The second version of BPhone, a high-end product of Bkav Technology Group and the first made-in-Viet Nam high-end smartphone, is expected to be launched in August in Ha Noi.

Bkav and giant mobile phone retailer The Gioi Di Dong (Mobile World) Investment JSC have signed a strategic co-operation agreement to market the BPhone 2 smartphone through Mobile World’s distribution channel.

Reagarding selling price, Doan Van Hieu Em, head of telecom division of Mobile World told technology site ICTnews that a BPhone 2 would cost less than VND10 million (US$440).

Bkav CEO Nguyen Tu Quang said Mobile World was a prestigious retailer whose service quality was good and in line with Bkav’s products criteria. This agreement would create favourable conditions for users nationwide to view the phones firsthand and purchase them directly.

The first generation of BPhone was introduced in 2015 and sold through the online channel only. It attracted a lot of attention but failed to make an impression on the market.

Analysts said BKAV’s decision to distribute BPhone 2 through Mobile World marked a change in its marketing strategy and demonstrated its view about the importance of the distribution channel.

“The next-generation of BPhone would catch greater attention of customers as it is a locally-produced smartphone created by an enthusiastic team. We hope the BPhone 2 will achieve success beyond expectations,” Mobile World general director Tran Kinh Doanh said.

Founded in 2004, Mobile World is currently the leading mobile retailer in Viet Nam with more than 1,500 shops in 63 cities and provinces across the country, accounting for more than 40 per cent of the market share. — VNS