2nd September 2020, Kathmandu
“Benfen” is a word in the Chinese language that emphasizes on doing the right things and doing things right. It is also an ideal description of Vivo’s mission to build technology for good. Vivo, a leading global smartphone brand, believes in bringing the best technology and ultimate user experience to its users and has always functioned on these principles.
With less than three years of entering the Nepal market, Vivo has carved a niche for itself in designing and developing the latest in smartphone technology. Since its entrance in 2017, Vivo in Nepal has launched many feature-rich variants in its vast and innovative portfolio of three different series – V, S, and Y. These variants are designed to fit the Nepali youth’s evolving lifestyle needs and budget preferences.
In a short period, Vivo has grown from being a nascent brand to becoming a top smartphone brand in Nepal. The company is gradually beefing up the credibility and gaining the mindshare of the customers in the market. With efficient and robust customer service support and distribution network, Vivo aims to improve the buying and after-sales experience to its users.
Global Firsts
Vivo has established a rich legacy of ‘industry-first’ innovations for itself. It has been able to dominate the world by spreading its technological innovation and reaching out to more than 30 markets worldwide. And at a time, when smartphones carried a fingerprint scanner at the back as a security feature, Vivo pioneered in in-display fingerprint scanning technology. In the process, it eliminated visible fingerprint pad to create a seamless design without compromising on security options.
From being the first to put a dedicated Hi-Fi quality audio chip in a smartphone, to breaking records of the world’s thinnest smartphone, Vivo is committed to pursuing the newest experiences in technology.
Vivo has always been lauded for its innovative technology since the beginning of the brand. Vivo was the first brand to introduce the world’s first 25MP front camera as well. Additionally, in the Nepali Market Vivo was the first brand to introduce an in-display fingerprint scanner. Not to mention, the pop-up cameras. This bears testimony for the fact that Vivo is a global leader in terms of innovations and leading-edge technology.
Showcasing Technology Excellence
Over the years, Vivo continues to have an unremitting focus on Nepal. As a result, it has introduced its top-notch product ranges that have received phenomenal responses from the youth community in the country. With 42.85 million mobile connections in Nepal, equivalent to 148% of the total population, the vibrant consumers in Nepal are always looking for a power-packed blend of style and innovation in their smartphones.
Vivo, being a young brand, always centres its products towards the youth. And especially, those who are passionate about the latest technology and innovative features in their smart gadgets.
Vivo’s Cutting-Edge Innovation
Vivo has always believed in customer-centric innovation. In fact, customers can spot its essence in all three series launched in the Nepal market: V series, S series, and Y series.
Vivo’s V series is known for its cutting-edge photography modes and smooth performance. V15 Pro and V17Pro were launched in March 2019 and September 2019 respectively. These smartphones gained tremendous response for their trailblazing AI Camera, strong battery, and robust performance.
The launch of V19 in July 2020 was highly regarded for its Super Night Selfie, Aura Screen Light, and Super Wide Angle. Similarly, its dual front 32MP + 8MP camera with AI video Editor and ergonomically designed 3D curves impressed the young-fashion savvy consumers across the market.
Another super successful model launched by Vivo before the V17 and V15 were V9. It was praised for its powerful processor and innovative technology.
In the Y series, the Y90 launched in June 2019 in Nepal. The Y90 experienced massive success for sporting a waterdrop-style notch and a 6.22-inch HD+ display. Not to mention, an Helio A22 SoC in a budget. The Y series has been widely acclaimed for its pocket-friendly pricing and feature-rich handsets.
As for the S Series, Vivo launched the mega-successful Vivo S1 and S1 Pro back in July and December 2019 Vivo S1 was majorly style-driven and was also iconic in its performance and chic appearance. Some of the key aspects that audiences loved were the Rear Triple Camera, sleek designs, and strong performance.
Reinforcing Local Commitment
With localization and innovation at its heart, Vivo believes that Nepal is a strategically important market. Therefore, the company continues to upscale its presence in the local mobile market to embrace consumer demands.
With smartphone penetration crossing the 60% mark in Nepal, Vivo currently enjoys a market share of 12.3% in Nepal. (IDC’s latest Globally Mobile Phone Tracker, Q1 2020). Vivo products are now available nationally with a robust offline network of 1200+ retail stores.
Nepal saw an increase of 7.6% smartphone users owing to the increased availability of affordable phones in the market. Previously, smartphone penetration in Nepal used to grows by 10 percent each year. As the smartphone market seems saturated, tentatively it increased by 5% only in a year.
Vivo is further working in alignment with the Nepal Government’s efforts on ‘Make in Nepal’. The company is working closely with its employees and retailers, guiding, mentoring, and empowering them during these unprecedented times.
Gearing Up For The 5G Future
Vivo believes that 5G will effectively expedite the feature phone-to-smartphone migration process in the Nepal market. That too especially in the entry-level segment.
The company is ready to fully leverage the 5G opportunity. Vivo says that it is presently working on building the elements that will be the key to the future growth of 5G embedded smartphones. In fact, the company has termed it ‘Intelligent Phones’.
Being a leading global technology company, Vivo has always been part of the telecommunications technology evolution and standardization. As of May 2020, Vivo has applied over 2,000 5G invention patents and submitted over 3,800 5G proposals to the telecommunications standard development organizations of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), listing as one of the top ten influential brands of 3GPP.
As a leader in the communications industry, Vivo is one of the pioneers amongst mobile terminal companies to spearhead 5G technology R&D and standardization.
Globally, Vivo sub-brand iQOO launched iQOO Pro 5G, making itself one of the first brands to launch 5G ready smartphone. With this, Vivo aims to provide multi-device, multi-application offerings as well. Furthermore, it aims to delight its customers by delivering an even more vibrant and connected experience.
An Innovation-led Future
With more than 80% of its staff invested in research and development, Vivo holds its core beliefs firmly on being innovative for the consumer and continues to place world-leading features into its smartphones. Vivo in the pursuit of pure perfection has set up 5 Production Bases and 9 Research & Development Centres worldwide. These bases work on leading technologies and delivering premium quality products.
Over the years, Vivo is evolving from a ‘manufacturer’ to an ‘innovator’ brand that has the best in class smartphone technologies. It has been just two and a half years back since Vivo has entered the Nepal market. However, Vivo is confident of being able to reach out to its customer communities in the country and cater to their demands to provide products that are both stylish and innovative.