Top 10 Chinese smartphones you should buy instead of the iPhone 6


10 chinese phones you should buy instead of the iphone 6

So the iPhone 6 has landed in two size options and competitive pricing (if you buy it on contract) but we won’t be buying an iPhone 6 not when these amazing Chinese smartphones are on sale now and are much more affordable.

The iPhone 6 launched last night and as predicted it arrived in two size options (4.7-inch and 5.5-inch) and with the design that was leaked time and time again. Both versions of the new iPhone get a Apple A8, 64 bit processor, 8 mega-pixel F2.2 rear camera, 1.2 mega-pixel front camera, fingerprint security, NFC, LTE, and all the usual Apple features.

Top 10 Chinese smartphones you should buy instead of the iPhone 6

Apple fans will likely be out in force across the web defending the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, but fans of Chinese Android phones already know that there are much better options on sale, with lower pricing and higher specifications. Phones such as:

Xiaomi Mi4

The Xiaomi Mi4 launched last month, and although it hasn’t changed much in the hardware department over the previous Mi3, there are enough updates on the phone to warrant buying it.

xiaomi mi4 review

The main change for the Xiaomi Mi4 over the Mi3 is the narrower design and highly quality stainless steel chassis. The latest Mi flagship boasts a 5-inch 1920 x 1080 display, a higher res to either Apple iPhone 6, and it powered by the excellent Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 CPU with 3GB RAM!

Cameras on the Xiaomi Mi4 are a 13 mega-pixel rear camera, 8 mega-pixel front, both of which are a slightly better than the iPhone 6 cameras. A large 3100mAh battery, fast charging, IR blaster and the recent launch of LTE rounds up the Xiaomi Mi4 specs.

In China the Xiaomi Mi4 costs just 1999 Yuan while customers outside of China can expect to pay around $440.

OnePlus One

Despite the OnePlus One not being a phone that actually takes my fancy, there is no denying that there are thousands of happy OPO owners around the world who are extremely happy with their CyanogenMod running smartphones and why not!

oneplus one sandstone 64gb review

The OnePlus One is a 5.5-inch phone so would it is more fair to compare it to the iPhone 6 Plus. The phone boasts a 1080 JDI display, replaceable style swap covers, immersive battery life and powerful Snapdragon 801 with 3GB RAM.

If you’re not a fan of Cyanogen then OnePlus will let you install a 3rd party ROM and even root your phone without voiding your warranty, compare that to the walled garden of iOS.

International pricing of the OnePlus One ranges from $299 for the official international model to around $373 for a Chinese version of the phone running ColorOS.

Gionee Elife S5.1

Perhaps you are not that interested in high power specs and the ability to switch roms, maybe you just want something small, lightweight and stylish that would make a good alternative to the iPhone 6. In this case let’s take a good look at the Gionee Elife S5.1, the world’s thinnest LTE smartphone with a body of just 5.1mm!

gionee s5.1

The Elife S5.1 boasts a 1920 x 1080, Super AMOLED, 4.8-inch display, 1GB RAM, Gorilla Glass 3 front and rear panels, and LTE support. The processor is a Snapdragon 400 chip running at 1.2Ghz and cameras are similar to the iPhone 6 with the rear being an 8 mega-pixel model.

Currently the Gionee Elife S5.1 has only launched in China, but soon resellers will be offering the phone to international customers too.

Meizu MX4

The Meizu MX4 launched just last week, and in terms of design is the closest in looks to the iPhone 6 Plus of all the phones here. The MX4 is quite a unique phone in that it has a 5.35-inch 15:9 display, with 2.6mm screen bezels, which allow it to have a larger display, narrower and shorter body than most of it’s rivals.

meizu MX4 review

Interestingly the Meizu MX4 has a Mediatek processor, and in this case it is the latest octacore MT6595 with big.LITTLE and LTE. There is 2GB RAM, choices of 16, 32 and 64GB of internal memory and a large 3000mAh battery all wrapped up in an aircraft grade alloy body.

The MX4 also boasts an impressive 20.7 mega-pixel main camera from Sony and an all new camera application as part of the Flyme 4.0 update.

Chinese price for the Meizu MX4 is 1799 Yuan, while international fans can buy the phone with FREE shipping via the official Meizumart store from $449.

Lenovo Vibe Z2

If you fancy something a little different than the usual smartphones then why not take a look at the latest Lenovo Vibe Z2, released just a few days ago and not to be confused with the Vibe Z2 Pro.

lenovo vibe z2

The Lenovo Vibe Z2 is the latest smartphone from the company and the next in the range of flagship phones. The metal bodied Lenovo packs a 13 mega-pixel rear and 8 mega-pixel front camera from Sony, 5.5-inch display and 64bit processor from Qualcomm.

LTE, 3000mAh battery and promised night shot performance are other great features the Lenovo offers at a price of $430.

ZTE Nubia Z7

Of all the phones on the list, the Nubia Z7 is possible the most difficult smartphone to get your hands on at the moment, but this isn’t due to marketing but rather the insane demand the Z7 has both in China and abroad.

nubia z7

3 versions of the Nubia Z7 are available ranging from the affordable Nubia Z7 mini, to the Z7 Max and top of the range Z7. Each phone boasts dual sim support, LTE and a Qualcomm processor and each mode has the much praised Nubia 2.0 ROM based on Android 4.4.

Huawei Honor 6

Compared to the rest of the Huawei Honor range the Huawei Honor 6 is a different beast in terms of both build quality and specifications. Those that have tried out the premier Honor device have commented on it’s premium feel and are impressed with the speed of the self developed Kini K920 processor.

huawei honor 6 launched

Like many of the flagship Chinese smartphones the Honor 6 has 3GB RAM and a 13 mega-pixel main camera. OS is Android 4.4 Kitkat with Huawei’s own Emotion UI to add a fresh look and interesting new features to the system.

Cat 6 LTE, a 5-inch laminated display and room for up to a 64GB SD card make the Huawei Honor 6 an interesting and unusual choice to the norm. Pricing for the phone outside of China is competitive too at around $390.

IUNI U3

Like the Meizu MX4, the IUNI U3 has an advanced alloy chassis and manages to squeeze a large display in to the body of a much smaller phone! In fact the IUNI U3 is practically the same size as the Meizu but has a 5.5-inch, 2K display rather than the 5.36-inch 1080 panel.

iuni u3 review

Also on the inside are dual SIM slots, 3000mAh battery, LTE, 3GB RAM, 13 mega-pixel camera and a Snapdragon 801 processor. The IUNI runs IUNI OS which is an extremely lightweight rom with all unwanted bloat and features removed making for a super smooth user experience.

The IUNI U3 will go on sae in China for 1999 Yuan later this month, and an English version of their ROM will also be released. IUNI do plan to enter international markets in the future but for now anyone wanting to get this phone will have to wait for resellers to get their hands on it.

Lenovo Vibe X2

The lesser known, and much funkier brother of the Z2, the Lenovo Vibe X2 features a colourful 7mm body with 5-inch 1080 display and 13 mega-pixel main camera. Processing power comes from a Mediatek MT6595M chipset, the slightly less powerful model of the SoC in the Meizu MX4 with 2GB RAM and up to 32GB memory.

lenovo-vibe-x2-2

The stylish X2 weighs only 120g and gets a 2250mAh battery and built in LTE. Pricing outside of China has not been set, but Chinese customers can buy 2449 Yuan for the phone.

Vivo Xshot

Still one of my firm favourites, the Vivo Xshot has everything you could ever want from a flagship smartphone, well unless you want NFC as it is missing. The Xshot has a 5.2-inch 1920 x 1080 making it a comfy to hold device, and it is fast too thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor and 3GB RAM.

vivo xshot review hero

The Xshot is Vivo’s camera centric phone and has such as a 13 mega-pixel Sony sensor with F1.8 aperture and OIS. LTE is supported and there is even room for up to 128GB SD memory cards.

Top 10 Chinese smartphones you should buy instead of the iPhone6

There are plenty of other phones we could have mentioned from Chinese phone makers, and over the next few months we are going to be seeing more and more impressive smartphones boasting the amazing MT6595 processor. For now though, what do you think of these 10 Chinese smartphones, do you believe they are viable alternatives to the latest iPhone 6? Which phone are you tempted to buy?

Disclaimer: We may be compensated by some of the companies whose products we talk about, but our articles and reviews are always our honest opinions. For more details, you can check out our editorial guidelines and learn about how we use affiliate links.

Previous iPhone 6 & iPhone 6 Plus go live with 4.7" & 5.5" screens
Next Mogu M7 hopes to be your MT6595 powered Vivo Xplay 3S alternative

207 Comments

  1. Chico Migraña
    September 10, 2014

    Hi Andi!,Mi4 have any screen protection?

    • September 10, 2014

      Apparently it is Gorilla Glass 3

      • September 10, 2014

        Corning Concore Glass! 😀

  2. amir
    September 10, 2014

    iuni u3. i need dual sim.

  3. Frank Wu
    September 10, 2014

    Where is the Oppo 7 and Xplay 3S on your list!!!

  4. koss_x_treeme
    September 10, 2014

    Great article !

  5. RickRoll
    September 10, 2014

    Please Andi add which one of them has NFC and which one doesn’t. THX! 🙂

  6. pa5t1s
    September 10, 2014

    Already got a OnePlus One, but, if I needed to buy another, I would choose Xiaomi or Meizu or Vivo… and no iPhone ever.

