4G Smartphone: Is this the best bang for the buck?

Gidster

The Umidigi F1 is available on Amazon Prime UK - so no delivery import fees - at just £159.99 and often under £140 with a Lightening Deal. Today (14th Aug) there's a £15 off voucher available.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/UMIDIGI-F1-Unlocked-Android-Smartphone/dp/B07M728DCF



This is for a stock Android 9 (like the Google Pixel range - no superfluous apps and UI tweaks) with a 6.3 inch Full HD+ with tear drop cut out for 91.5% screen to body ratio; classy looking full metal body; Mediatek high-end "AI Processor" 8-core Helio P60 CPU coupled with an OK 4GB RAM and massive 128GB storage. It also has a massive 5150mha+ battery with 18W fast charging and, unusual for anything lower than high-end NFC for Google Pay.

So, what's the downside? I've never owned an Umidigi but I have a lots of Chinese brands and it seems - based and the few poorer reviews - that unlike Xiaomi and Huawei, say, the reliability of this handset is not all that. So, as well as some bugs in the early firmware, which may have been ironed out, there could be some hardware faults impacting a few customers and not the greatest level of customer service it seems.

But for as little as £136, it might be worth the risk?

If you've had any experience with Umidigi brand handsets please let us know.  

Gidster

Or maybe it's the Umidigi A5 Pro - under £85 on Geabest right now 
https://www.gearbest.com/cell-phones/pp_009985943819.html?wid=1349303

Gidster

Umidigi F1 dropped to just £127.99 today. Recent reviews seem better - maybe firware updates have fixed big issues
https://www.amazon.co.uk/UMIDIGI-F1-Unlocked-Android-Smartphone/dp/B07MFD4MNL/

Hronos

Well, I have had an Ulefone T1 and it was pretty good, aside a little problem with GPS sensor, I believe than Chinese manufacturer are going up in quality too (once their were just chip, now they are affordable and good quality)

Hronos

Like a Chinese youtuber said recently: "Chinese can make chip and poor quality stuff, but also can do good quality and affordable ones"
They are now been known as a good option for this.

kltaylor

I have no experience with this brand, although I do try to stay away from brands that I do not recognize.  I would invest in an unlocked phone with a brand that, to some degree of consideration, stands behind their devices.  I tend to rely on the adage 'Let The Buyer Beware' ... look at reviews and features before you make a decision based on impulse.