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

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.

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).

Nearly impossible to buy a Xiaomi phone unfortunately, even more so for a tourist.

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.

Don't second guess chinese ingenuity for making money.
If there is a chance to make a yuan..


www.taobaobuying.com

Check out the Moto E.