Risk of Buying a Chinese Stock Mobile?

sol3x on 22/01/2016 - 23:49
Last edited 23/01/2016 - 10:40

Hello fellow ozbers and mobile experts,

I'm thinking of buying a Huawei mobile (Chinese stock) from Android-enjoyed.com
The price is cheaper than local stock, which makes me tempted. But then I noticed the product page says "This mobile phone does not have the Google Play Store App pre-installed."

Questions:

  1. Productivity. Will I have the same Android experience as a local stock one? i.e. Downloading apps from Google Store, using Google apps.
  2. Security. Perhaps you can call me stupid, but will I get malwares or potential spyware (from the Chinese gov censorship) on Chinese stock mobiles?
  3. OS update. Can I update my phone via OTA when a new OS version is released?

Any other risks that you know of?

Thanks heaps.

I'm tossing between a Huawei P8 64GB varient (Chinese stock):

https://www.android-enjoyed.com/huawei-ascend-p8-duos-64gb-4…

Vs

Huawei P8 16GB (Aussie stock)

https://www.mobileciti.com.au/huawei-p8-grey?gclid=CMKy4eW7v…

Mobile

Comments

  • mmd on 23/01/2016 - 03:20
    +1

    OS update:
    I used to own a HTC phone and never received any updates.
    If the company stops supporting updates, then u'll hav to manually get it from xda developer if its available

    • sol3x on 23/01/2016 - 10:46

      Hi mmd,
      Thanks for the reply. Oh no that's what I want to avoid. I would prefer an OTA update. :(

  • Make it so on 23/01/2016 - 03:23
    +1

    I'm not the expert, but as far as I know:
    1) Without Google Play Store pre-installed, you won't have much of an Android experience. There are ways to install it yourself, but it needs basic skills. Either that, or flash an entirely different ROM. Depending on the model (which you should probably post here), your mileage may vary.
    2) Huawei is fairly respectable. If it does not have Play Store, it probably has its native firmware, which is less likely to have spyware. It's the ones which were adapted for international use that you have to worry about (e.g. Xiaomi Redmi Note 2), but those are very easy to flash.
    3) Depends on model and the OS which is on it. In all likelyhood you will have to flash your phone, which may prevent future OTA. But with Chinese phones, you should perhaps not expect too many OTA updates anyway.

    The Xiaomi Note 2 is a very popular (and affordable) powerful Chinese phone which is easy to flash to original Xiaomi International ROM with Google Apps already installed. Sounds like a safer option to me.

    • sol3x on 23/01/2016 - 10:42

      Thanks make it so. I've just updated my post with the links. I only found out that we don't have the 64GB option in Oz, only available from china. Would you mind having a look for me?

      Thanks again.

      • Make it so on 23/01/2016 - 12:14
        +1

        First thing coming to mind is that this us a lot of money to pay for a phone with a Chinese ROM (and associated uncertainties).
        Yes, they can install the Google apps separately, but if you do get an OTA update, who knows what will happen. Whether you can get an OTA update with this phone, not sure.
        Security wise, I would not expect an issue.
        I'd say Mobilecity is definitely a safer bet if this is the phone you want (By the way, if you use their eBay store you get the safety of eBay feedback and 2% cashback with Cashrewards). I personally never care about onboard memory, as long as there is an onboard card slot. Internal memory is often faster, but micro SD cards are getting fast too. Of course if you need fast memory for installing lots of apps, internal memory needs to be adequate. Personally I use it only for storing files.

        But for this kind of money, I'd wait for an eBay coupon (there's rumoured for one to come up again soon) and buy a phone of a well known brand from a reputable eBay seller (grey import). Or have a look at the Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 (only 2GB RAM, but dual sim and with micro SD card, and <$200AUD), or the Note 3 (no MicroSD slot, but 3GB RAM and ~$275AUD). But you would need to flash to an international Xiaomi ROM (which I believe can be done straight from the Xiaomi app).

