The US tech giant is expected to begin developing and manufacturing its high-end Pixel models, including Pixel, Pixel Pro and Pixel Fold, in Vietnam starting this year. Previously, China served as the primary hub for both development and production of these devices, while lower-end Pixel A models are anticipated to continue to be produced in China for the time being.

This move, Gizmochina said, showed that Google is expanding Vietnam’s role beyond simple assembly and trusting the country with the most important stages of smartphone production.

Google plans to carry out New Product Introduction (NPI) processes in Vietnam, a crucial phase in smartphone manufacturing. NPI typically involves design validation, component integration testing, production line setup and preparation for mass manufacturing.

Industry experts consider the ability to handle NPI processes a key indicator of advanced manufacturing capability, reflecting a high level of trust from global technology companies. It requires hundreds of engineers, sophisticated testing equipment and close coordination with suppliers.

The move to shift production to Vietnam reflected growing confidence in the country’s manufacturing ecosystem, Gizmochina said, adding that Google has already produced some high-end Pixel devices in Vietnam and conducted testing there, laying the groundwork for transferring the entire development process to the country.

Another key factor behind the move is supply chain risk diversification, as global technology firms seek to reduce reliance on a single manufacturing base amid trade tensions and potential disruptions.

This shift carries implications beyond Google. For China, it underscores how global tech companies are gradually diversifying away from its manufacturing base. For Vietnam, the website reported, it marks a major breakthrough as high-end smartphone development brings investment, skilled jobs, and stronger supplier networks, helping the country move up the technology value chain.

From a global perspective, according to Gizmochina, this move fits into a larger trend where tech companies are reshaping supply chains across Asia to balance economic and political risks.

“It also strengthens Vietnam’s position as a key technology manufacturing hub in the region”, it concluded.

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