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Chinese Android Phones 2 - Read First Post!

1…7172747677…200

Comments

  • #3652
    patq16
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 122 ✭✭patq16




    I'm out of contract at the moment, I was hoping to avoid signing back up for another 24 months which is what I will have to do if I go for the S6.
    If I'm buying upfront my max budget is around 300 (Preferably less but will spend for a decent phone!)

    Im pretty much in the same boat. Im fried from looking up models. Was going to go for Elephone P9000 but see some review where it says browsing on net is slow. Not sure if this was sorted with software uo grade. One plus 3 is due now or the reduced One plus 2.How essential are NFC ,Infrared ,Sd slot would people say or what exactly is essential for some bit of future proofing. Im sure whatever i choose there will be a better phone out the following week for less. The Joys.All advice welcome. Would like to see a vote maybe for the top 5 in the 250/ 350 bracket of chinese phones..


  • #3653
    uck51js9zml2yt
    Closed Accounts Posts: 18,268 ✭✭✭✭uck51js9zml2yt


    Davidkiller wrote: »
    SO there isnt much diffrence in specs is there

    There was enough difference to make me get the power which has a bigger battery among other things.


    My power arrived today direct from Amazon uk ( 5 days on free delivery)
    Its a nice phone,everything works out of the box.

    Its heavier than the Vodafone SU 6 but that's down to a bigger battery.
    Its a well made phone.


  • #3654
    Allyall
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,381 ✭✭✭✭Allyall


    Does anybody know what happened to Wiko and Ubuntu?

    I remember reading that there was some agreement in place, and then Wiko released a Windows phone.
    That was supposed to get a Ubuntu port that users could download and install (voiding the warranty) if they liked.

    Then the prices on them dropped and ubuntu was never mentioned again. I know Ubuntu isn't the polished article, but all the work for that was done.
    I was going to buy one, and I think had one ordered but cancelled when it seemed to have been pulled.
    But now I can no longer find any information at all regarding it. Nothing.
    None of their Smartphones seem to have Windows anymore either.


  • #3655
    uck51js9zml2yt
    Closed Accounts Posts: 18,268 ✭✭✭✭uck51js9zml2yt


    Has anyone put Android 6.0 beta onto a ulefone power?


  • #3656
    Kaisr Sose
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,260 ✭✭✭Kaisr Sose


    eamonnq wrote: »
    Do you not use REVOLUT ?

    I had the same problem with ali. I won't be giving all the verification data requested as its giving all that's needed to clone a card!

    How does revolut work? You put money in, then use it as an online or physical debit card? Can you put up a work address for deliveries or only your residential address?


  • #3657
    Euphoriasean
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,026 ✭✭✭Euphoriasean


    Looking at getting the ulefone future. Seems to be a cracking phone for the price. The lack of nfc is the only thing putting me off. Any other recommendation?


  • #3658
    Tinie
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 5,402 ✭✭✭Tinie


    RossieMan wrote: »
    One plus two has just had a price reduction.

    S6 reviews aren't all that promising.

    S6 is a better phone than the OP2 but you wont get it as cheap obviously.

    Maybe an LG G4? Theyre good value now.


  • #3659
    Euphoriasean
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,026 ✭✭✭Euphoriasean


    Pre Ordered the ulefone future last night but since been looking at the umi super. That 4000mah battery looks decent. Anyone using the umi super?


  • #3660
    uck51js9zml2yt
    Closed Accounts Posts: 18,268 ✭✭✭✭uck51js9zml2yt


    Euphoriasean wrote: »
    Pre Ordered the ulefone future last night but since been looking at the umi super. That 4000mah battery looks decent. Anyone using the umi super?

    The power is 6000. Got 1 1/2 days of heavy use and still had a bit left when put on charge.


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  • #3661
    Ryback
    Registered Users Posts: 48 ✭Ryback


    antodeco wrote: »
    Not released yet, but I've pre-ordered, so hoping for it quickly.

    Any chance of a short review after you pick this up? I'm having issues with my LeTV Le1s, so may be looking for a replacement. The phone won't maintain a connection to the network which is quite the problem. Was looking at getting an Ulefone Future as a replacement since it covers LTE bands 3 and 20.


