If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)

Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie

Chinese Android Phones 3 - Read First Post!

Thargor · 2018-07-17 18:41:11

10k posts on the old one so making a new thread :D I think people are a lot more familiar with Chinese phones these days than when we first started doing these threads 5 or 6 years ago. Buyer beware but generally the quality level of phones like Xiaomi are on a par with the traditional flagships nowadays. Most people buy…

Options

Comments

Options
#1172 28-11-2019 10:37am
dinneenp

Registered Users Posts: 8,114 ✭✭✭

Join Date: October 2004

Posts: 6751

GBX wrote: »

Looking at a phone for my dad. Was consider the Redmi 8, can be got for €135 on Amazon Spain. To me looks half decent for his use:
Xiaomi Redmi 8 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM Phone, 6.22 ”Dot Drop Screen, Snapdragon 439 Octa-Core Processor, 8MP Dual Front Camera and 12MP + 2MP Dual AI Rear Camera (Blue)

I just got a mail with a coupon code for the Redmi Note 8 for €138 from Gearbest. Obviously to take into account delays with black Friday, custom fees etc. Just wondering what they are like ordering phones from devices these days?

https://www.gearbest.com/cell-phones/pp_009628140754.html?cid=e5c55f40-11c0-11ea-beeb-0670141e6114&wid=1349303&lkid=12607150

Coupon code: GBNOTE801

Seems like a great deal but I'd be concerned about it not arriving in time for Xmas

0
Options
#1173 28-11-2019 10:40am
dinneenp

Registered Users Posts: 8,114 ✭✭✭

Join Date: October 2004

Posts: 6751

What's the story with Huawai phones and Google Play not working?
Was about to but the Vodafone great offer for P30 lite but want to be sure there won't be issues with downloading apps

I've read a few articles but in this thread someone posted
"I have one and up until recently I would have said it's great: great performance, good screen, expandable storage, headphone jack etc all for a great price.

But I haven't been able to use Google Pay since the last android update as Huawei devices aren't Google Play Protect Certified anymore. Since the Trump ban.

This might not be a problem for some people but it's a put off for me. Thinking of switching to the Pixel 3a"

0
Options
#1174 28-11-2019 10:44am
Cantona's Collars

Registered Users Posts: 33,709 ✭✭✭✭

Join Date: June 2010

Posts: 33020

dinneenp wrote: »

Seems like a great deal but I'd be concerned about it not arriving in time for Xmas

Use someone like parcel motel, generally 10 days at most to arrive.An Post can't be trusted this time of year with stuff from China as they tend to just leave it until last to sort. I've a package in Ireland for a week now going by the tracking,it took less than that to get here in the first place.

0
Options
#1175 28-11-2019 10:46am
GBX

Registered Users Posts: 11,931 ✭✭✭✭

Join Date: November 2005

Posts: 11694

Yeah the xmas delivery is the one thing id hope for.

Any issue with Parcel Motel taking items that may need customs fees paid ?

0
Options
#1176 28-11-2019 10:51am
Tazzimus

Registered Users Posts: 3,935 ✭✭✭

Join Date: January 2009

Posts: 3892

GBX wrote: »

Looking at a phone for my dad. Was consider the Redmi 8, can be got for €135 on Amazon Spain. To me looks half decent for his use:
Xiaomi Redmi 8 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM Phone, 6.22 ”Dot Drop Screen, Snapdragon 439 Octa-Core Processor, 8MP Dual Front Camera and 12MP + 2MP Dual AI Rear Camera (Blue)

I just got a mail with a coupon code for the Redmi Note 8 for €138 from Gearbest. Obviously to take into account delays with black Friday, custom fees etc. Just wondering what they are like ordering phones from devices these days?

https://www.gearbest.com/cell-phones/pp_009628140754.html?cid=e5c55f40-11c0-11ea-beeb-0670141e6114&wid=1349303&lkid=12607150

Coupon code: GBNOTE801

Mi A3 could be an option as well, better spec for not much more moneys, although it is smaller.

