North Korean Phone Teardown: Shocking Android Secrets Revealed

North Korean Smartphones: Tools of Surveillance and Control, Not Communication

A new analysis reveals that Android phones in North Korea, including the flagship “Samtaesung 8” model, function primarily as state surveillance tools, severely restricting user freedom and access to information. The findings, detailed by YouTuber Mrwhosethebos, underscore the extreme measures taken by the North Korean government to control its citizens’ digital lives.

North Korea has long been recognized for its stringent oversight of its population, and this extends to smartphone usage. A recent investigation involved the disassembly and analysis of two Android cellphones successfully smuggled out of the country – a low-end model and the more sophisticated “Samtaesung 8.” According to the analysis, these devices are far from personal communication tools, instead serving as instruments of censorship, propaganda, and pervasive monitoring.

Severely Restricted Internet Access

One of the most significant limitations imposed on North Korean smartphone users is the complete blockage of the global internet. The devices tested were unable to utilize Wi-Fi connectivity. Access to the internet requires opening a specific application, “Mirae,” and providing personal identification, granting access only to government-approved intranets and content.

This means citizens are effectively cut off from the wider world, unable to access popular services like Google, social media platforms, or instant messaging applications. As one analyst noted, “The intent is clear: to isolate the population and control the narrative.”

A System Built on Censorship and Propaganda

Beyond internet restrictions, the operating system itself is heavily controlled. The North Korean Android phones appear to be running older versions of Android – versions 10 or 11 – but the most striking aspect is the proliferation of locally-made, imitation applications.

Essential applications, such as browsers, calendars, cameras, and music players, have been replaced with North Korean-developed counterparts designed to disseminate propaganda. These applications often prioritize displaying information about the country’s leaders and ideology over providing functional services.

Blocking Dissent, One Word at a Time

The level of censorship extends to the system and typing levels. The analysis revealed that certain terms, including “South Korea,” are explicitly prohibited. Furthermore, the devices automatically take screenshots of user activity and impose strict file restrictions, preventing the installation of applications without state permission.

This comprehensive surveillance system creates a chilling effect, discouraging any form of dissent or independent thought. As a senior official stated, “These phones aren’t about connection; they’re about control.”

https://www.youtube.com/Mrwhosethebos
https://www.youtube.com/Mrwhosethebos

The findings highlight the lengths to which the North Korean government will go to maintain its grip on power and control the flow of information to its citizens. These smartphones, rather than empowering individuals, serve as potent tools of state surveillance, reinforcing the country’s isolation and suppressing any potential for independent thought or expression.