vivo was Top 2 Smartphone Vendor in the Philippines in Q4 2019

Back in the last quarter of 2019, the Philippine smartphone market was buzzing with new releases, shifting consumer preferences, and intense competition among global brands. It was a period defined by bold designs, more powerful mobile cameras, and aggressive innovation strategies. Amid all this movement, one brand managed to rise above expectations and claim one of the most impressive milestones of the year. vivo, a company known for pushing the boundaries of smartphone photography and design, officially secured the Top 2 spot in the Philippines’ smartphone vendor rankings for Q4 2019.

According to the latest Canalys report covering the Philippine smartphone landscape, vivo closed 2019 with a 25% total market share, firmly placing the brand in second position. Even more impressive is the fact that this growth was powered by a massive 159% year-on-year increase, one of the strongest surges recorded across all mobile vendors in the country during that period. What makes this achievement more remarkable is how swiftly the brand climbed the charts within just a few years of establishing its presence in the country.

Innovation That Captured Filipino Smartphone Users

A big part of vivo’s rise can be traced to its knack for introducing first-in-the-world technologies that captured the attention of Filipino mobile photography enthusiasts. Throughout 2019, the brand released several devices that challenged the norms of smartphone design and imaging capabilities.

One of the highlights was the vivo V15 and V15 Pro, both of which pioneered the world’s first 32MP elevating selfie camera. At a time when brands were still experimenting with notches and punch-holes, vivo’s decision to use a pop-up mechanism gave users a full, unobstructed display—something that was incredibly appealing to gamers, binge-watchers, and young professionals. Not long after, vivo doubled down on camera innovation with the vivo V17 Pro, another industry first. The V17 Pro introduced the world’s first dual pop-up selfie camera system, consisting of a 32MP main lens and an 8MP 105-degree super-wide-angle shooter. This setup made it a favorite among travelers, selfie lovers, and vloggers who wanted to fit more people or scenery into every shot.

The NEX 3 and the Dawn of the Waterfall Display

vivo’s commitment to breakthrough innovation continued with the launch of the NEX 3, one of the company’s most ambitious flagship projects. The NEX 3 showcased the world’s first Super AMOLED Waterfall FullView Display, featuring deeply curved edges that created a seamless, bezel-less look unlike anything on the market at the time.

The phone also removed physical buttons entirely, replacing them with pressure-sensitive virtual keys. This allowed the device to achieve a futuristic form factor—no notch, no bezels, and no interruptions. It was a statement piece for vivo, proving that the company wasn’t just focused on selfies but was also shaping the future of smartphone hardware. This device pushed the boundaries and helped solidify vivo’s position as a forward-thinking innovator in the flagship category.

Reaching Younger Filipino Consumers With Style and Personality

Another major contributor to vivo’s momentum in Q4 2019 was the launch of the vivo S1 and S1 Pro, two smartphones designed specifically for younger consumers who value aesthetics as much as performance. These models introduced vivo’s first-ever diamond-shaped quad-camera module, which housed a 48MP main shooter, an 8MP secondary lens, a 2MP wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro sensor. The bold diamond layout quickly became one of the most distinctive and talked-about design elements in the midrange category.

Aside from product design, vivo strengthened its connection with younger audiences through strategic marketing. The brand introduced its first-ever local ambassador, Maine Mendoza, one of the country’s most influential celebrities. Maine helped launch the V15 Pro, the limited-edition V15 Blossom Pink, and the V17 Pro. Her fun, relatable personality helped vivo boost awareness across social media, TV campaigns, and digital ads, making the brand even more appealing to the Filipino youth market.

“We are very excited to further improve our brand performance and grow our market this year, especially with the latest technology and design innovations that we will be introducing,” said Kenny Zeng Kai, Vice President of Operations at vivo Philippines. 

With strong momentum, a 25% market share, and consistent innovation across its lineup, vivo entered 2020 with confidence—ready to elevate its position in the Philippine smartphone landscape even further.