Your mentality is an electronics manufacturer's dream. You post about SD835 and say how you wouldn't be buying a SD820 phone now because it's last year's processor. You post on any 1080p TVs/media players stating how it's obsolete and everyone should be buying 4K devices. You post on non B20 phones saying how people not getting the fastest available speeds are living in the stone age. All the while, ignoring the fact that your opinions or preferences towards electronics don't apply to everyone else. But by all means, throw your money at the latest offerings and try to convince others to do the same. Then next year when manufacturers announce new tech, state to everyone how last years tech is obsolete and that we should be buying the current latest. Manufacturer's are able to keep hiking up the prices of newer models because people like you will still pay in order to have what they believe is the "best". I feel bad for you because it doesn't seem you'd be content with anything below that and will be constantly paying more. Just take a look at the range in prices in the phone market. Manufacturer's know people have varying needs and preferences, including how much they wish to spend. Yet you seem unable to grasp this notion and constantly comment as if people need to have the same preferences as you.

If you think you can get a "flagship" phone for £128 then this probably isn't the phone for you.

Band 20 is one of the 4G bands (800mhz) used in the UK. It's the lowest frequency 4G band, which means it travels the furthest and is the best at getting into buildings, but doesn't have as much capacity as the higher frequency bands.

Basically, no Band 20 support means your 4G might not be as good as it could be, especially indoors or outside of towns/cities. The vast majority of UK networks that offer 4G data use Band 20 to some degree, there may be some MNVOs which don't use Band 20 at all.

As long as its not ordered with DHL shipping you will be safe from import 99% of the time

I was on a long call (incoming) yesterday and found it was beeping twice every 5m or so (I didn't time it). Didn't bother me really, not like when it was doing it every 3s but still wondering why it's doing it at all.

Why do you say that? Including me, I've only seen two people mention it here so far :smiley:

Oh god so everyone has it......

Rebooting did fix the 'beep during call' bug thankfully.

I used the stock Indian 7.x rom for a bit but it was way more buggy than 6.x. I'm now using LineageOS. No issues at all.

Like everyone says, in reality we have no or limited warranty other than via our credit card company.

Excellent phone for the cash.

If rebooting doesn't fix it, I'll try that before I flash the Custom ROM (after I've made TWRP and Titanium backups of course), just out of curiosity to see if a Reset does fix it.

Good idea, I should try that seeing as rebooting fixed the "not charging" problem. I'm planning to flash a custom ROM anyway to get the Encryption option back, so I'm hoping that will fix some of the weird issues I've encountered.

:laughing:

Weird, hopefully when i get mine it wont have any issues...i hate banggood

That happened to me today also, I just restarted (rebooted) the phone and seems to have resolved the issue :innocent:

Either that, or, try a Master Reset of your Lenovo Phone, assuming there's nothing on there you don't mind losing, etc? (unless of course you've already backed-up such already ... )

im not sure could be a hardware fault, i'd recommend contacting lenovo support. good luck getting warranty from banggood though

OK, more weirdness! Why does my Z2 make two beeps every 3s whenever I make a phone call. It doesn't matter which SIM I use to make the call, as soon as I press Call it starts and continues until I hang up!!!

I thought it might be something to do with my Call Recorder app, so I turned off recording and when that didn't help I force closed it but still the beeps continue, making it very hard to understand what's being said by the other person. The beeps aren't recorded by Call Recorder, so god knows what's generating them and I can't find any setting on the phone that would turn them off.

that is certainly strange, normally not charging is hardware related

My Z2 wouldn't charge yesterday, which got me worried as that's what happened with the Moto G2 I bought it as a replacement for. After trying several cables/chargers I rebooted and that fixed it thankfully but I was surprised as I've never encountered a bug that prevented a phone from charging before.

I would hope they would honour a dead on arrival device and I would expect them to honour the warranty, I might be a bit naive here but I think persistence and having paid via PayPal should pay out

implying banggood would give you warranty anyway

Agreed :laughing: most branded phones are a rip off!

that's not on if you flash a rom it invalidates warranty if you have a hardware problem then it's not covered, what good is the warranty?

Most contract phones are a complete rip off anyway

Forgot to mention my Vodafone 4g works fine...loving the phone...get upto 1.5 days of battery the way I use it, love the screen quality, love the size, camera is pretty good, performs very quick overall very good quality build doesn't feel cheap at all...all round happy! Definitely my perception on buying these Chinese branded phones has changed and looks like this is the route I'll be following along with a good sim only deal :laughing:

Got it to work the next day. The classic turn it off and on worked :smiley:

Looks like the Indian ROM 2.5.104 has removed the Encryption option. I'm sure it used to be under Fingerprint and Passcode but it's not there or under Advanced Settings - Security & Privacy anymore.

Oh well, I was going to flash a custom ROM to fix a few issues anyway so that should bring it back.

Nah, I'm incapable of doing that. Total butterfingers :smiley:

Alternative is taking care of your phone and not dropping it :wink:

Maybe (although good prep and careful application helps) but what's the alternative? Leave the screen unprotected and risk it getting scratched up?

Thanks, that looks good so I've ordered two in case I mess up the first one :smiley:

True, but this one went on without any major bubbles, just the odd spec of tiny dust, but otherwise a nice stick on for me :smiley:

the only problem with screen films is that they are a nightmare to get on without air pockets

I bought this one from banggood: https://www.banggood.com/Clear-Anti-Scratch-Screen-Protective-Film-For-Lenovo-ZUK-Z2-p-1094062.html?rmmds=myorder
It fits to about 1mm on either side of the viewable screen sides, about 2mm away from the curved edges :smiley:

Which one did you buy? Does it stop short of the curved edges to avoid it sticking up?

Just put on the new non matte screen protector on and by god it makes the world of a difference in how the screen looks!

I did the Indian os install and updated the os to '7.0/1st of March security patch level/zui 2.5.104' the play store has been working fine luckily since day one...

reinstall play store then maybe?

Since updating to 7.0.0 the Play Store has stopped working for me. Just doesn't open. I've tried to clear data and uninstall updates but nothing works. Anyone else have this problem?

I looked in there at the time, but saw nothing?, hmmmmmm, looks like me going blind, lol, I'll check it again, hehehe, thanx. :-)

It's the first question under "Customer Questions & Answers" near the bottom of the page.

Thanx for that you two.

Ps.
I checked your link also, but ... where does it mention that infamous 1A criteria please? (as I'm unable to see it). :-)

Got a faulty one where the bottom of the screen not working. customer service terrible.
They saying if system board fault it's chargeable. Looking to see if PayPal can help.


https://youtu.be/4qe2hpKHEqo

Just to point out that in the Q&A they say those cables only support 1A. That might be nonsense but I'd be wary about using them with anything that draws more than that.

Yeah, I'm a bit nervous now :wink: I was pleasantly surprised to find my Wikipad started working again yesterday though, so at least I don't need to buy a replacement for that just yet. It seems more sluggish than it used to be but I'll try wiping it as there's a load of junk on there I never use anyway.

Hopefully I can get the Moto G's USB socket repaired as I was planning to give that to my Mum.