    • September 10, 2014

      Wish I am you 🙁

      • Miso Hoeny
        September 10, 2014

        just work hard and pray for it, it will happen for you… 😉

      • pa5t1s
        September 10, 2014

        No worry bro, 1+1 should be available to buy (without invite) really soon, mostly because of a better production : more devices made every passing day…
        Tho, you won’t be me 😀 but another happy Android (and OPO) owner!
        PS: whenever I’ll get another bunch of invites (if any, in a near future), I’ll drop you a message 😉

    • Nix
      September 21, 2014

      you are right
      we buy smartphone not buy brand
      we play game, calling, online, chatting…. with smartphone not brand
      iphone what is that dog food ha..ha..

      • Thomas
        January 20, 2015

        hahaha , this is pathtetic, keep believing your bullshit, but the truth is these chinese devices are not better than an iPhone i know that for a fact

        • boo
          May 28, 2015

          dog on skippy you ol murican you

    • blazjecar
      December 3, 2014

      Can you give me a code? 🙂

      • pa5t1s
        December 3, 2014

        I ain’t got others for a long time… but go to Google+/OnePlus community: there are many people sharing invites, every hour…

  7. Meghrajsinh chadasama
    September 10, 2014

    Andy…Should gionee brings iuni u3 in india?

    • September 10, 2014

      I don’t think they will anytime soon

  8. Mitu
    September 10, 2014

    Favoring the Lenovo Z2 over the Lenovo Z2 Pro? They share the same appearence but the Z2 is a complete different story. It only has a 720p display, a midrange SOC and the Lenovo ROM is heavily bloated and with all kind of features making the Z2 slow. Then there is the price, sorry but you can have a better phones for that price. Unfortunate t the Z2 Pro wouldn’t fit in this list because it has a Apple price ($800).

    • TheOracle
      September 11, 2014

      I have the original vibe z and if there were two changes I’d like it would be a 720p screen and an sd card or bump up to 32gb. As for the bloatware, I like it and use it extensively. I like SecureIT and the ability to freeze apps, comprehensive privacy suite, itemised app permissions etc. These are some of the things introduced on kitkat that I already have on jelly bean. I’ll be buying the Z2 because it’s also pentaband wcdma on BOTH sims and quadband LTE on BOTH sims. The 3000mah battery with 720p and a 64bit chip should also give it excellent battery life.

  9. Apple and Android together
    September 10, 2014

    These
    iPhone bashing comments are ridiculous. For some simple reasons. 1.
    Warranties are top notch. 2. Bands and coverage for nearly every country
    on earth. 3. Support for over 4 years in software updates. 4. Clean,
    simple application search and great apps that you simply cannot find
    most of the time or at all on Android. 5. Available, everywhere,
    immediately without fault and without bullshit games. 6. Not
    specifications heavy, but usability heavy, features that yes they may
    not be upto date as Android is sometimes, but a lot of Android features
    are shit and most of the Chinese skins are simply not good enough when
    it comes to masses, simplicity and quality are key over all. 7.
    Enviromentally moving forward, Chinese manufacturers could not really
    care about the environment, OnePlus made that clear with the smasthpast
    campaign. Now these phones you’ve listed are great, but price isn’t
    everything and with the profits they make they invest back into new
    tech. The Macbook Air line is simply better than other laptops in feel,
    design and usability. Android’s great and these phones are too, but
    Apple has a niche and a market because it just works and does so without
    fault year on year.

    Look forward to some replies on people who either agree or disagree. Price is something you choose to pay and if you don’t like it, don’t pay for it.

    • zyvy
      September 10, 2014

      1. otheres also has it – NOT ARGUMENT

      2.bands otheres also use most of bands – NOT ARGUMENT

      3.if u buy iphone u prabobly got shiitload of money to spend so u wont use it for more than 1year – NOT ARGUMENT

      4.just a joke can get anyalrernative app on andoid – NOT ARGUMENT

      5.for that ridiculousness price – 1ST ARGUMENT

      6. so u actualy agree that they use outdated hardware and overprice the phone what is a huge joke, if u got some features u dont like on android just dont use it noone is forcing u to do it but at least u got an option to customize as much as u like, where iphone prevent u from most of customization – NOT ARGUMENT

      7. rly – NOT ARGUMENT

      its about iphone and othere phones not laptops like The Macbook Air so just dont know why u brought it here….

      overall 1 argument for iphone available everywhere for that price RLY is that success….

      • Apple and Android together
        September 10, 2014

        I can’t really understand what you said, so I’m going to take a shot at it anyway.

        1. You buy most phones from a reseller with no real manufacturer warranty, they buy it from a wholesaler in China (No warranty) then pass it off to you. You buy from Apple and you take it up with Apple. Great way to deal with your bottom line customer service and quality.

        2. Others all have bands, but iPhone has nearly every band worldwide, without fault, if you’re in an area in the world, the iPhone will work, granted the USA and China have not made it easy to be cross compatible in spectrum’s with the TD and CDMA differences. But even then you’ll be able to move around with ease.

        3. Shit load of money? Or just someone with the money and choice?

        4. No, you really cannot find really well designed apps that are on the same level as Apple developers apps, and i use Android. You just can’t. Apple set the bar high and the guidelines clear. Play store is a mess. If you want a great Chinese learning app, app stores got some greatly designed ones, want a delivery tracking app, the same app on the app store from Android will look super polished.

        5. You clearly don’t understand that this company is not OnePlus. They’re a premium brand. They do not need to cut their bottom line, because they sell millions, in days, OnePlus has probably sold 50,000-100,000 units in months and can still not guarantee you’ll get it. If something goes wrong. Woops!

        6. The whole architecture of the software and hardware is unique to Apple and they don’t need to push quad core, 2.5GHZ specs to beat many of the flagships in smooth operational running times and battery performance. Users don’t want the highest specs. This isn’t the PC gaming market they’re going for. They just want it to show no lag and handle EVERYDAY functions. Look at the Motorola G, 1.2Ghz SD 400 and still works fine, now the A8 Chip is far more powerful and unique then that processor built upon a closed and tightly worked OS.

        7. The environment should be every companies top priority. Always.

        The Macbook is a clear identification of a product that works perfectly within it’s VERY crowded market. Just like the iPhone does. It’s a clear choice, to slice into a specific niche in the market.

        You just see price and dollars, maybe because you cannot afford an iPhone and thus it’s a stupid choice, but it would be the same for you looking at Ferrari and claiming the same complaints, when you can only afford a standard or supped up car.

        • Gerry
          September 10, 2014

          Respect your opinion. I just have a different way of looking at this apple/android feud.. I think apple devices are for non tech people. people who don’t give a shit about what’s on their phones apart from the fact that it answers/makes calls, takes photos and opens up a few apps. Yes! some want it coz it doesn’t lag while most people just like it coz its an iPhone. crazy!
          If you are a bit of a techy person, iPhones don’t catch your fancy that much. why would I use a phone which cannot in the twinkle of an eye copy any music from any computer to my phone and back without launching some app and doing a synchronization. same with photos and the rest. Can’t immediately send a photo or some music to a friends phone by Bluetooth. Can’t change my themes. can’t change my icons. can’t flash a new interesting rom onto my phone. All that and a crazy price tag. Have you ever heard of the android app called themer? awesome app which changes your themes with really magical themes. Can’t imagine not having that.
          Android phones on the other hand are flexible. give you the freedom you want. by the way nowadays, serious android phones don’t have the lag that android phones used to have. Even iPhones when supercharged with heavy apps will lag sometimes. if you’ve used a xiaomi mi3 before you will understand what I’m saying.
          It especially doesn’t work very much for us here in Africa where we hardly do payments online. You are even required to have a credit card before accessing the app store. crazy stuff! yeah support is low on android phones, but I think I prefer the freedom of android phones without much support than the rigidity of iphones with all the support they want. of all the android phones I have Had, I don’t remember having a problem that my local phone repairer couldn’t solve, or which I couldn’t look up online and solve myself. Plus I must confess, since I can’t buy with a credit card, I love my cracked apks. hahah! can’t have an iphone with all the tight security.

          • Thomas
            January 20, 2015

            but…. if youre a tech person you know how to turn your iPhone into the useful device you want it to be. i can Download anything, copy anything from any pc and so in. it seems your the ones too limited to usw the full potential so you choose android which lets you do that from the beginning , BUT you dont have the performance and quality of an iphone while i have the best of both worlds

        • zyvy
          September 10, 2014

          kid u live in beautiful pink world no point arguing with u ….

          • ?
            September 10, 2014

            Wtf are you even trying to say lol…

        • Miso Hoeny
          September 10, 2014

          i understand and even commend you for trying to put up a fight but… the fact of the matter is that Apple is viewed by many as a brand for the wealthy. Its a status symbol and there is a cult that has developed over the years around that brand. The more informed consumer who hasn’t been reeled in by “itunes” will often choose another path. Your better off just saying you love apple just because of how the brand makes you feel. I would find that more acceptable… lol

      • Zyvy plz lern englash
        September 10, 2014

        Fuck me that was some of the stupidest shit I’ve ever had to read. Your ARGUMENT is so shit and so stupid that i feel dumber.

