Chinese Android Phones 2 - Read First Post!

Suckit · 04-09-2017 11:29PM

mikeybrennan wrote: »

I've got a hard black cover for my redmi note 4x but there's no grip

Is there anything I can do to give it grip?

GripGrip cricket tape or GT-5000 tape (guntape) (ebay or amazon.com)

Edited

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=GT-5000+Grip+Tape

Popeleo · 05-09-2017 01:39AM

Raoul wrote: »

Anyone have any experience with actually buying any of these phones in China? I am going next month and it would be great to buy one, very difficult to find any info over the net though.

Prepared to be just as uninformed when you get there! Buying electronics in China is a pain in the ass. For mobiles, you have to look for international versions that have proper firmware that has the proper Google Play store. Problems reported with LTE bands being different for some phones too. And then you have to find somewhere to buy them - you will probably have to find an electronics market which in big cities is usually is between 3 to 7 floors of small stalls all selling the same ****e.And electronics are quite highly taxed domestically in China, which makes China not the great value you might imagine. And that assumes you actually get what you order - check, recheck and recheck again anything you buy there.

CiDeRmAn · 05-09-2017 06:43AM

Awoke this morning to find the Maze Alpha was registering "No Service".
I had to go through a brief network search.
Might have been an update over night perhaps, but something to watch.

Iseedeadpixels · 05-09-2017 07:05AM

CiDeRmAn wrote: »

Awoke this morning to find the Maze Alpha was registering "No Service".
I had to go through a brief network search.
Might have been an update over night perhaps, but something to watch.

Any chance its the sim?

eamonnq · 05-09-2017 10:21AM

I know I shouldn't ..........buy a phone on Presale............I know I shouldn't.........buy a Mediatek chip if I want decent GPS..............but but..................

http://umidigi.com/page-umidigi_s2_activity.html

I think I might!!!

Iseedeadpixels · 05-09-2017 12:20PM

eamonnq wrote: »

I know I shouldn't ..........buy a phone on Presale............I know I shouldn't.........buy a Mediatek chip if I want decent GPS..............but but..................

http://umidigi.com/page-umidigi_s2_activity.html

I think I might!!!

DO IT!

CiDeRmAn · 05-09-2017 01:15PM

Iseedeadpixels wrote: »

Any chance its the sim?

Turns out one of the Three mobile provider settings didn't "take", I double checked the network settings and typed the missing line in on the appropriate line,

Name: 3 Ireland
APN: 3ireland.ie
Proxy: not set
Port: not set
Username: not set
Password: not set
Server: http://mobile.3ireland.ie/bb/HutchKey/
MMSC: http://mms.um.3ireland.ie:/mmsc/
MMS Proxy: mms.3ireland.ie
MMS Port: 8799
MMS Protocol: WAP 2.0
MCC: 272
MNC: 05
APN Type: not set

Once the bold line above was typed, saved and the phone restarted, no more issues

NATLOR · 05-09-2017 01:48PM

New Xiaomi MI A1 looks interesting

Running stock android instead of MIUI

FHD 5.5inch screen 4gb, 64gb ram,Gorilla glass Duel rear camera

Fingerprint sensor,snapdragon 625 processor Global version with B20 (according to the specs on the aliexpress link)

Battery slightly disappointing @3080 mah

Running android 7 with a promise of 8 before end of year

Full specs http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_a1_(5x)-8776.php

Launched in India today its on presale on Aliexpress for around 215 euro
shipping expected in a week or so

ED E · 05-09-2017 01:52PM

Im liking that dual camera at that price point. See how it progresses in a few weeks but that could eat a chunk of the budget market if there's no huge pitfall.

GBX · 05-09-2017 02:10PM

NATLOR wrote: »

New Xiaomi MI A1 looks interesting

Running stock android instead of MIUI

FHD 5.5inch screen 4gb, 64gb ram,Gorilla glass Duel rear camera

Fingerprint sensor,snapdragon 625 processor Global version with B20 (according to the specs on the aliexpress link)

Battery slightly disappointing @3080 mah

Running android 7 with a promise of 8 before end of year

Full specs http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_a1_(5x)-8776.php

Launched in India today its on presale on Aliexpress for around 215 euro
shipping expected in a week or so

Definitely one to keep an eye on. I was on the fence of a Note 4x but I'm not fond of their MIUI set up.

