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Chinese Android Phones 3 - Read First Post!

Thargor

10k posts on the old one so making a new thread

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 from the following but there are many others:

Aliexpress (Check each sellers feedback) - http://www.aliexpress.com/

Honorbuy - https://www.honorbuy.com

Banggood - http://www.banggood.com/

Pandawill – http://www.pandawill.com/

Dealextreme – http://www.dx.com/

and of course most of these phones are on Amazon aswell, check Amazon.fr, .es, .de etc for better deals. Also a lot of stores have European warehouses for quick delivery/no customs fees:

GBX wrote: »

Honorbuy EU store being one of the more favoured sites of late for quick delivery. https://www.honorbuy.com/28-eu-direct

Xiaomi is probably the king of high quality Chinese bargains but there are a lot of tempting options at the minute from Huawei, Lenovo etc.

https://www.gizchina.com/ is a good place to see whats being released currently, every month they do a Top 5 Chinese phones under $500/$250/$100.

https://www.gsmarena.com/ is a great resourse for comparing specs between models or just ask here, enjoy.

EDIT:

GBX wrote: »

Does it come with band 20

Oh yes, make sure it has Band 20 if you want full 4G coverage all over the island and not just in urban areas.

Anything else to add while I can still edit the OP?

EDIT2: Good call Corkie:

corkie wrote: »

You forgot to mention https://www.kimovil.com/en/ in the op?

https://www.kimovil.com/en/

^^^ Another good site to compare phones, you filter for things like snapdragon, LTE bands and whole lot of other things.

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Comments

honda boi

mhiggy09 wrote: »

In the market for a new phone, Chinese market seems to be the way to go to get bang for your buck. Budget is 300 and under. After a good bit of research and looking I can get a honor play for 245 and it seems to be the best I can find. Anyone any recommendations apart from this, pocophone also is up there but camera and built quality seen to be lower.

Picked up the pocophone for about €285-290 from AliExpress
Beast of a phone

honda boi

mhiggy09 wrote: »

In the market for a new phone, Chinese market seems to be the way to go to get bang for your buck. Budget is 300 and under. After a good bit of research and looking I can get a honor play for 245 and it seems to be the best I can find. Anyone any recommendations apart from this, pocophone also is up there but camera and built quality seen to be lower.

Picked up the pocophone for about €285-290 from AliExpress
Beast of a phone

Suckit

The One Doctor wrote: »

Suggestions for around €100? Thanks guys.

I am about to start looking for one around the same price.
I am thinking of LeEco, Nubia, Meizu or Xiaomi.
E.G
https://www.geekbuying.com/item/LeTV-LeEco-Le-Pro-3-X651-AI-Edition-4GB-32GB-Smartphone-Charm-Gold-407572.html
https://www.geekbuying.com/item/LeTV-LeEco-Le-X526-5-5-Inch-3G-32GB-Rose-Gold-398249.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Original-ZTE-Nubia-M2-Lite-MTK6750-Octa-Core-Mobile-Phone-4GB-RAM-32GB-ROM-5-5/32814773845.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Original-ZTE-Nubia-N2-MTK6750-Octa-Core-4GB-RAM-64GB-ROM-5-5-HD-1280-720/32864268345.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Global-Version-Xiaomi-Redmi-6-32GB-ROM-3GB-RAM-1-Year-Seller-Warranty-Brand-New/32898484009.html
https://www.coolicool.com/official-global-version-meizu-m6-2gb-ram-16gb-rom-mtk6750-15ghz-octa-core-52-inch-25d-hd-screen-a-g-49366

Flyme OS (Meizu) has come along a lot, but can be a bit of a learning curve for some.
I am not recommending any of those, they are just some I plan to look at, and maybe find better prices and also going to look at the Lenovo and Moto phones around that price too.

Munsterbhoy

Hi, I m looking for a decent cheap phone purely for light use. I only really use my phone apart from calls/text is Twitter and google. I can get a gome k1 4gb 128g for €130 from Germany. Camera not really important . It says unlocked for worldwide use & its from geekbuying. Is this phone good value for what I need. Cheers..

GBX

Munsterbhoy wrote: »

Hi, I m looking for a decent cheap phone purely for light use. I only really use my phone apart from calls/text is Twitter and google. I can get a gome k1 4gb 128g for €130 from Germany. Camera not really important . It says unlocked for worldwide use & its from geekbuying. Is this phone good value for what I need. Cheers..

It's basic specs but might do you right. Never heard of the brand though.

Suckit

Munsterbhoy wrote: »

Hi, I m looking for a decent cheap phone purely for light use. I only really use my phone apart from calls/text is Twitter and google. I can get a gome k1 4gb 128g for €130 from Germany. Camera not really important . It says unlocked for worldwide use & its from geekbuying. Is this phone good value for what I need. Cheers..

