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Chinese Android Phones 2 - Read First Post!

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  • #7982
    Suckit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,211 ✭✭✭✭Suckit


    Missymoohaa wrote: »
    https://es.aliexpress.com/item/Elephone-S8-MTK-Helio-X25-Deca-Core-Cell-Phone-6-0-Inch-Android-7-1-Smartphone/32829468679.html?dp=6b69517d49e4288acb5457719842300e&af=329643&cv=47843&afref=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.kimovil.com%252Fto%252FLWG5MG&mall_affr=pr3&aff_platform=aaf&cpt=1505488503103&sk=VnYZvQVf&aff_trace_key=364ccf2165844d72aaa606e2a2997e67-1505488503103-04288-VnYZvQVf&terminal_id=c0a93f4bb2284431aa91e05d704568ef

    I like the look of this phone, I'm looking for a 6" phone with a good camera. I've never used Elefone before, have used other chinese brands. Anybody any problems with Elefone? or even better anyone buy this phone yet?

    Thanks in advance.
    The Elephone P8000 had some problemswith it, but all phone manufacturers have had one that gave them a headache.
    Unfortunately for them, it was quite popular before the problems surfaced (microphone, headset, and to a lesser extent speaker).
    But they did bring their official repair centres to Europe (unrelated to that) and should be good if you do have any issues.
    I just mentioned the previous, as people are still annoyed about the P8000, but they did do repairs or replacements for free when possible.
    HTC had similar problems around the same time.


  • #7983
    Trevord
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 958 ✭✭✭Trevord


    funkey_monkey wrote: »
    Okay - I've read more into this and I believe that the Note 4 is the one for me to get.

    These questions might have been asked before, but:
    1. Can I get it with a 3-pin charger?
    2. Is there a preferred seller between geekbuying and honourbuy?
    3. Any recommended extras that I should look at buying for this handset (protection, cases etc)?
    4. Is VAT listed on the receipts?

    1.
    Note the charger is 2amp not 1 amp. You will still be able to get a 3 pin version somewhere online though. The 2 pin charger is a bit ugly and quite big compared with your normal two pin.
    The cheapest solution is to buy a 2 pin to 3 pin travel plug in dealz for 1.50.

    2.
    Honorbuy have an EU warehouse so VAT would already have been paid when you buy it. Phone will probably come from Italy if you go that route.

    3.
    It's a big screen phone and while getting a nice bulky protective case is the obvious thing to do, the phone will be getting to the size where it will be awkward to keep in a jeans pocket.

    You could go with a lightweight flip case for a couple of euro to minimise on size. Loads of these online. You can always get a better one later if you feel that it won't make the phone too big. Get a tempered glass screen protector. My guess is you'll have trouble getting the screen fixed if you break it. Maybe some of the Chinese run stores in Dublin would be able to replace a screen - I'm not sure.

    4.
    Bottom line is that if its bought in EU then customs will have no reason to charge you VAT (in fact it would be illegal under EU law). From outside the EU, automatically VAT at 23% applies to cost of phone including postage fees - plus there is a 10 euro admin fee (An Post). Normally the phone is held by customs and you'll get a letter asking to prove the purchase price (incl postage) - so you will need to email them a copy of the online invoice (confirmation email or whatever) at that point.

    Some people have got phones through from outside the EU with no customs charges being requested. That seems to happen with sellers who make false customs declaration on the package.

    5, In my experience buying from outside the EU even after the customs are paid will be about 10% to 15% cheaper than buying from EU.

    BTW it's a fantastic phone. And when you factor in the price difference with some more mainstream brands, its amazing value for money.

    Finally, make sure it's a GLOBAL Edition version that you are buying.


  • #7984
    Timmyr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 369 ✭✭Timmyr


    [quote=funkey_monkey;1
    How is the 4G on it? I thought they didn't have band 20 (800MHz) - or is that not an issue for you?