Autochange · 05-09-2017 09:26PM

Iv only just discovered the world of Chinese brand phones! Can anyone point me in the general direction of what type of phone i should be looking for on an Android format. Something that has play store and the usual functions if i were to buy a rip of phone from Samsung. It would be much appreciated. I almost bought an s8 clone before I stumbled on the opening post on the thread warning me away from them so am a bit clueless.
Thanks

Digital Solitude · 05-09-2017 10:26PM

I'd stick with something like a Xiaomi, maybe a Redmi 4?

Autochange · 05-09-2017 10:30PM

Digital Solitude wrote: »

I'd stick with something like a Xiaomi, maybe a Redmi 4?

I currently have an S6 and would like to progress if that helps. thanks again

dedaw · 06-09-2017 08:30AM

For those of you who have recommended HK goldway to buy the Note 4 from, what postage method did you select to avoid customs?
And how long was delivery?
The options are China to Ireland Ali express shipping, US Ali express shipping or DHL?

Or any other recommended seller?
Thanks in advance.

ImARebel · 06-09-2017 11:32AM

dedaw wrote: »

For those of you who have recommended HK goldway to buy the Note 4 from, what postage method did you select to avoid customs?
And how long was delivery?
The options are China to Ireland Ali express shipping, US Ali express shipping or DHL?

Or any other recommended seller?
Thanks in advance.

I used geekbuying and ordered from the italian warehouse. No charges and I googled some discount codes, got a 3gb grey band 20 32GB for 157 all in. hope that helps!

dball · 06-09-2017 03:48PM

Looking at his thread alsong time now - Just pulled the trigger on https://www.geekbuying.com/item/Official-Global-ROM-Xiaomi-Redmi-4X-3GB-32GB-Smartphone----Black-380491.html
to be informed of an addditional €20 postage/shipping fee:eek:

What is the story - is it only free shipping from HK?

Or is there another way around it.

dball · 06-09-2017 03:48PM

Looking at his thread along time now - Just pulled the trigger on https://www.geekbuying.com/item/Official-Global-ROM-Xiaomi-Redmi-4X-3GB-32GB-Smartphone----Black-380491.html
to be informed of an addditional €20 postage/shipping fee:eek:

What is the story - is it only free shipping from HK?

Or is there another way around it.

Digital Solitude · 06-09-2017 03:56PM

dball wrote: »

Looking at his thread alsong time now - Just pulled the trigger on https://www.geekbuying.com/item/Official-Global-ROM-Xiaomi-Redmi-4X-3GB-32GB-Smartphone----Black-380491.html
to be informed of an addditional €20 postage/shipping fee:eek:

What is the story - is it only free shipping from HK?

Or is there another way around it.

Post above you seerns not to have gotten extra charges from GeekBuyings IT Warehouse, maybe try that?

GBX · 06-09-2017 04:08PM

I was reviewing Xiaomi phones and looking for models that have band 20. Found this link - Maybe it can be added to the OP:

* Redmi 3s Global - "land" firmware will support band 20 (2016031) Thanks @fredek
* Redmi Note 3 Special edition - "kate" firmware will support band 20 (2015161)
* Redmi Note 4(X) Global - "mido" firmware will support band 20. (2016102) Thanks @dogiex
* Redmi 4x Global - ?Santoni? untested
* Redmi 4a Global - "Rolex" firmware will support band 20. (2016116) Tested by myself
* Mi note 2 Global - "Scorpio" firmware untested

https://xiaomi.eu/community/threads/xiaomi-global-phones-with-band-20-xiaomi-eu-rom.39300/

dball · 06-09-2017 04:19PM

Digital Solitude wrote: »

Post above you seerns not to have gotten extra charges from GeekBuyings IT Warehouse, maybe try that?

my bad, thanks for pointing out the obvious to me.

ty

sgarvan · 06-09-2017 05:57PM

ImARebel wrote: »

dedaw wrote: »

For those of you who have recommended HK goldway to buy the Note 4 from, what postage method did you select to avoid customs?
And how long was delivery?
The options are China to Ireland Ali express shipping, US Ali express shipping or DHL?

