Xiaomi Mi A1

paddy19

Interesting article on why Xiaomi picked Spain to launch in Europe

https://www.theverge.com/2017/11/7/16610720/xiaomi-spain-mi-mix-2-launch-europe-android-business

"Xiaomi, which typically relies only on digital marketing and word of mouth, sees the “very friendly and also very active” fan base it already enjoys in Spain as a good reason to make the country its first European market. Its event today paid tribute to two of Xiaomi’s most active fans in Spain, who’ve been following and supporting the company for seven years."

Kenny Logins

glasso wrote: »

It's two posts above this

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/NEW-Xiaomi-Mi-A1-64GB-4GB-Ram-Dual-Sim-Black-UK-SHIP/302508077965

That's the link I posted. :rolleyes: The seller is based in Singapore and delivery (7-13 days) is £15.

NATLOR

Kenny Logins wrote: »

That's the link I posted. :rolleyes: The seller is based in Singapore and delivery (7-13 days) is £15.

The £15 delivery charge can be avoided by using PM/PW etc as its free delivery to UK

Kenny Logins

NATLOR wrote: »

The £15 delivery charge can be avoided by using PM/PW etc as its free delivery to UK

They will reject it if it has customs charges attached.

NATLOR

Kenny Logins wrote: »

They will reject it if it has customs charges attached.

There wont be any the item is dispatched either from Dublin or Manchester. Its down the end of the page that you linked

Kenny Logins

NATLOR wrote: »

There wont be any the item is dispatched either from Dublin or Manchester. Its down the end of the page that you linked

Ah, OK, I missed that bit. Thanks.

harpstilidie

Soccarboy11 wrote: »

Spanish amazon has the black one up for pre-order here, along with the two year warranty, sold and shipped by amazon so its legit! https://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B076VLDF6P/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1AT7YVPFBWXBL&th=1

shipping to ireland is about 8 euro but this is a much better option then buying off one of the other sides imo

Saying it's out of stock now? Was going to order later

Also says it's the Spanish version? I assume that's not an issue?

harpstilidie

harpstilidie wrote: »

Saying it's out of stock now? Was going to order later

Also says it's the Spanish version? I assume that's not an issue?

not an issue. the only issue with versions is if it's the chinese version where you'll have chinese apps on it (which you may not be able to delete unless by rooting the phone) and you probably won't have the google apps like play store initially installed.

gooner99

Got mine from honorbuy a few days before I heard of the Spanish launch. I am very happy with the mi a1.

Only issue is the slippy back. Any recommendations for a cover or case.?

spongerobinson

gooner99 wrote: »

Got mine from honorbuy a few days before I heard of the Spanish launch. I am very happy with the mi a1.

Only issue is the slippy back. Any recommendations for a cover or case.?

The case I got with mine from HK Goldway is not amazing. It's pretty ugly, has the clear plastic window on front, and the plastic on the edge of the case where the power button is has already cracked. Few nice looking cases on Amazon, but haven't tried any yet.

gooner99

spongerobinson wrote: »

The case I got with mine from HK Goldway is not amazing. It's pretty ugly, has the clear plastic window on front, and the plastic on the edge of the case where the power button is has already cracked. Few nice looking cases on Amazon, but haven't tried any yet.

Cheers. Yeah there could well be more showing up on Eu Amazon sites after the Spanish launch.

CantGetNoSleep

Anyone know the best price on this from China on a slow boat today? Trying to decide between 240€ from Amazon or hopefully closer to 150€ but with a few weeks wait and no warranty

CantGetNoSleep

CantGetNoSleep wrote: »

Anyone know the best price on this from China on a slow boat today? Trying to decide between 240€ from Amazon or hopefully closer to 150€ but with a few weeks wait and no warranty

think there were to be 2000 units of the A1 for sale at €170 but they were probably all sold in china while you were asleep!

so if you say 170 + 10 shipping + 23% vat + customs processing charge that's probably close to 230 euro, even if you got one. with no warranty as you say.

https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_unveils_deals_for_singles_day-news-28035.php

g0g

Disappointed not to have found this cheaper online in today's deals. Looks like it would still be over the 200 mark if you want to ship via EU from Asia. That got me back looking on amazon.es where it's not saying it won't be shipped for 1-2 months!

CantGetNoSleep

g0g wrote: »

Disappointed not to have found this cheaper online in today's deals. Looks like it would still be over the 200 mark if you want to ship via EU from Asia. That got me back looking on amazon.es where it's not saying it won't be shipped for 1-2 months!

