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Does anyone have any experience buying the HTC Desire from China?
I read that the Nexus One has been cloned. I see no official report that the HTC Desire has also been cloned, but I have noticed a lot of suppliers selling the Desire through Alibaba. I am wondering if these are clones too.
Today I bought an HTC Desire off eBay from China which is supposed to be brand new in the box.
It was rediculously cheap - 50-60% cheaper than the cost of an HTC Desire from a US seller.
Now I am worried it's a clone.
I have protection from eBay PayPal so I should be ok, but I am curious to hear what people think.
Also, does anyone know of a program which will read and tell me the hardware specifications of my HTC? I'm looking for one of those apps like Intel provides to give you the model and serial number of your processor on your PC. I figure this is one way of confirming whether I have a real HTC phone when it arrives.
Any link to the eBay auction?
The "clones" of these high end cellphones in China are pretty fake. They resemble the real ones, but one can easily tell the difference. They definitely don't run android, and run some variation of Linux that is skinned to look like iPhone/WinMo/Android.
Once you have it in hand, it would be very obvious to you whether it is fake, either from the hardware or from the software, so there is no need to use any software to check the hardware specification.
There is no Nexus One/Desire clones that runs real Android or equipped with Snapdragon. Again, if it is a fake, it will be VERY obvious.
Thanks for your reply.
Here is the link.
I will ask the seller to send me pics he took instead of the ones he copied.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260611334391&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
$170 US for a Desire!! from a zero feedback seller in China.....id never go near such.
I know.
I am betting on eBay and PayPal buyer protection to save me if needed.
giant_rider said:
I know.
I am betting on eBay and PayPal buyer protection to save me if needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Judging from the fact that the image is just ripped from some blog site and not even an HTC press release shot, combined with the sellers score: 0. So no sales or even any buys to the account...
I would be very surprised if this guy has even seen a Desire in person, forget you receiving one in the mail from this seller
Is it really worth the trouble?
I can tell you with no doubt, its a fake one! Because even in China, you won't get a real 2nd hand desire at that price.
-------------------------------------
Sent from my HTC Desire
Alex_w said:
Judging from the fact that the image is just ripped from some blog site and not even an HTC press release shot, combined with the sellers score: 0. So no sales or even any buys to the account...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This alone does not convince me.
When I sell items, I am lazy and rip images and descriptions from other listing.
However, add this to the fact that the seller has no scores...so maybe.
Hmmmmmmmmmmm
If it's too good to be true, it definitely is.
Sent from my HTC Desire
Are you serious when you said you bought it? HTC desire for 170 unlocked..really?
Where I live, I can barely get a dumbphone unlocked for that money.
Well, the picture was taken from some blog and the spec were copied from HTC website. That page alone can't tell whether the phone is real or not.
But as I said before, those Chinese clones of high end phones look really fake, and those Chinese sellers are not trying to scam people into believe that they are real. There is a market for cheap look-alike phones in China, and that market is what those "clones" are for.
People, the $170 final price is the result of an AUCTION, not a buy-it-now price. My bet is that this phone is real, but the fact that the seller is from China, together with the fact that he has 0 feedback, making no one wanted to bid on it. I highly doubt that he will ship you the phone, given how low the final price is. He will probably make up an excuse not to ship you the phone (out of stock, wrong listing, blah blah blah), and then refund you (I you had paid already). If he did ship you the phone, you win. If he shipped you a super fake clone, Paypal will get your money back. The only thing you will lose is time.
I took a chance on a simular "deal" for a HD2 and I was sent a small pink noname brand(actually works, my woman loves it) and a FAKE Iphone 3G. Get you paypal refund info ready.
G
tsekh501 said:
Well, the picture was taken from some blog and the spec were copied from HTC website. That page alone can't tell whether the phone is real or not.
But as I said before, those Chinese clones of high end phones look really fake, and those Chinese sellers are not trying to scam people into believe that they are real. There is a market for cheap look-alike phones in China, and that market is what those "clones" are for.
People, the $170 final price is the result of an AUCTION, not a buy-it-now price. My bet is that this phone is real, but the fact that the seller is from China, together with the fact that he has 0 feedback, making no one wanted to bid on it. I highly doubt that he will ship you the phone, given how low the final price is. He will probably make up an excuse not to ship you the phone (out of stock, wrong listing, blah blah blah), and then refund you (I you had paid already). If he did ship you the phone, you win. If he shipped you a super fake clone, Paypal will get your money back. The only thing you will lose is time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same thoughts.
I will see what I do.
I have not paid yet and can back out if I like by cancelling my transaction before payment.
I emailed the seller and asked for real pictures, why he is selling, what the serial number is, etc. I will see if he answers.
Unfortunately the seller's English is pretty bad so communicating is difficult.
Thanks everyone for your replies.
HTC doesn't sell cellphones in China offically
ebay buyer protection isn't worth ****. I got screwed when buying a PDA a couple years ago. ebay contacted me and told me not to send payment as his account was suspended. Unfortunately, I already had and received a box with a small rock in it which weighed what the PDA should.
I got about $200 back from ebay but I paid the guy $600.
USE YOUR CREDIT CARD AND YOU'LL BE FINE. THAT'S THE ONLY WAY.
Here are my golden rules for ebay, I hope this helps ....
