Hold on a second—did you know that North Korea actually produces its own smartphones? It's a revelation that flips our understanding of technology in isolated nations upside down, and it begs the question: how does such a restricted society manage to blend modern gadgets with ironclad control? But here's where it gets truly intriguing: these devices aren't just simple phones; they're windows into a world of surveillance and state oversight that most of us can't even imagine. Stick around, because we're about to dive deep into the details that reveal the hidden side of North Korean innovation.
© Mrwhosetheboss via Youtube
General | November 28, 2025
That's correct, you've got it right. North Korea indeed boasts its own lineup of smartphones, albeit with significant limitations built right in. Thanks to the investigative work of DailyNK, we've now seen two models up close and personal: a more affordable option dubbed the Haeyang 701 and a premium version known as the Samtaesung 8.
A fascinating video from the popular tech channel Mrwhosetheboss, hosted by Arun Maini, offers what many believe to be the first-ever public deep dive into these devices, which were quietly smuggled out of the country. Delivered directly by the news source Daily NK, these phones paint a picture of technology that's both familiar and utterly alien.
For starters, forget about unrestricted internet access—these smartphones don't connect to the global web at all. Instead, they tap into a tightly regulated internal network, often called an intranet, which is basically a private network controlled by the state. This setup ensures that no outside information can seep in, and users can't engage in international communication. Imagine trying to browse the web or chat with friends abroad, only to hit a dead end; that's the reality for anyone using these devices. It's a stark reminder of how digital freedom is curtailed in such environments, prioritizing control over connectivity.
Under the hood, the phones operate on outdated versions of Android, the popular mobile operating system many of us use daily. To mimic the appearance of standard smartphones, they've been loaded with apps that are essentially rebranded or outright copies of familiar ones. But don't let that facade fool you—beneath it all is a framework engineered for monitoring, restriction, and absolute user control. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about limiting access; it's about constant oversight that could make even privacy-conscious users in free societies uneasy.
Speaking of which, let's talk about the covert surveillance baked into these gadgets. According to the video's analysis, the phones are programmed to capture screenshots of user activity automatically—possibly on a regular basis—and stash them in concealed folders that only government authorities can access. Picture this: every tap, swipe, or message you type could be silently documented, creating a digital trail that's invisible to you but fully exposed to those in power. It's a chilling feature that raises big questions about privacy and trust in technology, especially when you consider how such tools might be used to enforce conformity.
But here's where it gets controversial: are these phones actually manufactured inside North Korea? It's tough to confirm definitively, but the Samtaesung 8 bears a striking resemblance to Huawei's Nova 9 model. Many speculate that it's not an official Huawei product, but rather a knockoff or imitation designed to pass as something similar. This sparks debate— is this a form of innovation in a sanctioned economy, or an unethical appropriation of foreign tech? Critics might argue it's a blatant infringement on intellectual property, while others could see it as resourceful adaptation under duress. What do you think? Does copying technology in this way justify the ends, or is it a step too far in the quest for self-sufficiency?
Don't miss the video where Arun Maini puts North Korea's clandestine smartphones to the test—it's embedded below for your viewing pleasure.
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What are your thoughts on North Korean smartphones? Do you view the surveillance features as a necessary evil for national security, or an overreach that undermines personal rights? Is imitating foreign tech a clever workaround or something that should be condemned? Share your opinions in the comments below—we'd love to hear your take and spark a lively discussion!
