Android Phone in Beijing

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May 12, 2014 | 9:46 pm
  #1  
Looking to pick up a cheap phone while I'm in PEK as a spare any suggestions where I could pick up and on models? I like the THL phones but they might be a bit too expensive as a spare.
Cheers
Howie
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May 13, 2014 | 8:13 am
  #2  
What's your working definition of "cheap" for Android - around/under $100 USD and what features are important? Was just looking for THL - 2 models online sale priced @ $109 or $119 USD - both running JB with 4.7"/4.5" screen & limited 3G bands back in US, but dual-Sim & a plus for FT's traveling. http://www.thlphone.com/index.php?route=product/special Many authorized agents & partners are selling their products. BJ stores - http://en.thl.com.cn/doc/beijing.html

Otherwise, might want to stick with a brand like Samsung - the Galaxy S Duos with smaller 4" screen - solid support & tons of tweaks with unlocked bootloader & custom ROM, etc. and dual-Sim. Listed on eBay for around $120 USD shipped & should be able to find them in-town as well. 3G band is 900/2100 vs. THL's 850/2100 (my reservations about them is support & DIY replacement parts, in case ...)

Edit - Stateside - Alcatel's One Touch series running Android 4.1 - quadband with US 3G frequencies (900/1900/2100 Mhz) or 4G band on higher priced ones - "Evolve" model sold in Target stores are discounted for as little as $60, no-contract & can be used on T-Mobile/MNVO (and, unlocked for as little as $5 online with code on #bay) are also good choices - single Sim only but also good for travel, especially for basic voice/SMS & WiFi use to surf the web - nothing fancy with bells & whistles, but dirty cheap. Listings on eBay often come unlocked for all carriers - this one isn't but you get the idea, http://www.ebay.com/itm/T-Mobile-Alc...3D181394028453

XDA-Developers & AndroidCentral has link to easily unlock bootloader, root & install custom recovery, necessary to uninstall any/all carrier bloatware, etc.

Edit - a new Moto "e" 4.3" sized models are out - global GSM and USA's GSM band, decent specs running Android 4.4 KitKat, starting @ $129 USD - factory unlocked & no-contract, now that's dirt cheap for me.
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May 14, 2014 | 8:18 pm
  #3  
If you're willing to look at local brands Huawei makes some great and cheap Android smartphones.
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May 14, 2014 | 8:35 pm
  #4  
Quote: If you're willing to look at local brands Huawei makes some great and cheap Android smartphones.
And, of course, Xiaomi (fastest growing cell phone manufacturer in the world).
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May 15, 2014 | 9:50 am
  #5  
Nearly impossible to buy a Xiaomi phone unfortunately, even more so for a tourist.
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May 15, 2014 | 6:22 pm
  #6  
Quote: Nearly impossible to buy a Xiaomi phone unfortunately, even more so for a tourist.
http://s.taobao.com/search?q=%D0%A1%...03581.d4908513
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May 15, 2014 | 8:52 pm
  #7  
Quote: http://s.taobao.com/search?q=%D0%A1%...03581.d4908513
You make my point. How many tourists can buy on Taobao? Also, this looks like a grey market as the price is twice as much as I recently paid for the latest model.
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May 16, 2014 | 12:56 am
  #8  
Quote: You make my point. How many tourists can buy on Taobao? .
Don't second guess chinese ingenuity for making money.
If there is a chance to make a yuan..


www.taobaobuying.com
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May 20, 2014 | 5:01 am
  #9  
Check out the Moto E.
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