  • #3662
    Bradz213
    Registered Users Posts: 235 ✭✭Bradz213


    Euphoriasean wrote: »
    Pre Ordered the ulefone future last night but since been looking at the umi super. That 4000mah battery looks decent. Anyone using the umi super?

    Do you mind if I ask where you pre-ordered from?

    I'm in the market for a new phone. HTC 10 is my first preference at the minute but then I could probably pick up an S7 for a hundred or so cheaper. Then I've been contemplating getting a cheaper phone to tie me over for a while and see what the new Nexus has to offer.

    I've been currently looking at the Ulefone Future and the Elephone P9000. Anything else worth considering?

    Ideally I'd like a 5.5 inch screen with off-screen buttons and something with a pretty good camera. Quick charge, wireless charging and fingerprint scanners aren't essential but could sway the decision. Don't card about SD card once storage is 32GB+


  • #3663
    Digital Solitude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,397 ✭✭✭✭Digital Solitude


    Received my LeTV X800 today, classic Chinese to mark a $230 order as $30 to save me tax, with no request to do so :pac:

    Didn't get my grubby paws through the OS yet but it's quite pretty


  • #3664
    Euphoriasean
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,026 ✭✭✭Euphoriasean


    I ordered it form here:

    http://www.banggood.com/Ulefone-Future-5_5-Inch-4GB-RAM-32GB-ROM-MT6755-1_95GHz-64bit-Octa-core-4G-Smartphone-p-1048917.html

    Gonna cancel it and get the umi super instead. Another shout is the ulefone power which has a massive 6050 mah battery. Not having usb c is a deal breaker for me. The amount of micro usb cables I have gone through is crazy.ts also only on 5.1 afaik.

    Bradz213 wrote: »
    Do you mind if I ask where you pre-ordered from?

    I'm in the market for a new phone. HTC 10 is my first preference at the minute but then I could probably pick up an S7 for a hundred or so cheaper. Then I've been contemplating getting a cheaper phone to tie me over for a while and see what the new Nexus has to offer.

    I've been currently looking at the Ulefone Future and the Elephone P9000. Anything else worth considering?

    Ideally I'd like a 5.5 inch screen with off-screen buttons and something with a pretty good camera. Quick charge, wireless charging and fingerprint scanners aren't essential but could sway the decision. Don't card about SD card once storage is 32GB+


  • #3665
    Euphoriasean
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,026 ✭✭✭Euphoriasean


    who do you find to be the best at avoiding customs or is it just pot luck?


  • #3666
    Allyall
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,381 ✭✭✭✭Allyall


    Euphoriasean wrote: »
    who do you find to be the best at avoiding customs or is it just pot luck?

    None "avoid" customs.
    Your best bet is to use a European site, or a store that has customs duty paid.

    If you use a Chinese site, it may or may not go through unnoticed.


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  • #3667
    Euphoriasean
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,026 ✭✭✭Euphoriasean


    Allyall wrote: »
    None "avoid" customs.
    Your best bet is to use a European site, or a store that has customs duty paid.

    If you use a Chinese site, it may or may not go through unnoticed.

    Would it not be the same price for either. Phone + 23% vat? Only difference would be on post handling fee if you ordered from china.

    From reading the thread I have seen some companies under declare the value of the item to avoid custom charges, others just aren't checked.


  • #3668
    Euphoriasean
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,026 ✭✭✭Euphoriasean


    Umi Super now €192.20 with bang good for a limited time. Just ordered it and cancelled my order for the ulefone future.

    http://www.banggood.com/UMI-Super-5_5-inch-Fingerprint-4GB-RAM-32GB-ROM-Helio-P10-MT6755-Octa-core-4G-Smartphone-p-1054938.html


  • #3669
    Kavrocks
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,345 ✭✭✭Kavrocks


    Euphoriasean wrote: »
    Umi Super now €192.20 with bang good for a limited time.
    €197.99 with TomTop with an extra €10 off if you use code UmiSuper10 making it €187.99.


  • #3670
    Synode
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,967 ✭✭✭Synode


    Euphoriasean wrote: »
    Umi Super now €192.20 with bang good for a limited time. Just ordered it and cancelled my order for the ulefone future.

    http://www.banggood.com/UMI-Super-5_5-inch-Fingerprint-4GB-RAM-32GB-ROM-Helio-P10-MT6755-Octa-core-4G-Smartphone-p-1054938.html

    Do you think you'll have to pay tax on it? Looks like it's coming from China


  • #3671
    Euphoriasean
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,026 ✭✭✭Euphoriasean


    Kavrocks wrote: »
    €197.99 with TomTop with an extra €10 off if you use code UmiSuper10 making it €187.99.

