We’ve already seen next generation phones from Meizu, Oppo and Xiaomi, but the year still has some surprises left and we cannot wait to see what Chinese phone makers Zopo, THL, Xiaocai, Nubia and Jiayu have in store for us!
Zopo ZP1000
Zopo are working on a new phone, and it will launch before the end of the year and we believe it will be the Zopo ZP1000.
In the past Zopo have often battled it out with other local phone makers to be the first to bring new technology to the local market. They were the first Chinese phone maker with a 3D phone, the first to embrace the phablet and one of the first to release a quad-core handset based on the MT6589 platform.
This is going to continue with the next generation Zopo. We believe the Zopo ZP1000 will pack the latest 8-core MT6592 processor from Mediatek with at least 2GB RAM. We expect screen size to be kept to 5-inch and resolution to be 1920 x 1080. We also hope to see improved camera specs, stock Android ROM and a larger battery.
As for the design think an updated version of the Zopo ZP980 or C2 with a more modern look and sturdy steel chassis.
THL Monkey King 2
I have seen and held the THL Monkey King 2 (well a mock up at least) and it is one of the most stunning looking Chinese Mediatek phones to date. To give you an idea of the design imagine the rear of the Xiaomi Mi3 with the front of a Sony Xperia phone and you have a very good idea of the design.
The mock-up we held was manufactured from alloy and featured a 5-inch 1080 display. THL are hoping to address a number of issues with the Monkey King 2 that customers found with the original so the new phone will feature a more durable body and replaceable battery.
Like Zopo, THL like to be one of the first to bring new tech to the market. In this case the Monkey King 2 will retain it’s dual 13 mega-pixel cameras and will boast Mediatek’s 4G LTE processor, we also expect an 8-core version to be announced too.
ZTE Nubia Z7
ZTE have just gone Stateside with the year old Nubia Z5, but for the Chinese market an all new Nubia phone is in the works. According to reports the next generation phone will be named either the Nubia Z7 or Z6 and fill feature a 6.3-inch 2540 x 1440 display!
Gizchina News of the week
Power for all those pixels will come from a Snapdragon 800 processor with 4GB RAM on tap. Also onboard there will be 4G LTE support, 16 mega-pixel rear camera and 4000mAh battery.
Xiaomi Hongmi (WCDMA)
The WCDMA version of the Xiaomi Hongmi is one of those phones we know is going to happen, but as of yet we have no idea of knowing when it will launch! The popularity of the current Hongmi has helped Xiaomi overtake rivals such as HTC and Samsung in the Chinese phone market, but they have also been victim of their own success and are featuring supply shortages.
If you are familiar with the current Hongmi then you will know that it ships with a 4.7-inch 720p display, 1.5Ghz quad-core MTK6589TT (TD-SCDMA) processor, 1GB RAM, 8 mega-pixel rear Samsung camera, and features MIUI V5, dual SIM and a micro SD card slot. The WCDMA model will likely be the same, but will support many of Europe’s 3G networks and could also come in a white colour option.
8-core JiaYu G4 and G5
JiaYu like to give their phones a midlife refresh to keep things interesting. Last year’s dual-core JiaYu G3 appeared again as the quad-core G3S, and a similar update is planned for the current JiaYu G4.
JiaYu’s plans all depend on the availability of 8-core Meidatek MT6592 processors, but their plan is to launch an 8-core version of the popular JiaYu G4 before the end of the year along with an updated G5. Pricing is unlikely to change so those of you lucky enough to get your hands on one of these will be getting a great performance boost at a great price.
After meeting with JiaYu last month we have seen how supply issues have really affected them in the past and how they have been really very unlucky with their supply partners, we hope the future is a little kinder to them.
Which Chinese phones are you waiting for?
We of course still have the release of the Oppo N1 and Xiaomi Mi3 to look forward to, then there are 8-core beauties from TCL, Xiaocai and Mlais to look forward to, and outsiders Geak and Landos may also surprise us with something special.
Which Chinese phones are you most looking forward to?
Updated jiayu g5! Can you actually buy the g5 yet?
I would like to see the Alcatel One Touch Hero launched. Info on this device seems to have dried up over the last few weeks.
I bet they will update it with either an 8-core or 4G LTE chip
Lack of 4G support is holding back the Chinese phones more than performance now.
But with the Hero, don’t forget there cool magnetic cover mechanism that allows smart covers with active components (like buttons, and e-ink displays!)
Alcatel and Zopo also offer this too. Not sure 4G really is the issue, but 3G support certainly is. Obviously Mediatek phones can work with U.S (and other carriers) as Alcatel and Blu have been selling them, so why not domestic brands?