Ordered two of these in 2m lengths from gearbest: http://www.gearbest.com/chargers-cables/pp_341354.html might aswell have a spare or two :laughing:

I always seem to get my purchases with AE cancelled after I placed an order :disappointed: yet with gearbest and banggood im fine! :smirk:

Ah, don't blame you then for going the expensive branded route :smiley: guess anyone else in your shoes would do the same :wink:

Definitely the cables. I had a pack of three nylon braided cables and the first one overheated at the phone end and damaged my Moto G's USB socket, then a few days later the second one (on a different charger in a different room) overheated at the tablet end and destroyed my Wikipad. I'm using both chargers with decent cables now and they're fine.

Was it the cable or the power adapter that caused the problem though? The only issues I have had with unbranded cables in general has been some not being able to carry high enough current to charge at a good speed or power the device. The adapter however, a bad one can allow a higher voltage through and damage the device. I bought two unbranded USB-C cables on AliExpress which are surprisingly thicker than I expected and seem to carry a good current, I am using one daily to charge my ZUK Z2 plugged into a Lumsing 5 port USB adapter from Amazon.

This is the one I bought, about 50p each when I ordered two of them a while ago: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Hot-Selling-HL-USB-3-1-USB-C-Type-C-Data-Charge-Charging-Cable-for-LG/32682306691.html

Thanks but after unbranded cables damaged my Moto G and my Wikipad I'm sticking to branded cables from now on. I believe Amazon don't allow non-standard USB C cables, so it might be safe to buy non-branded ones from there but I guess they can't stop everything getting through, so I'd rather not risk my expensive electronics.

You can try this one off fleabay: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Strong-Braided-Heavy-Duty-USB-C-3-1-Type-C-Data-Snyc-Charger-Charging-Cable-/142029212889?var=&hash=item211199ccd9:m:meue52RL9Dh1IbXfpoFzEHw 1.5m is £3.89 :smiley:

If anyone else needs a long USB C cable, I found this Belkin 1.8m one on Amazon for £8.99 inc free shipping. There's other options but most of them only offer free shipping if your order is over £20 and I always seem to order a bunch of stuff and then realise I forget something (like this cable!) and don't need to buy £20 worth of goods.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Belkin-Thunderbolt-Type-C-USB-C-Certified/dp/B00WJSPFOW/

Ok, managed to install a Chinese ROM 2.5.334 and I was having trouble with it! So got hold of the Indian ROM and upgraded to 2.1.059 (i think) and now its being updated to 2.5.104 :smiley: Looking and now I can finally use my new phone and put away the Moto E 2nd gen :laughing:

Hey guys! Just had a play around with my Z2 and I am pretty impressed by it!

So is this the best method to follow if I were to install the Indian os? https://zukfans.eu/community/threads/howto-flash-a-stock-zui-rom-zuk-z2-z2131-only.104/

Can anyone recommend a decent 2m USB C cable for this, ideally one that will charge as fast as shorter cables as some reviews I've read say that the longer cables don't charge as fast.

Hehehe, it's a ROM/Android version that can be downloaded and installed via this Phone, much in a similar vain to that of the Indian ROMs that are also currently available for this Phone, etc etc etc ...

what is it

Any thought's on the Mokee ROM guy's? (over that of the Indian ROM?, or any thought's on the Mokee ROM altogether?), anyone tried that method yet?, or .....

I'm considering FLASHING mine also, but need some help/ideas?, thanx for any assist in advance. :-)

Thanks pal, I'll give it a shot.

If you flash to stock India rom 2.0.093 using qpst then you simply ota update al the way to 2.5.104 android nougat. Don't use the miflash tool as it doesn't work using that method.

https://zukfans.eu/community/threads/howto-flash-a-stock-zui-rom-zuk-z2-z2131-only.104/

How's everything run on your phone after Indian os install?

Yes, if you install the one I linked to and then run FlyVPN with a Chinese server selected then it OTA downloads Android 7.0/Nougat (after one intermediate update). It's detailed in previous pages.

Does anyone else know if the official Indian Rom is nougat yet?

I've never had to flash a phone so I'm clueless as to where to start.

How's everyone's phone after flashing it to the Indian os?

My phone has been delivered today! No extra charges paid! Lovely jubbly! Sadly I'm away till Friday on training with my new job, will have to flash the phone on the weekend

Ah, apparently it doesn't (or at least nobody knows for sure). I'll probably order in a tempered glass protector for mine.

Is the display gorilla glass of any kind?
If it's not, I think I'd rather keep the screen protector on

I've been using the Z2 for a few days now and it seems pretty solid. The translations of some menu options isn't great but it's overall decent enough.

The fingerprint sensor works well, possibly a little slower than the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 though.

As I mentioned above I'd recommend removing the matte screen protector. I'm sure it keeps grease off the screen and lets your finger slide more easily, but it made the screen look *terrible*.

Finally a new update! :laughing:
'2017-05-13 08:22 GBLALA, Arrival at border point in the destination country'

Thanks! :laughing: Now I can be rest assured after reading your comment :stuck_out_tongue:

Don't worry dude, I finally got an update this morning saying it arrived in the UK, 15 days after ordering, 11 days after despatch and 9 days after it left China.
Yours should pop up soon.

It is now 8 days since the tracking info on my order was uploaded and it has been stuck at the order having left the origin border point...

My bad!, my first and only LG, was wayyyyyy back when, when LG was only to be found on the Network 3 Network, lol. :-)

And that was some 10+ years ago?, and nothing since ...

As per my previous/above comment?, hehehe.

I'd still prefer this the ZUK Z2 phone regardless? (I have it as we speak, though messaging from a different phone, lol).

I've never rocked an LG before, so can't cast an intelligent enough comment's accordingly really?.

But I do own 2 Lenovo's though?, and they be crisp!, lol. :-)

I've seen that same LG G4 Thread earlier today too!, lol.

But the locking of it's bootloader to the extent that many a phone's motherboard circuit's got fried!, and ..... that in itself is a major issue/worry for me too like?.

Otherwise I'd have sourced for one of these out also?, as that Deal is RIDICULOUS cheap?!. :-)

But ..... :-(

Sod's Law will often dictate that nowt will happen to it in allllll the 2 years of its manufacturer's warranty?, then 2 minute's AFTER allllll is 'done', then ... hmmmmmmmmm, wouldn't be 100% too impressed with a £100 lemon on my hands?. :-(

Lol.

give this a read, I know i'm flogging a dead horse here, but really, I was in love with what this phones camera can do.

https://photographylife.com/reviews/lg-g4-camera/

UPGRADEABLE, 32gb is plenty for apps when your photo's, video's, music etc sit on a nice 128gb microSD card like mine did, dude.
How do I know its a great deal? I bought a G4 on release and lost it a year ago on holiday. The camera on that phone is still absolutely incredible by todays standards. The camera is the no1 thing I was most reticent about the zuk since its patently not great, but since I've been using my backup nexus 5 for the last year, i'm looking forward to still having the upgrade from what i've now become used to.
The screen really is a beauty, true.
That uk warranty certainly does give peace of mind.
Don't forget band 20, nfc, wireless charging and that fcking lovely leather back.
Honestly, that £99 deal is one of the best I have ever seen.