About 170 on lightinthebox if you add some discount code, was a bit cheaper on Gearbest but seems to have gone very quickly

g0g

CantGetNoSleep wrote: »

About 170 on lightinthebox if you add some discount code, was a bit cheaper on Gearbest but seems to have gone very quickly

Thanks! I'm seeing 190 now and I'm assuming that is basic slow and risky for customs shipping? Any idea where you saw that code?

harpstilidie

Going to have to take the plunge and order this from Ali Express now. Was hoping to get it from amazon.es but with the 1-2 month wait for shipping it could be ages before I'd get it.

CantGetNoSleep

g0g wrote: »

Thanks! I'm seeing 190 now and I'm assuming that is basic slow and risky for customs shipping? Any idea where you saw that code?

It is some special 11.11 discount that you need to activate, saw it on HUKD but I couldn't get it working myself, you might need to try the app

delidelo

Hey everyone, anyone knows if it's possible to buy it offline in Dublin? Or online only?
I know I'd pay more but I need to get it in the next 2/3 days max.

paddy19

I'm afraid your chances are very low of getting this within 2/3 days.

Mi have only started bricks and mortar suppliers in Spain.
They plan a slow Eu turnout so that they don't over extend themselves.
Given the demand it seems a very wise policy.

Do you have any buddies in Spain that might do the deed for you?

Also supplies seem to low.
Amazon.se are quoting a very vague 1 to 2 months.
My order on November 9 is slotted to ship on November 21.

g0g

I see a seller in Galway with them on Adverts but price is very high

CVB

This phone is for people who can’t afford an iphone ! But want people to think they have one !!!!!

Just saying .............

paddy19

"This phone is for people who can’t afford an iphone ! But want people to think they have one !!!!! "

Don't want anybody thinking I would be daft enough to pay 1,000 eurots for a phone that is
no better than than a this Mi at 240.

But whatever sails your boat.

UsedToWait

CVB wrote: »

This phone is for people who can’t afford an iphone ! But want people to think they have one !!!!!

Just saying .............

It might be an obtuse reference to the MIUI OS apeing Apple's, in which case you're wrong, this is specifically the model with vanilla Android.

It may be the poster's view that anyone wanting more than a Nokia 6310 wants people to think they have an iPhone, in which case, lay off the Sunday beers.






Just sayin' ....

delidelo

paddy19 wrote: »

I'm afraid your chances are very low of getting this within 2/3 days.

Mi have only started bricks and mortar suppliers in Spain.
They plan a slow Eu turnout so that they don't over extend themselves.
Given the demand it seems a very wise policy.

Do you have any buddies in Spain that might do the deed for you?

Also supplies seem to low.
Amazon.se are quoting a very vague 1 to 2 months.
My order on November 9 is slotted to ship on November 21.

Yeah, low chances indeed.... looks like I'll just have to find an alternative in store.
It's a shame, this one looked really cool

g0g wrote: »

I see a seller in Galway with them on Adverts but price is very high

I've seen that one I might have gone for it, if it was closer to me.

paddy19

paddy19 wrote: »

"This phone is for people who can’t afford an iphone ! But want people to think they have one !!!!! "

Don't want anybody thinking I would be daft enough to pay 1,000 eurots for a phone that is
no better than than a this Mi at 240.

But whatever sails your boat.

in fairness, camera quality is nowhere near the iphone's.

Vahevala

glasso wrote: »

in fairness, camera quality is nowhere near the iphone's.

The HTC U11 Life is a better camera than this phone.

Vahevala

Vahevala wrote: »

The HTC U11 Life is a better camera than this phone.

it is but it's nearly 3 times the price. the other guy was saying that the mi a1 was as good as the iphone.

paddy19

This feels like monthy Python... Apart from the camera what else is better....

Of course the iPhone at over four times the price is better than the Mi. It would want to be. Is the difference worth 750 eurots?

Your paying a hefty whack for the brand and status .

if that works for you...

paddy19

paddy19 wrote: »

This feels like monthy Python... Apart from the camera what else is better....

Of course the iPhone at over four times the price is better than the Mi. It would want to be. Is the difference worth 750 eurots?

Your paying a hefty whack for the brand and status .

if that works for you...

I was responding to the guy who said the mi was as good as the phone. I'm saying it's not. I'm not saying to buy the iphone.

logansmith047

looks really good tho

Vahevala

glasso wrote: »

it is but it's nearly 3 times the price. the other guy was saying that the mi a1 was as good as the iphone.

