Cheap Chinese smartphones have you bought one

d123

gfplux wrote: »

D123 do you have a link to the Moto G.

The Moto G (or even the Moto E) are extremely popular phones and probably worth a Google search of your own of reviews and shops that stock it. I think there have even been threads here about it.

This is the Moto G
https://www.o2.co.uk/shop/phones/moto/g-refurb/?cm_mmc=googleuk-_-PPC_PAYG_PLA-_-MotoGRefurb-_-MotoGRefurb+MotoGRefurb+Exact#colour=black&memory=8gb&gclid=CjwKEAiAnLGjBRCk_I-y_4iAmB0SJADGjWWz3kbG78iJpMOIlSzzJF0nZJULOu9-Z3SeQxqpzwNEBxoCVBbw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

This is the Moto E
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/2786559.htm?CMPID=GS001&_$ja=cgid:12504931010%7Ctsid:59158%7Ccid:200290250%7Clid:94813885850%7Cnw:g%7Ccrid:47504048090%7Crnd:4794981822801291533%7Cdvc:t%7Cadp:1o3%7Cbku:1

My favourite is the Moto 4G, you can get an as new one from CEX for around £100 (look for a grade A, which is indistinguishable from new).
https://uk.webuy.com/search/index.php?stext=Motorola+Moto+g+xt1039&section=

Edit to add
The Moto G can be unlocked, (so always buy the cheapest network available and then unlock) with an easily obtained code costing £1.69 on eBay.


Previous threads
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/search.php?searchid=158087553

mrcamp

Yes, I have personal experience. My dual-sim Chinese phone lasted about 8 months. The propreitary charger broke in about 6 months though. It claimed to have 3G, but it was totally untrue. Just google for "fake specifications on Chinese phones"

Edit - The Moto G's are cheap enough solid phones, and you know exactly what you are getting. No point wasting money on those Chinese phones. I have a dual sim Moto G and I am very satisfied.

indesisiv

I have had the One Plus One since June and love it. But something to be aware of is that it doesn't have Band 20 4G so if you are on O2 then you wouldn't get 4G but can use EE and half of 3's network. I actually imported mine from a chinese seller and it was a simple procedure, but then i took advice on where to buy and from whom.

smibber

I've got a Cubot P9 - £80 off Amazon in Jan, has cost me about £60 in payg Sim credit since (still got £30 left). Does everything my work S3 mini does with 2 sims.

upside - dual sim means 1 sim for cheap outgoing calls the other for cheap (free) incoming, cheap phone (now about £60 on ebay)

downside - slightly cheaper feel, occasional incompatibilities with software, probably a little under powered (occasional short hangs) but probably should have bought the more powerful 'one' model.

Buying one is a bit of a risk compared to going into a shop but a couple of the brands (Cubit/THL) seem to be getting a good reputation. I view phones as depreciating asset and I don't feel the need to have the latest trendy gadget. if I break the screen on it i'll just get another one.

gfplux

Smibber, sounds like you got a bargain. You are quite right the reputation of some of the Chinese brands are growing. I think it all comes down to quality control. If you pay £5/600 for a Samsung or Apple you are nearly 99% sure they will do what is says on the box. For the moment even the better "unknown" brands are a bit of a risk. However that risk reduces as more and more people like you take that initial jump into the unknown.
Unfortunately there don't appear to be any people on the high street helping us with that risk.
I should also add that Amazon UK don't help either. Their business model means that "almost" anyone can list a product on their site. Therefore Amazon has little need to be selective in what is offered. Perhaps I am being unfair to Amazon?

Hoseman

Just wondering if there are any updates on Chinese smartphones as there seem to be some good quality ones available for under £150 worth considering.

I've heard about the Jiayu S3 as well as handsets from Xiaomi. I've also read that there may be issues with compatibility with Google Play services so there may be some faffing about with the software.

Any experiences or insights shared would be appreciated.

Ilija

These are best phones under £200

1. Motorola G - best buy!
2. ASUS ZenFone 2
3. Microsoft Lumia 640
4. Xiaomi 4i Mi4i

In my opinion best phones for low budget. Good luck.

Obviously_the_best

I have recently bought a Xiaomi Mi4 white. have to say, it's got a great camera, great screen, great battery life, and it's faster than my friends S6. Quite chunky but for under £200 you really couldn't fault it!
Only slight niggle was getting google play onto it. Perfectly easily sorted with a quick trip to the Xiaomi forums though.

forgotmyname

Hoseman wrote: »

Just wondering if there are any updates on Chinese smartphones as there seem to be some good quality ones available for under £150 worth considering.

I've heard about the Jiayu S3 as well as handsets from Xiaomi. I've also read that there may be issues with compatibility with Google Play services so there may be some faffing about with the software.

Any experiences or insights shared would be appreciated.

Its not compatibility issues, the version of android is a free one, they have not paid the licence fee to install the playstore.

Similar to installing dodgy software to register an illegal version of windows.

gfplux

Any recommendations for a 5 inch screen or larger and good audio as I listen to a LOT of Podcasts with earbuds.
My Samsung Galaxy note is now three years old and Although it has been a wonderful photo be I fear I could be in the market for a new phone soon and I am sick of paying top prices for the big brand names.