G4 does not blow this away. £27 less for 3GB RAM, 32GB rom, a weaker processor. Only thing better is screen and Uk warranty

The g4 price is great! I'm in the same boat as you with zuk z2 order, ordered on the 28th, shipped on the 29th, tracking updated on the 4th and nothing after that...its on its way that's for sure...just need to be that little bit patient :laughing:

ordered 13 days ago, mine was shipped 9 days ago, left china 6 days ago and has gone dark. tracking hasn't updated since.
guess i still gotta wait.
wish i'd waited. todays £99 LG G4 deal blows this away, thats an amazing price for a still great phone.

I've found Play Store isn't working anymore after updating to 2.5.104, so that'll need to be reinstalled using GApps I guess.

Which is the best sim slot, 1 or 2? Or doesn't it matter?

I've flashed Chinese nougat rom...anyway to remove some of the apps? Also need Google play store...better to have Indian rom?

Yeah, I had the same problem with spaces in the path name originally, so I moved it to a short named folder in the root of my hard drive. I didn't have to change the options though, as when I checked it was already on eMMC.

I'm on 2.5.104 as well now. Still no option to randomise the PIN keypad and I can't see any way to disable individual SIMs either, which is strange as the reviews I read for custom ROMs said this is one of the advantages of the Stock ROM.

Although you got it going, I'll mention that I had to use the eMMC option, also another problem I had was that it had an error about not finding the folder and it was because I had spaces in a folder name.

edit:
Ok, using FlyVPN I got it to 2.5.104 ST. I signed up for the 14 day trial since I used up the three daily connections without realising. As mentioned once it says the update is available you can switch off the VPN and download faster directly. I did start and then pause the download while still on the VPN though.

edit #2: I can confirm the matte screen protector can be removed very easily and the screen looks a million times better.

I can't be sure that when I requested the bootloader unlock at http://developer.zuk.com/bootloader_2 whether the selection box was on Z2 or Z1, so I'm not sure it's safe to use the .img they've e-mailed me. I tried going through the process again making sure that Z2 is selected but it hasn't resulted in a new e-mail/img, so what can I do?

How did you manage to disconnect from the VPN before downloading the update? If I go back to FlyVPN to disconnect, when I go back to the System Update screen it refreshes and then can't find the update anymore!

EDIT: Never mind! I found that if I start the update, then disconnect from the VPN, then pause and continue the update it downloads nice and fast :smiley:

Yeah, same version here. It had something called 9apps and a few UC apps (UC Health, UC News, UC Browser) and no Update app or option.

EDIT: Actually after flashing the stock Indian ROM I've still got 9apps, U Health and a couple of others (Hasoffer, Hotoday) which I don't think were there before. Got the Update option now though :smiley:

I'm not having much like flashing the stock Indian ROM with QFIL. I'm getting:

13: E:\20093\prog_emmc_firehose_8996_ddr.elf
18:54:50: ERROR: function: sahara_rx_data:194 Unable to read packet header. Only read 0 bytes.
18:54:50: ERROR: function: sahara_main:854 Sahara protocol error
18:54:50: ERROR: function: main:265 Uploading Image using Sahara protocol failed
Download Fail:Sahara Fail:QSaharaServer Fail:Process fail

and the FAQ https://zukfans.eu/community/threads/howto-flash-a-stock-zui-rom-zuk-z2-z2131-only.104/ just says that you need to use a short-named folder in the root of the harddrive if you get that error but I'm already doing that. I'd ask on the forum but they haven't approved my membership yet so I can't post.

EDIT: Never mind, after rebooting it's working again now.

Thanks.

Finally got it to work. I had to copy the ROM onto a harddrive.

So it's still showing ZUI Version 2.0.093 ST & Android version 6.0.1. Only difference I've noticed is now I've only a few languages to chose from and I now have a System Update option in the settings.

Is this the way it's should be or do I have to install something else?

If you have installed it fully then you need run QFIL from QPST folder in the start menu.

Not a great start but where do I find the setup.exe file? I've downloaded and installed QPST-2.7.437.7 and I can't seem to find the setup.exe file :neutral_face:

Great thanks! I'll try that later. I did have problems with it not showing updates, I tried to flash the .zip OTA update file with TWRP without success, then re-locked the bootloader (which then breaks a few things), however then the update app then fails because it has been previously unlocked. To solve this I found a guide that states you need to reflash with an earlier Chinese ROM and the update app works again now. I'll try the VPN when I get home.

I managed to get the nougat update using the same VPN trick described above. Installing it now.

Received my phone yesterday.

Followed the clear instructions and managed to load on the stock Indian Rom. I had issues getting the 2.1.033 OTA update to appear but installed FlyVPN, switched to a Chinese server and the OTA update popped up straight away. Disconnected from the VPN and downloaded the update.

I know some have mentioned the nougat update for this phone but I don't think it's officially out yet. Something was released (looked like a beta) but it was taken down soon after and the official release date is still 'May 17'.

OK so mine had a "2.0.093 ST" ROM but this is NOT the stock Indian ROM. It's similar but has extra languages and a few extra apps (I forget which, but looked like junk and not something I'd want). The stock one will only have English US, English India and two squiggly ones. It doesn't have the Update app or Update in the menus.

I flashed it using THIS process but using THIS ROM and it seems correct.

Used Paypal, Royal Mail, no VAT charges (phew!)

I'm going to have to flash it before I use it properly as it doesn't have the OTA update option and it's also missing the "randomise PIN unlock pad" option that I have on my Moto G2 (with third-party ROM), so hopefully one of the ROMs for the Z2 includes that (I don't want to use fingerprint unlock). Thankfully it does have the Encrypt option though. I also need to wait a few days for my new Nano SIMs, as I've got Micro ones in my G2 and then wait for the case I just ordered from Banggood before I dare take it out.

Looks and feels nice though and the gesture controlled Home button is a nice feature.

Same here. Can't find a way to update it. Guess I'll just flash it.

thats what i thought so i may have to flash anyway

First time ever to be owning a white phone :laughing:

Got this case on the way also: https://www.banggood.com/Bakeey-Ultra-Slim-Skin-Frosted-Shield-Matte-Back-PC-Case-For-Lenovo-ZUK-Z2-p-1091852.html?rmmds=myorder

Sounds like a vendor ROM. Searched for the build number you stated earlier and came across this thread. Comment #6 has a guide for stock ROM which will have OTA updates. Whilst it might be fine and useable, keeping vendor ROMs is not advisable especially in the long run because you won't be able to update it so it's probably better to sort it out now whilst it's new with no data to lose, than months down the line when you've got lots of things you need to backup.

will do rimz

Hopefully my one will be the same! Keep us posted on if you get to update yours to nought 7.0, but to be honest I'm happy with 6.0...so as long as all the 6.0 functions are there right off the bat and it's as close as to the vanilla version of 6.0 I'll be more than happy!

everything is perfect on the phone no lag playstore already installed wifi connected instantly time already set but still got 6.0 and i know the nougat update has already been sent

checked all that even through lenovo website the option to update is nowhere on the phone should be here.about phone then just above the status bit.but theres nothing showing.im wondering if you have to download it somehow

If there's no standalone app, the option for system update should still be in the settings menu. If it's not on the list, it's probably in a sub menu, like at the bottom of 'About phone' or something.

there isnt however on you tube someone has a blue icon with system update my phone does not have this

There should be a standalone System Update icon? Not sure as I do not have the phone yet...

fraxos where is that because thats what i was trying to get the nougat 7.0

Given that the Nougat 7 is out would you mind checking that the OTA function is enabled? I have a sneaky feeling that banggood have modified it and the update function is not working..

check your phones because ive tracked the numbers and mine has the indian rom already installed its zui 2.0.093 st you might not have to flash

paid with paypal, no customs charges, $21 mp4 players :laughing:

Why me!?!? :laughing: No rush :stuck_out_tongue:

My phone has arrived today as well.

