Recently, news about millions of Oppo and Realme phones in Thailand pre-installed with unauthorized loan apps has sparked public concern. Apps like Happiness Loan and Fineasy have been at the center of attention. So, what do Oppo and Realme in Vietnam say about this issue?
Situation in the Vietnamese Market
According to investigations, the Fineasy app also appears on some Oppo and Realme models sold in Vietnam. Notably, this app is installed as a system application, making it impossible for users to uninstall it using conventional methods.
Fineasy App on an Oppo phone in Vietnam (Photo: Le Trong).
Representatives from Oppo Vietnam stated that the Happiness Loan app exists only on products sold in Thailand. For the Vietnamese market, Oppo phones do not come with this app.
“Fineasy is an integrated software offering various utility features such as mobile top-ups, access cards, and e-commerce discount services. Currently, all advertisements related to lending within the Fineasy app—like those seen in Thailand—are absent from Oppo phones in Vietnam,” confirmed representatives from Oppo Vietnam.
Solutions from the Manufacturers
Oppo commits to releasing an OTA (Over-The-Air) update by the end of January to provide users with the option to uninstall the Fineasy app. The update process is expected to be completed by the end of February. Additionally, future Oppo models launched in Vietnam will no longer come pre-installed with this app.
On the other hand, while Realme has acknowledged the issue, its representatives in Vietnam have yet to provide any official response.
The Smartphone Market in Vietnam
According to a report from Canalys, Oppo is currently the second-largest smartphone manufacturer in Vietnam for Q3/2024, holding 23% of the market share. Attractive pricing strategies and promotional offers have helped Oppo attract many customers, particularly in the mid-range and budget segments.
Various models of Oppo and Realme smartphones often come pre-installed with numerous applications upon first use (Photo: Thê Anh).
Meanwhile, Realme ranks fifth with an 8% market share. The brand focuses on the affordable segment, offering trendy designs and diverse features.
However, a common limitation for both Oppo and Realme is the excessive pre-installation of apps. These applications consume memory resources even when not in use, causing inconvenience for users.
Conclusion
The pre-installation of unwanted applications, especially those related to financial activities, not only affects user experience but also undermines brand credibility. With Oppo’s commitment to improvement and the awaited response from Realme, it is hoped that manufacturers will take appropriate steps to protect consumer rights.
Interested readers can follow updates or contact the manufacturers directly to stay informed about the progress in addressing this issue. Always choose technology products wisely to ensure the best possible experience!
Sources:
- Dan Tri
- Market reports from Canalys.