Or any other recommended seller?
Thanks in advance.

I used geekbuying and ordered from the italian warehouse. No charges and I googled some discount codes, got a 3gb grey band 20 32GB for 157 all in. hope that helps!

This one? Interested to hear as I see some of the Xiomi have no band 20 4G where this one has.

https://www.geekbuying.com/item/Pack-Global-Version-Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-4-3GB-32GB-Smartphone--Black-381627.html

Autochange · 06-09-2017 06:26PM

GBX wrote: »

I was reviewing Xiaomi phones and looking for models that have band 20. Found this link - Maybe it can be added to the OP:

* Redmi 3s Global - "land" firmware will support band 20 (2016031) Thanks @fredek
* Redmi Note 3 Special edition - "kate" firmware will support band 20 (2015161)
* Redmi Note 4(X) Global - "mido" firmware will support band 20. (2016102) Thanks @dogiex
* Redmi 4x Global - ?Santoni? untested
* Redmi 4a Global - "Rolex" firmware will support band 20. (2016116) Tested by myself
* Mi note 2 Global - "Scorpio" firmware untested

https://xiaomi.eu/community/threads/xiaomi-global-phones-with-band-20-xiaomi-eu-rom.39300/

Whats band 20?

GBX · 06-09-2017 06:30PM

Autochange wrote: »

Whats band 20?

There are 2 4g bands used in certain areas. Most use band 3. But Band 20 is missing on some which means you will only get 3g in these areas.

Digital Solitude · 06-09-2017 06:47PM

Autochange wrote: »

Whats band 20?

For getting 4G outside of cities

GBX wanna PM a mod with that? You'd be better at wording it than I. A quick disclaimer about what band 20 is is probably useful too

NATLOR · 06-09-2017 07:32PM

Digital Solitude wrote: »

Post above you seerns not to have gotten extra charges from GeekBuyings IT Warehouse, maybe try that?

I think that poster meant no customs charges. There are 3 euro warehouse options and there is a postage charge for all of them but for some reason the Italy option is only a couple of euro compared to German and Spanish which are around 20 quid

dball · 06-09-2017 08:31PM

thanks guys, sorted - the italian one is way cheaper for postage - well today it is

Do-more · 07-09-2017 06:04AM

Anybody got an opinion on the new Xiaomi Mi A1?

Looks to tick a lot of boxes for me, especially the fact that it is running near stock android.

Eagerly awaiting some hands on reviews to see how decent the camera is and what battery life is like.

It is due to be officially available in a number of European markets including Poland, Hungary and the Czech republic.

http://www.techadvisor.co.uk/new-product/mobile-phone/xiaomi-mi-a1-how-buy-in-uk-price-features-specs-3663624/

SmallBalls · 07-09-2017 09:15AM

Interesting vid about potentially fake cameras in some phones...

ImARebel · 07-09-2017 11:21AM

sgarvan wrote: »

This one? Interested to hear as I see some of the Xiomi have no band 20 4G where this one has.

https://www.geekbuying.com/item/Pack-Global-Version-Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-4-3GB-32GB-Smartphone--Black-381627.html

that's essentially the same, I only went with Italy as it stocked the grey one that my sister wanted. It has band 20 which is why i went for that over the 4x.

She loves it and even her boyfriend who is an apple fanboy loves it too

And if the screen was bigger I'd be getting one for myself!

ImARebel · 07-09-2017 11:23AM

NATLOR wrote: »

I think that poster meant no customs charges. There are 3 euro warehouse options and there is a postage charge for all of them but for some reason the Italy option is only a couple of euro compared to German and Spanish which are around 20 quid

yes sorry that's what I meant, I paid slightly more just for the peace of mind of knowing it wouldn't encounter customs charges.

Also by googling discount codes, I essentially got it posted for free...think I got 8% off in total or something close to it. I was happy with the deal I got

Chinese Android Phones 2 - Read First Post!

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