        This gives no merit to any ARGUMENT!!!!! You thought you had. LOL

    • pa5t1s
      September 10, 2014

      I was a Macintosh and iPhone user and owner…until I get fed up with Apple’s arrogance and superiority. MacBook are still great, either with hardware and software, but I’m sorry to say that iPad and iPhone have nothing superior to aPad or aPhone. Once iOS was terrific and innovative, but it’s gone. look at the Apple vs Samsung war: it’s a lawyers’ war, not engineers or software developpers. Android is maybe less ‘hype’ or ‘swag’ or whatever, but at least it’s open and allow more creativity somehow. Reminds me of IBM vs Apple with personal computers… PC won at last.
      So, after all, it’s just a phone, not a religion.
      As said below, i do prefer to buy a new phone every 6 months than every 2 or 3 years. Technology is running so fast…

      • Dola Adekunle
        September 11, 2014

        kudos my man you are on seriously point. well said

    • balcobomber25
      September 10, 2014

      The Android bashing comments are ridiculous. Just because you love your iphone it doesn’t mean everyone does. Some people like Android because it offers unlimited choice, you aren’t stuck with what Apple gives you. Warranties vary by company to company, you can’t lump them all together. Some of the biggest companies have service centers around the globe, both name brand (i.e. Samsung Store) and independent service centers where you can take your phone. Most of us here could care less about 4 years of updates, we buy new phones every 1-2 years. You might want to take a look at Apple’s environmental record before you bash other companies. Your comments sound like an ignorant apple fan boy, you sound exactly like the people you are calling out.

      And for the record while I would never buy an Apple phone, I have a Macbook and I absolutely love it. But I didn’t buy it for Mac OS which I am not a fan of. I bought it for the build and hardware, I use Ubuntu on it. I think the usability of Mac OS is as subjective as the whole Android vs Apple argument. We all have different opinions.

      • Dola Adekunle
        September 11, 2014

        kudos my man you are on point.

      • Craig Reynolds
        January 13, 2015

        I moved to Mac with the release of Win 8. Been with MSFT since 3.1 Other than the never ending flaws and security hacks I guess I just got freaking fed up with having to buy every new OS that was supposed to fix all previous problems! The last two OS’s on my Mac have been FREE upgrades. That alone has already offset the higher price I paid compared to a Dell or HP with similar hardware specs.

        The only issue I see with Mac is that there are just not enough developers building good programs.

        What do I love best about my Macbook Pro? The fact that on a cold startup it takes less than 8 seconds from power on to get to a working desktop and that includes the time it takes to type in my password.

      • g-money
        March 22, 2015

        and apple is made in china, lol

    • Fernando
      September 11, 2014

      the is other thing too, i live in brazil and here a iphone 5s for example come here with the price of 5 minimun salarys and the salary here in brazil for most of people is 1,5 of the minimun soo think how much they need to work to buy only a cellphone… thats why i think the chinese are better we can import and maybe dont get taxed but even if we do get taxed the price of a chinese cellphone with a octa core that can do basicaly everything that we want is like 10x less than a iphone and i think is better to have like 3 chinese than 1 iphone even with the good warraties most of the phones broke because we drop then and broke the screen etc.. i’m not sure but i think there is other countrys where is even worst than brazil … sorry for my bad english i hope u understand what i said

      • Dola Adekunle
        September 11, 2014

        never, ever, apologise for writing or speaking a language that’s not your mother’s tongue my friend. Kudos to you for trying.

        I understand perfectly what you mean 100% and i raise my hat off to you in support. Ex-apple die-hard, now a lover of all things Android simply for it’s simplicity, expansion capability and ease of use

    • ALe Ale
      January 5, 2015

      well…macbook air…it costs a ridicolous huge amount of money…and for the same price i can buy a astroship with windows…and its iOs is not user friendly. so it s not for everyone.

      regarding the iphone…well….every top brand phone works everywhere on the planet…

      • ALe Ale
        January 5, 2015

        i forgot…you have a bluetooth you can use just with other appple products…not very friendly choice for a phone it costs 700€

    • Craig Reynolds
      January 13, 2015

      Every device I own except for a custom built IPTV unit is Apple. The IPTV unit is Android Kitkat 4.4 Based on the abilities of that unit I am very open to trying an Android smartphone in the future.

    • g-money
      March 22, 2015

      lol, bet u have a fake iphone 6

  10. chloe pebbles
    September 10, 2014

    Andi as it stands which would your top buy at the moment with a 5.5 screen size(bigger the better,lol) which has 4G and works in uk, am aware oneplus one only works on EE. The specs are all important, thank you.

    • September 10, 2014

      Vivo Xplay 3S. I used mine in the UK early this year on 3 on their LTE network with no problems. Awesome phone!

      • chloe pebbles
        September 10, 2014

        Thanks Andi, you probably wont remember but about 1 and half ago, you recommended the zopo c2 and its been a great little phone, had just about every rom on needrom on it but the screen is now a bit small for me now, the Vivo Xplay 3S, looks right up my street, my only main concern was the 4g working in the uk and maybe getting the the GPS to work properly.

  11. realjjj
    September 10, 2014

    The Vibe Z2 is just 720p and quad A7 and at a huge price for very that. The Z2 Pro or the X2 are far better choices if you have to include Lenovo since the Z2 is just blah.
    The Elife S5.1 has huge bezels and again is just quad A7, something that is not worth buying anymore above the low end.
    Nubia Z7 Max and Mini , or even Xiaomi Mi3 and Nubia 5s are clearly better choices than Z2 and S6.1.

    • balcobomber25
      September 11, 2014

      I have a Nubia Z7 with its 2k screen and as beautiful as it is I would trade it for a 720p screen any day, my battery would last twice as long and most of what I do would still look really good.

  12. Ricardo A.
    September 10, 2014

    Hi Andi!,Mi4 have any screen protection?

    • Andi Sykes
      September 10, 2014

      Apparently it is Gorilla Glass 3

    • Yash Garg
      September 10, 2014

      Corning Concore Glass! 😀

  13. highwind
    September 10, 2014

    440USD for a phone that doesnt even has LTE is pathetic

    Mi4 is the same overpriced hipster-shit as IP6 – their wannabe iOS MIUI already tells you the story

    • September 10, 2014

      What crap are you talking about? Not everyone needs LTE, you should know that and besides, iPhone 6’s hardwares is nothing to be compared with the Xiaomi Mi4.

      LTE or not, Mi4 is a much better valuable purchase than the iPhone 6

      • highwind
        September 10, 2014

        What crap? Well, Im obviously talking about “the crap” of a 440USD self-proclaimed flagship phone that isnt even able to offer industries most basic connection standards (LTE and NFC)… connection standards which -by the way- other companies already offered in their last generation middle class smartphones.

        Seems like Xiaomi hipsters are already as unreal as Apple hipsters… another similarity between the two

        • September 11, 2014

          Mi4 LTE is now available

        • balcobomber25
          September 11, 2014

          They just announced the LTE version for China, the international version is due at the end of the year.

          NFC is one of the least used features in smartphones.

          • highwind
            September 18, 2014

            And if Xiaomi announces “something” we all know it is only up to a year away from being available xD
            Your NFC statement is a wild guess without any hard data to proof it I suppose?

  14. amir
    September 10, 2014

    iuni u3. i need dual sim.

  15. Frank Wu
    September 10, 2014

    Where is the Oppo 7 and Xplay 3S on your list!!!

  16. Jamesu
    September 10, 2014

    I hardly made any comments on any forum, but this is interesting. No doubt Iphone of quality hardware but still….. have absolutely no doubt that ANDROID is still by far a million miles better OS than IOS, Simply,for me, Hassle big time just to transfer data from laptop to phone, why the big hassle? In the end could not agree more with Andi. Why pay through your nose for a phone for just a phone.
    Nothing against the Apple Hardware, but the OS, to me seems like a selfish OS, had to do within the eco system, buying an MAC book is just as costly…. RIP OFF pricing. So what with a good resolution, how long do you think it will last, at most 2 years and you are starting to think buy another new model iphone, For an Android phone especially china made ones you practically changed new phone every 1/2 year. No crying when you lost it, just buy another one, where android os phones is so affordable nowadays, millions of choices.

  17. koss_x_treeme
    September 10, 2014

    Great article !

    • Andi Sykes
      September 10, 2014

      Thanks

  18. Guest
    September 10, 2014

    Please Andi add which one of them has NFC and which one doesn’t. THX! 🙂

  19. pa5t1s
    September 10, 2014

    Already got a OnePlus One, but, if I needed to buy another, I would choose Xiaomi or Meizu or Vivo… and no iPhone ever.

    • Michael Ogbonnaya
      September 10, 2014

      Wish I am you 🙁

    • Guest
      September 10, 2014

      just work hard and pray for it, it will happen for you… 😉

    • Michael Ogbonnaya
      September 10, 2014

      Already doing that bro.

    • pa5t1s
      September 10, 2014

      No worry bro, 1+1 should be available to buy (without invite) really soon, mostly because of a better production : more devices made every passing day…
      Tho, you won’t be me 😀 but another happy Android (and OPO) owner!
      PS: whenever I’ll get another bunch of invites (if any, in a near future), I’ll drop you a message 😉

    • Guest
      September 21, 2014

      you are right
      we buy smartphone not buy brand
      we play game, calling, online, chatting…. with smartphone not brand
      iphone what is that dog food ha..ha..