Well worth it at that price. I think they released that as their flagship and they had hit all sorts of problems, marketing wasn't as easy as they expected etc. They misjudged the pricing competitors and other things.
They are like Electrolux or Whirlpool in Asia, mainly providing Electrical appliances.
I think that phone was above €350 this time last year when it was released.

EDITED/

Sorry, thought it was the 8S5 version. Still a decent price. - Double Edit - It is the same one.

Around the same price from Coolicool - https://www.coolicool.com/stock-in-europe-gome-k1-4gb-ram-128gb-rom-helio-p20-mtk6757-23ghz-octa-core-52-inch-275d-jdi-fhd-g-48780

Suckit

The One Doctor wrote: »

Suggestions for around €100? Thanks guys.

I am after putting this in my basket.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Lenovo-S5-K520-4GB-RAM-64GB-ROM-Snapdragon-625-Octa-Core-Mobile-Phone-5-7-FHD/1000006177275.html
€77 if it doesn't sell out + vat + handling = Roughly €105 delivered.
It's currently on
Amazon for £170 - https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Lenovo+S5+K520+

And around €160 from China.

sydthebeat

Suckit wrote: »

I am after putting this in my basket.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Lenovo-S5-K520-4GB-RAM-64GB-ROM-Snapdragon-625-Octa-Core-Mobile-Phone-5-7-FHD/1000006177275.html
€77 if it doesn't sell out + vat + handling = Roughly €105 delivered.
It's currently on
Amazon for £170 - https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Lenovo+S5+K520+

And around €160 from China.

I don't think the lenovo S5 has band 20

Suckit

sydthebeat wrote: »

I don't think the lenovo S5 has band 20

No, It doesn't. Won't bother me though, nor the person it's for. Good price if it is not limited to 5.

mossy464

Do any of the Xiaomi phones support NFC? Looking on the HK goldway page but can't see NFC on any of the phones.

GBX

mossy464 wrote: »

Do any of the Xiaomi phones support NFC? Looking on the HK goldway page but can't see NFC on any of the phones.

There were some models but not many current. https://www.nfcworld.com/nfc-data/xiaomi/

GBX

mossy464 wrote: »

Do any of the Xiaomi phones support NFC? Looking on the HK goldway page but can't see NFC on any of the phones.

There were some models but not many current. https://www.nfcworld.com/nfc-data/xiaomi/

smilerf

Lads I just received my new Huawei Mate 10 Pro upgrading from a Xiaomi Mi Max 2

Problem is I can't seem to detach the 3 pin adapter from the Xiaomi 2 pin plug
Would it be any harm charging it with that plug

Thanks

Thargor

smilerf wrote: »

Lads I just received my new Huawei Mate 10 Pro upgrading from a Xiaomi Mi Max 2

Problem is I can't seem to detach the 3 pin adapter from the Xiaomi 2 pin plug
Would it be any harm charging it with that plug

Thanks

Should be fine if it worked on the Max 2 with no issues until now.

corkie

World's Smallest Phone? (Dual Sim | Micro SD)

[Aliexpress] L8star BM10 Wireless Bluetooth Dialer Mini phone BM 10 with Earphone Headset Dialer Pocket Dual SIM Card Pocket Phone GTSTAR

€17.79 / piece Discount Price: €14.23 / piece

^^^ Novelty, stocking filler(if delivered in time)?

Edit: - Sorry not an Android Phone <<< didn't think about that when posting

Suckit

Suckit wrote: »

I am after putting this in my basket.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Lenovo-S5-K520-4GB-RAM-64GB-ROM-Snapdragon-625-Octa-Core-Mobile-Phone-5-7-FHD/1000006177275.html
€77 if it doesn't sell out + vat + handling = Roughly €105 delivered.
It's currently on
Amazon for £170 - https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Lenovo+S5+K520+

And around €160 from China.

sydthebeat wrote: »

I don't think the lenovo S5 has band 20

Similar offer here, add €10 and get the Lenovo Watch
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Global-Lenovo-S5-K520-4GB-RAM-64GB-ROM-Snapdragon-625-Octa-Core-Mobile-Phone-5-7/900160001_1000006177275.html

Seems like a very decent offer if band 20 isn't an issue for you.

seamus1980

whats the best sub 100 euro chinese phone i can get from european stores?

Thargor

seamus1980 wrote: »

whats the best sub 100 euro chinese phone i can get from european stores?

Just discussed from post #361 onwards on the previous page, whatever you settle on I think you might regret not stretching to an extra 50 or 60 EUR on your budget, let us know how you get on though...

