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Hey guys, I'm thinking about buying a LeEco Le Pro 3 Elite (x722) for 139€ in a BangGood sale and sell my Xiaomi Mi 5 for 170€.
My interests are a big and good quality screen, a good battery, and a nice custom rom community.
I wanted to know about problems or disadvantages of the phone and also to listen your personal experience with this phone and Banggood service.
Regards, AcRs.
??? Why would you want to sell your Mi 5? It's the better phone since it has custom ROM development and updates. The x722 is stuck on 6.0 for the time being, and has no custom ROMs. Also, a lot of x722s from Banggood have hardware defects. A lot of people are also complaining about weird error messages (like "you're using an unofficial ROM") and stuff like that. I actually just received my x722 today and I'm going to unbox it later tonight. I bought it without realizing that it's stuck with a SafetyNet-failing shop ROM and really wish I bought a Xiaomi phone instead.
x720/x727 GOOD
x722 BAD BAD BAD
As simple as that.
AcRs said:
Hey guys, I'm thinking about buying a LeEco Le Pro 3 Elite (x722) for 139€ in a BangGood sale and sell my Xiaomi Mi 5 for 170€.
My interests are a big and good quality screen, a good battery, and a nice custom rom community.
I wanted to know about problems or disadvantages of the phone and also to listen your personal experience with this phone and Banggood service.
Regards, AcRs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the x727 that I bought from amazon. Why wouldn't you just buy the x727 from amazon since its only $10 more than banggood?
Next, I just read about the specs for your current Xiami Mi5, it seems that the differences between your current phone and the LeEco x722 are minimal... Why change phones, when you would essentially swap for almost identical specs?
No custom roms but you have the basic software to re-flash it, custom + stock recovery to flash and root.
There may be some custom roms (check tora33 at leeco.re) soon.
Leeco x722 has better design/quality (check user opinions here: https://www.kimovil.com/en/compare/leeco-letv-le-pro-3-x722,xiaomi-mi5-32gb).
sk8223 said:
...Also, a lot of x722s from Banggood have hardware defects. ....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you please link to the lot of those?
@sk8223 - you are all over forums, moaning about x722 being a bad phone.
Majority of owners thinks that this is a great device, even better than Mi5.
@AcRs
No sense in replacing Mi5, you won't profit much.
Could you please link to the lot of those?
@sk8223 - you are all over forums, moaning about x722 being a bad phone.
Majority of owners thinks that this is a great device, even better than Mi5.
@AcRs
No sense in replacing Mi5, you won't profit much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had my doubts about the phone because of the issues people here were facing. Now that I have the phone in my hand I'm quite pleased--it is a good phone despite having a shop ROM. I just hope I don't run into the issues users faced here, but so far everything seems to be working fine. I'm still not sure I'd recommend the x722 in particular, though, since it's kernel sources haven't been released and it's stuck with a shop ROM. You definitely don't want to be stuck with a phone on 6.0 with KRACK WPA2 vulnerabilities and all.
If you're gonna buy, do not go for the X722 version. In fact, I would suggest you to buy from this link.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Ori...&terminal_id=3938af6eb15e45aebd9b2b57ad02cd31
Now, the main differences between Le Pro 3 and Mi5 are as follows:
1) Le Pro 3 has a bigger screen than Mi5
2) Mi5 has a better camera than Le Pro 3
3) Le Pro 3 has a bigger battery
4) Le Pro 3 has zero warranty from LeEco itself, so, if it has a software defect, you can fix it with support from XDA, but if it has a hardware defect, you gotta buy a replacement part from AliExpress, Banggood, Gearbest etc. and have it replaced at some local shop.
5) Mi5 has better custom ROM support but it doesn't matter much cause Le Pro 3 has a lot of support. You'll find a ton of custom ROMs. My favourite being AOSPA, the link for which I have provided right here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/le-pro3/development/rom-paranoid-android-t3635168
You can make your decision based on these points. If I helped you in any way, please press the thanks button. It'd help me a bit.
adityabanerjee1303 said:
If you're gonna buy, do not go for the X722 version. In fact, I would suggest you to buy from this link.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Ori...&terminal_id=3938af6eb15e45aebd9b2b57ad02cd31
Now, the main differences between Le Pro 3 and Mi5 are as follows:
1) Le Pro 3 has a bigger screen than Mi5
2) Mi5 has a better camera than Le Pro 3
3) Le Pro 3 has a bigger battery
4) Le Pro 3 has zero warranty from LeEco itself, so, if it has a software defect, you can fix it with support from XDA, but if it has a hardware defect, you gotta buy a replacement part from AliExpress, Banggood, Gearbest etc. and have it replaced at some local shop.