NEVER buy a 'brand new' phone from ebay. You probably wont ever be able to return it, and might not have any kind of warranty.
Never buy anything from a seller with zero feedback. You simply cannot trust them if they do not have any reputation.
Never buy anything from China (unless you are sure about the seller).
st0kes said:
Here are my golden rules for ebay, I hope this helps ....
NEVER buy a 'brand new' phone from ebay. You probably wont ever be able to return it, and might not have any kind of warranty.
Never buy anything from a seller with zero feedback. You simply cannot trust them if they do not have any reputation.
Never buy anything from China (unless you are sure about the seller).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Add to this list only buy form China if you think the money is worth the risk
But 170 bucks isnt worth it for me maby for you then take your chances
0 feedback seller from China...
I bought a while ago a Sony headset from China (was dead cheap so gave it a try), the seller had plenty of feedback and I eventually got the headphones. They looked so good, very real. But the sound... was worse than the cheapest pound store ones!! Funny thing is the seller disapperaed from Ebay straight after the paypal payment... no refund for the fakes. I def learned my lesson.
I have seen a lot of this fake seller in china, all of them have 0 feedback or some fake feedbacks. Usually the sell all phones they can in a short period of time, and after that you get nothing and they will delete their ebay account.
I hope this one is not like it
It's one of either two things.
You got scammed and will be sent nothing (Which is what i'm expecting)
Or
You're going to be sent a very very bad nexus one clone.
Just got this email a few hours ago from them:
"Dear Customer,
The item that you pre-ordered from us on the order reference above is
now available, please confirm your pre-order so that we may ship your
goods as soon as possible.
The item you ordered is:
Google Samsung Galaxy Nexus I9250 Android Smartphone (Unlocked, 16GB)
Our sale price is:
$749.99 US
$809.99 Canadian
Please indicate how you would like your item shipped.
If you no longer require the goods please let us know so that we can
allocate your stock to another customer.
For your convenience you can now log on to the ‘My Account’ function
and update any of the following:
• View dates/times of when orders are placed
• View status of orders
• View tracking information on shipped orders
• Change payment details
• Change billing address
• Change delivery address"
I mad this way back in October and kept it as a backup in case Handtec didn't come through but seeing as they did get it, already have my money, and are cheaper I'm canceling this one and going with them.
For anyone in the US who still wants to order one despite the SAV issue and doesn't want to deal with making an international order they're another viable option.
Don't know if 750 is viable.. what a mark up.
xManMythLegend said:
Don't know if 750 is viable.. what a mark up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They're just passing the import fees along to the consumer and trying to make a $30-$40 profit like Negri did. Personally I have no problem going through a UK retailer but a lot of folks were hesitant.
I just received the same email too.
They were actually expecting stocks due next Monday. It looks like it arrived earlier.
For the price, I think it is OK. There is a $20 coupon which brings the total down to 729, plus they do not charge tax outside IL.
I just placed an order through expanys usa, only because my bank was blocking transactions though Handtec due to "fraud", which is rubbish because they are a legit company. Anyway Expansys charged me for shipping, while advertising free shipping, also none of the coupon codes worked (10OFFLC nor 20OFFLC).
I believe it is free shipping for 3-5 day.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
I just placed an order with them clicking through Mr. Rebates to get 2% back and $20 off. The email acknowledgement shows -$20 for a total of $729.99.
I'll check my CC to see if they did only charge $729.99 or added to that.
rashad1 said:
I just placed an order through expanys usa, only because my bank was blocking transactions though Handtec due to "fraud", which is rubbish because they are a legit company. Anyway Expansys charged me for shipping, while advertising free shipping, also none of the coupon codes worked (10OFFLC nor 20OFFLC).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried 20OFFLC and it did apply it. It shows it at the bottom. For warranty is expansys USA a authorized Samsung reseller?
oh man, soo tempting. I could probably have one in my hands this Friday
ruthlesset said:
I tried 20OFFLC and it did apply it. It shows it at the bottom. For warranty is expansys USA a authorized Samsung reseller?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anything sold outside its intended country of sale is considered grey market by Samsung and has no warranty. However, during the life of the two-year warranty Expansys-USA will send the phone to their UK affiliate for service on behalf of their customers. Anyone buying from Negri, Amazon, or eBay has no warranty. No one in the U.S. is authorized to sell the phone by Samsung and it's not a U.S. product. Should the phone need service, Samsung UK will ask for a receipt and/or credit card statement. The purchase had to be made in the UK in GBP and from an authorized reseller for the warranty to be valid. They also keep a database of which phone serial numbers were sent to specific dealers/distributors. Many i9100 repairs were rejected because they didn't meet the requirements I described. All us i9100 owners went through this when the phone first came out so what I'm sharing is fact.
I got the same email. My total was 729.99 and I was more comfortable buying from a company with a US presence.
$750 + $29 for 1 day shipping. = $777.94
is it worth it?
BarryH_GEG said:
However, during the life of the two-year warranty Expansys-USA will send the phone to their UK affiliate for service on behalf of their customers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where does it say that the phone comes with a two-year warranty? Does it say that one the Expansys USA website?
Any word if EX will ship these with USA plugs?
bmstrong said:
Any word if EX will ship these with USA plugs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They will ship with a UK/EU to USA adapter.
Has anyone's Expansys USA order status for this phone changed to "Shipped" yet?
bmstrong said:
Any word if EX will ship these with USA plugs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question.