I have only switched mine on briefly but it feels nice to hold. Plasticy but solid, more solid than my half-metal Redmi Note. It seems to have a terrible matte screen protector though, that will come off as soon as I get home! I can't remember 100% but I think the default time zone was an Indian city so it might have the India ROM already, but I'll reflash it from a trusted source anyway.

quick update phone arrived today no customs charges and no postal charges so im well chuffed now going to tackle the flashing

How did you pay for it? Paypal or card? was it delivered by royal mail or courier? any extra charges paid? my order was placed on the 28th April, the order was dispatched the following day and tracking started showing info several days later on the 4th :smirk:

Give us a feedback on how the phone is, feel/performance etc wise and if you flash it with a different OS how it all went :laughing:

Mine arrived today too. The tracking information just shows it was mailed on 2 May and arrived at GBLALA on 6 May so it's not very detailed but I've got it so I'm happy!

Mine shipped the 25th, arrived GBLALA Saturday morning and was delivered today in Surrey.

chris88: GBBELC is Belfast so you will probably get it tomorrow I reckon.

I think it's in the UK anyway. I live in N.Ireland.
This is my tracking so far:
2017-05-08 01:53 GBBELC, Arrival at border point in the destination country
2017-05-05 23:26 GBLALA, Arrival at border point in the destination country
2017-05-05 20:08 GBLALA, Arrival at border point in the destination country
2017-04-28 18:31 Asendia Hong Kong, The consignment has left the origin border point
2017-04-28 18:31 Asendia Hong Kong, Arrival at origin border point
2017-04-28 18:31 Asendia Hong Kong, Mailed.

Has anyone got the phone yet to confirm if I'm close to getting it?

Sold my Note 4 to music magpie for £155, money has been sent by them to my account. Using the Moto E (2nd Gen) whilst I am waiting for my ZUK Z2 to arrive and I have to admit, the E is a pretty good handset for a budget phone and the reviews out there backs that up claim!

It goes to show that getting all these high end smartphones are good if you're going to be constantly watching videos, taking photos and playing games providing you have the budget to do so. Other than that, for me, if you need a smartphone to do whatsapp/instagram and the ilk, browse the internet and make general calls, these good spec'd budget/chinese branded phones are more than enough!

Seeing how you hukd'ers are going the good sim only deals with these good spec'd chinese branded phones route, has made me skip getting a new branded phone on contract, I have decided the Note 4 will be the last and bought the ZUK Z2 :smile:

I had an e-mail saying my order had been dispatched on 28 April but I just checked and the only tracking information shows it being mailed on 2 May. Hopefully it doesn't take too much longer, as it's quite annoying having to prop my Moto G up to bend the USB lead and make it charge!

After how long of ordering did your tracking show it has arrived in the UK? :smiley:

If you sign up to their newsletter they send you some vouchers. I used one and got it for just over £132.

My order arrived in GB last night so hopefully I will get it next week.

I think the 'phone' code might not be working as they have a new promo on for the phone (3rd May to 8th May) and seems to have gone up in price also...

This phone looks great!

Considering buying, but when I get to the checkout the code "phone" is no longer working, any suggestions?

Cheers dude.

I may need to check mine too then?, hmmmmmmmmmmm, thanx for the heads up. :-)

Pro's and con's with any 'system', huh?.

Such is ...

Moto G4 Play vs Lenovo ZUK Z2 Specs
Specs wise the Lenovo is better and from the reviews I read on both, the audio side of things the Lenovo seems to get the better feedback, maybe because of the better chipset/cpu in the Lenovo. I might be wrong in my opinion :stuck_out_tongue:

Is this much better than the Motorola G4 Play available at Carphonewarehouse for £99.99? I'm looking for a decent smartphone that sounds great with a decent set of headphones. Cheers guys.

Shame no aptX for CD-quality Bluetooth streaming either. The Moto G4/G5 apparently has this but that doesn't have a compass which the Z2 does and ultimately that's more important to me.

Good phone shame it has no NFC.

Will do I'm already I've got all the links ready was quite chuffed today after someone posted the stocked the Indian rom and he got the 7.0 update today.a bit nervous because. Never done any software changes but if I get stuck there's plenty of avenues open.

make sure to give us your feedback and if you load up a new os/custom rom on how it all went! :wink:

Not sure rimz looking forward to receiving my phone.

oh ok, my order was shipped couple of days ago on the 29th, but the tracking number isn't showing up any details when entered on the 17track.net tracking page :neutral_face:

just sais shipped on the 26th it was tracked then looks like ive got to wait another week grrr bloody snail mail

Haven't even checked I'll take a look now

How long after you placed your order, did your tracking info update?

still waiting China snail mail for you.ill post once I receive mine

Orders will take upto 20 working days I think. I ordered my one few days ago :smiley:

Anyone receive their phone?

You may have to wait a wee while then mind?.

As this Phone (for the hear and now at least?), has been regularly been topping between the £130-£140+ mark (with code, or more without code) for the last few months now at least ...

But I hope your wait will come off good though? (wouldn't mind another one of those Phone's for £100, or less!, to be honest with you?, hehehe). :-)

Purchased this from eglobalcentralUK to replace my 'banged up, phone restart at 80% to show 20%' note edge

Note edge will fetch £140 with muzamba mobile

It's an interesting concept that ...

Hehehe. :-)

Good point I bought mine from gearbest and put the Indian rom on it after having a Chinese rom originally.

Hi Neil
"No custom rom, had the stock Indian Android 6.0 on it and just updated to 7.0 automatically."
Did you have to flash the stock Indian Android 6.0, or was it shipped with that ROM , and if so, from what vendor : Banggood or other ?

No custom rom, had the stock Indian Android 6.0 on it and just updated to 7.0 automatically.

Which custom rom did you install if you don't mind me asking :stuck_out_tongue:

Just had an OTA update to Android 7.0 for mine this morning, which was nice.

Likewise - and using Three in London without B20 has made no difference to me

I'll wait until it hits £100 before buying another :innocent:

great phone. had for a few months and it genuinely baffles me why people pay 600 pounds for top phones when a phone like this is now capable of so much with no annoying slowdown in user experience.

no band 20 equals not a flaming deal for me. good deal but not perfect.