[Deleted User]

seamus1980 wrote: »

whats the best sub 100 euro chinese phone i can get from european stores?

go for the mi a2 lite 32gb model from eglobal

137 delivered

https://www.eglobalcentral.eu/xiaomi-mi-a2-lite-3gb-32gb-dual-sim-black.html

as others have said false economy trying to get something for 100

[Deleted User]

corkie wrote: »

World's Smallest Phone? (Dual Sim | Micro SD)

[Aliexpress] L8star BM10 Wireless Bluetooth Dialer Mini phone BM 10 with Earphone Headset Dialer Pocket Dual SIM Card Pocket Phone GTSTAR

€17.79 / piece Discount Price: €14.23 / piece

^^^ Novelty, stocking filler(if delivered in time)?

Edit: - Sorry not an Android Phone <<< didn't think about that when posting

perfect Mountjoy phone

[Deleted User]

mossy464 wrote: »

Do any of the Xiaomi phones support NFC? Looking on the HK goldway page but can't see NFC on any of the phones.

the cheapest decent nfc phone is the honor 8x

about 250 from amazon spain or germany

NATLOR

glasso wrote: »

go for the mi a2 lite 32gb model from eglobal

137 delivered

https://www.eglobalcentral.eu/xiaomi-mi-a2-lite-3gb-32gb-dual-sim-black.html

as others have said false economy trying to get something for 100

How are you finding the lite,Smashed the screen on my MI A1 and just bought an A2 lite should have it next week all going well

[Deleted User]

NATLOR wrote: »

How are you finding the lite,Smashed the screen on my MI A1 and just bought an A2 lite should have it next week all going well

can't complain about anything really, especially for the money.

solid well-built stock android device with modern looks, a good screen and battery life. really peforms smoothly at all times.

the camera is not a great low-light performer but we know that going in. although if you enable camera 2 api you could use the new google night sight mode for low-light shots

NATLOR

glasso wrote: »

can't complain about anything really, especially for the money.

solid well-built stock android device with modern looks, a good screen and battery life. really peforms smoothly at all times.

the camera is not a great low-light performer but we know that going in.

Cheers
Yeah the battery,headphone jack and looks makes it a better buy for me than the A2, rarely use the camera so that's a non issue

[Deleted User]

NATLOR wrote: »

Cheers
Yeah the battery,headphone jack and looks makes it a better buy for me than the A2, rarely use the camera so that's a non issue

also nice to have the option of an sd card and the fact that you can have 2 sims and an a micro sd card all at the same time is great.

blue best colour imo - works really well against the black front.

you wouldn't think that it's only a snapdragon 625 - it runs super smooth. reviews have commented also on this - that they have not seen a 625 run so fast / smooth on android.

actually just tried the night sight mode there on a modded app that works on mi a2 lite - can take pictures in darkness pretty much - amazing. (even if you're not into photos). although take a few seconds to do it.

NATLOR

glasso wrote: »

also nice to have the option of an sd card and the fact that you can have 2 sims and an a micro sd card all at the same time is great.

blue best colour imo - works really well against the black front.

you wouldn't think that it's only a snapdragon 625 - it runs super smooth. reviews have commented also on this - that they have not seen a 625 run so fast / smooth on android.

actually just tried the night sight mode there on a modded app that works on mi a2 lite - can take pictures in darkness pretty much - amazing. (even if you're not into photos). although take a few seconds to do it.

I went for the blue

Thanks for the tip on the camera will give it a go

[Deleted User]

NATLOR wrote: »

I went for the blue
Thanks for the tip on the camera will give it a go

to enable camera2 api (no root, just unlock bootloader and relock so banking apps work still etc)

https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a2-lite/how-to/guide-how-to-enable-camera2-api-t3851414

app for night sight

https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a2-lite/themes/xiaomi-mi-a2-lite-google-camera-6-1-013-t3864688

(just use for night shots - mode is in more on the app)

yessiryes

About to upgrade from an s6, was going to to with the A2 128gb, can I do better? Camera important and obviously high memory which I have had a nightmare with on the a6. Hoping to bring it in under 300....whats the story with customs, do they get pulled alot?

CramCycle

yessiryes wrote: »

About to upgrade from an s6, was going to to with the A2 128gb, can I do better? Camera important and obviously high memory which I have had a nightmare with on the a6. Hoping to bring it in under 300....whats the story with customs, do they get pulled alot?

From talking to other people, if its shipped from outside the EU, unlike a few years ago where it was a lottery, nowadays it would appear to be a certainty that if it looks over a certain value, it will get pulled.

Suckit

Many sites/sellers offer EU Warehouse, EU Priority shipping, Tariff Insurance (at checkout) or pre pay tax etc.
If you keep an eye out for those options, you should be okay.

Edited:
Also worth mentioning that some stores offer EU Priority to UK and not Ireland, so you should be able to ship those to PW/PM/AP/PC and not pay any extra. But you may want to check with the seller first.