BarryH_GEG said:
Anything sold outside its intended country of sale is considered grey market by Samsung and has no warranty. However, during the life of the two-year warranty Expansys-USA will send the phone to their UK affiliate for service on behalf of their customers. Anyone buying from Negri, Amazon, or eBay has no warranty. No one in the U.S. is authorized to sell the phone by Samsung and it's not a U.S. product. Should the phone need service, Samsung UK will ask for a receipt and/or credit card statement. The purchase had to be made in the UK in GBP and from an authorized reseller for the warranty to be valid. They also keep a database of which phone serial numbers were sent to specific dealers/distributors. Many i9100 repairs were rejected because they didn't meet the requirements I described. All us i9100 owners went through this when the phone first came out so what I'm sharing is fact.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the clarification. Any idea as to how is their customer service in case something goes wrong with the phone?
Buying from EXPANSYS USA does not void a warranty by any means. I sent my GS2 back for a repair with no problem at all. In fact, I called EXPANSYS and spoke with a rep there that offered to take care of everything for me. I shipped it back to EXPANSYS and they forwarded it on to France for me, got it repaired, and shipped my phone back to me when it was finished. They also gave me all the information I would have needed if I wanted to do it myself. I just went through them to alleviate any huge shipping fees and any unforeseen obstacles. It looks like they do have the Galaxy Nexus in stock now.... It's hard not to buy one!!!
aaronmoe said:
It looks like they do have the Galaxy Nexus in stock now.... It's hard not to buy one!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am tempted, but I really want the 32GB version.
Agreed. It baffles me that they didn't put any expandable memory slots on this device.
Just checked over my device and some you tube video posts.. a few things.
I got the P605 from ATGSM.com.
The box was sealed with sticker and all.
Inside the box there were no replacement stylus tips (as seen in all the you tube reviews)
Also the box does not look like any of the boxes i see in the reviews. I take it that the version they shipped me is originally the Hong Kong.
There were no specs on the box.
Did I get a fake...a clone....... What do I do now. I can post a pic of the box if you need to see it.
I need some serious help. I paid over $700 for this device. I just want to make sure its the real deal. Especially seeing how there are so many fakes out there. Please help.
alynch75 said:
Just checked over my device and some you tube video posts.. a few things.
I got the P605 from ATGSM.com.
The box was sealed with sticker and all.
Inside the box there were no replacement stylus tips (as seen in all the you tube reviews)
Also the box does not look like any of the boxes i see in the reviews. I take it that the version they shipped me is originally the Hong Kong.
There were no specs on the box.
Did I get a fake...a clone....... What do I do now. I can post a pic of the box if you need to see it.
I need some serious help. I paid over $700 for this device. I just want to make sure its the real deal. Especially seeing how there are so many fakes out there. Please help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Photo's can always be helpful........ please post some.
Photo of back of box
kkretch said:
Photo's can always be helpful........ please post some.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a picture of the back of the box. Please help me.
Run the antutu benchmark and post the result
Gesendet von meinem SM-P600 mit Tapatalk
Send the device pics
Sent from my C6806 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
alynch75 said:
Here is a picture of the back of the box. Please help me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your box is not the same as the one in these video's, so I see what you are talking about. Besides the extra tips was anything else missing or different is your box? Your tamper sticker looks like it was placed over another one, what do you think when you look at it?
Can you post more photo's like side label and front of your box.
alynch75 said:
Here is a picture of the back of the box. Please help me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought a P605 via Negri Electronics a couple of weeks ago, and it was in an identical box to the one in your picture. My box also didn't have any spare stylus tips. Also had a Hongkong style adapter, which Negri provided a US adapter in the outer package.
I suppose the HK version just doesn't come with spare tips?
It seems real to me.
Photos of Results
marshwc said:
I bought a P605 via Negri Electronics a couple of weeks ago, and it was in an identical box to the one in your picture. My box also didn't have any spare stylus tips. Also had a Hongkong style adapter, which Negri provided a US adapter in the outer package.
I suppose the HK version just doesn't come with spare tips?
It seems real to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
alynch75 said:
Here is a picture of the back of the box. Please help me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kkretch said:
Photo's can always be helpful........ please post some.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See results in photos
You can chill out, HK SM-P605 doesnt have extra stylus tips and the box is geniune. I bought myself from ebay and the box looks exactly same and there were no extra stylus tips too in the box. Here u can se for u self HK version box: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=20037026123
HK version is SM-P6050ZWETGY and you can see it by download Phone Info from playstore.
One thing is, u must choose HK, first time start the tab, or u will miss out 900HK dollar worth contents gifts, well if u want them and there were no special really. http://www.samsung.com/hk_en/consum...e-tablet/SM-P6050ZWETGY?tabname=content-gifts
edit:
Turn off Power Saving mode while running benchmarks and u will get higher scores.
Just making sure
dt33 said:
You can chill out, HK SM-P605 doesnt have extra stylus tips and the box is geniune. I bought myself from ebay and the box looks exactly same and there were no extra stylus tips too in the box. Here u can se for u self HK version box: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=20037026123
HK version is SM-P6050ZWETGY and you can see it by download Phone Info from playstore.
