iPhone 5S selling better than other smartphones in Vietnam

Reports by largest mobile phone distribution chains all show that iPhone 5S 16 GB distributed by authorized resellers is still among the bestsellers, with demand even higher than demand for iPhone 6S and other high-end models. 
  • US: New Yorker sues Apple over botched iPhone Upgrade Program pre-order
  • 370,000 iPhones 7 and iPhone 7 Plus were dispatched out
iPhone 5S unexpected topped The Gioi Di Dong’s list of bestsellers in the first six months of 2016, with sales exceeding iPhone 6S, iPhone 6 and all other blockbusters. 
Meanwhile, at FPT Shop, iPhone 5S ranked third in sales, despite the presence of many other attractive models.
Like the ‘iPhone 4S 8GB paradox’ last year, iPhone 5S continues to be the ‘phenomenon of the year’. 
Hitting the market three years ago, the model is still favored in the mid-class smartphone market segment with the selling price of VND6.99 million, competing well with the newly launched models of Samsung, Oppo and Sony.
Prior to that, Apple once tried to approach the Indian market with refurbished iPhones, but this was refused by the Indian government. 
At the same time, iPhone 5S re-appeared again in Vietnam. This triggered the rumour that the iPhone 5S in Vietnam were products which could not enter India. 
The rumor was convincing as people believed that Apple had stopped making iPhone 5S.
When asked about this, a representative of FPT Shop said it was true that Apple is focusing on new models, but affirmed that it still provides consignments of iPhone 5S for developing markets like Vietnam.
A representative of The Gioi Di Dong also said that all the iPhone 5S it distributes now were imported through the official channel, with the code of VN/A, specifically reserved for the Vietnamese market, and all of them are brand new.
However, according to Zing.vn, the iPhone 5S available in Vietnam have different sources. Since retailers try to be flexible to seeking supply sources to be able to obtain products at best prices, they would accept the consignments of goods at low prices from all sources.
Like iPhone 4S 8GB, iPhone 5S was the most suitable to users who have just approached the iOS platform. Analysts believe that Vietnamese users are attracted to the ‘high-end brand (Apple) and the mid-class price’. 
Besides iPhone 5S, iPhone 6S 16GB was the only other high-end smartphone model among the bestsellers. This was a big surprise as the 16GB version is the cheapest among the new iPhone models, priced at VND18.5 million.
Hitting the market later, iPhone SE’s sales were lower than iPhone 6S. Analysts believe that Vietnamese users remain indifferent to iPhone SE because of its appearance, similar to iPhone 5S.
Vietnamnet

Other News

Vietnam attends SAHA 2026 defence, aerospace exhibition in Türkiye

Vietnam attends SAHA 2026 defence, aerospace exhibition in Türkiye

Vietnam’s participation in SAHA 2026 International Defence & Aerospace Exhibition in Istanbul reflects the country’s consistent policy of enhancing international defence integration and promoting defence industry cooperation towards self-reliance, self-strengthening, modernisation and dual-use development.

SK Group partners to build AI ecosystem in Vietnam

SK Group partners to build AI ecosystem in Vietnam

SK Innovation and SK Telecom signed MoUs with Nghe An province and the National Innovation Centre of Vietnam to advance AI ecosystem development and support the country’s long-term growth strategy.

Vietnam Research Excellence Fellowship for 2026-2030 approved

Vietnam Research Excellence Fellowship for 2026-2030 approved

Under the Vietnam Research Excellence Fellowship (VREF) for the 2026–2030 period, PhD students are identified as a core research force directly contributing to breakthroughs in sci-tech and innovation. Investing in top-tier doctoral OK9 Cabidates is more than workforce development, but a high-stakes strategic bet to forge a cohort of world-class scientists and technologists who can power Vietnam’s long-term economic ambitions.

Strategic tech must address practical challenges: PM

Strategic tech must address practical challenges: PM

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on March 28 said strategic technologies must tackle Vietnam’s practical challenges, while chairing a meeting of the Government’s Steering Committee for science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and Project 06.

Ho Chi Minh City sets sights on becoming semiconductor hub

Ho Chi Minh City sets sights on becoming semiconductor hub

Ho Chi Minh City is stepping up efforts to attract investment from global leading groups and companies in the fields of electronic components, semiconductors and chip manufacturing as it seeks to position itself as a leading semiconductor industry hub in both the region and the world. 

Ho Chi Minh City launches upgraded technology exchange platform

Ho Chi Minh City launches upgraded technology exchange platform

The upgraded platform represents a comprehensive shift from a simple information-sharing model to a managed online technology trading system, enabling monitoring and measurement of real transaction outcomes. It is built on three pillars, namely new tradable technology products, a modern digital platform, and an improved operational model.

AI – unmissable opportunity for Vietnam: Experts

AI – unmissable opportunity for Vietnam: Experts

AI also emerges as a key enabler for Vietnam's ambition to build financial and technology hubs. Applications can boost efficiency, automate workflows, cut costs, and sharpen data analytics, which are essential pillars of a modern financial system.

PM calls for accelerated space technology development in Vietnam

PM calls for accelerated space technology development in Vietnam

Vietnam aims by 2030 to achieve a mid-level position in space science and technology development within Southeast Asia, and after 2030 to build national capabilities to independently develop satellite technologies and apply space data to address global challenges and national security needs.

High-level forum advances Vietnam–US technological cooperation

High-level forum advances Vietnam–US technological cooperation

A high-level executive leadership forum focusing on strengthening Vietnam - US relations through technology cooperation was jointly held in Washington D.C. on March 11 by the Embassy of Vietnam in the US, the Weatherhead East Asian Institute of Columbia University, and the US -ASEAN Business Council (USABC).