        • sol3x on 23/01/2016 - 13:08

          It makes sense and thanks for the breakdown analysis. I'm leaning towards the local stock 16GB version now.
          I hope the ebay coupon is coming soon. :)

          Thanks make it so.

        • mmd on 26/01/2016 - 01:55

          there's rumoured for one to come up again soon

          Where did u see this!!!
          I'm waiting for a code

        • Make it so on 26/01/2016 - 02:46

          @mmd: someone mentioned it in the comments of the last code after Christmas, when the last code was ended prematurely.

  • Clear on 23/01/2016 - 08:20
    +1

    If it's the native version for Asia then its probably going to miss some of our bands. Like 700MHz if it has 4G.

    Post the model here and we'll be able to tell you if its worth it or not.

    • sol3x on 23/01/2016 - 10:44

      Hi Clear,

      Thanks heaps. I've updated my post with the links. I like huawei P8 64GB which unfortunately is only available from china. Would you mind helping me have a look?

      Thanks again.

      • Clear on 23/01/2016 - 11:33
        +1

        I just checked the model number on both sites and they're the same. I don't see any mention of GPlay being installed on the Mobileciti one, but it's probably local stock as it comes with a 2 year warranty. Their grey imports normally have a 1 year warranty.

        • sol3x on 23/01/2016 - 11:42

          Thanks for checking Clear. How about the LTE bandwidth? It is compatible with Telstra or Optus 4G 700mhz band28 if I'm not mistaken?

        • Clear on 23/01/2016 - 11:43
          +1

          @sol3x: Doesn't look like it

          4G/LTE, 1800, 2100, 2300, 2600

        • sol3x on 23/01/2016 - 11:48

          @Clear: oh no :((

  • try2bhelpful on 23/01/2016 - 10:49
    +1

    My order of preference in buying good is:
    a) Bricks and Mortar store
    b) Online onshore large Company
    c) Online offshore large company
    d) Online onshore Company
    e) Online offshore Company.

    It is all about the service when something goes wrong and traceability with delivery. I set a sliding order of premium I am willing to pay depending on the product and the company.

    • sol3x on 23/01/2016 - 11:35

      Thanks for the reply try2bhelpful.
      That is a very helpful tip and I'll take that into consideration. :)

  • PVA on 23/01/2016 - 10:59
    +1

    My few points
    no google play store for the Chinese version, meaning you can't get apps.

    the aussie version has (or used to have) free screen warranty even if you crack the screen, which is fantastic I think.

    Read on here that android enjoyed is a pretty poor or shonky company to deal with.

    I have bought from Mobileciti before, they are great, and local. and cheaper than the import 64gig.

    you can always buy a microsd card for super cheap and add 32/64/128gig.

    • barginhunter11 on 23/01/2016 - 12:34

      is it possible to download the APK for google play ?

      • PVA on 23/01/2016 - 19:05

        not that I know of, you can get the Amazon store app but thats not the same nor has all apps.

  • sol3x on 23/01/2016 - 11:39

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts PVA.

    So I googled a few sites which sell this 64GB variant. They all said they can help me install google store and all other google apps. What do they mean? I presume they use APK files to do that? Is it safe and usable after all?

    Is it true that a phone reads faster from on board memory compared to an extendable memory ie SD cards?

    • PVA on 23/01/2016 - 19:09
      +1

      get the local one with warranty and a fast 32gig card for $16, much better option in my opinion.

      apk may be fine but thats like downloading pirated stuff, how safe is it especially as it will have all personal info/accounts/credit etc. I would trust it.
      APKs are fine if you know the company, like Amazon, for their store APK or my work that has some of its own apk's, but pirated stuff no way would I use it.

      • sol3x on 23/01/2016 - 22:09
        +1

        Thanks PVA. I'll be choosing the local stock to get myself peace of mind. Too much hassle and concerns of getting a Chinese stock mobile.

        • PVA on 23/01/2016 - 22:56

          its a safer thing to do.

          Maybe if it was only $200 I would risk it.

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