One thing is, u must choose HK, first time start the tab, or u will miss out 900HK dollar worth contents gifts, well if u want them and there were no special really. http://www.samsung.com/hk_en/consum...e-tablet/SM-P6050ZWETGY?tabname=content-gifts
edit:
Turn off Power Saving mode while running benchmarks and u will get higher scores.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay turned off power saving and results were off the charts. I just want o make sure...
Is there anyway to get $50 samsung credit and the $25 Google play credit
alynch75 said:
Okay turned off power saving and results were off the charts. I just want o make sure...
Is there anyway to get $50 samsung credit and the $25 Google play credit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats for US version only and we got HK version, so no. Too bad HK contents isnt worth a dime and here in Sweden, we got any **** free contents gifts and still the SM-P605 cost damn over 1100 US. -.-
marshwc said:
I bought a P605 via Negri Electronics a couple of weeks ago, and it was in an identical box to the one in your picture. My box also didn't have any spare stylus tips. Also had a Hongkong style adapter, which Negri provided a US adapter in the outer package.
I suppose the HK version just doesn't come with spare tips?
It seems real to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got no idea of the Negri problems with the Note 3 obviously.
I feel sorry for anybody buying stuff from them.
The stories are hard to believe yet true.
What problems.
les_garten said:
You got no idea of the Negri problems with the Note 3 obviously.
I feel sorry for anybody buying stuff from them.
The stories are hard to believe yet true.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What problems with NEGRI? Please enlighten me.
les_garten said:
You got no idea of the Negri problems with the Note 3 obviously.
I feel sorry for anybody buying stuff from them.
The stories are hard to believe yet true.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought my N-8000 and SM-P601 from Negri and had no issues. The only problems I heard regarding the N3 and Negri was that some carrier devices they sold, mostly T-Mobile, that had their IMEI's reported stolen after people received them and started using them. Since Negri doesn't build devices and most of what they sell is grey market and imported from other countries they are kind of at the mercy of their suppliers. As far as I know they stood behind the devices with bad IMEI's and replaced or refunded them. If you're in the U.S. and buying a SM-P601/5, no matter who you're buying it from, you're taking a chance as to its origins, condition, and country of sale (which can't be the U.S. because neither is sold here). And know that none of them have a Samsung warranty because they're grey market. Negri, Expansys, and NewEgg are the biggest sellers of Samsung grey market devices in the U.S. and I've purchased from all three. My experiences have been fine but I've heard complaints (some horror stories) on all three. With grey market goods there's no such thing as Best Buy. And Amazon doesn't count; all their unlocked devices are sold via marketplace sellers.
BarryH_GEG said:
I bought my N-8000 and SM-P601 from Negri and had no issues. The only problems I heard regarding the N3 and Negri was that some carrier devices they sold, mostly T-Mobile, that had their IMEI's reported stolen after people received them and started using them. Since Negri doesn't build devices and most of what they sell is grey market and imported from other countries they are kind of at the mercy of their suppliers. As far as I know they stood behind the devices with bad IMEI's and replaced or refunded them. If you're in the U.S. and buying a SM-P601/5, no matter who you're buying it from, you're taking a chance as to its origins, condition, and country of sale (which can't be the U.S. because neither is sold here). And know that none of them have a Samsung warranty because they're grey market. Negri, Expansys, and NewEgg are the biggest sellers of Samsung grey market devices in the U.S. and I've purchased from all three. My experiences have been fine but I've heard complaints (some horror stories) on all three. With grey market goods there's no such thing as Best Buy. And Amazon doesn't count; all their unlocked devices are sold via marketplace sellers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They were selling used as new
They were selling stolen as new
They were selling phones with the seals broken that were still locked as unlocked and new
They were selling Phones that were rooted as new
They were selling Phones that were already Knox tripped as new
This is just a small list of the things they pulled
If you read the TMO Note 3 thread thread, I don't know how you would do business with them, absolutely despicable.
les_garten said:
If you read the TMO Note 3 thread thread, I don't know how you would do business with them, absolutely despicable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd read the thread before I bought my P-601 from them. All their Samsung HSPA devices come from the Samsung dealer in Trinidad. They had the P601 before anyone else reselling them in the U.S. did and it arrived in its shrink wrap and was perfect. The shrink wrapped Trinidadian N-8000 I got last year arrived with a bad display. Negri paid return shipping and overnighted me a new one (which was perfect). I asked where their LTE P-605's came from and they said Asia. I personally am not interested in any Asian-sourced imports because the s/w and Hub access are funky when used in the U.S. Software wise, Trinidad and Latin America are the most compatible. That's why I got a P-601. When people ask me where to buy Samsung grey market devices I mention the three company's above. I share my experiences (and the horror stories, lack of warranty, and other risks) and tell them to avoid PayPal (Amazon Payments is an option with Negri) and use a "customer friendly" credit card like Amex. I'm sorry some people got burned over the N3 but it doesn't change my positive experiences.
Same problem but got the solution.
alynch75 said:
Just checked over my device and some you tube video posts.. a few things.
I got the P605 from ATGSM.com.
The box was sealed with sticker and all.
Inside the box there were no replacement stylus tips (as seen in all the you tube reviews)
Also the box does not look like any of the boxes i see in the reviews. I take it that the version they shipped me is originally the Hong Kong.
There were no specs on the box.
Did I get a fake...a clone....... What do I do now. I can post a pic of the box if you need to see it.
