Brian Jeffrey
As telecom carriers prepare to phase out 2G network support, users are required to upgrade to 4G-compatible devices. The market offers two options: 4G feature phones or smartphones.
Despite expectations, a significant number of users are opting for 4G push-button feature phones over touchscreen smartphones, causing a scarcity of these products in the market.
At The Gioi Di Dong, the leading retail chain, Tran Duc Tin revealed that up to 95% of users in need of a new device are selecting push-button phones. The surge in demand has seen sales triple or even quadruple, reaching 300,000-400,000 units sold daily.
However, retail chains failed to anticipate the high demand for 4G feature phones leading up to the September 15 deadline. Only recently did they start to increase their stock levels in response to the market trend.
Huy Nguyen from CellphoneS noted that their supply of push-button feature phones priced below VND1.5 million has witnessed a significant surge in sales, up to 5 times. Nevertheless, their current inventory is projected to last for only the next 2-3 weeks.
Meanwhile, Nguyen The Kha from FPT Shop echoed a similar sentiment, stating that their stocks of push-button feature phones priced below VND1 million can barely meet half of the existing demand.
The Ministry of Information and Communications is encouraging users to upgrade to smartphones with 4G support for better access to state services through dedicated applications rather than websites. This move is crucial for fostering a digital society.
Several manufacturers have introduced budget smartphone models. For instance, Oppo has unveiled products priced below VND5 million, featuring appealing designs, long-lasting batteries, durability, and rapid charging capabilities.
On another front, Le Hong Phong from Honor Vietnam disclosed plans to launch smartphone models priced between VND2-4 million, including the Honor X6b, slated for release in August.