    • blazjecar
      December 3, 2014

      Can you give me a code? 🙂

    • pa5t1s
      December 3, 2014

      I ain’t got others for a long time… but go to Google+/OnePlus community: there are many people sharing invites, every hour…

    • Guest
      January 20, 2015

      hahaha , this is pathtetic, keep believing your bullshit, but the truth is these chinese devices are not better than an iPhone i know that for a fact

    • boo
      May 29, 2015

      dog on skippy you ol murican you

  20. Meghrajsinh chadasama
    September 10, 2014

    Andy…Should gionee brings iuni u3 in india?

    • Andi Sykes
      September 10, 2014

      I don’t think they will anytime soon

  21. Guest
    September 10, 2014

    Favoring the Lenovo Z2 over the Lenovo Z2 Pro? They share the same appearence but the Z2 is a complete different story. It only has a 720p display, a midrange SOC and the Lenovo ROM is heavily bloated and with all kind of features making the Z2 slow. Then there is the price, sorry but you can have a better phones for that price. Unfortunate t the Z2 Pro wouldn’t fit in this list because it has a Apple price ($800).

    • TheOracle
      September 11, 2014

      I have the original vibe z and if there were two changes I’d like it would be a 720p screen and an sd card or bump up to 32gb. As for the bloatware, I like it and use it extensively. I like SecureIT and the ability to freeze apps, comprehensive privacy suite, itemised app permissions etc. These are some of the things introduced on kitkat that I already have on jelly bean. I’ll be buying the Z2 because it’s also pentaband wcdma on BOTH sims and quadband LTE on BOTH sims. The 3000mah battery with 720p and a 64bit chip should also give it excellent battery life.

  22. Guest
    September 10, 2014

    These
    iPhone bashing comments are ridiculous. For some simple reasons. 1.
    Warranties are top notch. 2. Bands and coverage for nearly every country
    on earth. 3. Support for over 4 years in software updates. 4. Clean,
    simple application search and great apps that you simply cannot find
    most of the time or at all on Android. 5. Available, everywhere,
    immediately without fault and without bullshit games. 6. Not
    specifications heavy, but usability heavy, features that yes they may
    not be upto date as Android is sometimes, but a lot of Android features
    are shit and most of the Chinese skins are simply not good enough when
    it comes to masses, simplicity and quality are key over all. 7.
    Enviromentally moving forward, Chinese manufacturers could not really
    care about the environment, OnePlus made that clear with the smasthpast
    campaign. Now these phones you’ve listed are great, but price isn’t
    everything and with the profits they make they invest back into new
    tech. The Macbook Air line is simply better than other laptops in feel,
    design and usability. Android’s great and these phones are too, but
    Apple has a niche and a market because it just works and does so without
    fault year on year.

    Look forward to some replies on people who either agree or disagree. Price is something you choose to pay and if you don’t like it, don’t pay for it.

    • Guest
      September 10, 2014

      1. otheres also has it – NOT ARGUMENT

      2.bands otheres also use most of bands – NOT ARGUMENT

      3.if u buy iphone u prabobly got shiitload of money to spend so u wont use it for more than 1year – NOT ARGUMENT

      4.just a joke can get anyalrernative app on andoid – NOT ARGUMENT

      5.for that ridiculousness price – 1ST ARGUMENT

      6. so u actualy agree that they use outdated hardware and overprice the phone what is a huge joke, if u got some features u dont like on android just dont use it noone is forcing u to do it but at least u got an option to customize as much as u like, where iphone prevent u from most of customization – NOT ARGUMENT

      7. rly – NOT ARGUMENT

      its about iphone and othere phones not laptops like The Macbook Air so just dont know why u brought it here….

      overall 1 argument for iphone available everywhere for that price RLY is that success….

    • Guest
      September 10, 2014

      I can’t really understand what you said, so I’m going to take a shot at it anyway.

      1. You buy most phones from a reseller with no real manufacturer warranty, they buy it from a wholesaler in China (No warranty) then pass it off to you. You buy from Apple and you take it up with Apple. Great way to deal with your bottom line customer service and quality.

      2. Others all have bands, but iPhone has nearly every band worldwide, without fault, if you’re in an area in the world, the iPhone will work, granted the USA and China have not made it easy to be cross compatible in spectrum’s with the TD and CDMA differences. But even then you’ll be able to move around with ease.

      3. Shit load of money? Or just someone with the money and choice?

      4. No, you really cannot find really well designed apps that are on the same level as Apple developers apps, and i use Android. You just can’t. Apple set the bar high and the guidelines clear. Play store is a mess. If you want a great Chinese learning app, app stores got some greatly designed ones, want a delivery tracking app, the same app on the app store from Android will look super polished.

      5. You clearly don’t understand that this company is not OnePlus. They’re a premium brand. They do not need to cut their bottom line, because they sell millions, in days, OnePlus has probably sold 50,000-100,000 units in months and can still not guarantee you’ll get it. If something goes wrong. Woops!

      6. The whole architecture of the software and hardware is unique to Apple and they don’t need to push quad core, 2.5GHZ specs to beat many of the flagships in smooth operational running times and battery performance. Users don’t want the highest specs. This isn’t the PC gaming market they’re going for. They just want it to show no lag and handle EVERYDAY functions. Look at the Motorola G, 1.2Ghz SD 400 and still works fine, now the A8 Chip is far more powerful and unique then that processor built upon a closed and tightly worked OS.

      7. The environment should be every companies top priority. Always.

      The Macbook is a clear identification of a product that works perfectly within it’s VERY crowded market. Just like the iPhone does. It’s a clear choice, to slice into a specific niche in the market.

      You just see price and dollars, maybe because you cannot afford an iPhone and thus it’s a stupid choice, but it would be the same for you looking at Ferrari and claiming the same complaints, when you can only afford a standard or supped up car.

    • Guest
      September 10, 2014

      Respect your opinion. I just have a different way of looking at this apple/android feud.. I think apple devices are for non tech people. people who don’t give a shit about what’s on their phones apart from the fact that it answers/makes calls, takes photos and opens up a few apps. Yes! some want it coz it doesn’t lag while most people just like it coz its an iPhone. crazy!
      If you are a bit of a techy person, iPhones don’t catch your fancy that much. why would I use a phone which cannot in the twinkle of an eye copy any music from any computer to my phone and back without launching some app and doing a synchronization. same with photos and the rest. Can’t immediately send a photo or some music to a friends phone by Bluetooth. Can’t change my themes. can’t change my icons. can’t flash a new interesting rom onto my phone. All that and a crazy price tag. Have you ever heard of the android app called themer? awesome app which changes your themes with really magical themes. Can’t imagine not having that.
      Android phones on the other hand are flexible. give you the freedom you want. by the way nowadays, serious android phones don’t have the lag that android phones used to have. Even iPhones when supercharged with heavy apps will lag sometimes. if you’ve used a xiaomi mi3 before you will understand what I’m saying.
      It especially doesn’t work very much for us here in Africa where we hardly do payments online. You are even required to have a credit card before accessing the app store. crazy stuff! yeah support is low on android phones, but I think I prefer the freedom of android phones without much support than the rigidity of iphones with all the support they want. of all the android phones I have Had, I don’t remember having a problem that my local phone repairer couldn’t solve, or which I couldn’t look up online and solve myself. Plus I must confess, since I can’t buy with a credit card, I love my cracked apks. hahah! can’t have an iphone with all the tight security.

    • Guest
      September 10, 2014

      kid u live in beautiful pink world no point arguing with u ….

    • Guest
      September 10, 2014

      i understand and even commend you for trying to put up a fight but… the fact of the matter is that Apple is viewed by many as a brand for the wealthy. Its a status symbol and there is a cult that has developed over the years around that brand. The more informed consumer who hasn’t been reeled in by “itunes” will often choose another path. Your better off just saying you love apple just because of how the brand makes you feel. I would find that more acceptable… lol

    • pa5t1s
      September 10, 2014

      I was a Macintosh and iPhone user and owner…until I get fed up with Apple’s arrogance and superiority. MacBook are still great, either with hardware and software, but I’m sorry to say that iPad and iPhone have nothing superior to aPad or aPhone. Once iOS was terrific and innovative, but it’s gone. look at the Apple vs Samsung war: it’s a lawyers’ war, not engineers or software developpers. Android is maybe less ‘hype’ or ‘swag’ or whatever, but at least it’s open and allow more creativity somehow. Reminds me of IBM vs Apple with personal computers… PC won at last.
      So, after all, it’s just a phone, not a religion.
      As said below, i do prefer to buy a new phone every 6 months than every 2 or 3 years. Technology is running so fast…

    • Guest
      September 11, 2014

      Wtf are you even trying to say lol…

    • Guest
      September 11, 2014

      Fuck me that was some of the stupidest shit I’ve ever had to read. Your ARGUMENT is so shit and so stupid that i feel dumber.

      This gives no merit to any ARGUMENT!!!!! You thought you had. LOL

    • balcobomber25
      September 11, 2014

      The Android bashing comments are ridiculous. Just because you love your iphone it doesn’t mean everyone does. Some people like Android because it offers unlimited choice, you aren’t stuck with what Apple gives you. Warranties vary by company to company, you can’t lump them all together. Some of the biggest companies have service centers around the globe, both name brand (i.e. Samsung Store) and independent service centers where you can take your phone. Most of us here could care less about 4 years of updates, we buy new phones every 1-2 years. You might want to take a look at Apple’s environmental record before you bash other companies. Your comments sound like an ignorant apple fan boy, you sound exactly like the people you are calling out.