I need some serious help. I paid over $700 for this device. I just want to make sure its the real deal. Especially seeing how there are so many fakes out there. Please help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Power saving mode should be off........ It's working... Thanks to dt33
I live in the US and want to purchase the H815 variant. I see there are several different H815's, an EU, a Taiwan, and maybe a Korean.
I would like to be able to purchase it with a warranty and to be sure its the EU variant, so that it will be bootloader unlockable. I know LG says they will make others unlockable in the future, but it doesn't say how long. I hate for them to drag their feet and it still not be unlockable 2 months from now because I got the Taiwan region H815.
I see the H815 on ebay and amazon, but no one is really clear on which region code the device is. Does anyone have any input? Thanks!
Those on eBay and Amazon all seem to ship from either Singapore or Taiwan.
It stands to reason that if there are indeed different flavors named the same (H815), -- what an odd decision by LG -- those would be the Asian variety, not EU. I think I saw in some thread here something about an owner of one of these phones not being successful at doing the official unlock.
Makster said:
Those on eBay and Amazon all seem to ship from either Singapore or Taiwan.
It stands to reason that if there are indeed different flavors named the same (H815), -- what an odd decision by LG -- those would be the Asian variety, not EU. I think I saw in some thread here something about an owner of one of these phones not being successful at doing the official unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed, I read this same post and was my initial cause for concern. I wonder why its the same model number, H815? I wonder why LG didn't opt for a different model for these different regions if they are going to roll out unlocks for them at different times.
expansys-usa.com has the EU G4 H815 in stock in the US I believe. It was like $100 more than the eBay sellers though last I checked.
Keep in mind there is no US warranty on the UK version. I called and checked.
Sent from my LG-H815
erwaso said:
Keep in mind there is no US warranty on the UK version. I called and checked.
Sent from my LG-H815
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is quite sad. I assume there is no US/North American version of the H815?
You see this?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRAND-NEW...997?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item41975ab34d
I'm been communicating with never-msrp and tropical mobile, the two sellers on ebay who are selling in bulk and competitive pricing (now under $600)
They are both selling the asian version which is actually H815T (vs H815)
never-msrp says he will have the EU version in 3-4 days but only available in plastic back
I hope this helped~!
Also, as far as I can understand, you won't get any warranty on the device (if you're looking for the H815, you're unlocking anyways so that voids warranty as well)
Their product page states that the phone comes with LG's 12-month warranty. That is for the Asian version.
EU version's pages, at least on Amazon, however, explicitly state "no warranty".
So the warranty deal could be a regional issue.
pandap said:
I'm been communicating with never-msrp and tropical mobile, the two sellers on ebay who are selling in bulk and competitive pricing (now under $600)
They are both selling the asian version which is actually H815T (vs H815)
never-msrp says he will have the EU version in 3-4 days but only available in plastic back
I hope this helped~!
Also, as far as I can understand, you won't get any warranty on the device (if you're looking for the H815, you're unlocking anyways so that voids warranty as well)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually scratch that. H815T is the Hong Kong version according to LG HK's website
If you do a search on ebay for H815T you'll see a lot of postings where it does NOT say it's factory unlocked. Except the ones that never-msrp are selling so not sure what to make of it.
I too live in canada and our support( for dev purposes AND legit updates) sucks in general so I'd really like to get an international version but the warranty and this EU vs Asia H815 issue is really holding me back....
Handtec looks like they have some good options. I contacted them and their phone is the EU H815 and they ship internationally. Total shipped to the US for the "LG G4 32GB - Metallic Grey" is £406.89 which google says is $623.70 right now. Not a bad price for a known EU H815. I don't have the funds just yet, so I will keep looking for any cheaper source for the next few weeks anyway.
http://www.handtec.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/index/?cat=0&dir=desc&order=most_viewed&q=lg+g4
urushiol said:
Handtec looks like they have some good options. I contacted them and their phone is the EU H815 and they ship internationally. Total shipped to the US for the "LG G4 32GB - Metallic Grey" is £406.89 which google says is $623.70 right now. Not a bad price for a known EU H815. I don't have the funds just yet, so I will keep looking for any cheaper source for the next few weeks anyway.
http://www.handtec.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/index/?cat=0&dir=desc&order=most_viewed&q=lg+g4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do we (united states) have to pay any sort of import/duty/customs fee when it arrives in the USA? That would be a deal breaker. And I'm assuming this would come with an EU power brick so we'd need to supply our own charger?
Gzan23 said:
Do we (united states) have to pay any sort of import/duty/customs fee when it arrives in the USA? That would be a deal breaker. And I'm assuming this would come with an EU power brick so we'd need to supply our own charger?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good questions, I don't know the answer to that. I wouldn't care about the EU power brick, but I would hate to pay any customs fee unless it was VERY small. Does anyone know the answer to these questions?
You may read about my experiences with importing via Handtec here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/g4/help/best-store-to-import-h815-assistance-t3126761
Mejilan said:
A FedEx import coordinator contacted me the same day I placed the order and requested that I fill out an FCC form (740, IIRC), and with a bit of Googled advice, I did so.
After a couple of revisions, the FedEx coordinator accepted the form and the result was that I paid no additional import or customs duties or fees, and the package was not delayed or held up. As I said, ordered on Tuesday from the U.K., in my hands Wednesday morning here in New York
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mejilan,
Thanks for letting me know about your post. I have read it and it was most helpful. Is there any trick to how you filled out this form that allowed you to have incur any fees?
Sure. I used a bit of Google-Fu to figure out what I should be filling in for the FCC ID and Manufacturer's Address fields in the FCC Form 740 FedEx Customs had me fill out. The rest of the form was fairly straightforward. Towards the bottom, they ask you to specify the kind of import you're arranging by selecting from options 1-8. I went with the first option.
https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/GenericSearchResult.cfm?RequestTimeout=500
FCC ID: ZNFH815
Manufacturer's Address:
LG Electronics MobileComm USA, Inc.
1000 Sylvan Ave.
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
United States
Edit - For some reason, direct linking to the FCC page isn't working for me. Could just be my browser. But if it fails for you as well, simply go to:
https://www.fcc.gov/fccid and do a manual search yourself. The Grantee code is ZNF. The Product Code is H815. Then click on Search. You may leave Applicant Name blank.
urushiol said:
Mejilan,
Thanks for letting me know about your post. I have read it and it was most helpful. Is there any trick to how you filled out this form that allowed you to have incur any fees?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For anyone intersted, I just heard back from the eBay selling "never msrp" who has been selling the LG G4 in bulk one eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-LG-G4-H...r-/191577825455?ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123) and he told me that he will be getting the European version in limited quantity on Monday for the same price but only in brown (leather), gray and white colors.
I think this would be the best route as he ships from Houston.
Old thread I know but based on it I ordered from Handtec. I received a phone with a region code of BAL which was unlockable via official method. I received the phone 2 days after I ordered in a rural part of Washington State, USA.
So it seems most of the H815's on Amazon and eBay are the Asian variants and NOT the European version. The issue with this is that only the European version seems to be unlockable through LG. Codefire needs to pick up an unlockable version (although my goal is to unlock it without going through LG). I need assistance finding different stores in Europe that sell the EU H815 and also ship to USA.
So far.. possible candidates are:
www.clove.co.uk/lg-g4
http://www.glistockisti.it/lg-g4-h815-ceramic-white.html?___SID=U
Would want to spend around $650.. or €600 (or less!!)
I'm still looking of course but any suggestions would be welcomed. And again.. I do not want the Asian variant.. it must be a generic unbranded European variant... seems they coul come from UK, France, Italy, Germany... maybe more.
I'm pretty sure I have the European version as it has the unlock bootloader options. I could sell it to you for perhaps $450. Pm for details if interested
Sent from my SM-G925I using XDA Free mobile app
Sunderwear said:
I'm pretty sure I have the European version as it has the unlock bootloader options. I could sell it to you for perhaps $450. Pm for details if interested
Sent from my SM-G925I using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlock bootloader options and the steps from LG's website to unlock the bootloader are two different things.
ya we learned that the USA H815 variant is not able to be officially unlocked through the LG page.
EU carrier-variants are also not allowed. so far, UK, DEU, FRA, ITA seem to be the main countries offering the EU OPEN model.
I ordered mine from Handtec and it arrived here in NY via FedEx next day.
Ordered it on Tuesday, arrived yesterday.
It's the SIM-Free EU model.
I can confirm I've bought from clove before, not sure what their shipping to the US is like though
Mejilan said:
I ordered mine from Handtec and it arrived here in NY via FedEx next day.
Ordered it on Tuesday, arrived yesterday.
It's the SIM-Free EU model.
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Click to collapse
how much did you pay for shipping? any extra taxes since it came from UK? I've read that mobile phones shouldnt get taxed but havent gotten a solid answer anywhere.
ooh also... does it say which country yours came from? should say on the box somewhere. I emailed Handtec earlier and they said its EU model but wouldnt specify which country. for example the model from italy would say something like: "AITALD".. ITA being italy obviously. Other countries with EU OPEN I've seen are FRA UK and DEU
autoprime said:
how much did you pay for shipping? any extra taxes since it came from UK? I've read that mobile phones shouldnt get taxed but havent gotten a solid answer anywhere.
ooh also... does it say which country yours came from? should say on the box somewhere. I emailed Handtec earlier and they said its EU model but wouldnt specify which country. for example the model from italy would say something like: "AITALD".. ITA being italy obviously. Other countries with EU OPEN I've seen are FRA UK and DEU
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Click to collapse
Hiya,
I paid £434.99 for the phone and £11.90 for the FedEx priority shipping. The total was £446.89.
A FedEx import coordinator contacted me the same day I placed the order and requested that I fill out an FCC form (740, IIRC), and with a bit of Googled advice, I did so.
After a couple of revisions, the FedEx coordinator accepted the form and the result was that I paid no additional import or customs duties or fees, and the package was not delayed or held up. As I said, ordered on Tuesday from the U.K., in my hands Wednesday morning here in New York.
I left the phone's box at home, so I can't verify the phone's origin that way right now. I think I read on the box that it was manufactured in Taiwan, but I imagine almost all models are, regardless of intended market. The SKU on my Handtec invoice lists it as a LGH815.ADEULD. I'm not sure what that means or if that helps you at all. The included documentation (quick-start guide, etc.) was in English (and perhaps other languages further in, I didn't actually read it beyond a quick glance).
I can confirm that activating the phone with AT&T was as easy as taking my SIM card out of the AT&T-branded Samsung Galaxy S4 I was using until yesterday, and slotting it into the new LG G4. Easy-as-pie.
