iPhone 16 Pro Max only premium smartphone in Vietnam top 5

The others were Redmi Note 14 (1st), Galaxy A06 (2nd), Galaxy A16 5G (4th) and Oppo Reno13 F 5G (5th), the market research firm told VnExpress.

The Galaxy A06 was the cheapest at VND3 million, while the other three cost VND5-10 million.

Most phone retail chains agreed that the Redmi Note 14 and iPhone 16 Pro Max were among the top five, but differed when it came to the remaining spots, also bringing into the mix the Galaxy A16, A56 and A36, the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 15.

Explaining the demand for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Van Thi Ngoc Yen, director for Apple products at retailer Di Dong Viet, said: "Consumers are willing to invest in products that offer long-term value in terms of technology and image despite their high prices."

The premium model has remained in the top five since its launch last September, outselling mid-range and budget Android models at several retailers.

A Counterpoint analyst said the device has drawn buyers due to discounts offered by retailers, who slash prices by up to VND5 million.

Analysts said the Redmi Note 14 and Galaxy A06 have also been selling well. The former was released in January just before the Tet (Lunar New Year) holidays, when consumers tend to splurge on consumer goods, while the latter is popular for its low price.

Stacks of iPhone 16 Pro Max at a retailer in Vietnam during the model's launch in September 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Luu Quy

According to Counterpoint, Apple’s smartphone shipment to Vietnam rose 37% year-on-year in the first quarter, while those of Xiaomi and Oppo were up 9% and 8%.

The other two brands in the top five, Samsung and Vivo, saw shipments fall by 13% and 25%.

Analysts said Vietnamese smartphone users are shifting toward the higher-end segments.

Phones costing less than $200 accounted for 50% of the market in the first quarter, the lowest rate ever. The $200–400-segment grew by 19%, the fastest pace ever.

Globally, the best-selling smartphone in the first quarter was the iPhone 16 followed by the 16 Pro Max and 16 Pro.