While the report did not specify the brand, the design and user interface closely resembled those of a Huawei or Honor device.
It’s unclear whether these companies officially sell phones in North Korea, but if they do, the devices are likely customized with state-approved software designed to restrict functionality and facilitate government surveillance.
I remember watching a series of Youtube videos by a guy working in the diplomatic department of a Southeast Asian country who I can't name, and he took videos while on the sly, his camera (or phone) hidden carefully, showing some glimpses of life in Pyongyang. At one point he and his wife visited the government-run department store and, yeah, it's pretty much a drab place to be there, you'll be only buying necessities. However, there's the special section where certain types of people such as high officials and foreigners are allowed to buy electronics, mostly with hard currency, and the merchandise included smartphones, all of them looked to be Chinese brands.
Not surprising, it's always expected from tech corporations, where at the end of the day it's profit and favor with conservative politicians. If they're not trying to use information gathered on people to bad government looking to cut costs ("saving taxpayers' money") by removing minority beneficiaries, they love to shove content you don't even want.
Why I never use my real name online.