0
Advertisement
Options
#1177 28-11-2019 10:58am
dinneenp

Registered Users Posts: 8,114 ✭✭✭

Join Date: October 2004

Posts: 6751

GBX wrote: »

Yeah the xmas delivery is the one thing id hope for.

Any issue with Parcel Motel taking items that may need customs fees paid ?

I just saw they have this option:
Expedited Shipping 3-8 business days $7.81

If it was guaranteed to arrive before Xmas I think I'd go for it.

0
Options
#1178 28-11-2019 11:44am
billyhead

Registered Users Posts: 9,646 ✭✭✭

Join Date: May 2006

Posts: 8561

Do these Xiaomi Redmi mobiles work in Ireland. I have moved over to the GoMo network.

0
Options
#1179 28-11-2019 12:12pm
dinneenp

Registered Users Posts: 8,114 ✭✭✭

Join Date: October 2004

Posts: 6751

billyhead wrote: »

Do these Xiaomi Redmi mobiles work in Ireland. I have moved over to the GoMo network.

As long as it's global version should work I believe.

0
Options
#1180 28-11-2019 12:54pm
M007

Registered Users Posts: 237 ✭✭

Join Date: August 2007

Posts: 156

See Doogee phone deals on amazon and on Irish independent online - anyone have experience of them and ok to work with Irish networks??

0
Options
#1181 28-11-2019 1:12pm
shmeee

Registered Users Posts: 8,651 ✭✭✭

Join Date: March 2011

Posts: 8614

billyhead wrote: »

Do these Xiaomi Redmi mobiles work in Ireland. I have moved over to the GoMo network.

Yes.

Make sure it's a global version of the phone.

Redmi Note 7 4GB RAM 64GB ROM Global Version Smartphone Black

https://www.honorbuy.com/1627-redmi-note-7-4gb-64gb-official-global-version-smartphone-black.html

€160 + PP, Black Friday deal. Cracking value and never any issues buying from Honourbuy, I had one until I got a Pixel 3A last week. And was on GoMo network.

They've the Redmi Note 8 Pro for about €200 also.

0
Advertisement
Options
#1182 28-11-2019 5:17pm
Cantona's Collars

Registered Users Posts: 33,709 ✭✭✭✭

Join Date: June 2010

Posts: 33020

GBX wrote: »

Yeah the xmas delivery is the one thing id hope for.

Any issue with Parcel Motel taking items that may need customs fees paid ?

I never had an issue,more than can be said getting stuff to my door.

0
Options
#1183 28-11-2019 7:31pm
dabbler2004

Registered Users Posts: 1,321 ✭✭✭

Join Date: April 2004

Posts: 1299

shmeee wrote: »

Yes.

Make sure it's a global version of the phone.

Redmi Note 7 4GB RAM 64GB ROM Global Version Smartphone Black

https://www.honorbuy.com/1627-redmi-note-7-4gb-64gb-official-global-version-smartphone-black.html

€160 + PP, Black Friday deal. Cracking value and never any issues buying from Honourbuy, I had one until I got a Pixel 3A last week. And was on GoMo network.

They've the Redmi Note 8 Pro for about €200 also.

Can you confirm that this phone has 4G, I've watched a review that says it doesn't while the specs have band 20 listed. It would be a nice upgrade to my Redmi Note 4

0
Options
#1184 28-11-2019 8:46pm
Suckit

Registered Users Posts: 11,215 ✭✭✭✭

Join Date: October 2016

Posts: 10739

dabbler2004 wrote: »

Can you confirm that this phone has 4G, I've watched a review that says it doesn't while the specs have band 20 listed. It would be a nice upgrade to my Redmi Note 4