Hope this helps!
Mejilan said:
Hiya,
I paid £434.99 for the phone and £11.90 for the FedEx priority shipping. The total was £446.89.
A FedEx import coordinator contacted me the same day I placed the order and requested that I fill out an FCC form (740, IIRC), and with a bit of Googled advice, I did so.
After a couple of revisions, the FedEx coordinator accepted the form and the result was that I paid no additional import or customs duties or fees, and the package was not delayed or held up. As I said, ordered on Tuesday from the U.K., in my hands Wednesday morning here in New York.
I left the phone's box at home, so I can't verify the phone's origin that way right now. I think I read on the box that it was manufactured in Taiwan, but I imagine almost all models are, regardless of intended market. The SKU on my Handtec invoice lists it as a LGH815.ADEULD. I'm not sure what that means or if that helps you at all. The included documentation (quick-start guide, etc.) was in English (and perhaps other languages further in, I didn't actually read it beyond a quick glance).
I can confirm that activating the phone with AT&T was as easy as taking my SIM card out of the AT&T-branded Samsung Galaxy S4 I was using until yesterday, and slotting it into the new LG G4. Easy-as-pie.
Hope this helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ahh nice. thank you... yes this is very helpful. so shipping wasnt much at all. and judging by your SKU it looks like you have a German (DEU) Black leather variant. So this would confirm it is indeed the EU OPEN model.. perfect. If I do go the H815 route it looks like these guys might be the cheapest... and I was looking for the DEU version... so that's perfect.
Also thanks for the heads up on the FCC form etc. I just wanted to be sure I wasn't going to be hit with some extra taxes after they deliver it. :good:
one last question... but unimportant if you dont have time to respond... but I'm curious if your G4 box came with the extra plastic battery cover? Seems every country is different but I know in Italy inside the main box (not a promo) there was an extra gold plastic battery cover.. but it seems some resellers are taking it out. I may just get the plastic back version anyway... but if i were to get the leather variant I'd want the option to swap to plastic.
autoprime said:
ahh nice. thank you... yes this is very helpful. so shipping wasnt much at all. and judging by your SKU it looks like you have a German (DEU) Black leather variant. So this would confirm it is indeed the EU OPEN model.. perfect. If I do go the H815 route it looks like these guys might be the cheapest... and I was looking for the DEU version... so that's perfect.
Also thanks for the heads up on the FCC form etc. I just wanted to be sure I wasn't going to be hit with some extra taxes after they deliver it. :good:
one last question... but unimportant if you dont have time to respond... but I'm curious if your G4 box came with the extra plastic battery cover? Seems every country is different but I know in Italy inside the main box (not a promo) there was an extra gold plastic battery cover.. but it seems some resellers are taking it out. I may just get the plastic back version anyway... but if i were to get the leather variant I'd want the option to swap to plastic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brilliant! I'm happy I could help out!
Yes, the FCC form concerned me, but it wound up being no big deal at all. Probably because this device is certified for use in the U.S. after all. I can provide you with the FCC ID and manufacturer's contact information I wound up filling into the form, if it comes to that. I initially touched base with Handtec about helping me fill out the form, but they claimed that they had never seen it before, so I wound up handling it myself with a bit of help from Google and the FedEx coordinator.
Handtec accidentally sent me the genuine leather BROWN model, and that's something that I'm currently reaching out to them about. But the box did include a second (plastic) back cover. I want to say it was the gold one, but since it came in a manilla sleeve, of sorts, and I didn't actually pull it out all the way, it might be the white one reflecting the color of the sleeve. Again, I left that in the box, which is currently at home. But I can double-check it tonight and circle back.
Included in the small box was the handset (with brown leather back installed), a separate plastic cover, a detached battery, a quick-start guide, an EU charger and separate micro USB cable, and a boxed up set of earbuds. Quadbeat 3s, or something like that? I left them in the box as well.
I can snap pics tonight, if you'd like.
I just chatted with one of the CSRs and she told me that the leather back ones do not come with extra back covers. Maybe she just read it from the site, as they are not listed there. I'll definitely be interested in seeing the picture of everything that comes with it. I currently have the T-moile brown leather version that I'm going to return thank the T-mobile B$ about unlocking it (I want to use it on AT&T).
Thanks
Mejilan said:
Brilliant! I'm happy I could help out!
Yes, the FCC form concerned me, but it wound up being no big deal at all. Probably because this device is certified for use in the U.S. after all. I can provide you with the FCC ID and manufacturer's contact information I wound up filling into the form, if it comes to that. I initially touched base with Handtec about helping me fill out the form, but they claimed that they had never seen it before, so I wound up handling it myself with a bit of help from Google and the FedEx coordinator.
Handtec accidentally sent me the genuine leather BROWN model, and that's something that I'm currently reaching out to them about. But the box did include a second (plastic) back cover. I want to say it was the gold one, but since it came in a manilla sleeve, of sorts, and I didn't actually pull it out all the way, it might be the white one reflecting the color of the sleeve. Again, I left that in the box, which is currently at home. But I can double-check it tonight and circle back.
Included in the small box was the handset (with brown leather back installed), a separate plastic cover, a detached battery, a quick-start guide, an EU charger and separate micro USB cable, and a boxed up set of earbuds. Quadbeat 3s, or something like that? I left them in the box as well.
