TP Link 841N. I can literally use my Jio internet in nearly all areas of my home, and I had never felt it lacked the connectivity anywhere. Whereas, my previous JioFi or M2 lacks wide Wi-Fi coverage.
That’s true, the new JioFi occasionally drops signal, whereas the previous JioFi M2 maintains a stable connection, throughout.
There’s a big difference between battery size of both the devices, despite of 2300 mAh battery the previous JiFo had a relatively smaller battery size, whereas the new JioFi with a mere 300mAh increase, is much bigger in size. I wish they had added a full 3000mAh battery in the new JioFi, instead of 2600mAh.
Nice post!! Keep doing this …
Very nice post. Any information on the new JioFi 3 that has come out? Any idea if it’s able to maintain a stable cellular connection? Thanks!
Highly informative! Thanks …
Thanks for this review that is almost rare in the web. And older model is not available in the market.
I like your post
please send me how much mbps download speed of jio wifi…are speed get slow when we conect between 3 pc. Please mail me at [email protected]
Plz tell me about ram & rom of jiofi2 & jiofi3 & which one should be buy for better performance. Plz add some suggestions. Thanks
Hai….Which one is good to buy? Jiofi M2 or Jiofi M3. As you said…… Is it JioFi (Newer) menas jiofi M3?
can u please add comparison with latest jiofi model JMR540
JioFi 2 has 2 Gbits of RAM and not GB. So, that’s actually only 265 MB ram which in fact is less than JioFi 3’s memory. Same case for ROM.
How to change jiofi2 band
can any one compare the jiofi and the bsnl wifi?
Tnx for good info