Can anyone confirm this supports encryption? It shouldn't be necessary to ask as this should be standard but I bought a phone from Carphone Warehouse a couple of years ago when it was on offer and it didn't have any option to encrypt, so I ended up unlocking it and selling it on for a bit of a profit.

Oh yeah, dammit!

That case looks more slick of course but doesn't look like it will protect the phone as much as I'd like. The reviews for the screen protector seem to suggest that it doesn't stick to the screen at the edges because the screen is curved. It would probably be better to use a smaller protector rather than have a gap between it and the screen at the edges, as things (fingers, pockets, change) are likely to catch on the lip and push the protector off.

Yes, it is ready straight out the box, BUT, if you need further info. on what is referred to as Custom ROM's (aka, the Software/Operating System of the Phone/Device, etc) ...

Then refer to an earlier Post of mine, where I linked-up some such similar alternatives to what your now referring to?.

All of which may more likely give you some sort of further insight towards that which you seek perhaps?. :-)

Refer to some of them from here:

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/lenovo-zuk-z2-pro-5-2-inch-6gb-ram-128gb-rom-snapdragon-820-2-15ghz-quad-core-4g-2667450

I am looking at this combo:
https://www.banggood.com/Bakeey-Ultra-Slim-Skin-Frosted-Shield-Matte-Back-PC-Case-For-Lenovo-ZUK-Z2-p-1091852.html?rmmds=cart

https://www.banggood.com/9H-Tempered-Glass-Screen-Protector-For-Lenovo-ZUK-Z2-p-1094064.html?rmmds=cart

Isn't that for the Pro version?

I'm thinking of getting this case, which is very similar to the one I've got on my Moto G2
https://www.banggood.com/Hybrid-TPU-PC-Protective-Hard-Back-Case-For-Lenovo-ZUK-Z2-p-1100045.html?rmmds=cart

Sure it's not the nicest looking case but I'm more concerned with protecting the phone in case I drop it (which I tend to do occasionally as I'm quite clumsy). I just wanted to ask if there's any issues with that case (other than appearance) that I should be aware of before I order it.

As for screen protector, I think this one was recommended somewhere (just using the front piece) but also wanted to ask here before I bought it. https://www.banggood.com/NILLKIN-Crystal-Super-Clear-Anti-Fingerprints-Screen-Protector-For-Lenovo-ZUK-Z2-PRO-p-1093662.html?rmmds=mywishlist

VAT is payable on any purchases over £15. Duty only applies to purchases over £135 and the rate varies depending on the type of goods.

I don't know what documentation will be in the parcel but if Customs decide to open it there's probably something in there that will show it's not a gift. Even with gifts, VAT is payable if the value is over £39 and duty is payable if the value is over £135.

https://www.gov.uk/goods-sent-from-abroad/tax-and-duty

If there's any VAT or Duty payable, Royal Mail charge a £8 processing fee on top to cover their costs of doing the paperwork, etc. In the past when I used a courier (DHL I think) to order some goods their handling fee was much less (about £2) but more recently they seem to have put it up and it was as much (or maybe a bit more) than Royal Mail's fee.

Would appreciate some advice. Am i better getting this or the Moto G5/Samsung J5? tesco are offering me the g5/j5 for a 24 month contract at £16 a month...but i was thinking about getting this and getting a giffgaff for £10 a month instead. Any advice would be most helpful

Code 'phone' takes the price down to £131 :smiley:

Finally bought this phone after much deliberation! :laughing: First time ever buying a phone from China :confused: Also thanks Nige182 for your honest feedback on the phone! :wink:

VAT is unlikely as it's under £135. (There's no duty on mobile phones). If you do get charged it in error then you can reclaim it.

However this waiver strictly only applies to 'business' purchases, as for personal purchases the limit is only £36 (unless it's gone up).

Most China purchased phones are sent as 'gifts' and rarely marked as phones!

However hasn't this deal now gone up to £138 so it is now over the 'limit'?

Duty is unlikely, however if you do it's £15/20

I am not very technical savvy, is the phone ready to use from the box ? ie do I need to change software or similar? also, what are the chances of paying duty and how much would it be?
many thanks

I use three with 4G speeds. But sure, keeping spreading misinformation through your arrogance.

Probably you dont even have 4G reception where you live so makes no difference to you. I live in London where we have full 4G reception on the B20 band. Why will I be stupid enough to buy this phone without the best UK 4G band.

I get full strength signal generally everywhere, and i live in the countryside. You dont own the phone, shut up with your uneducated opinions

It all boils down to reception. If you can live with poor reception , so be it . In my view it is a must have, not nice to have if you live in the UK. But again people have lived without smartphones or in areas without mobile reception so be it.

Ah finally, a phone I want to buy!

I've been wanting to upgrade my Moto G2 Dual-Sim for a while now but the only phones which seem to support dual-sim and SD card at the same time are the Moto G and Lenovo in their wisdom failed to put a compass in the G4 and G5, severely hampering the users ability to navigate on foot using Google Maps. As they couldn't produce a phone I wanted to buy, I refused to give them my money.

This ZUK has everything I want and need though! No SD slot but I don't need one with 64GB storage. Compass, GPS and GLONASS, 4GB and Snapdragon 820, which is better than the Moto G4/5's CPU. This deal came along just in time as well, as a faulty USB cable overheated and damaged my Moto G2's USB socket, so that I have to wedge something behind the cable now to make it connect and charge, so hopefully I can keep it working until the ZUK arrives and then I'll see if I can repair the socket and give it to my Mum.

Happy Days :smiley:

The Rom is rooted, not the phone.
You don't have to install a rooted ROM, or root it once installed.
Depends on the ROM of course as some come already rooted

As my above comment, aka this link below:

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/lenovo-zuk-z2-pro-5-2-inch-6gb-ram-128gb-rom-snapdragon-820-2-15ghz-quad-core-4g-2667450

And the OP's own Deal info also, between these 2 different beasts, you can maybe more informally decide as to which of these animals is perhaps then, more 'correct', for you?. :-)

Refer to a previous Deal of 'similar' I once Posted on HUKD, not so long ago, and alllll will be revealed:

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/lenovo-zuk-z2-pro-5-2-inch-6gb-ram-128gb-rom-snapdragon-820-2-15ghz-quad-core-4g-2667450

I haven't ventured that way on my ZUK Z2 yet mind?.

But the answers are there for you same way!, in case your of the mindset where you just might ...

I second that!.

I did the same as you (from a previous Deal going a while back also, hehe. :-)

But, paid with Card (as I've previously purchased from them in the past, so it was no big to do so again).

But either way, I didn't pay any 'extras' as well (VAT, Customs, etc etc?), just the Phone cost, and that's it. :-)

Fine advice there. :-)

And yes, some years back I was rocking another Chinese like Phone, a Doogee X5 Pro, which in itself also claimed to be 4G/LTE (Long Term Evolution, aka '4G', in layman's terms).

But saying all that, my Phone at the time also lacked this infamous Band20/B20 also!.