I can snap pics tonight, if you'd like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, I hear you.
This is the first time I procure my own phone (non-subsidized, out of contract), and I did so primarily because I see how much of a mess the Samsung Galaxy S4 development scene turned into after a couple of hardware revisions. I was lucky enough to get a relatively early AT&T model that retained an exploitable bootloader; and so was actually able to enjoy all the benefits of custom recoveries, custom ROMs, etc. without having to deal with crippled workarounds like Safestrap. I really wanted to avoid any kinds of issues with my new device, so I lurked around XDA for the past week, researched, and wound up going with the EU H815 import from Handtec. I haven't actually tried to use LG's official bootloader unlock method, since I hear it may compromise some DRM modules or some such. Kind of waiting to see what the development scene manages to produce in the coming weeks/months. But not having root is quickly wearing away at my patience, so I might just bite the bullet regardless.
I'll be sure to snap some pics of the phone, packaging, included contents, etc. tonight and try to post them here. I'm not sure what the limitations are for junior members like me. Worst case scenario, I'll upload them to my Photobucket account or something. I've got a long workday ahead of me before I return home tonight, however.
ajamils said:
I just chatted with one of the CSRs and she told me that the leather back ones do not come with extra back covers. Maybe she just read it from the site, as they are not listed there. I'll definitely be interested in seeing the picture of everything that comes with it. I currently have the T-moile brown leather version that I'm going to return thank the T-mobile B$ about unlocking it (I want to use it on AT&T).
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually the international H815 model is available on eBay, and in a very good price.
For example here: http://www.ebay.com/itm//281696933232
or here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/191577825455
Prices drop a few dollars a day, so I would wait (and actually am waiting) for the price to be stable, and then buy it.
Neither of them are European version. These are Asian models that are not eligable for unlocked bootloaded (atleast not right now).
DubelBoom said:
Actually the international H815 model is available on eBay, and in a very good price.
For example here: http://www.ebay.com/itm//281696933232
or here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/191577825455
Prices drop a few dollars a day, so I would wait (and actually am waiting) for the price to be stable, and then buy it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ajamils said:
Neither of them are European version. These are Asian models that are not eligable for unlocked bootloaded (atleast not right now).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It says H815, how can you tell its not?
I'm also planning on buying from one of these sellers.
DubelBoom said:
It says H815, how can you tell its not?
I'm also planning on buying from one of these sellers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not 100% sure about the "Never MSRP" seller but it's been confirmed that the other seller is selling Asian version (check the other thread). Also, most of his phones are shipped from Singapore.
Edit: Just got the confirmation from "never MSRP" that it's the Asian version H815T.
ajamils said:
Not 100% sure about the "Never MSRP" seller but it's been confirmed that the other seller is selling Asian version (check the other thread). Also, most of his phones are shipped from Singapore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow never thought LG would be so annoying with unlocking the bootloader. It is the same exact model!!
I hope they will allow unlocking quickly for other variants, because these prices are much better.
Well, and what is this model supposed to be ?
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I've attached three photos demonstrating what I received from Handtec. Two of them were taken from my old phone, and they came out hopelessly blurry. I apologize for this, as I didn't really think to check them last night. The best picture was taken with the new LG G4 and came out much clearer. This, I think, is the more pertinent photo anyway; so hopefully, no harm, no foul.
autoprime said:
ahh nice. thank you... yes this is very helpful. so shipping wasnt much at all. and judging by your SKU it looks like you have a German (DEU) Black leather variant. So this would confirm it is indeed the EU OPEN model.. perfect. If I do go the H815 route it looks like these guys might be the cheapest... and I was looking for the DEU version... so that's perfect.
Also thanks for the heads up on the FCC form etc. I just wanted to be sure I wasn't going to be hit with some extra taxes after they deliver it. :good:
one last question... but unimportant if you dont have time to respond... but I'm curious if your G4 box came with the extra plastic battery cover? Seems every country is different but I know in Italy inside the main box (not a promo) there was an extra gold plastic battery cover.. but it seems some resellers are taking it out. I may just get the plastic back version anyway... but if i were to get the leather variant I'd want the option to swap to plastic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ajamils said:
I just chatted with one of the CSRs and she told me that the leather back ones do not come with extra back covers. Maybe she just read it from the site, as they are not listed there. I'll definitely be interested in seeing the picture of everything that comes with it. I currently have the T-moile brown leather version that I'm going to return thank the T-mobile B$ about unlocking it (I want to use it on AT&T).
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mejilan said:
Hiya,
A FedEx import coordinator contacted me the same day I placed the order and requested that I fill out an FCC form (740, IIRC), and with a bit of Googled advice, I did so.
After a couple of revisions, the FedEx coordinator accepted the form and the result was that I paid no additional import or customs duties or fees, and the package was not delayed or held up. As I said, ordered on Tuesday from the U.K., in my hands Wednesday morning here in New York.
Hope this helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, Thanks for the info~! This looks like a really good deal. My only follow up questions is that would you happen to know that is this "FedEx Import Coordinator" who contacted you was from the UK or the US?
I'm from Canada myself so if it's originating from the UK (Handtec), then I think I can safely presume the procedure would be more or less the same. If he's from the US though then I'll have to do some more research.
Thanks in advance for the help~!