      And for the record while I would never buy an Apple phone, I have a Macbook and I absolutely love it. But I didn’t buy it for Mac OS which I am not a fan of. I bought it for the build and hardware, I use Ubuntu on it. I think the usability of Mac OS is as subjective as the whole Android vs Apple argument. We all have different opinions.

    • Guest
      September 11, 2014

      the is other thing too, i live in brazil and here a iphone 5s for example come here with the price of 5 minimun salarys and the salary here in brazil for most of people is 1,5 of the minimun soo think how much they need to work to buy only a cellphone… thats why i think the chinese are better we can import and maybe dont get taxed but even if we do get taxed the price of a chinese cellphone with a octa core that can do basicaly everything that we want is like 10x less than a iphone and i think is better to have like 3 chinese than 1 iphone even with the good warraties most of the phones broke because we drop then and broke the screen etc.. i’m not sure but i think there is other countrys where is even worst than brazil … sorry for my bad english i hope u understand what i said

    • Dolly
      September 11, 2014

      never, ever, apologise for writing or speaking a language that’s not your mother’s tongue my friend. Kudos to you for trying.

      I understand perfectly what you mean 100% and i raise my hat off to you in support. Ex-apple die-hard, now a lover of all things Android simply for it’s simplicity, expansion capability and ease of use

    • Dolly
      September 11, 2014

      kudos my man you are on point.

    • Dolly
      September 11, 2014

      kudos my man you are on seriously point. well said

    • ALe Ale
      January 5, 2015

      well…macbook air…it costs a ridicolous huge amount of money…and for the same price i can buy a astroship with windows…and its iOs is not user friendly. so it s not for everyone.

      regarding the iphone…well….every top brand phone works everywhere on the planet…

    • ALe Ale
      January 5, 2015

      i forgot…you have a bluetooth you can use just with other appple products…not very friendly choice for a phone it costs 700€

    • Guest
      January 13, 2015

      I moved to Mac with the release of Win 8. Been with MSFT since 3.1 Other than the never ending flaws and security hacks I guess I just got freaking fed up with having to buy every new OS that was supposed to fix all previous problems! The last two OS’s on my Mac have been FREE upgrades. That alone has already offset the higher price I paid compared to a Dell or HP with similar hardware specs.

      The only issue I see with Mac is that there are just not enough developers building good programs.

      What do I love best about my Macbook Pro? The fact that on a cold startup it takes less than 8 seconds from power on to get to a working desktop and that includes the time it takes to type in my password.

    • Guest
      January 13, 2015

      Every device I own except for a custom built IPTV unit is Apple. The IPTV unit is Android Kitkat 4.4 Based on the abilities of that unit I am very open to trying an Android smartphone in the future.

    • Guest
      January 20, 2015

      but…. if youre a tech person you know how to turn your iPhone into the useful device you want it to be. i can Download anything, copy anything from any pc and so in. it seems your the ones too limited to usw the full potential so you choose android which lets you do that from the beginning , BUT you dont have the performance and quality of an iphone while i have the best of both worlds

    • Guest
      March 22, 2015

      lol, bet u have a fake iphone 6

    • Guest
      March 22, 2015

      and apple is made in china, lol

  23. chloe pebbles
    September 10, 2014

    Andi as it stands which would your top buy at the moment with a 5.5 screen size(bigger the better,lol) which has 4G and works in uk, am aware oneplus one only works on EE. The specs are all important, thank you.

    • Andi Sykes
      September 10, 2014

      Vivo Xplay 3S. I used mine in the UK early this year on 3 on their LTE network with no problems. Awesome phone!

    • chloe pebbles
      September 10, 2014

      Thanks Andi, you probably wont remember but about 1 and half ago, you recommended the zopo c2 and its been a great little phone, had just about every rom on needrom on it but the screen is now a bit small for me now, the Vivo Xplay 3S, looks right up my street, my only main concern was the 4g working in the uk and maybe getting the the GPS to work properly.

  24. Miso Hoeny
    September 10, 2014

    I like the list Andi thank you!

  25. realjjj
    September 10, 2014

    The Vibe Z2 is just 720p and quad A7 and at a huge price for very that. The Z2 Pro or the X2 are far better choices if you have to include Lenovo since the Z2 is just blah.
    The Elife S5.1 has huge bezels and again is just quad A7, something that is not worth buying anymore above the low end.
    Nubia Z7 Max and Mini , or even Xiaomi Mi3 and Nubia 5s are clearly better choices than Z2 and S6.1.

    • balcobomber25
      September 12, 2014

      I have a Nubia Z7 with its 2k screen and as beautiful as it is I would trade it for a 720p screen any day, my battery would last twice as long and most of what I do would still look really good.

  26. provokanter Tabellenführer
    September 10, 2014

    440USD for a phone that doesnt even has LTE is pathetic

    Mi4 is the same overpriced hipster-shit as IP6 – their wannabe iOS MIUI already tells you the story

    • Michael Ogbonnaya
      September 10, 2014

      What crap are you talking about? Not everyone needs LTE, you should know that and besides, iPhone 6’s hardwares is nothing to be compared with the Xiaomi Mi4.

      LTE or not, Mi4 is a much better valuable purchase than the iPhone 6

    • provokanter Tabellenführer
      September 10, 2014

      What crap? Well, Im obviously talking about “the crap” of a 440USD self-proclaimed flagship phone that isnt even able to offer industries most basic connection standards (LTE and NFC)… connection standards which -by the way- other companies already offered in their last generation middle class smartphones.

      Seems like Xiaomi hipsters are already as unreal as Apple hipsters… another similarity between the two

    • balcobomber25
      September 12, 2014

      They just announced the LTE version for China, the international version is due at the end of the year.

      NFC is one of the least used features in smartphones.

    • provokanter Tabellenführer
      September 18, 2014

      And if Xiaomi announces “something” we all know it is only up to a year away from being available xD
      Your NFC statement is a wild guess without any hard data to proof it I suppose?

  27. Guest
    September 10, 2014

    I hardly made any comments on any forum, but this is interesting. No doubt Iphone of quality hardware but still….. have absolutely no doubt that ANDROID is still by far a million miles better OS than IOS, Simply,for me, Hassle big time just to transfer data from laptop to phone, why the big hassle? In the end could not agree more with Andi. Why pay through your nose for a phone for just a phone.
    Nothing against the Apple Hardware, but the OS, to me seems like a selfish OS, had to do within the eco system, buying an MAC book is just as costly…. RIP OFF pricing. So what with a good resolution, how long do you think it will last, at most 2 years and you are starting to think buy another new model iphone, For an Android phone especially china made ones you practically changed new phone every 1/2 year. No crying when you lost it, just buy another one, where android os phones is so affordable nowadays, millions of choices.

  28. Guest
    September 10, 2014

    I like the list Andi thank you!

  29. Angry Mobile Nerd
    September 10, 2014

    Honestly these articles (and site) would be much better (and less controversial) if they just left Apple out of it.

    • balcobomber25
      September 10, 2014

      So they are just supposed to ignore the only real competitor to Android phones? Should everyone here just pretend that Apple doesn’t exist?

      • Angry Mobile Nerd
        September 11, 2014

        *face palm*

        It’s not a Android VS iOS thing. The price disparity alone is reason enough, these products are in two totally different price segments. The demographics suggest someone in the market for a iPhone 6 is not going to consider any of these other phones and anyone in the market for any of these phones is most likely not considering an iPhone 6.

        Up next, top 10 Chinese cars you should buy instead of a BMW.

        • balcobomber25
          September 11, 2014

          Hardcore Apple fans won’t buy these phones over an Iphone, but those on the fence who have no allegiance to any brand just might. The demographics of this website suggest that not too many card carrying members of the Apple Army come here. The people who do come here are looking for insightful information about Chinese phones and how they compare to the top phones in their home countries (usually Samsung, HTC, Iphone and LG).

          • Dola Adekunle
            September 11, 2014

            i love this man

  30. Kent
    September 11, 2014

    Will any of these phones work in the USA on AT&T LTE?

    • balcobomber25
      September 11, 2014

      Most of them will work on both ATT and Tmobile 4G just make sure you get the international version of the phone that supports FDD-LTE and not the Chinese version which usually only has TD-LTE.

  31. Angry Mobile Nerd
    September 11, 2014

    Honestly these articles (and site) would be much better (and less controversial) if they just left Apple out of it.

    • balcobomber25
      September 11, 2014

      So they are just supposed to ignore the only real competitor to Android phones? Should everyone here just pretend that Apple doesn’t exist?

    • Angry Mobile Nerd
      September 11, 2014

      *face palm*

      It’s not a Android VS iOS thing. The price disparity alone is reason enough, these products are in two totally different price segments. The demographics suggest someone in the market for a iPhone 6 is not going to consider any of these other phones and anyone in the market for any of these phones is most likely not considering an iPhone 6.

      Up next, top 10 Chinese cars you should buy instead of a BMW.

