Vietnam’s smartphone market reached a major milestone in the second quarter of 2025, with the share of 5G smartphones in its overall shipments hitting 50% for the first time, according to a study released recently by Counterpoint Research.

This comes less than a year after Viettel Telecom rolled out the country’s first 5G network.

5G smartphone shipments grew 13% year-on-year, despite the market challenges and global macroeconomic uncertainties that led to a decline in overall smartphone shipments. This indicates a positive demand for 5G devices since the service’s rollout.

Telecom operators have partnered with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and retailers by offering 5G data at low prices with new smartphone purchases. Moreover, the average selling price of 5G smartphones declined by 12% year-on-year in the second quarter, making these devices more accessible for consumers.

Apple was the top 5G smartphone brand, followed by Samsung. Both the brands together contributed to 73% of the 5G smartphone shipments in Vietnam in the second quarter.

With the launch of more 5G smartphone models across various price bands, 5G device adoption in Vietnam is expected to accelerate further. For the whole of 2025, 5G share in Vietnam’s overall smartphone shipments is projected to exceed 50% as improved network coverage reaches even rural regions and OEMs expand their 5G portfolios.