Importing a Chinese smartphone can do a lot for your wallet and gives you access to smartphones that many high-end smartphones have nothing to envy. For example, this point made the success of smartphones from manufacturers Xiaomi, Honor, OnePlus and Huawei. However, choosing the right smartphone and purchasing it abroad requires some briefing. Here are the basic steps and everything you need to know before you buy.
Importing a Chinese smartphone: is it compatible with your carrier’s 4G frequencies?
The biggest issue with Chinese smartphones remains their compatibility with European 4G networks. Most of them are unfortunately not compatible with the 700 MHz and 800 MHz frequency bands required for certain carriers here. This is especially true for most Xiaomi smartphones.
In France we use four frequency bands: 800, 1800, 2600 MHz and 700 MHz. But not all operators use all four. Free, for example, does not use the famous band B20 (800MHz)In summary, if you are Free, you can buy a Chinese smartphone blindfolded. Bouygues, for its part, uses it, but less so than Orange or SFR. If you are between the last two, it is better to opt for a smartphone that supports the B20 band.
Chinese Android smartphones without Google
Another feature of the smartphones distributed in China is that the Android version they carry is highly personalized and Google services are replaced by equivalent manufacturers. So, if your smartphone is running on an original ROM, you will have to manually install the Google Play Store and other Google services. Don’t worry, it’s not complicated.
Also, most smartphones available from specialist import retailers run on a European ROM. That’s why Google services are pre-installed and available in French. However, be careful, sometimes Chinese smartphones offered by unofficial retailers contain malware. Therefore, it will be necessary to be especially vigilant. And possibly reinstall a “clean” ROM after getting it.
forget the warranty
Another point you should learn before buying a smartphone is the warranty. The warranty is theoretically available only in the country of issue; This is an issue that you’ve already addressed in our guide on how to import a Google Pixel. This is particularly frustrating because you do not have any recourse in the event of a malfunction. Some vendors like Xiaomi France still offer after-sales service, but beware, this is a paid service. Obviously, it should be expected that you will never be able to take advantage of the warranty.
Pay attention to customs and shipping costs
If the value for money of Chinese smartphones remains quite attractive, it is still necessary to consider. additional shipping and customs fees. If your package is checked at customs, agents will be entitled to charge VAT, which represents 20% of the purchase price. If you choose delivery by private carrier, your package will be declared automatically and you will have to pay VAT, but at least you will be assured of prompt delivery.
And if you don’t pay, not only will you not be able to get your package back, but the store will not refund your purchase. Often, legal notices from unofficial dealers also state that additional costs will be added to the purchase price, the store disclaims all responsibility and no refunds will be accepted.
Where can you buy your Chinese imported smartphone?
Many retailers now offer Chinese smartphones. Among the most famous stores we find specifically Aliexpress, GearBest and, of course, the unofficial retailer Xiaomi France. Be careful not to be deceived by the prices. feel free compare different sites Even if you find the model that caught your eye the first time, at an attractive price. A better deal may be hiding elsewhere.
Choosing unofficial dealers of Huawei, OnePlus, Honor, Meizu and even Leagoo, it is clear that you will pay more for your smartphone than if you buy it directly from China, but the quality-price ratio is still unbeatable. Rates applied in Europe. For example, if Xiaomi is now in Spain, keep in mind that not all smartphones are available there, and prices are much higher. It’s up to you to compare the price differences and decide whether the import is worth the risks and lead times. The choice will depend on your situation.
PayPal is a must for the security of your payments
Most unofficial retailers accept Transactions via Paypal. This is a secure payment method that guarantees the safety of your package. Finally, know that you are never safe from fraudulent imports. Beware of extremely tempting offers! Sites like Aliexpress or GearBest have made progress in this area and have become much safer than before.
But that doesn’t mean you have to be careful. Note also that to combat these apps, Xiaomi has developed an app called Xiaomi Fake that makes it possible to determine whether a device is genuine or not. Unfortunately, it only lets you know when you get it, and that’s the whole point. To go even further, we recommend that you read our what to do if the package is lost, damaged or an unsuitable product to take the right precautions and better understand your rights.