    Think it's €197.99 with the €10 off. The umisuper10 codes seems to be applied by default


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  • #3672
    coldfire1x
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,354 ✭✭✭coldfire1x


    This is great value:

    http://www.coolicool.com/stock-in-europe-leeco-letv-le1-pro-one-pro-4gb-ram-64gb-rom-qualcomm-snapdragon-810-20ghz-octa-core-g-43634

    EU stock so no custom charges, it will be around €200 in total.


  • #3673
    Euphoriasean
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,026 ✭✭✭Euphoriasean


    Synode wrote: »
    Do you think you'll have to pay tax on it? Looks like it's coming from China

    Even adding another €50 for vat & handlng fee I still think it's good value. If it's not charged it's even better value.


  • #3674
    Kavrocks
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,345 ✭✭✭Kavrocks


    Synode wrote: »
    Do you think you'll have to pay tax on it? Looks like it's coming from China
    Toss of a coin. You are more likely to get away without paying VAT now than at Christmas. For my last order from China in April I did not have to pay VAT on.
    Euphoriasean wrote: »
    Think it's €197.99 with the €10 off. The umisuper10 codes seems to be applied by default
    No it's not applied by default. It's €187.99 after applying UmiSuper10.


  • #3675
    Esel
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,507 ✭✭✭✭Esel


    coldfire1x wrote: »
    This is great value:

    http://www.coolicool.com/stock-in-europe-leeco-letv-le1-pro-one-pro-4gb-ram-64gb-rom-qualcomm-snapdragon-810-20ghz-octa-core-g-43634

    EU stock so no custom charges, it will be around €200 in total.

    "EUI OS (Based on Android 5.0 System)" - is this a cause for any concern? (Haven't been following thread closely, so apologies if already covered.)

    Not your ornery onager



  • #3676
    SK1979
    Registered Users Posts: 1,511 ✭✭✭SK1979


    Surprised there is no talk of the ZTE Axon 7. Anyone seen it?

    Looks to be some spec for €409. Can't find any details around which European countries they're going to launch in though.


  • #3677
    Euphoriasean
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,026 ✭✭✭Euphoriasean


    Kavrocks wrote: »
    Toss of a coin. You are more likely to get away without paying VAT now than at Christmas. For my last order from China in April I did not have to pay VAT on.


    No it's not applied by default. It's €187.99 after applying UmiSuper10.

    Sorry your right it's ticked on the first page but you get a further €10 off when you enter the code


  • #3678
    Digital Solitude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,397 ✭✭✭✭Digital Solitude


    Esel wrote: »
    "EUI OS (Based on Android 5.0 System)" - is this a cause for any concern? (Haven't been following thread closely, so apologies if already covered.)


    Recieved this phone today, runs fairly smoothly thus far. I'm not in love with EUI, it's kinda similar to MiUi which I didn't like. It has no app drawer by default and the App Switcher is a carbon copy of iOS. I'm going to stick with it for a little while (I tend to give OS's a week before I pass judgement) before I decide to jump ship to AOSP or Cyanogenmod.


  • #3679
    Allyall
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,381 ✭✭✭✭Allyall


    Esel wrote: »
    "EUI OS (Based on Android 5.0 System)" - is this a cause for any concern? (Haven't been following thread closely, so apologies if already covered.)

    It's got an android base like miui or flyme, but is more user friendly.
    I like it, but like everything, others mightn't.

    More info about it here - http://etkchina.com/2016/01/14/letv-phone-eui-experience-unique-features-and-expecting-future/
    and
    The Letv’s eUI 5.0 (Eco User Interface), which is based on the Android Lollipop What is more, the EUI is the first full end smartphone operating system.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJZu34yX2DE

    **************
    Another one using Android is Unaphone Zenith
    https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/unaphone-zenith-secure-and-private-smartphone#/

    I was just reading about it. Looks great. Hopefully it's the beginning of all phones being like that (secure and privat etc.).
    If you watch the video and want to skip through the talking to the phone - Phone starts at 2:58.
    I guess (hope) storage will be larger by the time it's released.


