Jio and OnePlus Unite for India’s 5.5G Revolution

India has taken another major leap in its technological advancements with the introduction of 5.5G devices, thanks to a strategic partnership between telecom giant Reliance Jio and leading smartphone manufacturer OnePlus. At the OnePlus 13 Series Winter Launch Event held on January 7, 2025, OnePlus unveiled its flagship smartphones—OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R—positioning them as the nation’s first devices to harness cutting-edge 5.5G capabilities. This collaboration promises to redefine connectivity in the country, signaling a new era of speed, stability, and user experience.

A Milestone Partnership of Jio & OnePlus

OnePlus, renowned for its innovation in smartphone technology, announced the 5.5G-enabled devices in partnership with Reliance Jio, India’s largest telecom operator. These devices are designed to deliver faster connectivity and enhanced performance by utilizing advanced multi-cell aggregation, which allows them to connect to up to three different network cells simultaneously—even across multiple towers. This revolutionary capability ensures users experience unparalleled speed and reliability in network connections, setting a new benchmark in mobile technology.

James Paterson, Senior Global PR Manager at OnePlus, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “The OnePlus 13 Series introduces 5.5G to Indian consumers. With the support of Jio’s advanced network technology, these devices redefine connectivity and performance. From following live cricket scores to seamless streaming, users can expect next-level experiences.”

OnePlus Project Starlight: Pioneering India’s Connectivity Evolution

This collaboration follows OnePlus’s recent Project Starlight, an initiative unveiled in December 2024 to spearhead the rollout of 5.5G in India. Project Starlight marked the company’s commitment to introducing faster, more stable connectivity by leveraging cutting-edge 5.5G advancements. During the Winter Launch Event, OnePlus showcased comparative performance metrics, highlighting an average speed enhancement of 380% on its 13 Series devices when utilizing Jio’s 5.5G network.

The live demonstration revealed jaw-dropping download speeds of over 1 Gbps on Jio’s 5G-Advanced (5.5G) network—a stark contrast to the 277.78 Mbps downlink speed achieved using standard 5G networks. These enhancements hold immense promise for everyday users, gamers, and professionals relying on fast, reliable connections for work and leisure.

Redefining Stability and Network Connectivity

During the event, OnePlus presented real-world tests to emphasize the practical benefits of its 5.5G-enabled devices. The data revealed significant performance improvements, including:

• 22% More Stable Calls: Phone calls in underground parking areas performed better compared to flagship competitors.
• 30% Improvement in Elevators: WhatsApp calls conducted in elevators were notably more stable.
• Enhanced Performance at Crowded Venues: Cricket match attendees experienced a 75% improvement in stability during calls compared to competing devices.

James Paterson also shared how these innovations result from rigorous testing across diverse environments in India, ensuring unmatched user experiences.

Understanding 5.5G Technology: The Next Step in Connectivity

5.5G, also referred to as 5G-Advanced, is widely considered the next evolutionary phase of 5G technology. Building on earlier 5G deployments, 5.5G aims to deliver faster speeds, lower latency, and improved network reliability, making it ideal for a broad spectrum of applications. Industry giants like Ericsson and Huawei predict that 5.5G will transform digital and industrial operations globally.

With technologies like multi-carrier aggregation, 5.5G achieves:

• 10 Gbps Downlink Speeds
• 1 Gbps Uplink Speeds
• 10x Improvement in Overall Network Capabilities

While many global operators, including Zain Kuwait and Vivacom in Bulgaria, have already conducted successful 5.5G trials, India’s implementation is significant given its vast user base and growing demand for reliable mobile connectivity.

Reliance Jio’s Role in Pioneering India’s 5.5G Era

Reliance Jio, with its extensive 5G infrastructure, is central to this development. Utilizing a 5G Standalone Architecture (SA), Jio offers True 5G services with speeds reaching up to 1 Gbps. By incorporating 5.5G technology, the telecom operator is positioned to further expand its dominance in India’s telecom sector. The collaboration with OnePlus is expected to accelerate this rollout, making advanced 5.5G connectivity accessible to millions of users across the country.

AI Innovations in the OnePlus 13 Series

Alongside its groundbreaking connectivity features, the OnePlus 13 Series brings enhanced functionality powered by artificial intelligence (AI). These innovations include:

• Intelligent Search: Locating local files with natural language prompts.
• Reflection Eraser: AI-powered photography tools that deliver superior image editing.

These features aim to simplify everyday tasks while offering superior performance, making the OnePlus 13 Series a perfect blend of form, function, and futuristic technology.

Global Outlook on 5.5G and Beyond

India is joining a growing list of countries exploring the potential of 5.5G. Earlier in 2024, telecom operators like Ooredoo in Oman and Zain Kuwait achieved download speeds exceeding 10 Gbps during trials. Indian operators like Bharti Airtel have already begun deploying 5.5G-ready equipment to stay competitive.

With the successful implementation of 5.5G, industries ranging from healthcare to entertainment are poised to benefit, paving the way for advancements like autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and augmented reality applications.

The Road Ahead

The partnership between OnePlus and Reliance Jio represents a significant milestone in India’s telecommunications history. By introducing 5.5G devices to the Indian market, the companies aim to not only improve individual user experiences but also contribute to India’s digital transformation. As adoption grows, OnePlus continues to strengthen its reputation as an innovator in the global smartphone market.

The launch of the OnePlus 13 Series is more than a technological advancement; it’s a promise of a connected future where innovation meets accessibility. With Jio’s robust network and OnePlus’s commitment to cutting-edge devices, India’s 5.5G journey has officially begun.