Top 5 octa-core unlocked phones from China – January 2014

8-core phones are gradually becoming more available across China. Keep reading for our pick of the top 8-coreunlocked phones from China for January 2014.

THL T100S

Of the phones listed here, the THL T100S is the only one of these 8-coreunlocked phones which is easily available through Chinese based resellers. The THL T100S is, in our opinion, one of the better looking Chinese smartphones on the market, however we have found it not to be as comfortable to use as the other options.

As with all Chinese phones the THL T100S is an unlocked phone and features dual-SIM support and a micro SD card reader. A 5-inch 1920 x 1080 display displays crisp images and the front and rear 13 mega-pixel cameras take a some exception photos, especially the main camera with F2.0 aperture.

THL T100S highlights

• 5-inch 1920 x 1080 FHD display.
• 1.7Ghz 8-core MT6592 processor.
• 2GB RAM.
• 32GB built-in memory.
• NFC.
• Dual 13 mega-pixel cameras.
• Unlocked phone.
• Dual-SIM

The THL T100S is on sale now for $309.99.

Zopo ZP998

The Zopo ZP998 was the first 1.7Ghz MT6592 smartphone to launch in China and with production now in full swing customers who had pre-ordered the phone should expect to be getting their hands on them soon.

Again this is another one of China’s unlocked phones, and boasts 2GB RAM, 16-32GB memory, 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080 display, 14 mega-pixel rear camera with f2.0 aperture, NFC, dual-SIM and gesture control.

Zopo ZP998 highlights

• 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080 display.
• 1.7Ghz MT6592 processor.
• 2GB RAM.
• Unlocked phone.
• NFC.
• 14 mega-pixel rear camera.

The Zopo ZP998 is available for preorder through the official Zopo Shop for $329.99.

TCL IdolX+

The TCL IdolX+ is the only one of these unlocked phones to feature a 2.0Ghz variant of the octa-core MT6592 chipset. The IdolX+ plus has been launched in China, but it is believed that Alcatel will also offer the phone across Europe.

The TCL Idol X+ also gets a companion wearable Android wrist band which can be used to monitor exercise, sleep and other activities.

TCL IdolX+ highlights

• 5-inch 1920 x 1080 display.
• 2.0Ghz MT6592 processor.
• 2GB RAM.
• 32GB onboard memory.
• 13 mega-pixel F2.0 rear camera.
• 7.9mm body.

The TCL Idol X+ will be available to buy in China later this month for 1999 Yuan, International pricing is yet to be announced.

Huawei Honor 3X

The headlines have been full of news for the budget minded Huawei Honor 3C which brings the cost of unlocked phones down to just $130, however it’s bigger and more powerful brother will also be be on sale shortly.

The Huawei Honor 3X has a 5.5-inch 720p display, 1.7Ghz MT6592 8-core processor, 3000mAh battery, Micro SD card expansion and has overall dimensions of 149.5 x 77.4 x 8.9mm.

Huawei Honor 3X highlights

• 5.5-inch display.
• 1.7Ghz 8-core processor.
• 2GB RAM.
• 13 mega-pixel main camera.

The Honor 3X will cost just 1698 Yuan once on sale in China which is about $280 off contract.

GooPhone N3

The most affordable of all the unlocked phones on this list and the only clone to date with an 8-core processor. The GooPhone N3 mimics the design of Samsung’s Galaxy Note 3, but at just $269.99 is much more affordable!

GooPhone N3 highlights

• 5.7-inch FHD 1920 x 1080 display.
• 2GB RAM.
• 1.7Ghz 8-core MT6592 chipset.
• 13 mega-pixel rear camera.
• Affordable price.

The GooPhone N3 is available for pre-order now for just $269.99.

Keep posted for next months list of top 8-coreunlocked phones.