Just a few hours ago we thought, Vodafone India was in the top of its game by releasing affordable 4G smartphones in partnership with Samsung. But it seems another Indian telco, Airtel has also struck a deal with Samsung to release its own version of affordable 4G mobiles under its ‘Mera Pehla Smartphone‘ initiative.
Similar to what Vodafone is offering, Airtel will also offer flat Rs 1500 cash back on selected Samsung 4G smartphones. However, the telco was able to bag some of the best selling Samsung 4G smartphones under the Galaxy J-series in the cashback offer. This includes Galaxy J2 (2017), Galaxy J5 Prime, Galaxy J7 Prime, and Galaxy J7 Pro.
In addition to the cashback amount, all these devices will also come bundled with Airtel’s special Rs 199 recharge pack. Under this pack, you will get unlimited voice calls and 1GB data per day with 28 days validity.
To avail the cash back on Samsung 4G smartphone, you first need to purchase the device at its actual price. That’s said, Samsung Galaxy J2 (2017) will come with a price tag of Rs 6,990, Galaxy J5 Prime at Rs 11,990, Galaxy J7 Prime at 13,900 and Galaxy J7 Pro at a price tag of Rs 19,900.
Once you have the device with Airtel mobile connection, you need to recharge every month for the next 24 months. At the end of the first 12 months, when you have done a cumulative recharge worth of Rs 2500 you will get a cash back amount of Rs 300. After another 12 months, when you have completed the second set of recharges worth Rs 2500, the final cash back amount of Rs 1200 will be offered by the telco. Thus, a total cash back amount of Rs 1500 on the Samsung 4G devices. This cash back amount will be credited to your Airtel Payments Bank account.
Airtel partners Samsung for Mera Pehla Smartphone
| Model | MRP (Rs) | Cash Back amount (Rs) | Effective price (Rs) |
| Samsung Galaxy J2 (2017) | Rs 6,990 | Rs 1,500 | Rs 5,490 |
| Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime | Rs 11,990 | Rs 1,500 | Rs 10,490 |
| Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime | Rs 13,900 | Rs 1,500 | Rs 12,400 |
| Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro | Rs 19,900 | Rs 1,500 | Rs 18,400 |
Both new and existing Airtel customers purchasing any of the above Samsung 4G smartphones can avail the cash back offer. Currently, the telco is providing the cashback offer to prepaid customers. Also, you don’t have to return the mobile to the telco or mobile vendor to avail the cash back, as in the case of Reliance Jio’s JioPhone.
Airtel has earlier partnered with Indian mobile vendor Karbonn, Intex and Celkon to launch affordable 4G smartphones. With the cash back offer from the telco, you could effectively get a 4G device starting at just Rs 1,249.