But, because of the Network I was using it on (Network 3, at the time before O2 and Network 3 yet 'fully' merged, to then become one!), I was at the time able to get a 4G throughput out of it same way ... :man:

So yeh, 4G on the above is still very viable.

Ps.
I have this very same Lenovo ZUK Z2 Phone from a previous/earlier Deal offering, etc, and yes, it be a beautiful Phone indeed!.

Very underrated by some, but more than POWERFUL enough for many?!, so ..... :sunglasses:

It's up to you?. :-)

Thank you very much. I am on EE so it appears I can have 4G speeds despite lack of B20.

The lifespan of the phone was a key point for me and your comments have been very helpful.
I think I will go ahead with this deal. Thanks agajn

From a spec standpoint, this would be better if you want it to last a few years. Whilst the HTC One M8 may still be perfectly capable today, in terms of phone life it's relatively old and was released only a year after your Galaxy S4. Assuming it were to have the same life span as your S4, it may not be viable for a few years. The M8 uses the SD801 processor which is in many flagships of 2014 such as Galaxy S5, LG G3 etc. This phone uses SD820, found in many 2016 flagships; Galaxy S7, LG G5, HTC 10 etc so it'll be a definite step up.

From price standpoint, whether it not it's worth spending over twice the price is up to you. One downside of this phone for some people which has been discussed is lack of B20. Whether or not this is a problem is user dependant. B20 (800mhz) is a 4G frequency. Click here for more info. O2 for the most part uses 4G B20 only. What that means for this phone is that with an O2 sim it will still work fine, but data would be 3G speeds because it lacks B20 needed for O2 4G. Check the linked page. If your network is one that lists only 800mhz for 4G in the table, then this may be an issue and something to consider when deciding. Another thing is that this phone is shipped from HK, so whether it's worth the wait over the convenience of buying from a friend is up to you.

P.s if sam_of_london responds saying B20 is essential, then that is only biased opinion, not fact. He has been known to lie by saying phones without B20 are WiFi tablets not made to work in UK even though there are many on this site with non B20 phones who have said they use 4G perfectly fine. The major UK networks, apart from O2 use other 4G frequencies other than B20.

Hi Dreadzone. Are you able to advise me whether I should buy this phone or a 2nd hand HTC One M8 from a friend for £50?

This looks like a great deal but spec similar. I don't know a lot about phones... (currently using knackered galaxy s4 & want something for a few years)
Thanks in advance!!

You've mentioned Z2 Pro multiple times already and not once have you mentioned that it costs about £100 more. Roughly a 80% increase to the price of this deal. Despite people pointing out the price difference, you ignore it and suggest it is a better buy. If you cannot understand that they're not comparable, or why people would not want to spend £100 extra for something they themselves don't need, then that's your problem.

asi2693 days, 23 hours ago#101

View full quote
ihatebingo
asi will i need to do anything with the phone.or will it just update itself all the time.ive only had samsungs and they just update thereselves.

From what I understand the ROM that comes pre-loaded won't get any updates as its a "Shop ROM" for the international market on a fixed version.

How /where do we check it it a Shop rom

I bought mid-January on a previous deal here, from Banggood still though. I paid with PayPal and chose the standard most basic shipping method. I didn't leave any specific checkout instructions and if memory serves me right they put a low value on the package anyway.

It was actually shipped by a tracked service which got delivered by Royal Mail when in the UK. Yes, there is still a risk it gets stopped at customs and charges added, but if it is coming by Royal Mail in the UK, then if charges are added they ask you to pay PRIOR to delivery. Meaning if you aren't happy, you can ignore the charges, the item gets returned to sender after a few days and then you chase a refund which PayPal will guarantee as it wasn't delivered. Never had an issue myself with Banggood or Gearbest though as things always seem to get through with no charges for me.

I did once have an item get charges added, that was not paid by PayPal and was bought from AliExpress of all places. However AliExpress honoured the refund in that case as the item tracking showed returned to sender.

Hi Nige! Great Story :laughing::wink: How did you pay to have not paid customs or vat? Some say paying via paypal they have avoided such extra charges :smiley:

As an owner of this phone, I can happily say I get 4G just fine. I paid no customs or VAT either, funny that. Oh and the phone works correctly in the UK, so I can stay put and enjoy it :smiley:

Guess what, I occasionally use devices without 5GHz Wifi without problems, my TV doesn't have HDR but I can still watch the TV and use all it's features just fine. My Microwave doesn't have a grill that higher spec models do, but it still microwaves food. My Vauxhall Astra does not have a drop top, it still gets me to work and back.

ZUK Z2 PRO has B20 4G band which is not present in this model.

Can anyone advise me whether I should buy this phone or a 2nd hand HTC One M8 from a friend for £50?

This looks like a great deal but spec similar. I don't know a lot about phones... (currently using knackered galaxy s4 & want something for a few years)
Thanks in advance!!

It has a SD820 used in many company flagships of last year, so reviewers think of it as an inexpensive phone with flagship grade specs and some throw about the term "flagship killer" but it's not be marketed as one of their flagships. It's the most low end of the current ZUK phones. The ZUK Z2 Pro is higher up and was announced before ZUK Z2 but both released around the same time so why would the lower, cheaper model be marketed as ZUK's flagship?

Appearance and bezel size was discussed the last time this was posted. Comment from last thread. It's got a glass back and metal frame which gets praised for appearance and build quality in reviews so not sure what you mean when you're pointing out what it's made from. As for bezels, the screen to body ratio is standard for this size of phone as mentioned in the comment from the other thread.

This is the ZUK Z2 compared to the Sony's Xperia XZ 2016 flagship:

So I don't get why some are so critical of the bezel thickness.

Okay I didn't get my point across quite how I intended. My point was that this was being marketed as one of their flagship phones, like the Mi5 with Xiaomi was for example but in my opinion has never had the features to warrant this title bar the specifications.

Look how thick the bezel is,how chunky it is, what it's made from etc etc. It has never felt flagship, that was the point I was making.

That is quite different from saying I think I should be able to buy a flagship phone for £127.14.

BTW saw a news article in gizmochina in last hour that ZUK Mobile to be shut down and reintegrated back to Lenovo.

100% spot on !!!

i'm white m8

so I bough this didn't get much 4g signal 3g was great (in Enfield London ) I'm on Vodafone. my Bro in law bought it using it on EE no problem in Enfield area.

Considering you will outright lie about the implications of B20 by saying phones without B20 are WiFi tablets not made to work in the UK, I don't see how you expect anyone to agree with your opinions when you are so unbelievably biased about it and for many months have been stating it like a broken record. The first time I ever replied to you in this comment is as valid now as it was back then. Despite many people pointing out they are perfectly fine without B20 and use 4G with full signal, you continue to be willingly ignorant towards the simple fact that not everyone has the same needs and preferences as you do. It's not something for you to dictate and others to follow. They will decide for themselves. Not only in regards to the electronics they buy but also what they consume. You seem to be unable to accept that fact too. I continue to hope for the day you come to realise your opinions aren't applicable towards everyone else.

So, ahhhh, what's 10 inches then?. ;-)

Sorry, wrong thread. :-(

Lol.

No to racism!