5) Mi5 has better custom ROM support but it doesn't matter much cause Le Pro 3 has a lot of support. You'll find a ton of custom ROMs. My favourite being AOSPA, the link for which I have provided right here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/le-pro3/development/rom-paranoid-android-t3635168
You can make your decision based on these points. If I helped you in any way, please press the thanks button. It'd help me a bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your answer is my favorite, thanks. I will buy Leeco x720 i think
Congratulations man. I hope you enjoy the phone as much as I did. But.. I used to have a crappy Galaxy Tab 2, and then switching to this phone was awesome cause it was worlds apart. Also, I was kinda forced to buy the Le Pro 3 cause.. well, I'm just 14, and my dad wouldn't allow anything more than 200 bucks, but I'm really happy with the purchase. Good luck!
adityabanerjee1303 said:
Congratulations man. I hope you enjoy the phone as much as I did. But.. I used to have a crappy Galaxy Tab 2, and then switching to this phone was awesome cause it was worlds apart. Also, I was kinda forced to buy the Le Pro 3 cause.. well, I'm just 14, and my dad wouldn't allow anything more than 200 bucks, but I'm really happy with the purchase. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've owned lots of phones and trust me you don't have to spend insane amounts of money. On Samsung Galaxy or iPhones to get a good phone. Leeco and xiaomi are proof of that
Sent from my T1 using Tapatalk
andrew2401 said:
I've owned lots of phones and trust me you don't have to spend insane amounts of money. On Samsung Galaxy or iPhones to get a good phone. Leeco and xiaomi are proof of that
Sent from my T1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My thoughts exactly!
I still have doubts about buying it or not.
I live in Brazil so here I dont have any warranty if anything happens with the phone, mainly the screen type problems. I need a phone with gorilla glass
I wanted to buy Xiaomi Redmi note 4X because of the camera and the price of course, but it dosent come with gorilla glass and with more 20€ I can buy X722 (153€) that comes with gorilla glass 3
I saw that someone said to not buy it because the camera dosent have IS, but i'm seeing the photos and they're great! Am I wrong? https://www.devicespecifications.com/en/editor-review/5c9a42/8
I cannot see any phone with this price with a better camera and with GGlass...
Oh and BTW, I can only buy it on Gearbest because of customs
Dannycoelhoo said:
I still have doubts about buying it or not.
I live in Brazil so here I dont have any warranty if anything happens with the phone, mainly the screen type problems. I need a phone with gorilla glass
I wanted to buy Xiaomi Redmi note 4X because of the camera and the price of course, but it dosent come with gorilla glass and with more 20€ I can buy X722 (153€) that comes with gorilla glass 3
I saw that someone said to not buy it because the camera dosent have IS, but i'm seeing the photos and they're great! Am I wrong? https://www.devicespecifications.com/en/editor-review/5c9a42/8
I cannot see any phone with this price with a better camera and with GGlass...
Oh and BTW, I can only buy it on Gearbest because of customs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, mark my words properly.
UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, DO NOT BUY THE X722 MODEL. THAT IS LE PRO 3 ELITE AND IT HAS A FAAARRRR INFERIOR CHIP THAN X720 and X727.
Now, from my experiences, the camera is good. Not the best in the price range, but once you install the modded Google Camera with HDR+, the camera is one of the best in the price range. The AliExpress link which I provided, it offers free shipping to Brazil, so, check it out.. I'll provide it again.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Ori...&terminal_id=3938af6eb15e45aebd9b2b57ad02cd31
I think that you should go for this phone with your eyes closed, and the first thing you should do when it arrives, is install a custom ROM. And please, DO NOT GO FOR THE X722 MODEL. YOU'LL DEEPLY REGRET IT!!
Am I wrong or LeEco Le S3 have better camera than x720? Because of the Digital IS?
---------- Post added at 04:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:31 PM ----------
adityabanerjee1303 said:
First of all, mark my words properly.
UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, DO NOT BUY THE X722 MODEL. THAT IS LE PRO 3 ELITE AND IT HAS A FAAARRRR INFERIOR CHIP THAN X720 and X727.
