Reliance Jio 4K Set-Top Box Vs Airtel Xstream Box Full Review

Airtel Xstream Box

Reliance Jio 4K Set-Top Box Vs Airtel Xstream Box – Here Are Notable Differences

Well, Airtel Xstream Box is a set-top box based on Android 9 Pie. It can relay content from both standard cable channels and OTT sources. In comparison, both these services have their own features and offer benefits for subscribers. Here is a comparison to help you understand how the Jio 4K set-top box and Airtel Xtream Box are different.

Media Streaming

The USP of Jio and Airtel set-top boxes is entertainment in the form of online streaming. Jio 4K set-top box has been demoed already and is preloaded with apps including JioCinema, which bundles a massive collection of shows and movies. There are other apps including JioGames, JioSaavn, JioTV, etc. However, it remains to be known if the 4K set-top box will support other Android apps.

In comparison, Airtel Xstream Box running Android 9 Pie will let users install a wide range of apps from the Google Play Store. It has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, is preloaded with apps such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Airtel Xtream app, Airtel Store and more. Also, there is Chromecast support in the Airtel set-top box.

Online Gaming

Gaming is a big market and Jio 4K set-top box comes with support for online multiplayer gaming. At the 42nd AGM, the company showed a demo is the same. It was seen that there is zero latency when it comes to online multiplayer gaming. The set-top box is touted to support almost all controllers available now including software-based controllers on smartphones.

On the other hand, Airtel Xstream Box does not support online gaming service. However, gaming buffs can download games from the Google Play Store and stream the same to their TVs, thanks to the Chromecast support.

Video Calling

With Jio 4K set-top box, it is possible to make video calls via a TV. The JioCall app makes this possible. Notably, users can make a video call to any supported device irrespective of the network. Unfortunately, there is no such feature in the Airtel Xtream Box.

Price Comparison

Reliance Jio announced that the Jio Fiber and 4K Jio set-top box service will be launched on September 5. However, it is known that the Jio Fiber plans will range from Rs. 700 to Rs. 10,000 and offer 100Mbps speed. And, users need to pay Rs. 4,500 refundable security deposit to avail the service installed.

In terms of comparison, the Airtel Xstream Box is priced at Rs. 3,999. Buyers of the Airtel set-top box will get complimentary subscriptions to all content bundled within the Xstream app for a year. Also, there will be a free subscription to an HD DTH pack for a month. Interestingly, users of Airtel Digital TV can upgrade to the set-top box at a discounted cost of Rs. 2,249.

Verdict: Jio 4K STB Is Quite Beneficial

Having seen the comparison, it is clear that Jio 4K STB is more beneficial as it offers a slew of benefits as compared to Airtel's new hybrid STB. The primary reason to back this claim is that Jio offers complimentary subscriptions to all the Jio suite of apps and users need not take up individual subscriptions for other services.

Also, Jio set-top box will be offered as a part of the Jio Fiber broadband, so users need not use a separate internet connection to use the set-top box. And, the service is free to use without any additional cost, unlike Airtel Xstream Box. While it requires users to pay a refundable security deposit for the broadband service, the same is not needed for the set-top box.

Reliance Jio 4K Set Top Box

Reliance Jio said to be offering free 4K set-top box to Jio Fiber customers: Details here

Reliance Jio has reportedly started to provide 4K set-top box to the customers who have been availing the Jio Fiber preview offer so far, and are now willing to shift to the paid service.

As noted in a report by Telecom Talk, citing a few Jio Fiber users, The triple play broadband plan, consisting of telephone, internet and television connection, that was announced by Mukesh Ambani-owned company earlier this year, has six variations. It starts from Rs 699 for the Bronze Plan while the other five plans are — Silver, Gold, Diamond, Platinum, Titanium priced at Rs 849, Rs 1,299, Rs 2,499, Rs 3,999 and Rs 8,499 respectively. Among the six plans, people opting for the Silver plan will get 3 months of OTT apps subscriptions, all the rest five will get an annual subscription to OTT apps, which also includes live TV services via the apps.

As opposed to what was believed earlier, the set top box also does not come installed with the JioTV app, which gives live access to around 650 channels. Instead, it comes with a JioTV+ app, which gives access to TV content from the corresponding OTT app.

According to the report, Jio Fiber users will get about 150 live TV channels bundled inside the JioTV+ app. These channels include Sony channels, Star India channels, several vernacular and national news channels, and free to air channels. However, channels from Zee Entertainment are still not available on Jio Fiber’s set-top box. The final list of channels is expected to be out later, as it is still being finalised.

The IPTV service of Jio Fiber can access the traditional channels through the OTT apps, though that will depend on the availability of channels. But, those who watch Live TV much and want more channels might have to go for a separate set-top box for extra money likely. Many cable TV operators are also providing their service through Jio 4K set-top box, which includes Den Networks and Hathway.

Reliance Jio had already made it clear that the Jio Fiber trial run has formally concluded and that the process of providing paid connections is underway. This means that customers who have been using Jio Fiber’s preview offer need to choose a plan and start paying for services, while the new connections will be prepaid.