    • balcobomber25
      September 11, 2014

      Hardcore Apple fans won’t buy these phones over an Iphone, but those on the fence who have no allegiance to any brand just might. The demographics of this website suggest that not too many card carrying members of the Apple Army come here. The people who do come here are looking for insightful information about Chinese phones and how they compare to the top phones in their home countries (usually Samsung, HTC, Iphone and LG).

    • Dolly
      September 11, 2014

      i love this man

  32. Dave
    September 11, 2014

    The main difference between the iPhone and any China phone is that Apple keeps updating their product’s FW, whereas Chinese manufacturers barely give any support to their devices.
    Chinese devices are also not built to last. Most devices will start to show signs of wear and tear after about a year, and eventually stop working at all. My 3 y.o Samsung device still works, and wifes iPhone 4s too. All these devices are north of $300. For this price you’re better off with a Nexus device. You’ll also get the latest version of Android.

    When will the IUNI be available?

    • balcobomber25
      September 11, 2014

      This is one of the most ill informed and ignorant comments I have read in a long time. Some manufacturers do have bad support and are not built to last. Some have very good support and will last just as long as Samsung and Apple. Like any other product you need to do your research before buying anything. My wife still uses the Meizu MX2 (2012) and has never had a problem with it, I wanted to buy her the new MX4 but she loves her MX2 and refuses to give it up.

      • Dola Adekunle
        September 11, 2014

        well said balcobomber25, i would have preferred you dropping the bomb hard on Dave’s ill informed comment.

        Dave, first you bashed all Chinese mobile manufacturers as lazy, careless and cheap manufactures of rubbish phones!!!! Then you went ahead and asked when IUNI Superb phone will be released!………… News flash or should i call it a bit of education for your narrow mind, IUNI IS A CHINESE PHONE, Do you get that?

  33. Kent
    September 11, 2014

    Will any of these phones work in the USA on AT&T LTE?

    • balcobomber25
      September 12, 2014

      Most of them will work on both ATT and Tmobile 4G just make sure you get the international version of the phone that supports FDD-LTE and not the Chinese version which usually only has TD-LTE.

  34. Pavegud
    September 11, 2014

    OPPO?!

  35. Dave
    September 11, 2014

    The main difference between the iPhone and any China phone is that Apple keeps updating their product’s FW, whereas Chinese manufacturers barely give any support to their devices.
    Chinese devices are also not built to last. Most devices will start to show signs of wear and tear after about a year, and eventually stop working at all. My 3 y.o Samsung device still works, and wifes iPhone 4s too. All these devices are north of $300. For this price you’re better off with a Nexus device. You’ll also get the latest version of Android.

    When will the IUNI be available?

    • balcobomber25
      September 11, 2014

      This is one of the most ill informed and ignorant comments I have read in a long time. Some manufacturers do have bad support and are not built to last. Some have very good support and will last just as long as Samsung and Apple. Like any other product you need to do your research before buying anything. My wife still uses the Meizu MX2 (2012) and has never had a problem with it, I wanted to buy her the new MX4 but she loves her MX2 and refuses to give it up.

    • Dolly
      September 11, 2014

      well said balcobomber25, i would have preferred you dropping the bomb hard on Dave’s ill informed comment.

      Dave, first you bashed all Chinese mobile manufacturers as lazy, careless and cheap manufactures of rubbish phones!!!! Then you went ahead and asked when IUNI Superb phone will be released!………… News flash or should i call it a bit of education for your narrow mind, IUNI IS A CHINESE PHONE, Do you get that?

  36. Pavegud
    September 11, 2014

    OPPO?!

  37. smsm the king
    September 13, 2014

    And the No.1 is oppo find 7

  38. smsm the king
    September 13, 2014

    And the No.1 is oppo find 7

  39. September 13, 2014

    Best detailed new search engine (startup) for high end Chinese smartphones ($150-$180)- better than iPhone 6 Plus or Samsung!!!
    http://www.skyfg.com/cgi-bin/selectthebetter?Labels=1&AttributesAdditionals=0&FormatDateTime=0&AttributesMaxPerItem=3&AttributesDividers=%26%23160%3B&PictureWidth=200&PictureHeight=80&LimitFromMain=0&LimitMaxPerViewMain=10&OrderByMain=%60Id%60%20ASC&Category=Top%20hot%20cheap%20Chinese%20smartphones&FiltersValues=&schCategorySelect=1&schCategoryInput=Search%20Category…&schTableSelect=1&schTableInput=Search%20Table…&schTitleSelect=1&schTitleInput=Search%20Title…&schOrder=Id%20ASC&schLimit=10&schLimitFrom=0

  40. Angel Tsvetkov
    September 13, 2014

    Best detailed new search engine (startup) for high end Chinese smartphones ($150-$180)- better than iPhone 6 Plus or Samsung!!!
    http://www.skyfg.com/cgi-bin/selectthebetter?Labels=1&AttributesAdditionals=0&FormatDateTime=0&AttributesMaxPerItem=3&AttributesDividers=%26%23160%3B&PictureWidth=200&PictureHeight=80&LimitFromMain=0&LimitMaxPerViewMain=10&OrderByMain=%60Id%60%20ASC&Category=Top%20hot%20cheap%20Chinese%20smartphones&FiltersValues=&schCategorySelect=1&schCategoryInput=Search%20Category…&schTableSelect=1&schTableInput=Search%20Table…&schTitleSelect=1&schTitleInput=Search%20Title…&schOrder=Id%20ASC&schLimit=10&schLimitFrom=0

  41. eliHd
    September 13, 2014

    I think Oppo find 7a/7 is another alternative phone to buy instead of iPhone 6. The only thing about Oppo is that they are very bad at updates on software. They are still on 4.3jb which I hate so much. However if you know how to root and enjoy putting different types of roms in your phone you will like Oppo find7/7a.

    • balcobomber25
      September 14, 2014

      Oppo phones look spectacular but they are not only bad with updates, their support is horrible and at least from my own personal experience they have a high failure rate. I had the Find 5 replaced 3 times by Oppo because it kept dying for no reason. Finally I gave up and bought a THL, which I loved.

      • eliHd
        September 14, 2014

        I totally agree with you. I bought Oppo find 7a back in May and I will #NeverBuyOppoAgain. The camera on find 7a is outstanding compare to most other Chinese phone manufacturers imo that’s the only thing I like about the find 7a.

        • balcobomber25
          September 14, 2014

          I live in Thailand where OPPO has a pretty big presence and everyone at the time warned me not to buy one because they are known to have problems. I did not listen lol.

  42. eliHd
    September 14, 2014

    I think Oppo find 7a/7 is another alternative phone to buy instead of iPhone 6. The only thing about Oppo is that they are very bad at updates on software. They are still on 4.3jb which I hate so much. However if you know how to root and enjoy putting different types of roms in your phone you will like Oppo find7/7a.

    • balcobomber25
      September 14, 2014

      Oppo phones look spectacular but they are not only bad with updates, their support is horrible and at least from my own personal experience they have a high failure rate. I had the Find 5 replaced 3 times by Oppo because it kept dying for no reason. Finally I gave up and bought a THL, which I loved.

    • eliHd
      September 14, 2014

      I totally agree with you. I bought Oppo find 7a back in May and I will #NeverBuyOppoAgain. The camera on find 7a is outstanding compare to most other Chinese phone manufacturers imo that’s the only thing I like about the find 7a.

    • balcobomber25
      September 14, 2014

      I live in Thailand where OPPO has a pretty big presence and everyone at the time warned me not to buy one because they are known to have problems. I did not listen lol.

  43. Viktor
    September 17, 2014

    Waiting for a nice alternative to iPhone 6 that supports LTE 800 mhz, any hope for that soon?

  44. Guest
    September 17, 2014

    Waiting for a nice alternative to iPhone 6 that supports LTE 800 mhz, any hope for that soon?

  45. Deepak Murthy
    September 20, 2014

    Gone are the days when iPhone was number one. I have two Vivo smartphones, XPlay 3S and XShot. Absolutely amazing quality!

  46. Deepak Murthy
    September 20, 2014

    Gone are the days when iPhone was number one. I have two Vivo smartphones, XPlay 3S and XShot. Absolutely amazing quality!

  47. Raj Bangalore
    September 23, 2014

    Redmi 1s is also really good. At it’s lowest price it serve all the purpose of smart phone.

  48. Raj Bangalore
    September 23, 2014

    Redmi 1s is also really good. At it’s lowest price it serve all the purpose of smart phone.

  49. RH
    September 23, 2014

    I bought a Huawei Mate2 about 2 months ago, VERY impressed. Quality build. So what it doesn’t have the latest & greatest OS, only a 720p screen or a snapdragon 400. The battery lasts 2-3 days easy, it runs everything I need quickly, no lock ups, lag or issues. The “not so” flagship devices do a pretty darn good job, for a price that doesn’t break the bank!

  50. RH
    September 23, 2014

    I bought a Huawei Mate2 about 2 months ago, VERY impressed. Quality build. So what it doesn’t have the latest & greatest OS, only a 720p screen or a snapdragon 400. The battery lasts 2-3 days easy, it runs everything I need quickly, no lock ups, lag or issues. The “not so” flagship devices do a pretty darn good job, for a price that doesn’t break the bank!

  51. Cajrix
    September 25, 2014

    Can you recomend a phone about 150$ value, metal case, HD OGS display, gorilla glas, good battery, what is a best deal?

