In terms of brand I'd recommend Xiaomi, excellent design and build quality, the software is pretty glitch free and has many useful features without the users needing to be too geeky.

In terms of aliexpress, I've used them a couple of times and I'd use them again. It's worth understanding that aliexpress are not the retailer, they are a marketplace to connect retailers and consumers, a bit like eBay. When I bought my Xiaomi mi max I used the aliexpress app, using the free delivery option, I found the tracking info excellent, although you lose sight of tracking after it arrives in the U.K. as it's the Royal Mail 'signed for' service which doesn't offer tracking until it's delivered.
You can choose not to buy the U.K. warranty, by changing your location to US and just order as normal. After you order, aliexpress give the retailer a number of days to dispatch the order or the order is automatically cancelled and your money refunded, you do have an option to extend this period, my retailer had 5 days to dispatch my phone, they dispatched after 3 or 4 days.
With aliexpress, the retailer doesn't get your money till your order is received and you've confirmed your happy with your order - again via their app.

My phone arrived 21 days after ordering, 3 days to dispatch, 4 days for the Royal Mail to deliver in the U.K. so approx 14 days to get clear customs at both ends and air freight to the U.K. and this was just before Christmas.

Phones with the global rom from aliexpress will come factory sealed, unlike some retailers who install their own versions of the software.

That's how it should work, you'll always find folk with horror stories about all Chinese retailers, but I think the aliexpress model is about as good as you'll get when buying from the Far East.

P.s there shouldn't be any flashing required and it should get updates over wifi as normal, my mi max has had a couple of updates. Quidco was also available for aliexpress but I wouldn't bank on it being paid, I think mine is still pending.

Ordered on the 2nd and it's just arrived

Dreadzone101: You were right as the new case also doesn't fit for the same reasons. I've ordered one from AliExpress which included a photo of the top holes so I can be sure it will fit:

https://m.aliexpress.com/s/item/32791601546.html?trace=wwwdetail2mobilesitedetail&productId=32791601546&productSubject=32791601546&shortkey=UFNzmaaM&addresstype=600

Thanks for your advice.

No, change your location to US as the warranty charge is UK specific, then order as normal - seriously of you do have vision problems I'd look at the xiaomi mi max, that's what I have as my eyesight isn't the best.

I picked one of these up in one of the earlier deals for about £128. Pretty good phone and this is a great price. Heat!

So you probably get a better camera in this but wouldn't the Note 3 Pro be better with the SD650?

Nice price, thanks!

Just came back from HK.
Got the better MediaTek 10-core,3gb ram,64gb rom version.:smiley:

OK I am going to play the noob. If I buy this can I just put my UK sim straight in and it will work or will it need some technical wizardry (flashing, rooting etc)?

Should work straight out the box, i would advise you update as soon as you get through setup because Xiaomi usually release updates pretty frequently.

Says it is "based" on Android 6; how easy/likely is this to be updated to future versions? Is it "normal" or needing any tweaking with the global ROM?

Looking at a cheap stop-gap phone, and it is this, or the Lenovo P2...if this is actual Android without any issues, it's a steal...

I guess the logical reply is - how easy is it to remove any bloat? I'm trying to think of reasons not to get one!