    Aside: - is lack of Band 20 a big issue for new handsets? I've read many articles that would infer so.[/quote]

    I live in NZ and I have pretty much constant 4g


  • #7985
    Trevord
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 958 ✭✭✭Trevord


    funkey_monkey wrote: »
    How is the 4G on it? I thought they didn't have band 20 (800MHz) - or is that not an issue for you?

    Aside: - is lack of Band 20 a big issue for new handsets? I've read many articles that would infer so.

    Global version has band 20 = 800 mhz. That is why you need global version for proper 4g coverage.

    See list of 4g frequencies here - you will see that 800 is included.

    https://www.kimovil.com/en/where-to-buy-xiaomi-redmi-note-4-global-3gb-32gb


  • #7986
    shamelessidiot
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 516 ✭✭✭shamelessidiot


    Does anyone know if the "RedMi Note 4 3GB/32GB" is the same phone as the RedMi Note 4X? Seems like the only difference is the bands (B20), but I suspect that might be a bit of label hoodwinking on some Chinese marketplaces.

    https://www.honorbuy.com/1078-xiaomi-redmi-note-4x-official-global-rom-32gb-smartphone-gray.html

    https://www.gearbest.com/cell-phones/pp_604985.html


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  • #7987
    Digital Solitude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,397 ✭✭✭✭Digital Solitude


    I'm pretty sure the bands are the main difference in them


  • #7988
    shamelessidiot
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 516 ✭✭✭shamelessidiot


    shamelessidiot wrote: »
    Does anyone know if the "RedMi Note 4 3GB/32GB" is the same phone as the RedMi Note 4X? Seems like the only difference is the bands (B20), but I suspect that might be a bit of label hoodwinking on some Chinese marketplaces.

    https://www.honorbuy.com/1078-xiaomi-redmi-note-4x-official-global-rom-32gb-smartphone-gray.html

    https://www.gearbest.com/cell-phones/pp_604985.html

    So they are two different phones somehow. The 4X is intended for China, as a copy of the global Snapdragon variant of the Note 4. :rolleyes:

    I want to buy a 3GB/32GB Note 4, anyone know what shops have European warehouses other than honourbuy? (None in stock)


  • #7989
    Digital Solitude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,397 ✭✭✭✭Digital Solitude


    shamelessidiot wrote: »
    So they are two different phones somehow. The 4X is intended for China, as a copy of the global Snapdragon variant of the Note 4. :rolleyes:

    I want to buy a 3GB/32GB Note 4, anyone know what shops have European warehouses other than honourbuy? (None in stock)

    Have you checked the OP? There's a list


  • #7990
    corkie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,400 ✭✭✭corkie


    shamelessidiot wrote: »
    So they are two different phones somehow. The 4X is intended for China, as a copy of the global Snapdragon variant of the Note 4. :rolleyes:

    I want to buy a 3GB/32GB Note 4, anyone know what shops have European warehouses other than honourbuy? (None in stock)


    There the same device except one has band 20 (gearbest link is the one to get).

    See this post!

    You could give The Solution Shop a try?

    ⓘ "At some point something inside me just clicked and I realized that I didn't have to deal with anyone's bullshit ever again."
    » “mundus sine caesaribus” «



  • #7991
    Suckit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,211 ✭✭✭✭Suckit


    It has been on sale in quite a few places in the last few weeks, and i am guessing it may again in the next week or two if you are willing to hold on.
    I am holding out for a sale or two to buy whatever phone i go for in the end.
    This time of year up until around roughly the 1st or 2nd week in October there are usually a few sales before the prices start going up for Black Friday and Christmas.
    I think i am going to go for the Maze Alpha, i have seen the 6GB/64GB drop but i just missed it. Hopefully it will again.


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  • #7992
    shamelessidiot
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 516 ✭✭✭shamelessidiot


    corkie wrote: »
    There the same device except one has band 20 (gearbest link is the one to get).

    See this post!

    You could give The Solution Shop a try?