    • Vassilis14
      May 7, 2015

      elephone P7000! 150-200

      • dz11
        September 15, 2015

        Elephone, one of the shittest makes ever. Always have awful black border not shown in advertising. Cheap rubbish. Go with Xiaomi instead.

    • manju
      October 14, 2015

      Certainly you will get it in third hand material selling shops.

  52. Cajrix
    September 25, 2014

    Can you recomend a phone about 150$ value, metal case, HD OGS display, gorilla glas, good battery, what is a best deal?

    • Vassilis14
      May 7, 2015

      elephone P7000! 150-200

    • dz11
      September 15, 2015

      Elephone, one of the shittest makes ever. Always have awful black border not shown in advertising. Cheap rubbish. Go with Xiaomi instead.

    • Guest
      October 14, 2015

      Certainly you will get it in third hand material selling shops.

  53. Zdenda Delfínů
    October 18, 2014

    where is OPO Find 7 ???????????????????????????????????????

  54. Zdenda Delfínů
    October 18, 2014

    where is OPO Find 7 ???????????????????????????????????????

  55. Manuel Imel
    October 30, 2014

    Almost all these phones seem like they’re for Apple fans in denial.

  56. Manuel Imel
    October 30, 2014

    Almost all these phones seem like they’re for Apple fans in denial.

  57. November 14, 2014

    Re: IUNI U3 – The current model only supports FDD-LTE bands 1800 and 2600 MHz, so keep that in mind if you plan to use it outside of China. (Source: http://iuniu3.com/u3_8.shtml )

    Re: Huawei Honor 6 – Not everybody has a good opinion on it. Be sure to read the AnandTech review before making your purchase (http://www.anandtech.com/show/8425/huawei-honor-6-review )

  58. 10basetom
    November 14, 2014

    Re: IUNI U3 – The current model only supports FDD-LTE bands 1800 and 2600 MHz, so keep that in mind if you plan to use it outside of China. (Source: http://iuniu3.com/u3_8.shtml )

    Re: Huawei Honor 6 – Not everybody has a good opinion on it. Be sure to read the AnandTech review before making your purchase (http://www.anandtech.com/show/8425/huawei-honor-6-review )

  59. fafa
    November 24, 2014

    f**ck smartphones made in china !

    they can sell so cheap because :
    big suppliers contract adults as slaves and give to suppliers manufacturing :

    making work kids of 12-13 years olds 12hours a day 29days/ month!

    crazy country, biggest capitalist dictatorship ever

    • Voxhaulf
      January 24, 2015

      You do realize iPhones and Samsungs are also made in China , so are most things in this world….. and even if it doesn’t say made in China the parts were likely made in China and assembled somewhere else.
      Don’t fool yourself, yes it’s unfair what’s happening to them but that’s only because the planet is overcrowded and everybody wants a piece of technology.

      • fafa
        February 4, 2015

        Yeah´continue to close your eyes on whats happening. Its ok they can continue to slave children and destroy nature. F******ck !
        I got a nokia made in finland, and BB made in malaysia.

        • rogue
          April 17, 2015

          fafa I understand your frustration and have been trying to find the most ethical phone. Unfortunately even if your Nokia and BB were not made in China the material is mined mostly in Congo where the main issues are with child labor terrible working conditions and run by warlords. All this material is in our phones, computers, tv’s etc etc. and the only way there can be change id if the masses of consumers start to question these companies. It’s very difficult to buy an ethically manufactured phone unless you get a Fairphone.

          • fafa
            October 26, 2015

            It bought last month a FAIRPHONE!
            ethical phone!
            fair trade. fair manufacture, clean materials coming from controled mines in africa.
            The first smart phone you can fix yourself, no consumerism.
            The change has started , WE consumers WANT clean and ethics TRADE! China is just a 20th century huge slavery.
            Biggest capitalism dictratorship ever.
            I’m not american, and USA has also a lot to change. But at least they
            ban slavery.

      • fafa
        October 26, 2015

        I bought a fairphone.
        please understand what i’m trying to say.
        I don”t fool myself, I see the truth
        with so much consumerism we are f*cking destroying the planet! and reducing to slavery people to get cheap electronics , clothes etccc…
        hate that, AND I SURELY never participate in IT !!

      • GangusCong
        September 8, 2016

        Only Samsung phones made in China now are those to be sold in China. All Samsung phones sold in India are made in India and the same for S. Korea. Their new Multi Billion Dollar factories in Vietnam are now where the majority of Galaxy Smartphone lines (S and Note Series) are made for EU and American distribution.

        Where they pay less than half labor costs and Vietnam offers Samsung extremely low tax rates… with them also getting infrastructure bids on GeoThermal Energy Generation, largest Deep Water Shipyard outside S. Korea, building and road construction by Samsung C&T with them also building their own new factories for everything from TV’s to Smartphones!

        And….. Note Series is still China’s Best Selling Phablet. Which it was also the first to move to large screens on original Note phone! ……that S-Pen Stylus and Wacom Dual Mode Digitizer still has no equal on any brand tablet or smartphone!!! …..in fact despite reduced sales of Galaxy 5 on out, Galaxy S7 is killing the market this year in China. Note 7 will end up breaking all records for the series and forget about dissing them on the Battery Recall. That’s done already and the batteries in that one bad batch have already been replaced. Just 35 bad batteries out of Millions??? They’re still destined to knock it out of the park this year. To remain #1 Smartphone and Electronics Conglomerate on the Planet for the 6th consecutive year….. by a lot!

        Apple and their deluded brain washed masses getting conned into buying their overpriced crap instead of any of these excellent Chinese made phones comparable to iPhones are a far better purchase! …..but if you are Chinese, the Samsung Note with S-pen for Chinese note taking and art is unbeatable combination to express Chinese Characters. And Samsung owns part of Wacom for that exclusive use of Wacom S-Pen Technology!

    • manju
      October 14, 2015

      R u an American?. Is there any other country more capitalist,and hypocritical than America.?

  60. fafa
    November 24, 2014

    f**ck smartphones made in china !

    they can sell so cheap because :
    big suppliers contract adults as slaves and give to suppliers manufacturing :

    making work kids of 12-13 years olds 12hours a day 29days/ month!

    crazy country, biggest capitalist dictatorship ever

    • Voxhaulf
      January 24, 2015

      You do realize iPhones and Samsungs are also made in China , so are most things in this world….. and even if it doesn’t say made in China the parts were likely made in China and assembled somewhere else.
      Don’t fool yourself, yes it’s unfair what’s happening to them but that’s only because the planet is overcrowded and everybody wants a piece of technology.

    • fafa
      February 5, 2015

      Yeah´continue to close your eyes on whats happening. Its ok they can continue to slave children and destroy nature. F******ck !
      I got a nokia made in finland, and BB made in malaysia.

    • Guest
      April 17, 2015

      fafa I understand your frustration and have been trying to find the most ethical phone. Unfortunately even if your Nokia and BB were not made in China the material is mined mostly in Congo where the main issues are with child labor terrible working conditions and run by warlords. All this material is in our phones, computers, tv’s etc etc. and the only way there can be change id if the masses of consumers start to question these companies. It’s very difficult to buy an ethically manufactured phone unless you get a Fairphone.

    • Guest
      October 14, 2015

      R u an American?. Is there any other country more capitalist,and hypocritical than America.?

    • fafa
      October 27, 2015

      It bought last month a FAIRPHONE!
      ethical phone!
      fair trade. fair manufacture, clean materials coming from controled mines in africa.
      The first smart phone you can fix yourself, no consumerism.
      The change has started , WE consumers WANT clean and ethics TRADE! China is just a 20th century huge slavery.
      Biggest capitalism dictratorship ever.
      I’m not american, and USA has also a lot to change. But at least they
      ban slavery.

    • fafa
      October 27, 2015

      I bought a fairphone.
      please understand what i’m trying to say.
      I don”t fool myself, I see the truth
      with so much consumerism we are f*cking destroying the planet! and reducing to slavery people to get cheap electronics , clothes etccc…
      hate that, AND I SURELY never participate in IT !!

    • GangusCong
      September 8, 2016

      Only Samsung phones made in China now are those to be sold in China. All Samsung phones sold in India are made in India and the same for S. Korea. Their new Multi Billion Dollar factories in Vietnam are now where the majority of Galaxy Smartphone lines (S and Note Series) are made for EU and American distribution.

      Where they pay less than half labor costs and Vietnam offers Samsung extremely low tax rates… with them also getting infrastructure bids on GeoThermal Energy Generation, largest Deep Water Shipyard outside S. Korea, building and road construction by Samsung C&T with them also building their own new factories for everything from TV’s to Smartphones!

      And….. Note Series is still China’s Best Selling Phablet. Which it was also the first to move to large screens on original Note phone! ……that S-Pen Stylus and Wacom Dual Mode Digitizer still has no equal on any brand tablet or smartphone!!! …..in fact despite reduced sales of Galaxy 5 on out, Galaxy S7 is killing the market this year in China. Note 7 will end up breaking all records for the series and forget about dissing them on the Battery Recall. That’s done already and the batteries in that one bad batch have already been replaced. Just 35 bad batteries out of Millions??? They’re still destined to knock it out of the park this year. To remain #1 Smartphone and Electronics Conglomerate on the Planet for the 6th consecutive year….. by a lot!

