Jio Lyf 5 is the latest budget-friendly smartphone launched under the Lyf series from Reliance Jio. Positioned as an entry-level 4G phone for the masses, this phone is designed to serve everyday users who need long-lasting battery life, a bloat-free software experience, and seamless 4G connectivity—all without spending much.
As the Indian market becomes increasingly competitive in the under ₹10,000 segment, this phone stands out by combining the essentials without unnecessary gimmicks. So, is it worth buying? Let’s find out in this detailed review covering performance, battery life, display, software, and more.
Table of Contents
Jio Lyf 5 Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.56-inch HD+ IPS LCD |
| Processor | Unisoc T606 |
| RAM & Storage | 4GB RAM, 64GB Storage (Expandable) |
| Rear Camera | 13MP AI Dual Camera |
| Front Camera | 5MP Selfie Camera |
| Battery | 5000mAh, 10W Charging |
| OS | Android 13 Go Edition |
| Network | Dual 4G VoLTE |
| Other Features | Face Unlock, Dedicated SD Card Slot |
Unboxing and First Impressions
Jio Lyf 5 comes in a simple eco-friendly box with minimal packaging. Inside the box, you get:
- The phone itself
- A 10W charger
- USB Type-A to Micro USB cable
- SIM ejector pin
- Quick start guide
Right out of the box, this phone feels sturdy and surprisingly well-built for its price. The plastic unibody has a matte finish that resists fingerprints and offers good grip.
Display and Design
- Screen Size: 6.56 inches
- Resolution: 1600 x 720 pixels (HD+)
- Panel Type: IPS LCD
- Brightness: Adequate for indoor and outdoor visibility
Despite the low resolution, the screen delivers good color reproduction and viewing angles for its class. The waterdrop notch houses the front camera, and bezels are acceptable for a budget phone.
This phone features a simple yet practical design. It’s not flashy, but the compact form factor makes one-handed usage comfortable, and the rear finish feels durable enough for daily wear and tear.
Software Experience: Pure and Clean
One of the strongest highlights of Jio Lyf 5 is its software. Running Android 13 Go Edition, this phone offers:
- Lightweight UI
- No bloatware or pre-installed third-party apps
- Smooth animations and transitions
- Google Play Services with Go-optimized apps
This clean software experience not only improves performance but also ensures long-term reliability, especially for users who prioritize simplicity and speed over heavy custom UI skins.
Performance Overview
- Chipset: Unisoc T606 (Octa-Core, 12nm)
- GPU: Mali-G57
- RAM: 4GB LPDDR4X
- Storage: 64GB eMMC 5.1, expandable up to 512GB
In everyday tasks like messaging, browsing, YouTube, and light gaming, this phone performs efficiently. Apps load at a reasonable speed, and switching between Go-optimized apps feels snappy.
It’s not made for heavy gaming or multitasking, but as a daily driver for non-power users, it gets the job done without lags or heat issues.
Camera Performance
Rear Camera: 13MP + AI Depth Sensor
- Good daylight performance
- Accurate skin tones and colors
- HDR mode helps balance exposure
- Portrait mode is decent for the price
Front Camera: 5MP
- Basic selfies in daylight
- Beautification mode works well
- Acceptable for video calls and occasional photos
For a budget phone, this phone offers a fair camera setup. It won’t win any awards, but it delivers usable results in good lighting conditions, which is all most users in this segment need.
Battery Life: One of Its Best Features
- Capacity: 5000mAh
- Charging: 10W via Micro USB
- Charger in Box: Yes
Thanks to the power-efficient chipset and lightweight OS, this phone easily lasts up to two full days on regular use. Even with moderate usage—calls, social media, video streaming—you can get over 8 hours of screen-on time.
Charging is slow at 10W, taking about 2.5 hours for a full charge, but the endurance makes up for it.
Connectivity and Network
- Dual SIM with 4G VoLTE
- VoWiFi (Wi-Fi Calling) supported
- Bluetooth 5.0
- GPS and FM Radio
- 3.5mm headphone jack
Whether you’re streaming or making calls, this phone maintains stable network performance with minimal drops, even in congested areas.
Security Features
- Face Unlock (No Fingerprint Sensor)
- App Permissions Manager
- Google Play Protect
Face unlock works reasonably fast in daylight but slows down in dim lighting. Security is basic but functional for entry-level users.
Comparison: Jio Lyf 5 vs Lava Yuva 2 vs Itel A70
| Feature | Jio Lyf 5 | Lava Yuva 2 | Itel A70 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Approx.) | ₹6,499 | ₹6,999 | ₹6,299 |
| RAM & Storage | 4GB + 64GB | 3GB + 64GB | 4GB + 64GB |
| Battery | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | 5000mAh |
| Processor | Unisoc T606 | Helio G37 | Unisoc SC9863A |
| OS | Android 13 Go | Android 12 Go | Android 13 Go |
| Display | 6.56″ HD+ | 6.5″ HD+ | 6.6″ HD+ |
Compared to rivals, this phone holds its ground with a better processor, cleaner software, and competitive pricing.
Who Should Buy Jio Lyf 5?
This phone is perfect for:
- First-time smartphone buyers
- Elderly users needing long battery life and simplicity
- Students requiring online classes and communication
- Backup phone seekers looking for solid battery and network
If you’re not into gaming and just want a reliable 4G phone that lasts long, this phone is hard to ignore at this price point.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent battery life
- Clean Android Go software
- Decent performance for daily use
- Expandable storage
- Dual SIM with 4G VoLTE
Cons:
- No fingerprint sensor
- Slow charging via Micro USB
- Basic camera performance
Final Verdict
Jio Lyf 5 is a well-rounded budget smartphone built for basic users. With its large battery, clean software, and practical feature set, this phone fulfills the core needs of communication, streaming, and multitasking without overwhelming the user.
At ₹6,499, it delivers excellent value for money and outperforms several competitors in terms of software polish and efficiency. For anyone on a tight budget or looking for a dependable 4G phone with long-lasting power, this phone is a solid recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Jio Lyf 5 a good smartphone for first-time users?
Yes, this phone is designed with simplicity in mind. It runs Android 13 Go Edition, which is optimized for smooth performance on limited hardware, making it perfect for those new to smartphones or upgrading from feature phones.
Can I use Jio Lyf 5 with non-Jio SIM cards?
Yes, this phone is fully unlocked and supports all major 4G networks in India. You can use Airtel, Vi, or BSNL SIM cards, along with Jio, for both internet and voice calling without restrictions.
How long does the battery last on Jio Lyf 5?
The 5000mAh battery on this phone can last up to two full days with light to moderate usage. Activities like calling, browsing, YouTube, and chatting consume very little power thanks to the lightweight OS and efficient processor.
Does Jio Lyf 5 support Google Play Store and apps?
Yes, this phone comes with full support for Google Play Store and pre-installed Google Go apps. You can download popular apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Lite, YouTube Go, and more without issues.
