• expired

Mstar S700 5.5" 720P Android Phone USD $133.99 from GearBest (MTK6752, 2GB, 16GB, 4G LTE)

430
GBMRS7

Edit: GearBest updated the coupon code. It was taking $36 off and now only taking $26 off. $133.99 USD is still the cheapest but not as good value as previously.

Cheap low-end Chinese no-brand Android phone that's packed with features (for it's price). USD $133.99 after coupon code GBMRS7 (~AUD $174) with choice of black or white apparently the coupon code is for black-only. Some specs:

  • 5.5" IPS screen with 1280x720 resolution
  • MTK6752 + Mali-T760 (mid range octa core from MediaTek)
  • 2GB RAM + 16GB flash
  • 3000mAh battery
  • 3G: 850/900/1900/2100MHz
  • 4G: 800/1800/2100/2600MHz
  • Dual SIM + microSD

It actually has a fingerprint sensor at the back. Review on YouTube.

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closed Comments

  • This seems to tick all the boxes WRT Oz frequencies except for 2G GSM (Telstra 900/1800 vs 850/1800). I wouldn't think this would affect many areas? Any experts out there help?
    Otherwise has heaps of features for this price

    • +3

      In other news, it doesn't have a serial port.

      • +17

        Deal killer for time travellers like you, McFly :-(

    • +3

      Telstra:
      2G Network:
      900MHz
      3G Network:
      850MHz/2100MHz
      4G LTE Network:
      Band3-1800MHz/Band7-2600MHz

      Vodafone:
      2G Network:
      900MHz
      3G Network:
      850MHz/900MHz/2100MHz
      4G LTE Network:
      Band3-1800MHz

      Optus:
      2G Network:
      900MHz
      3G Network:
      900MHz/2100MHz
      4G LTE Network:
      Band3-1800MHz/Band1-2100MHz/Band7-2600MHz

      According to http://www.willmyphonework.net

    • +1

      Telstra is planning to shut down its 2G network at the end of next year. Telsta 2G Shutdown

      • Yes, megawatt101 will be devastated ;-)

        • +1

          LOL. Fortunately the area in Nth Qld where I used 2G has been rocketed into the space age with an upgrade to 3G! Therefore I've ordered one. Thanks OP

        • +1

          @megawatt101:
          Welcome to the world of tomorrow ;-)

          I was shocked by the lack of coverage at the tourist spot of Mission Beach, so can imagine it would be far worse elsewhere.

  • looks great.

  • Good review video. Nice unit :-)

  • 1 in black
    Your subtotal: $123.99
    Promotion Code:
    Apply
    By $36.00

    • So the coupon code doesn't work for you? I just tried again in incognito mode and it is still taking $36 off

      https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/1/31247/gearbest.png

      • That is for black, no discount on white:-(
        White looked great in the video.

        As per my removed comment:
        1 in White
        Your subtotal: $159.99
        Promotion Code:GBMRS7
        Apply
        The code you entered is invalid.
        Coupon code can only be used with one piece price,it can not be used with vip price, special offer,group deal at the same time.

        • The code is taking $26 off black (making the price $133.99) and doesn't work on white for me.

        • +1

          @douglasb: Argh. Deal fixed. From the email I've received yes it was meant to be $26 off however when I tried this morning it took $36 off. Great deal for those who scored during their "error".

        • @scotty:

          Any chance they could make the coupon code work for white too?

        • @scotty:
          I posted a comment 2.5 hours ago that discount does not apply to white. That comment was removed :-(

          In response to your question if I can't apply the discount, I again commented that it does not apply to white. It still doesn't.

          Deal description still shows USD $133.99 after coupon code GBMRS7 (~AUD $174) with choice or black or white

        • +1

          @brucefromaustralia: That has been fixed.

        • +1

          @scotty:

          Coupon: uspc will give ~$20 AUD off the purchase of the white.