Now, from my experiences, the camera is good. Not the best in the price range, but once you install the modded Google Camera with HDR+, the camera is one of the best in the price range. The AliExpress link which I provided, it offers free shipping to Brazil, so, check it out.. I'll provide it again.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Ori...&terminal_id=3938af6eb15e45aebd9b2b57ad02cd31
I think that you should go for this phone with your eyes closed, and the first thing you should do when it arrives, is install a custom ROM. And please, DO NOT GO FOR THE X722 MODEL. YOU'LL DEEPLY REGRET IT!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is that I pay Customs Tax... I will buy to Portugal because my parents live there, they will bring it to me
Dannycoelhoo said:
Am I wrong or LeEco Le S3 have better camera than x720? Because of the Digital IS?
---------- Post added at 04:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:31 PM ----------
The problem is that I pay Customs Tax... I will buy to Portugal because my parents live there, they will bring it to me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the Le Pro 3 has a better camera. Digital IS is not all that matters. Aperture, image processing, contrast and dynamic range also matter, and they're all better in the Le Pro 3.
Btw, the AliExpress link also offers free shipping to Portugal.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Ori...&terminal_id=3938af6eb15e45aebd9b2b57ad02cd31
adityabanerjee1303 said:
No, the Le Pro 3 has a better camera. Digital IS is not all that matters. Aperture, image processing, contrast and dynamic range also matter, and they're all better in the Le Pro 3.
Btw, the AliExpress link also offers free shipping to Portugal.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Ori...&terminal_id=3938af6eb15e45aebd9b2b57ad02cd31
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know it is freeshipping but you'll pay taxes!! eheheh In gearbest its also free but it comes from spain so I dont pay taxes
Dannycoelhoo said:
I still have doubts about buying it or not.
I live in Brazil so here I dont have any warranty if anything happens with the phone, mainly the screen type problems. I need a phone with gorilla glass
I wanted to buy Xiaomi Redmi note 4X because of the camera and the price of course, but it dosent come with gorilla glass and with more 20€ I can buy X722 (153€) that comes with gorilla glass 3
I saw that someone said to not buy it because the camera dosent have IS, but i'm seeing the photos and they're great! Am I wrong? https://www.devicespecifications.com/en/editor-review/5c9a42/8
I cannot see any phone with this price with a better camera and with GGlass...
Oh and BTW, I can only buy it on Gearbest because of customs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AliExpress is better than gearbest in my opinion. And as a poster below me pointed out. The model on AliExpress is the xt720 which has custom ROM support
Sent from my T1 using Tapatalk
So I'm still searching for the right phone
I need one with Gorilla Glass and a great camera with the price range till 160€. What can you guys suggest me?
Dannycoelhoo said:
I know it is freeshipping but you'll pay taxes!! eheheh In gearbest its also free but it comes from spain so I dont pay taxes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forgot to add whenever I ordered anything on gearbest or AliExpress. I've never been charged customs regards if I choose free or paid shipping. AliExpress is just quicker and easier to deal with in case of an issue. As apposed to gearbest
Sent from my T1 using Tapatalk
andrew2401 said:
Forgot to add whenever I ordered anything on gearbest or AliExpress. I've never been charged customs regards if I choose free or paid shipping. AliExpress is just quicker and easier to deal with in case of an issue. As apposed to gearbest
Sent from my T1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please understand that Gearbest have a thing that no other site have: Priority Line. Truly you'll not pay taxes! They have an way to enter via Spain and it dosent go to customs
Hello,
I have the possibility to buy a OP5 6/64 model for 235€.
No warranty, but I know the current user and for sure the device is in perfect conditions.
Would you say this is a good price? Not that I need a phone right now, but I would like to have one with official support for open roms such as Lineage etc.
I currently own a Meizu M2 Note, that works fine but starts to show some age.
Thanks,
Alfonso
Now the price for this axon 7c is 180-190 dollars and for such a price 2k amoled screen, snapdragon 821, audio chip + stereo speakers + good camera + NFC, this offer is even better than LeEco Le pro 3 for profitability, but there are no firmware
Does it make sense to buy and will there be in the future firmware?
Don't bother. Chinese ROM, no updating or mods.
Waste of a good device
Which phone would be a good alternative to the 7s? The Google Pixel 3 has front-facing stereo speakers, too!
