Recent insights show that smartphone usage in North Korea has skyrocketed in the past two years, especially since the lifting of COVID-19 lockdowns. Subscriber numbers have surged to 7 million.
Martyn Williams, a senior fellow for the Stimson Center’s Korea Program, published a report on 38 North titled “Smartphones of North Korea 2024.” His analysis highlights how the revival of international trade has breathed new life into North Korea’s smartphone scene.
Despite strict government regulations, demand is booming. Current estimates place mobile phone subscribers between 6.5 million and 7 million, far surpassing the meager 1.2 million landline phones in use.
Over the past two years, the variety of smartphone models sold in North Korea has doubled, with new brands emerging. About ten companies are known to be selling smartphones and feature phones.
The report evaluated that the specifications of the latest smartphones in North Korea are comparable to mid-range models sold in other countries, noting their advanced technical features, including megapixel cameras. These devices reportedly run on Android 12, which Google released in 2021.
However, the report pointed out that while the variety of smartphones sold in North Korea has increased, no products are manufactured domestically. The report indicates that every device sold in North Korea comes from Chinese manufacturers. North Korean companies source these smartphones through Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partnerships, with devices tailored to specific orders and labeled under North Korean brand names.
Interestingly, while hardware comes from abroad, the software is adapted with localized versions specifically designed for the North Korean market.
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