        • Hi Scotty, the front page deals is kind of a waste atm.
          Only 3 active deals out of 15, means previous good active deals don't get seen as easily.
          I have never really understood why expired deals stay there?

  • Doesn't Optus 4G need 700mhz? Apparently stronger throughout in dense buildings etc.

    • +3

      Need? No.
      Want? Yes.

  • How would this compare to a note 2? Thinking of getting rid of mine while it still has some value.

    • +1

      http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note_ii_n7100-4854.ph… surprisingly similar heh … I'm not sure how the Mediatek + Mali T760 in this phone stacks up against Sammie's SoC.

      The Mali400 GPU that the Note 2 packs will struggle with newer 3D games that push current GPUs (though most games will be more than playable to be clear). The Samsung has basically no trouble at all with "normal" mobile tasks like browsing, using Uber's app etc and is updated to at least 4.4.2, not sure about official Android v5 but there's plenty of third party action on Note devices so you won't go without it.

  • +1

    will optus 4g and vodafone 4g work on this

  • +1
    • Discussion just days old (11/06/15). Worth watching developments.

  • the camera samples look good to me

  • black with case and spare battery $173 AUS

  • the only problem the buttons in the left, otherwise it looks good

    • +1

      Just like exotic cars, we miss out on a lot in Australia with our right hand button market.

    • designed for lefties

  • How is the camera and how genuine is the actual 3000mah battery?

    • According to the review, seems its 2600. They're lying about the 3000mah.

  • Hmm this or the Mlais 52. Looking at getting a 5.5" cheapo from China.

    • Yeah the M52 looks good as well.
      Dual micro sim if that makes a diff.

      • Both Mstar and M52 are dual sim

        • +1

          Yep
          mstar is 1 normal sim size & 1 micro
          m52 are 2 micro sims

        • +1

          @Psychd:
          Ahh I see the diff now. Thanks for pointing it out :)

  • Thanks Scotty, Nice find.
    I usually find out about these after I just purchased another phone.
    Seems to tick all the boxes.
    Bought the battery & cover pack as well USD133
    I missed it, but was it 3-7 days for delivery ?

  • Decided to buy it. This one is much nicer looking than the Mlais.

  • +1

    Just a warning to buy these cheap no brand phone. It happened before that spyware is installed at rom level. We probably need someone to do network traffic analysis to make sure it is free of spyware. The threat is real and it is not a trivial matter.

  • +3

    http://www.cashrewards.com.au/gearbest

    4% cash back :)

    i think i would rather the lenovo k3 note for 160usd, but that's just me.

    • That should help out with the price increase.

    • Quick look at specs on the Lenovo- everything worse than this. Specs don't tell the whole story- quality, service etc, but all specs worse.

      • +2

        that's misleading, i'm not even going to check the specs and i know that they'll be very similar, 'all worse' is simply not true.

        i'm sure there are better and worse points for both phones.

        i would choose the lenovo mainly for the presumably better build quality and hopefully, truly 3000mah battery, the lighter weight is good and the 1080p screen helps too. lastly i'm hoping that the lenovo brand increases it popularity so there will more likely be some form of community support.

    • +2

      I would go for the Lenovo K3 Note too. In addition, it has a full HD screen, if my memory serves me right.

  • +8

    Just a warning to y'all, GearBest had a deal on flashlights a while ago and most people either had DOA products or the wrong brand.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/194068

    They were also uncooperative with refunding for some people

  • +1

    Being a phone newbie, how does this compare to the Elephone posted a few weeks back ?

    • +1

      This one isn't elephant friendly.

  • +1

    Nice specs!

    Do they take OzBargain Credits?

  • The Specs look similar to Lenovo K3 Note ? Lenovo is branded …

  • +1

    Gut feel tells me that this wins over the Mlias M52.
    Does anyone know what speeds each of the sims will run at? I presume 4g on sim 1 but what about sim 2?

  • Does anyone know if that support Boost prepaid mobile ?