It sounds like an OK deal but I would lowball for 150$ if it's on Craigslist or whatever. Just flash A2017U firmware on it, then install a good LOS/AOSP-based ROM. But if you dont live in Asia or have a carrier in that area, then it may not be such a good deal because you will have trouble getting 4G LTE because of the modem/baseband, I believe you will only get 3G. Up to you though.
AnonVendetta said:
It sounds like an OK deal but I would lowball for 150$ if it's on Craigslist or whatever. Just flash A2017U firmware on it, then install a good LOS/AOSP-based ROM. But if you dont live in Asia or have a carrier in that area, then it may not be such a good deal because you will have trouble getting 4G LTE because of the modem/baseband, I believe you will only get 3G. Up to you though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck flashing firmware from a phone with a different SoC on it...
Assuming you can get it unlocked, of course.
Then you need to develop your ROM yourself because there's no Treble, and flashing U firmware wouldn't really make it have an 820 (i.e. our treble or custom ROM's won't work)
@Choose an username...: It has different SoC? I thought that all A7 variants had same SoC, but with differing amounts of RAM/storage. Thanks for the clarification.
Definitely a bad deal, you'll be locked to Chinese firmware forever. And probably unable to unlock bootloader, install TWRP, etc. But hey, it's your money.
AnonVendetta said:
@Choose an username...: It has different SoC? I thought that all A7 variants had same SoC, but with differing amounts of RAM/storage. Thanks for the clarification.
Definitely a bad deal, you'll be locked to Chinese firmware forever. And probably unable to unlock bootloader, install TWRP, etc. But hey, it's your money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has an SD821, not much different but different nonetheless. Different camera setup too. Apparently no extra DAC like the SD820 versions have.
A bit of give and take. If the software was available I would have the 7s as I don't use wired output much although still like having the option to use it, but would gladly sacrifice the extra DAC for better camera, more storage and faster SoC.
Seems like it would be an amazing device if someone managed to unlock it.
Hi guys, so my little brother is wanting the one plus phone. I noticed from AliExpress etc , the oneplus 6T is significantly cheaper as it’s from China. He can only afford this as in the U.K. it’s 100+ more in cost.
It states it’s running global firmware oxygen. I’m asking the seller what LTE bands this runs on to ensure it works with the EE network here in England.
I just wanted to see if anyone here had experiences with buying from China? Let me know if it’s worth it
Polaflex said:
Hi guys, so my little brother is wanting the one plus phone. I noticed from AliExpress etc , the oneplus 6T is significantly cheaper as it’s from China. He can only afford this as in the U.K. it’s 100+ more in cost.
It states it’s running global firmware oxygen. I’m asking the seller what LTE bands this runs on to ensure it works with the EE network here in England.
I just wanted to see if anyone here had experiences with buying from China? Let me know if it’s worth it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should work properly.
Just to be safe, run the phone through MSM Tool to get rid of any Chinese SW.
If the seller has good feedback from foreign buyers you should be ok. The 1st thing I would do though is unlock the bootloader, install twrp, and flash the latest version of OOS, regardless of what rom they say it has. This should eliminate any issues with shady or corrupt or spyware software.
Option 2 find a used 6t locally, that is what I did.
As stated above I would run this through the msm tool to restore the phone to 100% stock international software. Unless you understand root and have a need for it I would leave the device that way as well.
So, i notice sites like Giztop and Aliexpress sell the Chinese variant of OnePlus 8 Pro for very cheap. Around 800-900 bucks. and they advertise with "global rom" What does this mean? Can they actually flash on a real Global ROM, entirely supported by OnePlus already on the CN versions? What do i lose by getting a CN version over a global version that i can buy in a store in my country for 1100bucks?
I am torn on buying a OnePlus 8 Pro CN version for 850bucks or the Sony Xperia 1 Pro for 1200dollars global from my country. But that is quite the price difference. On the other hand, i'm scared of the supposed massive OP 8 Pro screen issues? are those more prevalent on the CN versions? i see people reporting major loss in max screen brightness, calibration being way off, green tints etc etc? Hoping someone here can give some reassurance. I feel like the safe option is the Sony, but yeah dunno.
If you're buying the device from "abroad" recommend you send flowers first.
