[Question] Which of these two 5.5 ?

[steve1221]

Hi everyone,

I was about to order a XIAOMI REDMI HONGMI NOTE 4G (with the Qualcomm cpu) and then I get an email with the new Ulefone Be Pro (with the new 64 bit MTK6732).

So now I'm not sure which to get?

Can those with more experience tell me if the build of the Ulefone is as good as the Xiaomi? As I've read it's one of the best.

Also is there much real difference between the Qualcomm cpu and the MTK6732 in real usage?

I'm swaying toward the Xiaomi as I've done a lot of reading on it, so if I go for that has anyone any views on the best dealer to ship to the UK without getting hit for import charges??

Many thanks...

[Ninja^F.U.B.A.R.]

These are both good phones. The Ulefone has a couple of small issues it seems. The main one being the red tint in the camera according to the review. The Ulefone for the price is great and chipset more powerful, but Xiaomi has a very good name.

What's important to you and where do you live? Make sure the Hongmi covers all your 3G if you go with that.

[steve1221]

Thanks,

I'm in the UK. The Hongmi has the 3g and the 4g bands my network operates on. That was the first thing I checked

As long as the camera is ok (not expecting great things, it's only a phone after all). Good gps and clear audio. And a battery that will last one day is all I'm looking for (and 5.5 inch screen).

[WearySky]

Note that many places have been advertising the Be Pro as using the same camera sensor as the OnePlus One, but this is not the case. There was a big stink about it recently, and Ulefone said it was a "mistake by the marketing department" but many of the online resellers haven't gotten around to updating their sites yet.

[Ninja^F.U.B.A.R.]

The Ulefone is at a great price with right coupon. Take a look on Aliexpress. The cheapest you see it there is $165 and they're normally quite competitive. Not saying you should buy one way or the other, but just mentioning.

[WearySky]

Actually, with coupon code UBFPROHF you can get it for $146.99 from GearBest. I've bought 3 phones from them over the last 2 months.

[steve1221]

Anyone know why GearBest don't carry the Hongmi ? It would be a bargain with that code!

I'm still leaning toward it, unless the build quality of the Ulefone is hugely better.

Also, what value do the dealer put on the customs paperwork?

[edcoolio]

Steve, if your goal is support (ROMS, help, warranty from manuf, etc) and reliability, then the XIAOMI REDMI HONGMI NOTE 4G is IMHO the best choice. I also believe the camera is better...

If you do not mind dealing with a somewhat unknown, at least compared to the Xiaomi, and want the most speed/bang for the buck - then go for the Ulefone.

Personally, I suspect that the Ulefone has average build quality compared to the Xiaomi, but that is just through reputation.

In regards to customs, you need to be very specific with your dealer. Typically, they will label the value and the product description whatever you wish it to be. If your country/customs is particularly rough, then something like $10 and a "MP3 player" may get you by. I do know that in the USA, this is normally a non-issue, but other nations (Brazil, Europe, Russia) can be nasty if your package gets checked and your ruse doesn't work...

[steve1221]

Thanks Edcoolio.

I think I'm going go with the XIAOMI. The support on XDA is really good and they're a good range of roms.

So, where the best place to buy one? It's on 1949deal and coolicool, but not GearBest!!!!.

Is one better than the other, as the price is close enough to make no difference. Or is there somewhere better.

I need it shipping to the UK and a low price on the customs paperwork, if that's doable?

Thanks for all your help so guys...

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Just to add (as I can't find how to edit a post!).

The XIAOMI is on merimobiles for $160 and they claim to ship from Europe so no problems with the import duty.

Has anyone used merimobiles, are they a reliable dealer?

Thanks again...

[edcoolio]

Thanks Edcoolio.

I think I'm going go with the XIAOMI. The support on another forum is really good and they're a good range of roms.

So, where the best place to buy one? It's on 1949deal and coolicool, but not GearBest!!!!.

Is one better than the other, as the price is close enough to make no difference. Or is there somewhere better.

I need it shipping to the UK and a low price on the customs paperwork, if that's doable?

Thanks for all your help so guys...

---

Just to add (as I can't find how to edit a post!).

The XIAOMI is on merimobiles for $160 and they claim to ship from Europe so no problems with the import duty.

Has anyone used merimobiles, are they a reliable dealer?

Thanks again...

Personally, I recently had a good experience purchasing a phone from coolicool (no relation!). I know that 1949 used to be a preferred dealer here, but they had some customer service issues and are now gone.

If you stick with the businesses here, you will get some backup if something goes wrong. I have used other suppliers without incident, but if anything goes bad (as may happen with any supplier shipping sensitive electronics halfway across the planet), then that is when true customer service is needed.

Just make sure and double check frequencies before ordering as there are a few different versions of this device and you should be good to go. Email them if you want to be 100% sure.

As to customs, the UK is one of those countries that tend to historically extract a pound of pain for each ounce of pleasure, so merrimobiles may be a good option. Hopefully someone here has a direct buying experience with them, but again, you will have a bit of backup if they are a sponsor.