Is you being racialist!

A transit...big van for an average sized phone!

Shut up

Looking at screen area, it's probably closer to 20% bigger.

You must be mistaken because Sam says you do! And an SD835! Until a new SD flagship processor appears and then it will be 'you don't want an SD835. Rinse and repeat. :stuck_out_tongue:

Bought this on previous deal and its a brilliant phone for the price. I'm On EE and pretty much have 4G wherever I go so don't believe it when people say it's needed for EE

Not everyone requires B20!

EXCELLENT!! CHEERS!!

had bought half a dozen mobiles from China and never paid customs.....I am coming from my own experience...

Well it would appear as if you glanced at my comment and only saw 'B20' and 'SD835' then proceeded to reply without even reading what I said. I'm not surprised though since as already stated, you fail to grasp the notion that people have different needs/preferences which you have again proven by stating Z2 pro which costs about £100 more is a better buy because of B20. Your ignorance towards the simple fact that other people have different needs and preferences, astounds me. Reading your opinionated and biased comments gets very tiring, and I'm sure many other users feel the same way. I hope the day will come when you realise your opinions aren't applicable towards everyone else since you seem to strongly believe that.

But Z2 Pro is much, much more expensive, and really a different phone. And customs/handling charges are not predictable.

I am not even buying a Spandragon 835 phone without B20 band. This phone comes with B20 in the ZUK Z2 pro model so better buy Pro model instead of this one. Plus Hot deals add customs/VAT on all overseas purchases coming from outside EEA. The price is wrong as no customs has been added.

has anyone found a cheap black version of this? can't stand white tech

The camera on the G2 is better than on the G 01, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 etc, hope this helps. But not as good as on the G 2.1.

Typical HUDUk post " new Chinese Noodle phone available all singing and dancing for 10 pence"
Questions in the first six posts, no band 20, does it have gorilla or chimpanzee glass, version 3 or 2.5, will I pay customs tax, is the camera better than the G2, warranty issues, Low ram, chip rubbish, no SD slot, battery is not equipment to a nuclear power station, and the same old repeated nonsense.

I have a Xiaomi Mi5S on Tesco, can't say I miss 4G at all, 3G is more than good enough for HD streaming etc.
6GB data £12.50 a month - can't complain :smiley:

Thanks

zukfans.eu has a lot of users and help

Give it 2 weeks on average?. :-)

How long will it take to arrive?

It's true!, the above Code was wayyyyyy BETTER than that of previous for this same Phone!. :-)

But, sadly now ..... :-(

In comment 165 above your original comment, someone also mentioned this:


And it's STILL currently active too ..... :-)

Thanx. :-)

Or this one too perhaps:

https://www.banggood.com/2PCS-Tempered-Glass-Full-Film-Clear-Screen-Protector-For-Lenovo-ZUK-Z2-p-1138819.html?rmmds=detail-top-buytogether

You appear to like the Bakeey brand there, is there a reason for that? (better quality, eg. a lay man's version of Gorilla Glass or something?), or .....

IF your stung, yes!.

I have this very same Phone, from a previous HUKD Deal, and from the same Merchant also, and ...

Let's just say, beyond the original Mobile Phone asking price, I didn't get stung with fee's for nowt!. :-)

It's a pure lack of the draw sometimes?.

any new code as BGESZUK2 is not working anymore ?

Wahey! Here he is :smiley:

I recently purchased the Xiaomi Redmi note 4 global version and before purchasing considered the ZUK Z2 but at the time it was £145. I probably would have got this had I waited a bit longer. For me the main reasons to purchase the Redmi Note 4 were larger screen, battery life and camera. I hope it doesn't disappoint.

I have one of those screen protectors, in terms of appearance they look good, but I think they have a sort of cheap double sided tape on them. They don't hold to the screen the same way a normal glass screen protector does, a normal one sort of 'sucks' to the screen whereas this one 'sticks' to it, and annoyingly in the centre is a sort of 'oil effect' from the screen protector which I have seen on two handsets. I think that effect is caused by the tape when in place, remove the screen protector and it looks fine, hold the screen protector over and it is fine, only when stuck on does it happen.

No need to root the phone to get stock firmware on it - I loaded the Indian stock firmware and it worked fantastically well. I did try the Chinese stock firmware but it felt more bloated and the Indian one is closer to vanilla android which I like. The Chinese rom does run with the later versions of Android though.

These styled screen protectors work best given the slight curve on the outer edges of the screen:

linky

Decent cheap case which covers all 4 edges:

linky

I also had the Nilikin case for the ZUK Z2 - it is more premium but it doesn't cover all 4 edges (top and bottom partially exposed) and it slightly more slippy in the hand. It looks nice though.

HaHa...I bet mobile retailers love you! :stuck_out_tongue:

You need to pack in with this nonsense now. It's about as old as the G2.

Use code 'phone' to get an extra 6.99 off and quidco to get 6% cashback

Damn I was just about to pull the trigger.

Code no longer working.

You might be pleasantly surprised. Luckily you paid using Paypal, Aliexpress doesn't offer paypal.
Curious how much time it will be before they actually sort it out, if at all

I've paid £26 via inter parcel/my Hermes. couldn't find it any cheaper anywhere as PayPal demand tracking. Post office (parcel force wanted £49!!!)

I have written the whole cost of the phone off. I feel PayPal and / or bang good will shaft me somehow despite me following all the rules. I just don't trust paypal

half an inch is 10%,not a lot is it.

Thanks. I don't have much data, 3gb,but do use it most months, so I guess 4g is important to me. Size of phone is as well, much prefer smaller handsets. Will keep looking

Eloquently put,well done

Apps like Barclays wont work if the phone is rooted, however i'd have to root it to flash on the stock android ROM right?

Just not 4G

It will work but the mobile data speed will be limited to 3G because O2 use Band 20 for 4G which this phone lacks. O2 also use 4G Band 3 (1800mhz) in a limited number of areas so there are some people with non Band 20 phones who can still get O2 4G, but there's no way of determining which areas are covered and chances of being in one of them are slim.

Will this not work at all on o2?

This phone spec punches well above its price point.

The two downsides I see are no band 20 and no SD support. At this price either shouldnt be an issue. The latest Samsung is 520% the price of this. Is it going to be 520% better? No way therefore, have some heat, you'll be 1000 degrees soon :sunglasses:

How much to ship it back? I think that is the key info

Pity I'm tied to tesco (O2) for another year It uses Band 20

no ive brought one already if i get stuck i use youtube there pretty good

Thanks for such a well considered reply.

Easy for me but you will have to follow some instructions and have access to a pc. There is a very good forum for problems if you hit them. The phone is virtually unbrickable but if you mess up you could end up doing some complex stuff. If you are uncomfortable with all this then go for a UK phone.

Guys choose to pay by euro amd it will only cost you £123.22

Ironic user name, eh? :smiley:

Not a fan of this term, but they are 'suckers' if they consider anything slightly old to be worthless, and feel the need to tell everyone that anything other than the newest technology or something that isn't from a leading brand name is irrelevant. There's a difference between being someone wanting the newest tech and willing to pay the premium, and just dismissing everything that isn't the latest technology or not branded appropriately.

