Quick Answer
Jio is the winner for 5G access and overall coverage. It has rolled out True 5G nationwide, while Vi is still lagging significantly in 5G deployment. However, Vi is the favorite for heavy data users on 4G due to its “Hero Unlimited” benefits (unlimited night data 12 AM - 6 AM).
Choose Jio if: You want 5G speeds, wider rural coverage, or JioFiber integration. Choose Vi if: You consume massive data at night or want “Weekend Data Rollover”.
| Feature | Jio | Vi (Vodafone Idea) |
|---|---|---|
| Network | 4G / 5G (SA) | 4G / 5G (Limited) |
| 5G Status | Nationwide | Rollout Starting |
| Hero Feature | Unlimited 5G Data | Unlimited Night Data (12-6AM) |
| Data Carry | No | Weekend Rollover |
| Voice Quality | VoLTE Only | 2G/3G/4G Fallback |
5G vs 4G Speed
Jio operates a Standalone (SA) 5G network.
- Speeds: 300 Mbps - 1 Gbps on 5G.
- Availability: Available in almost all cities and towns.
- Offer: Currently offering “Unlimited 5G Data” with eligible plans (₹239+).
Vi relies on its strong 4G network.
- Speeds: 4G speeds are competitive (often faster than Jio 4G in cities due to less congestion).
- 5G: Rollout is delayed compared to Jio and Airtel.
Data Benefits (Prepaid)
Vi Hero Unlimited:
- Binge All Night: Surf, stream, and share from 12 AM to 6 AM without deducting from your pack quota.
- Weekend Data Rollover: Unused data from Mon-Fri carries over to Sat-Sun.
- Data Delights: Up to 2GB backup data every month.
Jio:
- Focuses on simple, affordable daily data packs (1.5 GB/day, 2 GB/day).
- Includes subscriptions to JioCinema, JioTV, and JioCloud.
Call Quality & Coverage
Jio is an all-IP network (VoLTE). If 4G signal is weak, calls may drop as there is no 2G/3G fallback. However, its 4G coverage is the deepest in India.
Vi has 2G spectrum for voice backup, which can be helpful in specific dead zones, though its overall rural coverage is less extensive than Jio’s.
Verdict
For the future, Jio is the clear choice. Its 5G network is lightyears ahead.
However, for the present-day heavy downloader on a budget, Vi offers unique value. If you download games or binge Netflix at night, Vi’s Unlimited Night Data is a feature Jio doesn’t match on 4G plans.