    Seen TSS on reddit, the fact they have active support is definitely swaying me. Gonna have a further snoop over the weekend and will probably order with them. Was going to just buy a 4/64 from honor but then went to checkout and seen the 20+ euro postage.


  • #7993
    mr170
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 94 ✭✭mr170


    I bought the note 4 global version in Dublin city centre today 32gb and I asked whats the difference between the two model's and I was told the note 4 x won't get the android 7 update. My Note 4 is in the middle of updating to Android 7.


  • #7994
    Trevord
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 958 ✭✭✭Trevord


    shamelessidiot wrote: »
    So they are two different phones somehow. The 4X is intended for China, as a copy of the global Snapdragon variant of the Note 4. :rolleyes:

    I want to buy a 3GB/32GB Note 4, anyone know what shops have European warehouses other than honourbuy? (None in stock)

    The 4X has no support for 4g on 800 and probably comes with Chinese ROM only, requiring that it be unlocked and flashed (open to correction on the latter).

    With honorbuy EU you have to take DHL postage which costs almost 30 euro - that pushes the prices up a bit, even if it means quick delivery.

    Mishop.ie have the Note 4 64gb version in stock for €229. The 32gb is out of stock

    https://www.mishop.ie/product-category/phones/xiaomi-phones/xiaomi-redmi-note-4/

    Here it is on aliexpress for 170 euro from China (customs would be about €40 on top of that). I bought from that store - took 3 weeks to arrive in customs and had tracking and registered post. (But you can get it cheaper elsewhere online.)

    https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Global-Version-Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-4-Mobile-Phone-3GB-RAM-32GB-ROM-Snapdragon-625-Octa-Core/2178148_32795263337.html?spm=2114.12010108.1000023.1.7d847a7m135jj


  • #7995
    NATLOR
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,354 ✭✭✭NATLOR


    shamelessidiot wrote: »
    So they are two different phones somehow. The 4X is intended for China, as a copy of the global Snapdragon variant of the Note 4. :rolleyes:

    I want to buy a 3GB/32GB Note 4, anyone know what shops have European warehouses other than honourbuy? (None in stock)

    Geekbuying have that phone shipping from three different European warehouses. The global version has band 20
    Gold colour available from Italy warehouse for €164 delivered

    https://www.geekbuying.com/item/International-Version-Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-4-3GB-32GB-Smartphone---Gold-381852.html


  • #7996
    Suckit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,211 ✭✭✭✭Suckit


    funkey_monkey wrote: »
    Do most of you buy the 3GB/32GB version of the Note 4 or the 4GB/64GB version?
    Is it worthwhile purchasing the 4GB version - if you are a light/standard user?

    Also, is there any UK sellers for these or must you go through someone with a HK warehouse?

    3GB/32GB should be more than good enough for a light/standard user.
    The 4X does not have dual band Wifi nor band 20/800mHz (pretty much required 4G in Ireland & EU) on most versions but the Global version does.
    The 4X has a better camera and has Bluetooth 4.2 (Note 4 has BT 4.1). (
    The 4X global version (not international version) is better but only very slightly. (Over the Note 4).

    The Global version can be bought on 3GB/32GB Geekbuying (Black) - https://www.geekbuying.com/item/Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-4X-3GB-RAM-32GB-ROM-Smartphone---Black-381860.html

    Or 4GB/64GB from Geekbuying Italy (Gold) - https://www.geekbuying.com/item/Official-Gloabl-ROM-Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-4X-4G-64GB-Smartphone---Gold-383230.html

    Other colours and versions there, just make sure to choose the Global version, and an EU warehouse.


  • #7997
    cmac2009
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,707 ✭✭✭cmac2009


    Hi All

    Question for any Xiaomi experts! Currently running MIUI 8 on a MI4C. One issue that has happened after an update, in the gallery app the search box is showing chinese characters, when I click into the app first it shows 'search image' but then instantly changes to chinese characters.