This is the global version so has all the 4G bands for Ireland.
https://www.amazon.es/Redmi-Note-Smartphone-operativo-Resoluci%C3%B3n/dp/B07P6VP569/
The 128GB version is only €15 more
https://www.amazon.es/Xiaomi-MZB7578EU-Redmi-Note-Black/dp/B07PGVWHYZ/
Or "like new" (often perfect and just open box) for €15 cheaper
https://www.amazon.es/gp/offer-listing/B07PGVWHYZ

0
Options
#1185 29-11-2019 1:06am
shmeee

Registered Users Posts: 8,651 ✭✭✭

Join Date: March 2011

Posts: 8614

dabbler2004 wrote: »

Can you confirm that this phone has 4G, I've watched a review that says it doesn't while the specs have band 20 listed. It would be a nice upgrade to my Redmi Note 4

Yes I got 4g on Eir / GoMo Network with the Redmi Note 7 Global Version.

0
Options
#1186 29-11-2019 11:23am
Sofiztikated

Registered Users Posts: 6,995 ✭✭✭

Join Date: November 2008

Posts: 6727

Is honorbuy Paypal only?

0
Options
#1187 29-11-2019 12:38pm
sydthebeat

Subscribers Posts: 41,216 ✭✭✭✭

Join Date: November 2007

Posts: 40171

Sofiztikated wrote: »

Is honorbuy Paypal only?

it appeared so to me recently

0
Options
#1188 29-11-2019 2:16pm
Suckit

Registered Users Posts: 11,215 ✭✭✭✭

Join Date: October 2016

Posts: 10739

The Razer Phone 2 is for sale in the US for $299 (roughly €270)
https://www.razer.com/mobile/razer-phone-2

0
Options
#1189 29-11-2019 7:09pm
GBX

Registered Users Posts: 11,931 ✭✭✭✭

Join Date: November 2005

Posts: 11694

Some decent deals on Amazon.de for black Friday

https://m.gsmarena.com/black_friday_huawei_honor_and_xiaomi_deals_in_europe-amp-40343.php?__twitter_impression=true
Links down the page.

0
Options
#1190 30-11-2019 12:38pm
lawless11

Registered Users Posts: 278 ✭✭

Join Date: September 2017

Posts: 278

Hi there. I ordered a Redmi Note 8 pro, and on the 17 tracking page it says

ATHLONE MAIL CENTRE, CO WESTMEATH, Your item is held by customs in

2019-11-29 11:43
ATHLONE MAIL CENTRE, CO WESTMEATH, Your item was received by An Post in

Am I 100% doomed to pay something additional? -.-

0
Options
#1191 30-11-2019 4:28pm
massy086

Registered Users Posts: 2,845 ✭✭✭

Join Date: January 2008

Posts: 2723

lawless11 wrote: »

Hi there. I ordered a Redmi Note 8 pro, and on the 17 tracking page it says

ATHLONE MAIL CENTRE, CO WESTMEATH, Your item is held by customs in

2019-11-29 11:43
ATHLONE MAIL CENTRE, CO WESTMEATH, Your item was received by An Post in

Am I 100% doomed to pay something additional? -.-

where did you buy the phone from???.

0
Advertisement
Options
#1192 30-11-2019 4:38pm
lawless11

Registered Users Posts: 278 ✭✭

Join Date: September 2017

Posts: 278

massy086 wrote: »

where did you buy the phone from???.

AliExpress, from a buyer that seemed to have high reviews '-'

0
Options
#1193 30-11-2019 4:46pm
Tazzimus

Registered Users Posts: 3,935 ✭✭✭

Join Date: January 2009

Posts: 3892

lawless11 wrote: »

Hi there. I ordered a Redmi Note 8 pro, and on the 17 tracking page it says

ATHLONE MAIL CENTRE, CO WESTMEATH, Your item is held by customs in

2019-11-29 11:43
ATHLONE MAIL CENTRE, CO WESTMEATH, Your item was received by An Post in

Am I 100% doomed to pay something additional? -.-

If they're saying it's held for customs and an post have it, you'll be paying customs. As well as their admin fee, which is an extra tenner I think.

