new phone recommendations

boatman

pmduk wrote: »

I've not used eglobalcentral uk and after checking their trustpilot rating, I think I'll keep it that way. https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/eglobalcentral.co.uk

There are more good reviews than bad but why take the chance?

You might want to search for the many other threads on this site about them.

Provided you pay with paypal or a credit card there shouldn't be a problem. I think a lot of those reviews revolve around orders that show as in stock but are in fact not in stock. Looking at HUKD there has been no issue with the Note 5, but a few people have ordered Mi A2 but are waiting for stock as its only just been released.

toshi

In terms of the value and possible long term software support (with AOSP custom rom) I agree with Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is the best value phone now.
[STRIKE]An Aliexpress reseller, Hong Kong Goldway offers UPS delivery (26USD) including custom duty (as well as the standard delivery 8.42 USD)[/STRIKE]


[STRIKE]Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Mobile Phone 3GB RAM 64GB 159USD + 26USD[/STRIKE]
[STRIKE]https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Original-Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-5-4GB-64GB-Smartphone-Snapdragon-636-Octa-Core-5-99-18-9/311331_32889021205.html[/STRIKE]

[STRIKE]Just under 150 GBP including delivery and duty[/STRIKE].

Xiaomi A2 would be interesting, but the price will be higher.

In the West, particularly in the UK, Apple, Samsung duopoly system has established. Silly expensive marketing, retail distribution (i.e. middle man) also contribute to the inflated price for smartphones in general.
Well, Xiaomi is not the everybody's option yet. Please do your own research, if you are interested. I guess Xiaomi would enter into the UK market fairly soon.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Xiaomi+Redmi+Note+5

Nokia, Huawe will not let you to install open source Android OS for a long term use. So if you intend to dump them in a couple of years, they would be OK. But this is not my recommendation. I also do not recommend any network locked phone, including CPW "network free" phone. Essentially these phones are contract phone, and it is really hard to install open source custom rom Android OS for a long term use.


Edit

As boatman pointed out, this is the Chinese hardware with Global firmware (OS) version. See the blow.


Edit End

boatman

toshi wrote: »

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Mobile Phone 3GB RAM 64GB 159USD + 26USD
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Original-Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-5-4GB-64GB-Smartphone-Snapdragon-636-Octa-Core-5-99-18-9/311331_32889021205.html

I wouldn't buy the version in your link, that is the Chinese version with a custom rom. Get the one marked 'Global Version', not the one marked 'global rom'. The 'global version' comes with UK band 20(800mhz).

toshi

boatman wrote: »

I wouldn't buy the version in your link, that is the Chinese version with a custom rom. Get the one marked 'Global Version', not the one marked 'global rom'. The 'global version' comes with UK band 20(800mhz).

boatman thanks for the correction. Yes, we don't have to take any risk to buy non standard hardware from the 3rd party.

[STRIKE]I have just found that Xiaomi Global Store at Aliexpress also offers DHL delivery service now (including the duty)

https://xiaomimi.aliexpress.com/
[/STRIKE]
(Edit)
XiaomiOnlineStore is the official Xiaomi Official Store, this shop sell the Genuine Global Version. As boatman pointed out, You need to buy a Global Hardware with Global Firmware, Some 3rd party Shop sell a Chinese Hardware with Global Firmware.

https://xiaomionline.aliexpress.com

Global Version Original Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 4GB RAM 64GB ROM SmartPhone Snapdragon 636 Octa Core 5.99" 18:9 Full Screen 4000mAh at Xiaomi Global Store at Aliexpress.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/-/32869816803.htm

[STRIKE]https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Global-ROM-Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-5-4GB-RAM-64GB-ROM-Snapdragon-S636-Octa-Core-Mobile-Phone/2800188_32870588248.html

At the moment, the DHL [STRIKE]UPS[/STRIKE] delivery including Duty, the price will be £180. I think that it is still good value, but I would wait for the sales. (Redmi Note 5 3GB/32GB is still within 150GB including UPS delivery) [/STRIKE]

XiaomiOnlineStore offers simply standard free delivery to the UK. One UK buyer paid nothing, other paid £14.83 (Duty & Post Office handle charge) Please check the user review section. I have found many UK customers there.

Edit End

A couple of weeks ago, I saw that Xiaomi had a discount sales (around 20% off with the limited quantity) at Aliexpress. So it would be possible to get Redmi Note 5 4GB/64GB at 150GB, if you are lucky.

As boatman pointed out, make sure to get Global ROM Xiaomi Redmi Note 5, Global Version. Thank you for the correction again.

boatman

Toshi, the 64gb global version of the Note 5 is cheaper if you buy it from eglobal compared with using DHL and AliExpress. I've bought a Mi A1 and a 32gb Note 5 from them, just be aware of the pitfalls..

pmduk

toshi wrote: »

I have just found that Xiaomi Global Store at Aliexpress also offers DHL delivery service now (including the duty)

I can't see anything on that website to guarantee duties are included?

pmduk

I didn't get that banner, I assume because of my adblocker!

ed1su

macman wrote: »

Or from CPW at £119 with a 1 month Voda contract, total cost £137.50 if you have to pay the first month before cancelling.

I was about to order this via topcashback.co.uk.. and the phone is £109 and sim £15.50.

Does anyone if I get the phone and Sim. If I don't activate the sim and cancel, will vodafone still charge £15.50?

Thank you for your help in advance

Ed1su

ed1su

ed1su wrote: »

I was about to order this via topcashback.co.uk.. and the phone is £109 and sim £15.50.

Does anyone if I get the phone and Sim. If I don't activate the sim and cancel, will vodafone still charge £15.50?

Thank you for your help in advance

Ed1su

Ive made the order and and on topcashback it has tracked for £5... Every little helps.

Ed1su

toshi

pmduk wrote: »

I didn't get that banner, I assume because of my adblocker!

The official Xiaomi Store don't use DHL service, so I deleted to avoid the further confusion. Sorry.

The official Xiaomi online store offers a standard free delivery to the UK. One UK buyer said pay nothing, another buyer said £14.83 ($19.57) including post office handle charge for Redimi Note 5, according to the user feedback reviews.