      Apple and their deluded brain washed masses getting conned into buying their overpriced crap instead of any of these excellent Chinese made phones comparable to iPhones are a far better purchase! …..but if you are Chinese, the Samsung Note with S-pen for Chinese note taking and art is unbeatable combination to express Chinese Characters. And Samsung owns part of Wacom for that exclusive use of Wacom S-Pen Technology!

  61. Davide Dallara
    December 16, 2014

    I have to buy a new smartphone and I wanted to buy one made in China. I’m undecided between meizu MX4, xiaomi Mi4 and honor6. which you recommend?

    • dz11
      September 15, 2015

      All smartphone are made in China.

  62. Davide Dallara
    December 16, 2014

    I have to buy a new smartphone and I wanted to buy one made in China. I’m undecided between meizu MX4, xiaomi Mi4 and honor6. which you recommend?

    • dz11
      September 15, 2015

      Nearly all smartphones are made in China. iPhone is made in China. So buy iPhone.

  63. Craig Reynolds
    January 13, 2015

    “In China the Xiaomi Mi4 costs just 1999 Yuan while customers outside of China can expect to pay around $440.”

    I don’t think so. I can buy them all day long for under $250 FOB. That includes the 64g model.

  64. Guest
    January 13, 2015

    “In China the Xiaomi Mi4 costs just 1999 Yuan while customers outside of China can expect to pay around $440.”

    I don’t think so. I can buy them all day long for under $250 FOB. That includes the 64g model.

  65. rbike
    March 26, 2015

    How many cheap Chinese android phones can you buy for the price of one IPhone!!!! They all work good just watch what you buy. IPhone is a name that’s what you pay for. Come on use your head.

    • manjunath
      October 14, 2015

      Just because of the brand,and it is from America,there is no need to buy the shit.instead buy a thing which is as equivalent as your iPhone in reduced price.and comparatively good.

  66. Guest
    March 26, 2015

    How many cheap Chinese android phones can you buy for the price of one IPhone!!!! They all work good just watch what you buy. IPhone is a name that’s what you pay for. Come on use your head.

    • Guest
      October 14, 2015

      Just because of the brand,and it is from America,there is no need to buy the shit.instead buy a thing which is as equivalent as your iPhone in reduced price.and comparatively good.

  67. boo
    May 28, 2015

    why not go for the xiaomi who’s miui operating system is what inspired the bold changes apple made to iOS7 from iOS6

  68. boo
    May 29, 2015

    why not go for the xiaomi who’s miui operating system is what inspired the bold changes apple made to iOS7 from iOS6

  69. lms414
    July 21, 2015

    iPhone 3G/3GS/4/4S/5/5S/5C/6/6Plus in stock for sale at much more reduced prices.

    i Phone 5 64GB Cost……US$430
    i Phone 5 32GB Cost……US$400
    i Phone 5 16GB Cost……US$390
    iPhone 16GB 5S Cost……US$450
    iPhone 32GB 5S Cost……US$500
    iPhone 64GB 5S Cost……US$550
    iPhone 16GB 6 Cost…….US$560
    iPhone 32GB 6 Cost…….US$600
    iPhone 64GB 6 Cost……US$700

    All iPhone’s are Brand New/Factory Unlocked. All prices listed above are Negotiable when purchasing from us.

    For further information’s Contact us Via: lms414@gmail.com

    • Kawaii Kurumi
      January 1, 2016

      We are pointing out that iphone sucks and here you are telling that they are for sale, what kind of a moron are you?????

  70. lms414
    July 21, 2015

    iPhone 3G/3GS/4/4S/5/5S/5C/6/6Plus in stock for sale at much more reduced prices.

    i Phone 5 64GB Cost……US$430
    i Phone 5 32GB Cost……US$400
    i Phone 5 16GB Cost……US$390
    iPhone 16GB 5S Cost……US$450
    iPhone 32GB 5S Cost……US$500
    iPhone 64GB 5S Cost……US$550
    iPhone 16GB 6 Cost…….US$560
    iPhone 32GB 6 Cost…….US$600
    iPhone 64GB 6 Cost……US$700

    All iPhone’s are Brand New/Factory Unlocked. All prices listed above are Negotiable when purchasing from us.

    For further information’s Contact us Via: lms414@gmail.com

    • Kawaii Kurumi
      January 1, 2016

      We are pointing out that iphone sucks and here you are telling that they are for sale, what kind of a moron are you?????

  71. Joss Arkiel
    December 12, 2015

    there are not much differences with all phone you mentioned above they all are really high end and affordable price …..but but but but but unfortunately chinese phone makers stole all technology and done well assembling a good and ignored the operating system most of their phones are jamming or freezing or missing some stuff and over all what the fuck is wrong with their names?? leeeneee levtv iuni gionee elefone zopo please go hire some designer and make a good respected name ..since you are marketing internationally …and many thanks to mr.andi

  72. Joss Arkiel
    December 12, 2015

    There are not much differences with all phones you mentioned above they all are really high-end -affordable price phones…..BUT unfortunately chinese phone makers stole all technology and done well assembling a good piece and failed at the operating system. most of their phones are jamming or freezing or missing some stuff and over all what the fuck is wrong with their names?? leeeneee letv iuni gionee elefone zopo please go hire a designer and make a good and respected name and logo (since you are marketing internationally)am i wrong??

    And many thanks to mr.andi

  73. john
    December 19, 2015

    IUNI is a great phone if you don’t use google services. If you do, for the love of god, get something else. Getting Google Play work in this thing is painful. Heck, it’s worse than flashing the original Samsung Galaxy without sideload.

  74. john
    December 19, 2015

    IUNI is a great phone if you don’t use google services. If you do, for the love of god, get something else. Getting Google Play work in this thing is painful. Heck, it’s worse than flashing the original Samsung Galaxy without sideload.

  75. December 28, 2015

    I love lenovo, they build good quality smartphone, a few things will appear in mandarin so it’s kinda weird, but besides
    that, the phone is great! spectacular camera, good battery, and the OS
    it’s quite amazing.

    http://bit.ly/1kmWBcA

  76. Ngintip HP
    December 28, 2015

    I love lenovo, they build good quality smartphone, a few things will appear in mandarin so it’s kinda weird, but besides
    that, the phone is great! spectacular camera, good battery, and the OS
    it’s quite amazing.

    http://bit.ly/1kmWBcA

  77. Nabeel
    January 8, 2016

    Buy COOLPAD NOTE 3 .

    No other company in their life can ever produce such a phone with 3gb Ram and finger print sensor under 9k.

    No lag, no heating,
    Smooth touch,

    excellent and superfast finger print 360 degree recognising within a blink of eye.

    Very very good camera at daylight, no issue with that. Image production is excellent. !

    Coolpad has many service centre in every Indian State. And Amazon service is Amazing.

    2 micro sim slot with extra sd card slot.

    Dont have Gorila Glass but it has NCG Protection similar to Gorila glass 2. Moreover do not complain more at 9k because you cant expect an iphone at 9k.

    Battery 3000mah and charges like Rocket with its original charger and back up is 10-12hrs of continuous uses on internet.

    Display is hd and is good.

    Do not read fake reviews because Apps will automatically get installed to memory card if the default storage option is set to SD card Location only.

    There are double tap wake up and high multi tasking option available on it. Screen shot video is supported.

    Free Ram is above 2GB Always out of 3gb. 16gb inbuilt Rom.

    Dual 4G is there. Set any sim to 2G and the other slot becomes 4G. Enjoy coolpad high end device at low price but Only do not update it.

    Every single features Rocks . Company is targeting to make 4GB RAM Phone under 10k via over coming its loss to win Indians Heart in that competition.

    Full paisa wasool phone.
    No other company can beat it with same features and price.
    Go for it blindly. Buy Coolpad Note 3 or galaxy on 5.

  78. Nabeel
    January 8, 2016

    Buy COOLPAD NOTE 3 .

    No other company in their life can ever produce such a phone with 3gb Ram and finger print sensor under 9k.

    No lag, no heating,
    Smooth touch,

    excellent and superfast finger print 360 degree recognising within a blink of eye.

    Very very good camera at daylight, no issue with that. Image production is excellent. !

    Coolpad has many service centre in every Indian State. And Amazon service is Amazing.

    2 micro sim slot with extra sd card slot.

    Dont have Gorila Glass but it has NCG Protection similar to Gorila glass 2. Moreover do not complain more at 9k because you cant expect an iphone at 9k.

    Battery 3000mah and charges like Rocket with its original charger and back up is 10-12hrs of continuous uses on internet.

    Display is hd and is good.

    Do not read fake reviews because Apps will automatically get installed to memory card if the default storage option is set to SD card Location only.

    There are double tap wake up and high multi tasking option available on it. Screen shot video is supported.

    Free Ram is above 2GB Always out of 3gb. 16gb inbuilt Rom.

    Dual 4G is there. Set any sim to 2G and the other slot becomes 4G. Enjoy coolpad high end device at low price but Only do not update it.

    Every single features Rocks . Company is targeting to make 4GB RAM Phone under 10k via over coming its loss to win Indians Heart in that competition.

    Full paisa wasool phone.
    No other company can beat it with same features and price.
    Go for it blindly. Buy Coolpad Note 3 or galaxy on 5.