  • #3680
    Digital Solitude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,397 ✭✭✭✭Digital Solitude


    Allyall do your speeds get totally nerfed when using USB Tethering?


  • #3681
    Allyall
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,381 ✭✭✭✭Allyall


    Digital Solitude wrote: »
    Allyall do your speeds get totally nerfed when using USB Tethering?

    On the Letv? It's not mine, it's my brothers.
    But I have seen that loads on different android forums. I think changing the MTU size/settings helps. I didn't read too much about it tbh.


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  • #3682
    Digital Solitude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,397 ✭✭✭✭Digital Solitude


    What's MTU :(

    I'll piss around with it later, still updating and installing my apps for now anyways.


  • #3683
    Allyall
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,381 ✭✭✭✭Allyall


    Digital Solitude wrote: »
    What's MTU :(

    I'll piss around with it later, still updating and installing my apps for now anyways.

    Maximum Transmission Unit
    http://www.richard-slater.co.uk/archives/2009/10/23/change-your-mtu-under-vista-windows-7-or-windows-8/


  • #3684
    Kaisr Sose
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,260 ✭✭✭Kaisr Sose


    Help!!
    I am buying from an Ali shop - but my CC payment is blocked by Ali ( my bank seem to have ok'd it as I did not have to verify transaction). Will usin Revolut avoid these problems?


  • #3685
    Satriale
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,023 ✭✭✭Satriale


    Kaisr Sose wrote: »
    Help!!
    I am buying from an Ali shop - but my CC payment is blocked by Ali ( my bank seem to have ok'd it as I did not have to verify transaction). Will usin Revolut avoid these problems?

    Ive used Revolut on Aliexpress, with no problems.


  • #3686
    Kaisr Sose
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,260 ✭✭✭Kaisr Sose


    Satriale wrote: »
    Ive used Revolut on Aliexpress, with no problems.

    Thanks!
    So you just sign up for Revolut and top up the virtual card with euro or request a physical card and use as normal card?


  • #3687
    RossieMan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,766 ✭✭✭RossieMan


    Have a look at the revolt site, it's pretty straightforward


  • #3688
    Satriale
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,023 ✭✭✭Satriale


    Kaisr Sose wrote: »
    Thanks!
    So you just sign up for Revolut and top up the virtual card with euro or request a physical card and use as normal card?

    Download the app and sign up, the app will have the card and security number, exp dates, so you can use it straight away. You can get a physical card to use if you need it beyond that.
    (Be aware that they have worse conversion rates at the weekend when the markets are closed)


    Boards thread on it.
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057481488


  • #3689
    Satriale
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,023 ✭✭✭Satriale


    I think a black cat just crossed the Matrix...


  • #3690
    Kaisr Sose
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,260 ✭✭✭Kaisr Sose


    Satriale wrote: »
    I think a black cat just crossed the Matrix...

    Thanks for the info.
    My phone (iPhone) is totally acting up tonight. I will delete the dbl post. I tried to search on " revolut boards.ie " and got nothing! I will have a good read. I have just registered with Revolut and got the virtual card no. Thanks for the tip on weekend conversions. I assume we are talking a few % margin at weekends?


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  • #3691
    Digital Solitude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,397 ✭✭✭✭Digital Solitude


    aaronm13 wrote: »
    I have this phone and it's very good but has problems with wifi and GPS is a bit hit and miss. For that price it's a steel though. Great build and decent camera. Paid a lot more for it only a few months ago.

    Have you found a way to turn off 4G Aaron? I hit 3G as priority in the settings and it's still sticking with LTE, pretty annoying.


  • #3692
    Satriale
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,023 ✭✭✭Satriale


    Kaisr Sose wrote: »
    Thanks for the info.
    My phone (iPhone) is totally acting up tonight. I will delete the dbl post. I tried to search on " revolut boards.ie " and got nothing! I will have a good read. I have just registered with Revolut and got the virtual card no. Thanks for the tip on weekend conversions. I assume we are talking a few % margin at weekends?

    No worries. Yea just a small thing, but their convertor will be out that few percent. Your cc card rate is still probably worse, mine is anyway!


  • #3693
    aaronm13
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,146 ✭✭✭aaronm13


    Digital Solitude wrote: »
    Have you found a way to turn off 4G Aaron? I hit 3G as priority in the settings and it's still sticking with LTE, pretty annoying.

