Buy mobile phone directly from China. Problem ?

adindas

I am planning to buy High Spec Mobile phone directly from China. If I buy such as /zte-v967

http://dx.com/p/zte-v967s-mtk6589-quad-core-android-4-2-1-wcdma-bar-phone-w-5-0-qhd-wi-fi-and-gps-black-blue-216265

What is the potential problem that I might have, related to technical problem, how could I know whether they will have Google play to download any latest apps ?
- I am aware about custom duty about £20
- Difficulty with guarantee but I am willing to take this risk .

It seems to me this one is much better spec. If people who knows well could shed the light, if will be great

thanks

macman

The warranty is the problem. Any issues and you'll have to ship it back to HK/China at your expense (both ways). And so be without a phone for weeks.
No UK-based phone support.
You'll pay import duty and VAT, plus handling charges.
This is assuming that the seller is genuine and the phone ever arrives. And that they haven't sold on your credit card data as well.
So-do you feel lucky?

Orrin

It is below the threshold for duty but VAT plus handling fee should be about £30.

The review on the product page you linked specifically says the Play store doesn't work but maybe have a look on xda-developers for a custom rom.

Like macman says the main issue is if anything goes wrong you have the hassle of trying to return it to China.

Jon_01

I have heard that some of these imports from China have in IMEI of all zeros on some handsets.
If that's the case, that type of phone will never work in the UK as that type of IMEI isn't valid over here and no UK network will allow it access.

No idea how you'd check that before you buy?

JJ_Egan

Be aware that that is not a high end phone .
It is in effect a SGS3 clone .

Root custom roms firmware etc not a clue you will need to use Google .

No forum on XDA but below may help .
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2207989

Firmware / mods from SGS3 will not work .

Compatibility with UK network is dependent upon the modem not root .

Really you need multiple Google searches for a better understanding of this
MTK 6589

ZhugeEX

JJ_Egan wrote: »

Be aware that that is not a high end phone .
It is in effect a SGS3 clone .
No it's not. It's a phone from ZTE. But i do agree it's not that high end.

Root custom roms firmware etc not a clue you will need to use Google .
Phone can be rooted easily. The seller can do it as well most likely.

Firmware / mods from SGS3 will not work .
well done...

Compatibility with UK network is dependent upon the modem not root .
Phone will work in the UK on 2100Mhz/850Mhz bands and supports 3G DC-HSPA+ networks.

-Google play comes on the device
-The phone will work on ALL UK networks
-Phone will come in english language
-Phone may have a load of Chinese apps/may need to root yourself.

But like others have said, there are risks to importing. and this isn't that great of a phone. Bit overpriced if you ask me.

gjchester

adindas wrote: »

I am aware about custom duty about £20

Probably closer to £30 to £35 20% VAT plus at least £8 handling by the post office, more if it's a carrier.

JJ_Egan

Clone SGS3 all i can say is a see multiple posts from buyers who buy the phone thinking it is an SGS3 and ask how can they flash SGS3 firmware .

Coopdivi

macman wrote: »

The warranty is the problem. Any issues and you'll have to ship it back to HK/China at your expense (both ways). And so be without a phone for weeks.
No UK-based phone support.
You'll pay import duty and VAT, plus handling charges.
This is assuming that the seller is genuine and the phone ever arrives. And that they haven't sold on your credit card data as well.
So-do you feel lucky?

To be fair the website is Deal Extreme who are one of the very, very few Chinese merchants with a good reputation.

ZhugeEX

adindas wrote: »

Thanks. Would you please elaborate it more. I am assuming that this is made by ZTE (please correct it). I know I could find a cheaper Chinese mobile phone but I am just after a reputable brand such as ZTE, Lenovo, Huawei, Acer, etc

You can get much cheaper phones, yes.

If you want a world recognised brand then go for this phone
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Original-Jiayu-G3-MTK6577-dual-core-1GB-RAM-IN-STOCK-NOW-4-5-inch-IPS-LCD/712886906.html

It's from a trusted seller on ali express. The phone comes with english pre installed and google play. It's also quite cheap.

Ali Express are much better than deal extreme in my opinion.

Rusty!

ZhugeEX wrote: »

If you want a world recognised brand

ZTE is a world recognised brand.