    Anyone experienced anything like this? Just annoying more than anything!


  • #7998
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 11,331 ✭ [Deleted User]


    My mi max 2 according to tracking as been in London since the 12th

    No update since

    2017-09-12 18:00，LONDON / In transit-it's progressing through Post network

    :(


  • #7999
    pajor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,576 ✭✭✭pajor


    I've been thinking about getting a new phone recently, just thinking so far. Have had my Jiayu S3 for almost 2 years now, it's still great though. Don't really have any reason to change.

    What sites are the best these days for stock from EU warehouse? There used to be 2 Aliexpress sellers in the OP, but they seem to no longer be that active.


  • #8000
    Suckit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,211 ✭✭✭✭Suckit


    You can now buy any Xiaomi Smartphone from Mi Global Store at Aliexpress and you will not need to pay VAT when you select DHL shipping.

    https://www.aliexpress.com/store/3010045
    I have not checked the prices to see if they are worth it. It is DHL express, so even though it says 7 -15 days, i would expect it in less than a week.

    For example the Redmi Note 4 Global 3GB/32GB is €158.78

    They do not seem to have the Redmi Note 4X Global 3GB/32GB is €151.43 which is available from Italy or Germany on Geekbuying.


  • #8001
    corkie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,400 ✭✭✭corkie


    Suckit wrote: »

    For example the Redmi Note 4 Global 3GB/32GB is €158.78


    That linked device doesn't have Band 20, so is probably the 4X

    ⓘ "At some point something inside me just clicked and I realized that I didn't have to deal with anyone's bullshit ever again."
    » “mundus sine caesaribus” «



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  • #8002
    Suckit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,211 ✭✭✭✭Suckit


    corkie wrote: »
    That linked device doesn't have Band 20, so is probably the 4X

    I see that now. It is the 4 for sure, maybe the description is incorrect, as it is the "official" Global version.

    The 4X above from Geekbuying is also the Global version and does not include Band 20 (800mHz). (Although the 4X Global should).

    Xiaomi are very confusing with their names. I think the Redmi Note 4X Global version and the Redmi Note 4 International version are the versions we need for 4G in Ireland/Europe, but they have an International version 4X that does not have Band 20, and looks like a Global version 4 that does not have it.. :confused::confused:

    I have sent them off a message anyway :D, asking if they could confirm if that version does or does not have Band 20.

    Edited.

    In any case, it looks like they have discontinued the 4X that does have Band 20.
    http://www.techadvisor.co.uk/review/android-smartphones/xiaomi-redmi-note-4x-review-3658711/


  • #8003
    ED E
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,170 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    GLOBAL = Software (ROM)
    International = Hardware(Bands)


  • #8004
    cmac2009
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,707 ✭✭✭cmac2009


    cmac2009 wrote: »
    Hi All

    Question for any Xiaomi experts! Currently running MIUI 8 on a MI4C. One issue that has happened after an update, in the gallery app the search box is showing chinese characters, when I click into the app first it shows 'search image' but then instantly changes to chinese characters.

    Anyone experienced anything like this? Just annoying more than anything!

    Can someone confirm they have same chinese characters on their gallery app? I've had a response on MIUI official forum and seems as if this was always there. I always though search image was in english, not chinese characters. Only noticed since I updated to MIUI 8


  • #8005
    Suckit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,211 ✭✭✭✭Suckit


    ED E wrote: »
    GLOBAL = Software (ROM)
    International = Hardware(Bands)

    That is not entirely true. The Global 4X had Band 20, still does if you can find anyone with any in stock.
    The Software can often determine the bands. The LTE global bands are often all available in the SOCs and e.g. Xiaomi can choose whether or not to enable them.

    It seems to be whatever the seller chooses to call it.
    There are working Roms for both the Note 4X and Note 4 (SD625 version) that unlock Band 20. I do not know where to get them though.