"Sorry I'm bored "
Cakkerlakker said:
So, i notice sites like Giztop and Aliexpress sell the Chinese variant of OnePlus 8 Pro for very cheap. Around 800-900 bucks. and they advertise with "global rom" What does this mean? Can they actually flash on a real Global ROM, entirely supported by OnePlus already on the CN versions? What do i lose by getting a CN version over a global version that i can buy in a store in my country for 1100bucks?
I am torn on buying a OnePlus 8 Pro CN version for 850bucks or the Sony Xperia 1 Pro for 1200dollars global from my country. But that is quite the price difference. On the other hand, i'm scared of the supposed massive OP 8 Pro screen issues? are those more prevalent on the CN versions? i see people reporting major loss in max screen brightness, calibration being way off, green tints etc etc? Hoping someone here can give some reassurance. I feel like the safe option is the Sony, but yeah dunno.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing wrong..
IN2020 China
IN 2021 INDIA
IN 2023 EU
IN 2025 GLOBAL
These phones are probably the chinese (IN2020) with global rom..
Go for it ..on alli 760€ the 8/128 pro
just do note in2025 even its dual sim only works with single sim
cultofluna said:
Nothing wrong..
IN2020 China
IN 2021 INDIA
IN 2023 EU
IN 2025 GLOBAL
These phones are probably the chinese (IN2020) with global rom..
Go for it ..on alli 760€ the 8/128 pro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it doesn't matter if i get the Chinese version or not? It's still the same rom as the 2025 global? There is no difference at all?
Ok let's get this straight..
First and foremost.
No one, in any situation unless you want to our feel like losing all your money, should order anything from the likes of Ali Express.
The clue is in the name.
if you want a Oneplus phone, then order it from the correct channels.
Or get it on contract, or be ready to sit through a total turd storm when you need to return to sender.
The likes of Ali Express shouldn't even be mentioned in XDA im amazed that you've been allowed to name this thread.
Ali Express is one toe dipped into the dark web, recognizable by the amount of bad deals you think you're going to get but don't.
Short answer??
Avoid Ali, period.
Pay for the phone you want and stop spreading misinformation, unless you're in China and in a OnePlus sellers shop..
Modem is probably the key factor. The band support is what you'll need.
I, too, have wondered also. iN2020 supports n41 5g but not sure if that's the same 41 that Tmo uses. If so, that would be great
dladz said:
Ok let's get this straight..
First and foremost.
No one, in any situation unless you want to our feel like losing all your money, should order anything from the likes of Ali Express.
The clue is in the name.
Don't be a complete idiot, if you want a Oneplus phone, then order it from the correct channels.
Or get it on contract, or be ready to sit through a total turd storm when you need to return to sender.
The likes of Ali Express shouldn't even be mentioned in XDA im amazed that you've been allowed to name this thread.
Ali Express is one toe dipped into the dark web, recognizable by the amount of bad deals you think you're going to get but don't.
Short answer??
Avoid Ali, period.
Pay for the phone you want and stop spreading misinformation, unless you're in China and in a OnePlus sellers shop..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mate, what are you talking about. Nothing about this post was even remotely true. AliExpress is pretty reputable. It's basically the Chinese Amazon. This isn't the wild west days of 2010 with Chinese e-commerce.
I order stuff off AliExpress all the time. 99% of time something arrives as advertised. When it doesn't - I just open a claim and I get my money back. Items take longer these days to arrive due to ePacket and covid-19 - but I always get what I ordered.
I think you might be thinking of Alibaba, which also in turn has dramatically improved in the last few years.
Burt Squirtz said:
Mate, what are you talking about. Nothing about this post was even remotely true. AliExpress is pretty reputable. It's basically the Chinese Amazon. This isn't the wild west days of 2010 with Chinese e-commerce.
I order stuff off AliExpress all the time. 99% of time something arrives as advertised. When it doesn't - I just open a claim and I get my money back. Items take longer these days to arrive due to ePacket and covid-19 - but I always get what I ordered.
I think you might be thinking of Alibaba, which also in turn has dramatically improved in the last few years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree..
Bought 3 devices from alli( op5, xiaomi mi 6, mi9lite)
2 pairs of buds , mi box..etc...
Never had a problem , very fast shipping....
---------- Post added at 05:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:50 AM ----------
Cakkerlakker said:
So it doesn't matter if i get the Chinese version or not? It's still the same rom as the 2025 global? There is no difference at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its the Chinese model (IN2020) with global ROM (IN11AA)
The same ROM as the IN2025 model
I will also order one next month..
You could also try Wonda Mobile, they are based in Hong Kong. They have a complete section of faq on the actual device, the only main difference would be the bands like 5g. They also have a section which lists them so have a look at that to make sure your network supports it.
I bought a OnePlus 8 Pro from Giztop and it's the Chinese version with Oxygen OS on it. I immediately regret it and now I can't return it. If you're in the US, don't do it.
JodyBreeze901 said:
I bought a OnePlus 8 Pro from Giztop and it's the Chinese version with Oxygen OS on it. I immediately regret it and now I can't return it. If you're in the US, don't do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No option to return if you change your mind even paying a restocking fee?
JodyBreeze901 said:
I bought a OnePlus 8 Pro from Giztop and it's the Chinese version with Oxygen OS on it. I immediately regret it and now I can't return it. If you're in the US, don't do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why regret it?
surge27 said:
Modem is probably the key factor. The band support is what you'll need.
I, too, have wondered also. iN2020 supports n41 5g but not sure if that's the same 41 that Tmo uses. If so, that would be great
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was looking at it when you couldn't get one in the US. The bands (n71 and n41) were the issue.
So far, have not seen any post from anyone in US TMO that has one that works on LTE and 5G over here.
gaww said:
I was looking at it when you couldn't get one in the US. The bands (n71 and n41) were the issue.
So far, have not seen any post from anyone in US TMO that has one that works on LTE and 5G over here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya, 41 is on iN2020 but not sure if it's actually the same 41 here in U.S.
surge27 said:
Ya, 41 is on iN2020 but not sure if it's actually the same 41 here in U.S.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah - that's an issue, but 6000 mhz n71 is also big , as it both supports LTE and 5G. I didn't see that at all.
wilpang said:
No option to return if you change your mind even paying a restocking fee?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't afford to be without a phone for a month maybe more. My job requires me to have a cell phone and my note 5 backup finally died on me. So I'm stuck with this phone unfortunately
JodyBreeze901 said:
I can't afford to be without a phone for a month maybe more. My job requires me to have a cell phone and my note 5 backup finally died on me. So I'm stuck with this phone unfortunately
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But again, what's wrong with it?..
cultofluna said:
But again, what's wrong with it?..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, for one I'm missing a few bands compared to the IN2023 version. That's the most important thing to me. Two, I honestly feel like the 5g is not as strong due to me missing those bands.
Hey, just to give my 2 cents about ordering this phone from China....
Just did it and went for the 12/256 Ultramarine Oneplus 8 Pro at the end of April for about $930 USD, shipping included, on AliExpress.
Took a LONG time to arrive to me (6 weeks!) BUT... Phone is perfect, no defect, screen is gorgeous and nothing wrong with it, even though it is probably a "first batch" unit. Got a Chinese IN2020 unit flashed by seller with Global ROM (came with 10.5.3 or 10.5.4 ROM out of the box), had a pre-applied (plastic) screen protector that will allow me to wait a few more days/weeks to get my UV 3D glass screen protectors for a better protection and better light transmittance. Unit looked new, with all the packaging (even though it was flashed to Global ROM by seller, but still, they managed to make it look like it has never even been turned on, as the phone box itself was still fully wrapped/sealed with plastic).
Once turned on, immediately updated to 10.5.8 Global without any problem, unlocked bootloader, booted to latest TWRP, Rooted of course and applied my usual Magisk modules, as well as flashed a custom kernel (Omega, to be precise). Tweaked my unit to my desire, installed a Gcam to have more options regarding photography, and... well ,that's all, mate!
Nothing much to say, except I'm delighted by my purchase and by this phone for now! Coming from a Oneplus 5T with custom Android Q ROM, it is a BIG step ahead and definitely impressive piece of hardware. However, in terms of speed, can't say the difference is huge (sure, OP8 Pro is faster, but not by a 100X, not even a 2X factor when you use it normally).
If you have an opportunity to buy the Chinese version at a good price from AE or any other reseller, offering some warranty in case something goes wrong during transportation or with the unit itself of course, and if you are not able to get it from your local store (it was and still is not easily available in my country at a decent price right now), then go on and do it! Just remember, unless you go for DHL or other fast shipping carrier, you'll have to be patient.
Cheers!