The Scientific and Technical Center for Information Technologies ROSA, known as STC IT ROSA, issued a clarification regarding claims that the Russian smartphone R-FON replicates the Bangladeshi Symphony Helio 80. The company statement was communicated through the official Telegram channel of the R-FON brand, explaining why the two devices are not copies of one another and outlining the context of their development.
R-FON was unveiled in the summer of 2023 as the first smartphone built around the Russian operating system ROSA Mobile. The project brings together the efforts of STC IT ROSA and the electronics manufacturer Rutek, with assembly taking place at Rutek’s facility in Saransk. This arrangement positions R-FON as a locally developed device tied to Russia’s evolving software ecosystem rather than a clone of any foreign model.
During October 2023, Russian media discussions centered on the possibility that R-FON bore a resemblance to Symphony Helio 80, a model produced by the Bangladeshi brand Symphony. Both the external appearance and certain feature sets were noted as similar. STC IT ROSA responded by reiterating that their product is not a copy of a foreign smartphone, emphasizing the distinct design and origin of R-FON.
Official statements stated that there was no verified information linking R-FON to the Bangladeshi device. The representatives asserted that R-FON runs on the Russian ROSA Mobile operating system and relies on domestic components for its production. They also pointed out that the Saransk plant does not handle full-scale carding or entire manufacturing cycles; surface-mount technology and assembly tasks are conducted at Rutek facilities. These details were provided to address questions about national origin and production processes, underscoring the effort to align with criteria for Russian-origin equipment as defined by government authorities in the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
The dialogue around R-FON continues as part of a broader push to promote domestically developed hardware and software alternatives within Russia. STC IT ROSA expressed that ongoing procedures are underway to have R-FON recognized in the relevant registers, reflecting the strategic aim of supporting local technology ecosystems and reducing dependence on foreign platforms. The exchange also touched on how contemporary media coverage can influence public perception and confidence in new Russian tech products.
There is a note in the cycle of statements and media coverage indicating that prior collaborations between brands sometimes led to similar appearances in products released under different names. The incident with R-FON is framed as part of an evolving landscape where Russian developers pursue homegrown software with domestic hardware production. The objective remains to establish R-FON as a device that satisfies official criteria for equipment of Russian origin while maintaining clear distinctions from any non-Russian designs.
In summary, STC IT ROSA clarifies that R-FON is rooted in Russia’s ROSA Mobile ecosystem and manufactured with local and domestic components, while insisting that it does not replicate Symphony Helio 80 or any foreign smartphone. The discussion continues as regulators and industry observers evaluate the official registration process and assess the device’s standing within the national program to strengthen Russia’s information technology and electronics sectors.
Earlier reports about potential parallels with OnePlus and Oppo prompted public discussions about brand strategies and the possibility of model naming schemes that resemble each other. The current stance remains that R-FON represents a unique Russian product designed with the intention of meeting strict origin requirements, with ongoing efforts to complete the necessary administrative steps for official recognition.