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Q: Where can I buy electronics, ie: Cell Phones, online?
Anyone know a trusted website where I can phone? Taobao is a option but I've heard that for electronics, it's pretty much hit or miss. I want to buy the new Galaxy Note 4, since my Galaxy Note 2's screen broke last month, but, I don't trust any of the electronic stores here. This store here was going to sell me a Note 3 for RMB 1,500, but I didn't trust it. It seemed to be working fine, but I wasn't about to go through that "no quality guarantee" bullshit again. Can I get a good quality phone here, or should I just order one from America when it's released?
www.jd.com is also often mentioned, but they once sent me second hand crap instead of shiny new stuff I expected so.... I ordered the same from amazon and got what I wanted.
I know people who've gotten good stuff (in the electronics category) from Taobao, but you are right there is a certain failure rate. www.tmall.com you can buy directly from Samsung.
You might also want to look at purchasing in Hong Kong. Samsung devices ship with the full Google stuff and I think a 50Gb Dropbox account (you'll need VPN to use it in the mainland though)
WanderingTeacher:
Oh great, Thanks, that's exactly what I need to know. I want to have Google play and all of that, but I don't need the phone service to be activated on a specific carrier. My previous Note 2 was from America and when I came to China, i canceled my phone plan, and just used it on WiFi only because it's mainly for games, internet, facebook, instagram, pictures, and chatting with my friends and family in America. I basically just use it like a mini tablet instead of a phone. Then I have a cheap Chinese phone that only use for talking other people in China. How can I purchase one from Hong Kong, or if I order through tmall directly from Samsung, will it come with the full google play, etc?
Scandinavian:
Most Android devices, you can install Play. We have a couple of household Samsung devices, and they have play "from the factory" (bought in Europe) Using Play is not all fun and games, as Google services are blocked and downloading content depends, sometimes, on VPN.
We also have a couple of Xiaomi devices in the household. I installed Play on them, and there is literally no difference between how they work and how the Samsung devices work (apart from of course the fact the Xiaomi devices have superior performance)
WanderingTeacher:
Superior in what ways? I like Samsung because the camera is awesome, i like the feel, it's quick, the processing speed is fast, even when multitasking with multiple high memory apps running. If Xiaomi is better, i'd definitely consider it. I always have my VPN on so I'm not worried about being able to use the services...but i love Google Now, and the easy syncing with my gmail, google calendar, google docs, etc.
Scandinavian:
I've only pplayed with the camera in a Xiaomi Mi4 at a dinner table. You can spin the food-wheel on the table, tab the tea pot and it keeps focus on that. The camera is fast enough to make iPhone owners sad, and the phone is rock solid and doesn't bend like other stuff. CPU speed, it matches the top range Samsungs, but at half the price. A Samsung will probably survive longer in your pocket, but you can get two Xiaomis for the price of one Samsung.
WanderingTeacher:
I'm sold! I spent the day looking a review/comparison videos, benchmark tests, etc and I'll be buying the Mi4 tomorrow. There are a few things I don't like about it, like the fact that it's smaller than I like, that the app layout and feel is incredibly similar to Apple's iOS, which I HATE with a passion. iPhones are the DEVIL! But since it's not actually an iPhone..and the performance is amazing...I'll just suck it up and find apps to customize the interface and layout...I still a loyal Samsung Note fan, but I'll wait until I move back to America to get another Samsung..for now Xiaomi is a Winner! Thanks man! I heard today that they are working on a new Redmi Note 2 and the specs look good..i'll probably buy that one once it comes out because I really do prefer/need a bigger phone/tablet (phablet). My hands are huge! lol
Scandinavian:
the Mi4 is the first of the Xiaomi phones to actually feel good in the hand. The earlier ones have been pretty plasticy and felt cheap, but worked well. The Mi2 (as discusse in another thread) had an issue with the charging connector. The guy I know who ran into this problem had it fixed for free at the local Xiaomi shop.
Be acutely aware of "China Mobile Version" and "Telecom Version" when you order. One is China Mobiles flavor of CDMA, won't work well outside of China, the other has a more broadly usable data connection. I've only checked the standards against European carriers, so not sure which would be the best pick for you. The phone will most likely still work in US, just at crappy data speeds. My wifes Mi2A seemed to handle Scandinavia well.
If you are in China,you can buy from JD.com,it is guaranteed.
ScotsAlan:
Echozyq.
You should at least do a few hundred posts before you add your website to your sig.
Get some trust and all that, tell a story about your new site and then launch it.
Also, this is a site for people in China, so why are your prices in $....... and........ you need to embellish your resume on your website. It's a bit weak, almost on the verge of begging for custom. Your story makes you sound a victim. Your story should be that of a winner
There are lots of people on here that can help with that .
If I were you, I would send a PM to Mike, RobK, EngTeach or wanderingteach. They are the guys who can help you. For free.
Those guys know business. And I respect them for that.
Another option is the internet shops that are springing up.
We have one beside us. They are part of the SP delivery group.
I bought the wife an IPhone 4S there a few weeks back. Go into the shop, find what you want on their IPad and order it. They phone you when it arrives and you don't pay till you have the goods in your hand. And they give you a warranty.
It's a fantastic business plan. Taking internet shopping to the local streets.
WanderingTeacher:
How would I find one of these shops?..I doubt my little town would have one though..
Whcih one did you get ?
WanderingTeacher:
I decided to get the Mi3...there wasn't too big of a difference, at least in my opinion, to warrant the extra money for the Mi4. Even in Benchmark tests, they were still pretty similar and both performed better than the Galaxy Note 3, so I'm satisfied with that. I just wanted a good quality, high performance phone that also was inexpensive..the Mi3 was perfect for that. I love it.