  • #8006
    corkie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,400 ✭✭✭corkie


    Suckit wrote: »

    It seems to be whatever the seller chooses to call it.
    There are working Roms for both the Note 4X and Note 4 (SD625 version) that unlock Band 20. I do not know where to get them though.


    Both of the devices 4 & 4X use the same roms, (MIDO). It is a myth that you can enable extra bands by software if the device doesn't have the hardware!

    ⓘ "At some point something inside me just clicked and I realized that I didn't have to deal with anyone's bullshit ever again."
    » “mundus sine caesaribus” «



  • #8007
    Suckit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,211 ✭✭✭✭Suckit


    corkie wrote: »
    Both of the devices 4 & 4X use the same roms, (MIDO). It is a myth that you can enable extra bands by software if the device doesn't have the hardware!

    The 4X global rom is mentioned on this thread - https://xiaomi.eu/community/threads/xiaomi-global-phones-with-band-20-xiaomi-eu-rom.39300/

    There are plenty of custom roms.
    You could Root it using this method https://technewswith.me/root-xiaomi-redmi-note-4
    and install Network Signal Guru

    http://en.miui.com/thread-423947-1-1.html

    A more complicated guide for the oneplus 3 https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-3/how-to/guide-unlock-additional-lte-bands-t3519563


  • #8008
    corkie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,400 ✭✭✭corkie


    Suckit wrote: »
    The 4X global rom is mentioned on this thread - https://xiaomi.eu/community/threads/xiaomi-global-phones-with-band-20-xiaomi-eu-rom.39300/

    There are plenty of custom roms.
    You could Root it using this method https://technewswith.me/root-xiaomi-redmi-note-4
    and install Network Signal Guru

    http://en.miui.com/thread-423947-1-1.html

    A more complicated guide for the oneplus 3 https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-3/how-to/guide-unlock-additional-lte-bands-t3519563


    Different device, plenty of threads of people attempting to unlock extra bands. But most reports in the threads of not been successful.


    I will repeat if the device doesn't have the supported hardware,
    You can not unlock extra bands by software/root/roms/apps.

    IT IS A CLICK BAIT MYTH!

    ⓘ "At some point something inside me just clicked and I realized that I didn't have to deal with anyone's bullshit ever again."
    » “mundus sine caesaribus” «



  • #8009
    Suckit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,211 ✭✭✭✭Suckit


    corkie wrote: »
    Different device, plenty of threads of people attempting to unlock extra bands. But most reports in the threads of not been successful.


    I will repeat if the device doesn't have the supported hardware,
    You can not unlock extra bands by software/root/roms/apps.

    It is hardly click bait..
    The devices in question do have the correct hardware, but maybe not the antenna. It was possible to unlock certain bands on Qualcomm devices in the past but it may not be possible for these. The SD625 SoCs have all LTE bands present, they are just locked or fused to their target market as it is cheaper for the manufacturers.
    That said, depending on how they are locked down and without antenna it is pointless.
    I do not have either of these phones so i can not comment on what is inside them etc. I will take your word that it is not possible to unlock them at the moment and assume there is no antenna if it were.


  • #8010
    cmac2009
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,707 ✭✭✭cmac2009


    cmac2009 wrote: »
    Can someone confirm they have same chinese characters on their gallery app? I've had a response on MIUI official forum and seems as if this was always there. I always though search image was in english, not chinese characters. Only noticed since I updated to MIUI 8

    Anyone?


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  • #8011
    cas2kx
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 82 ✭✭cas2kx


    https://www.reddit.com/r/Xiaomi/wiki/general/network
    Band 20 is used to provide LTE in non-urban areas and it's not supported by all Xiaomi phones.
    B20:
    Mi MIX 2
    Mi A1
    Mi Note 2 Global Edition
    Redmi Note 4 Global Version
    Redmi 4A Global Version
    Redmi 4X Global Version
    Redmi Note 3 Special Edition
    Redmi 3S Global Version


This discussion has been closed.
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