  • Seems to only work for the black one.
    For the extra ~$30 I think I'd prefer to get a white K3 Note.

    • Hi, where to buy K3 Note for extra $30 ?

      There are some on ebay but around $250.00

    • gearbest.. $209 delivered.

      • But that is US dollars ?

        • no. AUD

  • +3

    hell no gearbest…every time have to wait almost 2 months to get anything!!

    • +2

      Gearbest failed the mail test!

  • Older cpu. Better cpu available now in many phones for only $20 more.

  • The Gearbest website is crap and is falling all over itself at checkout. I am taking my money elsewhere.

    • may I know your detail problem? Do you mean cannot place the order on Gearbest website?

      • No, I couldn't place the order. It didn't work because I needed to register on your website. But you never sent a validation email to me, no matter how many times I re-tried. Then, when I spoke to your pathetic worker via live chat (who took 5 minutes to respond to each simple question), I was thankful your website could not register me. Because I can only imagine how poor the service would be if I actually had a complaint.

        • Yeah I didn't receive validation email either. Had to request the system to send one.

  • And today I read of yet one more obstacle to me buying a new phone - grr!

    I have two mobile accounts - both have Mini SIMs.

    The first is quite an old account with Vodafone they haven't offered for years ($0/month with call cost only). So I don't think they'd replace the Mini SIM with a Micro SIM, and let me keep the account.

    The second account is with Virgin, less than 12 months old. Does anyone know if they will send me a Micro SIM with the same account/number?

    Oh - and if you 'punch out' the Micro SIM - can I use the outer piece of plastic (if it's present) - to use the Micro SIM in the old Mini SIM phone - if that ever becomes necessary?

    • +1

      Vodafone offers free SIM swap in stores. New micro-SIM goes on existing account. Otherwise you couldn't use their latest phones with your account.

      I use micro-SIM with adapter or the punch out surround in phones. But be cautious as can get stuck in some phones. Never been a problem for me.

      • Hm… Ok, thanks… I asked them ages ago and they said they wouldn't do it without cancelling the account because that plan was no longer sold.

        • +2

          Cutting a SIM to size is easy.

  • +2

    Just got off live chat. 5-15 days before they get stock. What a load of BS.

  • +1

    Does it have Google Play?

    • You could leave a note to us install th google play for you when you place the order.

      • Any update on when the phone will start shipping?

      • I put the order in on the 15th. Assumed it would have Google Play. I have sent a support ticket for this. That work ?

      • Is it legit google play or a hack or what? That doesn't instill much confidence for me and I really want to buy the phone.

  • Email to say shipped today. "The package should normally take 10-25 business days to arrive".
    No word if Google Play got installed.

    • Congrats. Mine still hasn't shipped…What time did it say you ordered?

      • Ordered Jun 15, 2015 10:07:47 AM
        Seems it was the accessories shipped Jun 22, 2015 16:44:45 PM PST by Sweden Post Registered ?
        Looks like Phone has now been sent Jun 24, 2015 14:22:47 PM PST by Australia Express
        I need to install Google Play myself -
        "You can download the app for Google Play online, and just install it in your phone."
        I'm guessing find the apk from somewhere & do

        • Okay, cool.

          Mine shipped last night via Aus post registered.

          The package should normally take 3-10 business days to arrive (approximately). However, please understand this is an estimate. The shipping speed is outside our control and is dependent on the courier company.

          Yeah I'm pretty sure you can download the APK.

  • It's now $162.92

  • Mine has arrived. Looks good. Set-up will be interesting - I'm expecting that it'll involve plenty of side-loading.

    • Mine turned up today. Agree, it looks good. Antutu benchmark just under 50K. Feels quick.
      It already had the Play store installed & working.
      As mentioned above Power button placement might take some getting used to if I use the extra cover I purchased (for a whole $4)
      Need to do some more 4G testing. Is it OK in the ACT ?

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