Well it's costing €341,10 so a bit more expensive. I guess it depends on what you value most. If the camera is important to you, the U11 life is a better choice.

paddy19

"costing €341,10 "

Where are you seeing this price for the HTC U11?
It looks great value but around 500 is the lowest I can find.

paddy19

Sorry just realised its the new "Life" variant you referenced.

paddy19

paddy19 wrote: »

Sorry just realised its the new "Life" variant you referenced.

says here the u11 life rear camera is it's weak point (worse that moto g5 plus). the higher priced u11 has a very good camera.


https://www.cnet.com/uk/products/htc-u11-life/review/

Vahevala

I suppose it's a case of you get what you pay for. This phone takes really bad low light pics (so does my current phone but I suppose mine is 2 yrs old)

Vahevala

Vahevala wrote: »

I suppose it's a case of you get what you pay for. This phone takes really bad low light pics (so does my current phone but I suppose mine is 2 yrs old)

good tip for taking photos in lowlight is to use the countdown timer.
you set the timer then hold the phone really steady - no need to hit the shutter button where you'd probably move a bit ruining the photo.
set to a slower shutter speed also while doing this.

fugee

Ordered on the 7th from Goldway on Ali Express, received from DHL today.

paddy19

Good stuff fugee...

whats your first impressions and price

fugee

paddy19 wrote: »

Good stuff fugee...

whats your first impressions and price

Hi Paddy

Paid 231, (211 + 20DHL) for black.

20 DHL to avoid customs

paddy19

This is off topic but does anybody understand how the DHL no VAT/duty offer works.
I did a search but couldn't find any explanation.

I think Vat on mobiles is 23% so how can they ship via DHL from China to Ireland and not pay the VAT?
You'd expect the straight shipping cost to 20 eurots.

NATLOR

paddy19 wrote:

This is off topic but does anybody understand how the DHL no VAT/duty offer works. I did a search but couldn't find any explanation.

I'm fairly sure they ship to a European country first then on to Ireland so as far as Irish customs are concerned the item has come from within the E.U

CantGetNoSleep

NATLOR wrote: »

I'm fairly sure they ship to a European country first then on to Ireland so as far as Irish customs are concerned the item has come from within the E.U

Yes - but they never actually pay VAT (in most cases - not saying this is what happens for this specific seller but yes VAT & DHL shipping fees + collection costs for VAT would be over 50€ on most phones delivered from China).

In most cases the goods arrive in an EU port with a destination of a company in another EU country (where the VAT is due) - however they essentially disappear and the company often doesn't exist - so this VAT is never paid anywhere.

This situation won't last forever - I predict within 24 months we will be paying full VAT on everything coming from Chinese sellers - this is fraud on a huge scale.

The 20€ is to cover the cost of posting via DHL and keeping this scam running rather than actually paying the VAT

paddy19

I'm sorry for dragging this way off topic.
If anyone knows a better home for this discussion please let me know.

WOW, its weird that DHL are part of this.
I thought the couriers were legally responsible for ensuring the VAT and duty were paid.
I think they must be trans shipping into Europe and handing to DHL within the EU.

Fugee can you check the DHL tracking log for your shipment and publish it here?

http://www.dhl.ie/en/express/tracking.html

CantGetNoSleep

paddy19 wrote: »

I'm sorry for dragging this way off topic.
If anyone knows a better home for this discussion please let me know.

WOW, its weird that DHL are part of this.
I thought the couriers were legally responsible for ensuring the VAT and duty were paid.
I think they must be trans shipping into Europe and handing to DHL within the EU.

Fugee can you check the DHL tracking log for your shipment and publish it here?

http://www.dhl.ie/en/express/tracking.html

Ask in the Gearbest forum - they recently posted about some new post method to Ireland where you don't need to pay taxes, but couldn't really say who paid these taxes

Kenny Logins

Has anyone encountered a decent case or cover for this yet? Preferably in UK or Ireland. Thanks.

davegilly

Kenny Logins wrote: »

Has anyone encountered a decent case or cover for this yet? Preferably in UK or Ireland. Thanks.

The one I ordered from geekbuying is ok. It took 7 weeks to get here though

harpstilidie

How long does delivery usually take from China?

Ordered a Note 4 and a Mi A1 from Ali Express (HK Goldway) on Saturday.

fugee

harpstilidie wrote: »

How long does delivery usually take from China?

Ordered a Note 4 and a Mi A1 from Ali Express (HK Goldway) on Saturday.

Ordered M1 from Goldway 7th and it arrived on the 14th

Kenny Logins

davegilly wrote: »

The one I ordered from geekbuying is ok. It took 7 weeks to get here though

Sounds great. Thanks. :pac: