Database Users

Where to buy A2017U (US Model) with shipping to Europe?

Hi there.
I've decided to return my A2017G and get the A2017U model. I have already looked up online where I could order the US Model. But most of my favorite shops like BHPhoto don't send the Axon 7 to Europe. It says "Due to restrictions".
That's the first for me as I use BHPhoto for my Home Cinema and Photo equipment.
Does anyone know an good alternative?
I already checked gearbest but they only offer the International Model (A2017G).

Had the same problem. US official sellers of ZTE AXON 7 are zteusa.com, newegg, bestbuy and bhphoto. Bhphoto is excellent shop with top notch service and international shipping so I placed order end of July after American model launch. When I tried proceed to checkout I got pop up window saying "error has occurred". Asked customers service, they were very polite and it seemed that bhphoto ships international and they would send my phone but ZTE made international sale of Axon 7 forbidden and they couldn't omit this limitation. Was so pissed off :/ finally I bought on ebay but really overpaid (with custom fee 200 usd more). However I don't regret any penny spent at US version. In every aspect it's night and day compared to EU model.
I guess I will sell EU version and buy another US (wanted EU for warranty)
Wysłane z mojego ZTE A2017G

You need to use a shipment service that ships the device to you after receiving it. Something like Shipito.
The only issue are the taxes and the shipment cost.

I have a buddy living and working in NYC he offered me to buy and ship the phone to me. It's just sold out everywhere it seems.
I hope BHPhoto gets an restock soon.

celoxocis said:
I already checked gearbest but they only offer the International Model (A2017G).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't Gearbest have chinese version with multilingual ROM (A2017)?
nathasnajperowa said:
However I don't regret any penny spent at US version. In every aspect it's night and day compared to EU model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Besides of lack of EU volume limit what are the advantages of A2017U?

For me the most important in phones hardware are screen (amoled 1440p is always my choice) and audio. For audio US version is much better for me cause besides clarity i like really smokin' volume. US version sound loud, crispy, clear and punchy, European is really quiet and dim.
And YES, for me audio power and volume is DEAL BREAKER, i listen to US version at max volume and that's the level I'm satisfied. I don't care about its healthy or not, I'm grown up and it's my preference to blow my ears with noise
Next reason software is completely different. American Axon 7 has ui with app drawer and my voice working (i always use this feature when taking a photo, extremely useful with long exposure you can't move the device to not destroy pic), my voice also open apps etc but most scenarios besides camera i use Google now.
Volte is active and ready to use.
Updates are better done and more frequent, i have September security patch with B27, with EU B03 it's July.
Camera performance, battery life i find also better with us version.
I don't care missing 800lte, cause i use my data without any problems. Watching. HD podcast, streaming extreme quality Spotify, etc with no lags and buffering.
Sent from my ZTE A2017U

ourplaceinthestars said:
Doesn't Gearbest have chinese version with multilingual ROM (A2017)?
Besides of lack of EU volume limit what are the advantages of A2017U?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gearbest version is the A2017G. A friend of mine got it for 350€ with their sale coupon.
The other advantage would be VoLTE support as. The A2017G has no VoLTE in its firmware/baseband. The A2017U does.
Software support is far better and way ahead on the US version.
Also I order from Newegg you get 200$ headphones for free it the current pre-order.

celoxocis said:
Gearbest version is the A2017G. A friend of mine got it for 350â?¬ with their sale coupon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's too bad. Could your friend confirm if ROM that Gearbest Axon comes with, also has the same EU volume limits like the A2017G sold in Europe? It's pretty much the only thing that could drive me away from A2017G since I mostly care about quality of the headphone jack, speakers, screen and build quality in this phone.

ourplaceinthestars said:
That's too bad. Could your friend confirm if ROM that Gearbest Axon comes with, also has the same EU volume limits like the A2017G sold in Europe? It's pretty much the only thing that could drive me away from A2017G since I mostly care about quality of the headphone jack, speakers, screen and build quality in this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it's the same.

celoxocis said:
Yes it's the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is ridiculous, then. From what I've heard even australians are getting A2017G, so it seems so stupid that some bizarre EU restrictions would hinder audio experience for non-europeans too. Shame, ZTE, shame.

ourplaceinthestars said:
This is ridiculous, then. From what I've heard even australians are getting A2017G, so it seems so stupid that some bizarre EU restrictions would hinder audio experience for non-europeans too. Shame, ZTE, shame.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The audio limitations are probably a software limitation. Which hopefully will be undone by CM.
I doubt that they would implement a hardware limitation. That would have raised the bill of materials.

Where can I buy the G int. model?

Differences in the Model Numbers?

Hello,
I was looking to get one of these phones but because Amazon UK has ran out of Axon 7s I had to look else where. While I was looking I found Aliexpress, I have brought things off there before while looking for cheap keyboards so this is not my first time.
At first I thought there was just 2 types, the EU/US type which has the same ish hardware while the chinese one is different because it china only.
But after a few hours I have found that all 3 different model numbers have different LTE bands. This was not a problem as my network (UK EE), supported the bands.
BUT THEN... I found that some versions of the phones has on scree buttons while the other ones have capacitive buttons.
Can someone please just clear this up for me.
Which phone and which model number belongs to which region and what are the pros and cons of each of these?
Also, anyone found a way to install the US rom on the EU phone or the EU rom on the China phone? or any other combonation of these? I might want to install a custom rom in the future or get rid of the volume thing on the EU model.

There are 3 variants A2017 - China A2017G -Europe/Global and A2017U for the United States. I'm no expert but from what I've found in my research before buying the device is that essentially on a hardware level all 3 are almost similar. The China version i suppose has capacitive + onscreen . The EU version of the phone is of slight variance from the China version. US version has CDMA support.
The main differences are on a software level with ROMs that are different for each region. The most preferable is the US version with much better support from ZTE considering they are trying to pamper that market. I would suppose based on how things currently look, EU will be behind the pack till we get a bootloader unlock and that will usher in custom ROM dvelopment.
Note that the official ROMs cannot be interchanged among models mainly due to modems being different. Maybe once custom ROM's are made they might be, not the official ZTE ones. If you are in the UK, i'd recommend buying the version meant for UK/EU and don't get yourself into the hassle of a model meant for China unless you looking for the 6GB RAM/128GB version and know your way around rooting/flashing et al. Another factor you would want to consider is warranty. Aliexpress phones can be considered having none. I read somewhere that you get 3 years for the UK/EU one so why not wait for that
Hopefully someone corroborates or corrects whatever i stated above, whichever is necessary . I hope this helps!

bonk3rzzz said:
There are 3 variants A2017 - China A2017G -Europe/Global and A2017U for the United States. I'm no expert but from what I've found in my research before buying the device is that essentially on a hardware level all 3 are almost similar. The China version i suppose has capacitive + onscreen . The EU version of the phone is of slight variance from the China version. US version has CDMA support.
The main differences are on a software level with ROMs that are different for each region. The most preferable is the US version with much better support from ZTE considering they are trying to pamper that market. I would suppose based on how things currently look, EU will be behind the pack till we get a bootloader unlock and that will usher in custom ROM dvelopment.
Note that the official ROMs cannot be interchanged among models mainly due to modems being different. Maybe once custom ROM's are made they might be, not the official ZTE ones. If you are in the UK, i'd recommend buying the version meant for UK/EU and don't get yourself into the hassle of a model meant for China unless you looking for the 6GB RAM/128GB version and know your way around rooting/flashing et al. Another factor you would want to consider is warranty. Aliexpress phones can be considered having none. I read somewhere that you get 3 years for the UK/EU one so why not wait for that
Hopefully someone corroborates or corrects whatever i stated above, whichever is necessary . I hope this helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UK is meant to drop in Q4(like now...), I'll give it a few more weeks before buying one.
Also, does anyone here who is a dev know if 6gb/4gb and 64/128gb will change rom compatibility?

BlazingBullets said:
UK is meant to drop in Q4(like now...), I'll give it a few more weeks before buying one.
Also, does anyone here who is a dev know if 6gb/4gb and 64/128gb will change rom compatibility?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it won't.

LG G6 - H870DS or H870

Hello,
i would like to get myself the G6.
But i'm not sure wether to get the H870 (European model) or the DS model?
You could count the Pros and Cons, but its more a decision of wether to root and use custom ROMs or not?
What about updates/upgrades?
Just share your opinions to help me decide! :fingers-crossed:
PS:
I don't use/need VoLTE.

ShiRaZ1988 said:
Hello,
i would like to get myself the G6.
But i'm not sure wether to get the H870 (European model) or the DS model?
You could count the Pros and Cons, but its more a decision of wether to root and use custom ROMs or not?
What about updates/upgrades?
Just share your opinions to help me decide! :fingers-crossed:
PS:
I don't use/need VoLTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on what you need...
Spoiler
H870 pros:
- Updates
- Bootloader Unlock: Possible
H870DS pros:
- Quad Dac
- 64GB of internal memory
- Dual Sim
So, if you need root or like modding in general go for an European H870, if not, go for the H870DS, if you have no interests in both pros go for the one which cost less.
My vote is for H870, don't need 32GB since i don't use heavy apps and have tons of storage on my pc and use a 64GB Microsd, also don't need QuadDac or the second sim.

Killua96 said:
It depends on what you need...
Spoiler
H870 pros:
- Updates
- Bootloader Unlock: Possible
H870DS pros:
- Quad Dac
- 64GB of internal memory
- Dual Sim
So, if you need root or like modding in general go for an European H870, if not, go for the H870DS, if you have no interests in both pros go for the one which cost less.
My vote is for H870, don't need 32GB since i don't use heavy apps and have tons of storage on my pc and use a 64GB Microsd, also don't need QuadDac or the second sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second that

Hello,
Is it possible to put a EU rom on the H870DS? Or is there a risk of brick the phone ?
Sorry for my english im french
Thank

Urban_225 said:
Hello,
Is it possible to put a EU rom on the H870DS? Or is there a risk of brick the phone ?
Sorry for my english im french
Thank
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's better not, the possibility of bricking are very high, also what's the point of doing this? It wouldn't allow the bootloader unlock if that was your thinking, that is an IMEI limited thing

Thank you for your answer
To answer your question I would like to have the EU version because it seems to have more update than version TWN.

Urban_225 said:
Thank you for your answer
To answer your question I would like to have the EU version because it seems to have more update than version TWN.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In any case I wouldn't advise that, after all the H870 has 32GB only, no dual SIM and no quad dac, so even if you don't brick the phone you would have a software limited phone.

I concur. I think it's a very bad idea, not sure you could even flash it anyways. You'll get your own updates in time, why bother about that?

I got the H870, because of the unlocked bootloader

There is no reason at all to get the European version unless you really need to unlock your bootloader. The DS version is superior. I've had both. Sold the European version and got the DS and could not be happier about it. This also send signals to LG for their region crap.

The main reason to buy a h870 instead of h870ds, if you're living in Europe, is the guarantee or a lack of it on h870ds. Spending £300 or more without any guarantee is gambling.

The sellers are putting in various forms of warranties on the H870DS, most of them offering a year of "seller's warranty". Considering the price of purchase, I'd say it's pretty good. You'll probably run into less problem returning it to a seller on eBay, who wouldn't want to risk getting negative feedback, than talking to LG customer support, which in some cases seem that they couldn't care less about your faulty phone.

The Ebay sellers are located in HKG, e.g. in guarantee case you or he have/has to send it for repair to HKG. 2-4 weeks without smartphone. EBay 12 months, EU 24 months guarantee, etc...

Montechristo said:
The Ebay sellers are located in HKG, e.g. in guarantee case you or he have/has to send it for repair to HKG. 2-4 weeks without smartphone. EBay 12 months, EU 24 months guarantee, etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The sellers are shipping from Ireland or the UK, and if I were ever to return it over warranty issues, that's where I'd send it.

Gr8 idea, you send to Irland, UK, France or wherever. Your dealer ships it to HKG for repair = 2-4 weeks without your phone.

TheSaw said:
I got the H870, because of the unlocked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you buy it online? Im also looking for an european H870

MrBigWaffles said:
Did you buy it online? Im also looking for an european H870
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I got it from ebay, because I didn't trust the shady cheap websites. Others have successfully ordered from the shady websites, so you can give it a try if you're brave enough: eglobalcentral. Although I don't see the H870 model at them right now.

Montechristo said:
Gr8 idea, you send to Irland, UK, France or wherever. Your dealer ships it to HKG for repair = 2-4 weeks without your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, if you send your faulty phone to LG, you can rest assure that it'll take some time to get it back as well, since LG doesn't do any repairs themselves. Depending on the issue, the eBay seller might send you a new phone instead of shipping it to Hong Kong. As I've said before, the eBay sellers are far more sensitive to negative feedback than LG, and more commonly known to try to satisfy their buyers.

As much as I'd love to have 64 gigs and dual sim, I spent €40 extra to get the 32 gig single sim, just to be able to unlock the bootloader.
I wouldn't hesitate a second to order with eglobal to get the DS if I felt I didn't need root access.
IMO the price difference compensates for not having warranty so the extra storage and dual sim make it a no brainer.
But yeah, bought the EU version anyway.

Le Pro 3 x720 worth buying ?

Hello everyone ! I'm considering buying a new phone since mine is almost dead. I saw le pro 3(x720) for less than 200€ that is a great price for snapdragon 821 with band b20 support ( in Europe it is somehow a deal breaker).
So I came up here to ask you guys about then customs ROM support and stability with Microg. I don't use gapps and other fancy google apps. I saw that the camera is OK so I'm ok with that but I saw that there ia some inconsistency with battery life and SOT ? So in your opinion, x720 worth buying or is better to go with other brand with couple of bucks more ?

Look at the custom ROM section of this forum and see if you're satisfied.
I don't know what your use case is, but I think LeEco phones are great... as long as they've got official LeEco ROMs on them. Sellers like Banggood/Gearbest/Geekbuying put shop ROMs on most of the LeEco devices they sell which don't pass SafetyNet. Plus the build quality of phones from these sellers can be quite iffy.
Get a phone from HongKong-Goldway on Aliexpress if you're looking for a new Chinaphone. They do VAT-free shipping to Europe and they're super careful about ROMs. Just beware that, if there's a hardware defect returning the phone will be a pain. Also, always pay with PayPal in case something goes wrong (in this case avoid Aliexpress).
If you want to go with the LeEco Pro 3 and need native SafetyNet passing without Magisk, get the x727 U.S. model. If you don't care for SafetyNet, the x720 is the only Pro3 model with custom ROMs. Avoid the x722. Personally, I'd go with Xiaomi because they've not gone bankrupt like LeEco has. The Xiaomi ROM community is super active. Now even LeEco's main site hosting their official ROMs is down.

Thanks for superfast reply I've been through the android development section and we do have a lot of choice in custom rom ! Sure Xiaomi est sure value but they lack multiple bands over LTE network. In Europe, B20 and B28 (recently) are massively used outside of cities so a phone without b20 will be a handicap. Since, i'll be travelling in Europe, b20 is deal breaker.
I don't use google apps (even maps), or any other apps that needs safetynet so i don't care a lot !
In the meantime, I was also considering 1+5 but it's out of stock :'(

greenpays said:
Thanks for superfast reply I've been through the android development section and we do have a lot of choice in custom rom ! Sure Xiaomi est sure value but they lack multiple bands over LTE network. In Europe, B20 and B28 (recently) are massively used outside of cities so a phone without b20 will be a handicap. Since, i'll be travelling in Europe, b20 is deal breaker.
I don't use google apps (even maps), or any other apps that needs safetynet so i don't care a lot !
In the meantime, I was also considering 1+5 but it's out of stock :'(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd say wait until Black Friday, when many stores will be having sales. Is this going to be a secondary phone or your main phone? I guess the x720 would make for a decent daily driver as long as you get it from a legit source. Don't get the 32GB version since there's no SD card slot (even 32GB is way too little in this day and age). Sadly the x727 doesn't have band 20. Since you don't need SafetyNet, flashing LineageOS on the x720 would be your ideal choice.
Quite a few Xiaomi phones have band 20, like the Note 4X (Snapdragon 625). Do explore all of your options before making a final decision.

sk8223 said:
I'd say wait until Black Friday, when many stores will be having sales. Is this going to be a secondary phone or your main phone? I guess the x720 would make for a decent daily driver as long as you get it from a legit source. Don't get the 32GB version since there's no SD card slot (even 32GB is way too little in this day and age). Sadly the x727 doesn't have band 20. Since you don't need SafetyNet, flashing LineageOS on the x720 would be your ideal choice.
Quite a few Xiaomi phones have band 20, like the Note 4X (Snapdragon 625). Do explore all of your options before making a final decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ohh! Never thought about black friday thanks i'm not in a hurry to buy ! Yes it will be going to be mine main phone. I read somewhere that the next Oneplus 5t will be released on the 5th of Novembre so can be worth waiting :fingers-crossed:

Ordering a Oneplus 8 Pro from abroad? Need some info!

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!