    Haven't had a need to turn it off sorry. Think there's a hidden network setting in Android. Was reading about it last week in relation to the x800. The only thing I can find now is off xda, you type *#*# 9439 #*#* I remember doing this on htc phones before where you can select network preferences. Sorry if I explained this arseways.

    How's are you finding the phone and how is wifi?


  • #3694
    mistress_gi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 964 ✭✭✭mistress_gi


    [font=arial, sans-serif]$70SUPER[/font]

    coupon for umi super in coolicool if anyone wants it!


  • #3695
    Digital Solitude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,397 ✭✭✭✭Digital Solitude


    aaronm13 wrote: »
    Haven't had a need to turn it off sorry. Think there's a hidden network setting in Android. Was reading about it last week in relation to the x800. The only thing I can find now is off xda, you type *#*# 9439 #*#* I remember doing this on htc phones before where you can select network preferences. Sorry if I explained this arseways.

    How's are you finding the phone and how is wifi?

    Only gives a CMDA option unfortunately :/

    It's a lovely piece of kit, if it lasts me as long as my Mi3 did before I gave up on it I'll be happy! Very snappy and responsive.

    Haven't used it with a Wifi connection yet, don't think I'm gonna miss it though, I use mainly data.

    Ah I'll plough away with 4G, I was getting like 1.5mbps speeds last night in the middle of Galway so I wanted to see if 3G would be better.


  • #3696
    Allyall
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,381 ✭✭✭✭Allyall


    Some HTC codes
    *#*#3424#*#* - HTC function test Program
    *#*# - HTC Info menu
    *#*#8255#*#* - Launch GTalk Service Monitor
    ##3424# - Diagnostic mode
    ##3282# - EPST menu
    ##8626337# - VOCODER
    ##33284# - Field trial menu
    ##786# - Reverse Logistics Support
    ##7738# - Protocol Revision

    A load more HERE


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  • #3697
    Digital Solitude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,397 ✭✭✭✭Digital Solitude


    Last phone I had was a 2gb RAM phone, this has 4 but 3gb is always gone.

    Is it normal for Android to hog all the ram just because it's there? Never had ram trouble before so I'm curious.


  • #3698
    GBX
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,022 ✭✭✭✭GBX


    Digital Solitude wrote: »
    Last phone I had was a 2gb RAM phone, this has 4 but 3gb is always gone.

    Is it normal for Android to hog all the ram just because it's there? Never had ram trouble before so I'm curious.

    Somebody posted a while back that the RAM is there to be used and its no biggie that its gone. I'm sure the phone will adjust the more apps you are trying to use or have running in the background.


  • #3699
    aaronm13
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,146 ✭✭✭aaronm13


    Digital Solitude wrote: »
    Last phone I had was a 2gb RAM phone, this has 4 but 3gb is always gone.

    Is it normal for Android to hog all the ram just because it's there? Never had ram trouble before so I'm curious.
    This phone seems a real ram hog, easily 3gb used with little or nothing open, doesn't seem to effect it at all though so don't mind.

    How's do you find the camera? Every photo I took with the stock camera had a really strong blue hue off it and couldn't fix it no matter what settings I used. Use Open Camera now and photos are perfect. Never seen any reports on this so wondering what the problem is.


  • #3700
    Kavrocks
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,345 ✭✭✭Kavrocks


    Digital Solitude wrote: »
    Is it normal for Android to hog all the ram just because it's there? Never had ram trouble before so I'm curious.
    Yes it's normal. That is how Android is designed.
    aaronm13 wrote: »
    This phone seems a real ram hog, easily 3gb used with little or nothing open, doesn't seem to effect it at all though so don't mind.
    It's designed like that. It doesn't affect it because that is how Android is designed. You shouldn't worry about it.

    Empty RAM may have been needed on Windows but it is not on Android. Clearing apps from RAM or keeping a certain amount of RAM empty on Android can hamper performance and degrade battery life.


  • #3701
    Digital Solitude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,397 ✭✭✭✭Digital Solitude


    Yeah I know ram takes care of itself and letting Android run its own **** is the best option but I wasn't sure if it was normal for it to grab what's going instead of what it needs.

    Only used the camera for Snapchat so no comment there, I'm not much of a photographer


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