0
Options
#1194 30-11-2019 5:06pm
NATLOR

Registered Users Posts: 2,288 ✭✭✭

Join Date: February 2012

Posts: 2260

Always worth chosing thre Ali sellers who provide customs free DHL delivery

0
Options
#1195 30-11-2019 5:20pm
lawless11

Registered Users Posts: 278 ✭✭

Join Date: September 2017

Posts: 278

NATLOR wrote: »

Always worth chosing thre Ali sellers who provide customs free DHL delivery

Didn't realise there were such sellers. *Sigh* Emailed customs to check anyway. It's a present for someone so I do need it rather sooner than later. Too bad if VAT'ed.

0
Options
#1196 01-12-2019 6:32pm
Toxica

Registered Users Posts: 590 ✭✭✭

Join Date: June 2008

Posts: 503

So, i wanted to order a phone from aliexpress, I know that getting it sent the slow way is best for avoiding customs charges but do DHL always charge customs? I ordered a pair of headphones earlier this year, they were less than €22 but they still emailed me wanting screenshots of my order. The sellers of the phone I want only seem to offer standard shipping or DHL.

0
Options
#1197 01-12-2019 6:56pm
massy086

Registered Users Posts: 2,845 ✭✭✭

Join Date: January 2008

Posts: 2723

Toxica wrote: »

So, i wanted to order a phone from aliexpress, I know that getting it sent the slow way is best for avoiding customs charges but do DHL always charge customs? I ordered a pair of headphones earlier this year, they were less than €22 but they still emailed me wanting screenshots of my order. The sellers of the phone I want only seem to offer standard shipping or DHL.

what phone is it your looking for . Hong Kong goldway sent to London first via UPS.then dhl to Dublin so no customs as it is only seen coming from UK.i got a OnePlus 7t this way last week no customs issue,s

0
Options
#1198 01-12-2019 7:03pm
Toxica

Registered Users Posts: 590 ✭✭✭

Join Date: June 2008

Posts: 503

massy086 wrote: »

what phone is it your looking for . Hong Kong goldway sent to London first via UPS.then dhl to Dublin so no customs as it is only seen coming from UK.i got a OnePlus 7t this way last week no customs issue,s

The phone I want is the Umidigi F2. Looking at other websites to see if they offer more shipping options.

0
Options
#1199 02-12-2019 12:46pm
lawless11

Registered Users Posts: 278 ✭✭

Join Date: September 2017

Posts: 278

Update on my situation - a letter arrived this morning, so I will be hit by fees. Basically would have been better to just buy it in Europe. Ah well.

0
Options
#1200 05-12-2019 5:48pm
corwill

Registered Users Posts: 3,799 ✭✭✭

Join Date: April 2014

Posts: 3747

Any Realme owners here? Just wondering how folks are finding them. My father in law is working up the courage to finally tackle a smartphone, and I thought a Realme 5 might be just the job.

0
Advertisement
Options
#1201 05-12-2019 7:26pm
Suckit

Registered Users Posts: 11,215 ✭✭✭✭

Join Date: October 2016

Posts: 10739

corwill wrote: »

Any Realme owners here? Just wondering how folks are finding them. My father in law is working up the courage to finally tackle a smartphone, and I thought a Realme 5 might be just the job.

I bought the Realme 5 Pro and brought it away with me at the weekend. Lovely phone, smooth interaction navigating and fast. The camera is decent. ColorOS is nice, I have blocked all updates but I believe RealmeOS is waiting for me to install it. I have installed Gcam on it and so far I can't find any issues with it.

If you are deciding between it and the Redmi 8 Pro, then I think this Realme 5 Pro is the slightly better option.
However, if you are deciding between the Realme 5 and the Redmi Note 8, than I think the Redmi Note 8 wins slightly between those two.

0