Three new smartphone designs have recently appeared in the hands of Pyongyang residents, NK News has found through analysis of state media, in the latest indication of sanctions breaches and a rebounding domestic tech market despite pandemic-related trade restrictions.

All three models feature square-shaped multi-camera housings in the upper-middle area of the back, resembling models made by top Chinese phone makers such as Xiaomi and Huawei and released between 2018 and 2021.