Yeah i’m waiting for it too, in France it should be up in November, but we never know… The Alcatel One Touch Idol X is on sale since this month on their shopping website, but already back in pre-order just after few days…
But i’m concerned about the Hero, coz it doesn’t appear on their shopping website yet, compared to the Pop C3 and Idol Mini that appears there already and they confirmed me that they will start selling it in November, but for the Hero, no news…
Hasee 4gb ram version. But it is fucked up in the ass i think
vivo xplay 2 or the oppo find 7.
+1
I wait for the Lenovo K910 (or X910) with a very high Antutu, with 2.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset, 2GB of RAM and Adreno 330 GPU. If this will be a 4G phone, nothg could beat it.
hi Andi,
wil thl moneyking2 launch in 3g versions too???
They only mentioned the 4G model
Nubia Z7 mini I’m sure will make an appearance.
Hope it is a little better than the Z5 mini on the spec front
This is the device that I’m most interested in. Fast processor 6in 2560×1600 screen, a big battery and 4G support.
It’s too early to tell, but I’m hoping that our Chinese manufacturers will pay special attention to HK/mainland cross border carrier issues (i.e. supporting the right FD-LTE and TD-LTE frequencies).
I’m usually one of the first to laugh when people claim a difference between 450ppi and 320ppi isn’t noticeable, but 2560×1600 is beginning to be a bit much. waste of GPU power. also, it sounds like a resolution especially un-useful on a “mini” phone.
Can’t wait for Monkey King 2 and whatever JiaYu has planned. Hopefully the MK2 keeps the stylish red highlights that the current model has. Also waiting for the Xplay 2 and Xiaocai octa-core phone.
For me the ZTE Nubia Z7 would be worthwhile to wait for and buy IF, and those are BIG if’s, it will be dual sim, for the global market, and when the web shop will 100% exactly deliver what I have ordered and paid for (so not like what I had to experience with the OrientPhone Mega 6.5: I received a Firefly).
The Orientphone is a rebranded Firefly after all. You’re literally getting the same thing.
I ordered a Jiayu G4 1.5 GHz version from their Indian vendor, Androidguruz, and I am not sure when I am going to get it. Looks like Jiayu is not planning things well. I doubt octa core G4 will be available this year or early next year.
Andi – Could you help me get in touch with Jiayu directly to check if Androidguruz is not taking me for a ride. None of them respond to any emails or calls. I am a bit lost right now.
Regards,
Sid
I can ask on your behalf, but of all the companies I have spoken to about this company non are very happy with them
ZOPO
Because I live in Portugal and there are outlets in Europe with 2 years warranty if I buy here but is also more expensive, 🙁 but can not have everything 🙂
not only to be bought in expectation of 8 colors and see this model ZP1000 or an upgrade from 4 to 8 colors in zp990 was the icing on the cake for me.
desperately waiting …. : (:)
Filipe soares
The Find 7 and the Monkey King 2! The Monkey King which currently sells is one of the best Mediatek phones as far as I’m concerned.
+1 from me!
ZOPO ZOPO ZOPO ZOPO…
I live in Peru, South America, and my last chinese mobiles were bought via direct importation from Pandawill, AlegreCompra, etc. To do that here – where we haven’t local support – is an adventure, but the quality/cost rate pays for the risk.
About ZOPO, I like its design, even when my last ZP910 (ZP900H) given me some headcake with the 3G conexion… Even that, I will give a second chance to ones Zopo 8 nucleos…
Jiayu S2, Oppo Find ?
Neo are surely due a more stylish follow up.
Nexus 4 will be of interest, but too ugly although OIS might help.
But basically anyone who dares to create a ‘full spec’ phone, not with some missing feature or fail feature – e.g. small battery. Must have Dev support.
The best dev support usually comes from Oppo and the Nexus line, so that’s your best bet.
I can’t wait for 8-core version of TCL S950 and N3. Only those chinese phones support WCDMA 900Mhz, dual sim and have good specs.
I’m just waiting forma Andy new device with a 4.5 inch screen, no matter if with new 6588 or 6592.
@Andy: did you hear any regarding rumor?
Nope, everyone seems to be on at least 5-inch
Hongmi for me,very much interested in comparing the price to Neo N003.
Chinese phone which can operate in USA?
id really appreciate it if someone told me if the phones work with metro pcs plz
I’m about to buy the Jiayu 4g and I want to know if i can use Metro Pcs as my service once it’s shipped to me? Can anyone help me out? Which service am I supposed to use or would be the best to use with it? Can I get prepaid minutes for it or what?
Hi Marissa,
I assume that you already found out whether Jiayu works with MetroPCS. Can you please share your experience with me? I am interested in buying Jiayu 5S and use MetroPCS. Can you help me?
Thanks so much,
Victoria