Quite right, whilst this guy was banging on about 4k I got a good 1080p TV. Now next year when I actually obtain 4k content I will purchase a 4k TV, it will probably work out that I have spent only a little more than jumping straight to 4k but I'll have two TV's, and I would like to think the 4k TV I get will be better than if I had got 4k in the first instance. Often being late to the party pays off!

Dont feel bad for him. We need people like him who buy new products. New products aren't priced higher because of people being suckers, but because R&D and new manufacturing costs mean higher investment and physical costs(plus marketing costs).

Prices dont come down magically. Prices come down through gains in efficiency, yields and general scaling.

It's stupid to tell people they shouldn't be slightly old hardware, but it's also silly to suggest people are suckers if they buy new hardware. Nobody should be shaming anybody over their buying preferences. We're all contributing.

For those wanting max 4G speeds or comparable with their Samsung S7s...

BTW 4G LTE sometimes has a Category rating.
I dont own a premium mobile to tell a difference.

But that would allow 4G to have higher speeds.
Its usually the premium processors that has the extra capacity but whether your mobile can access it is a good question.

Yep all phones are exactly the same.

Love it when a know it all hasn't got a clue about about what they are talking about ... Moto CPU is around 56k , zuk z2 is 132k on antutu benchmark.

Friends just got their S8 - they're super happy with it. I can understand how spending £450-500 extra on top for the latest and the greatest phone is justified - personally more utility focused so this does what it needs just fine.

Very happy with mine. Phone does slow down a bit once it's loaded with apps, but one would expect that with most phones. Think they went with emmc storage instead of the faster storage, though tbh at the price is a bargain.

This: Faster, more powerful processor. No B20.
RN4: 'Global Version' has B20. Less powerful processor. More efficient = longer battery life.

They each have their advantages over the other but I doubt your dad would be using the phone for many things that are processor intensive, so I'd say RN4 would be recommended rather than sacrificing the bigger screen size, in order to get a performance boost that he'll probably never find the need for. If you do intend to get it, I'd advise going for the 'Global Version' SD625 version and not the original Chinese RN4 Mediatek.

How is this compared to the Redmi Note 4?

My dad wants a phone and his eyesight isn't great without reading glasses, so thining the extra 0.5" on the Note 4 could make it a good option.

Are you implying that the octa-core in your phone would be better than the quad-core of this phone? The Moto G5 uses a SD430 used in the likes of Xiaomi Redmi 3S and 4, which are around £100. Lenovo ZUK Z2 uses SD820 used in many 2016 company flagships. HTC 10, Samsung S7 Edge, LG G5, Oneplus 3 etc. Even the £500 Moto Z. SD820 has an Antutu score of over twice that of the SD430. Your prior comment mentioned Moto being a reputable brand and "likely better quality". You realise that Lenovo own Motorola? That's why some sites will call it the "Lenovo Moto G5"

Davt99 is it really easy as you say to flash it to get regular updates

Thanks asi

moto g5 is snapdragon 430.more core doesn't mean is better
also the both phone are not same level, you should use lg g5 compare with this phone.

This is a really good phone but not for everyone. You will have to flash it to get updates but its pretty easy. If you are not prepared to do this then don't buy one.

Is warranty included?, if so - will it be void if flashed?

Serious comment? I wanted a 5" phone - have you got poor eyesight?

If I broke or lost my Z2 I would buy a replacement immediately

Further to my comment above, the core on this is only quad vs octo on the moto G5

With the code its a reasonable deal. 64gb rom , 4gb ram and fingerprint being the key specs here. minimum you could get this elsewhere is about £220

I recently bought the Moto G5 for £180 however, 3gb ram, but terrible rom space .

That said, its 1 year warranty at least and reputable brand, update support and likely better quality if we are being honest*

Also you have to account for TAX ! import VAT + Handling fee of at least £10.00 , so for £162.00 (minimum) cost to the UK you'd be better off getting a MOTO G5 from amazon.

That said, the battery life on this one is much better and if you do need the extra Rom space then possibly worth it, but again, it's a risk.

I'm pretty sure if you get the seller to clearly state on the outside of the package that the item is a gift, then there is no duty or other charge.
I've been doing this for years for stuff from outside the European Union.

Lots of info here, including links to older deal posts which had plenty of discussion on the pros and cons http://www.hotukdeals.com/misc/zuk-z2-owners-resources-thread-android-phone-2616184

My phone has no band 20, I'm with Bt mobile who are basically EE, so far I haven't noticed any loss of coverage compared to friends with band 20, oddly in a couple of instances I had a signal and they didn't but they had an iphone so perhaps it was that. At this moment in time loss of band 20 isn't a deal breaker for me but if more antennas switch to using it then it could be in the future perhaps.

Should a phone's size be proportionate to the user?
I'm 6'1", what size phone would you recommend?
Only I was looking at an iPhone 7, but it's only 4.7"...surely that means it's only for infants?

there's a great site for checking specs at kimovil.com - just in case hukd blocks the link search Google for "kimovil"

Except for children, why is anyone buying phones with only a 5" screen when 5.5" are available?

I would not touch a Lenovo phone ever again, had one and threw it away, I could of sold it on but could not do that to anyone cold cold cold

Can I use this with Network Three? How does this compare to a Samsung S6....

If this was a proper global version with band 20 support then it would be an amazing deal. I'm not saying it isn't still a good deal but no band 20 is a big minus.

Only white?

I ordered it last time I had to pay £11.51 duties at post office

Thanks Eviebeab. That's exactly what happened.

will this work if im on vodafone?

is it better then the honor 6 offer?

Too many **** comments for me & from China so if anything goes wrong & my LG G2 bought for under this 2 years ago and sheathed in an Otterbox and dropped about 25 times and still screen not smashed.

Like Spurs at Wembley - We're out :neutral_face:

Excellent budget smartphone.

Nice specs but phone has a few issues and doesn't look very flagship in my opinion.

joshtbh - thanks.

so r we saying that if I flashed the ROM with safe and reliable independent ROM I will have trustworthy phone?

apart from your personal preference, is there a widely recognized trustworthy malware free ROM that designed for UK mobile, preferably pure android?

also with flashing the ROM will features like fingerprint sensor still work?

thanks.

what's the camera like? as good as my G2?

Do you have the "System Update" app (it should be a standalone app)? If you do, then you likely have the India ROM with OTA, if you don't then it might be a shop ROM. Another way to check is how many languages you have

Another way to tell is check how many languages you have available, if you have more then English (US), English (India) and two more languages, then its likely the shop ROM.

Got mine delivered in 8 days, installed the Nougat China ROM 7.0 and all is well :smiley: tbc tracked and payed too :smiley: all in was about £116 :smiley: with tcb

Love the phone. Plenty of you tube videos on how to install clean ROM for ota updates

If someone can answers these I'd be very grateful.
1) warranty and returns aside, is there a downside to this phone for UK users? meaning, is it built differently or have different software to a UK sold phone?
2) is there any spyware/malware on this phone?
3) is the software close to stock or heavily skinned? what's the software like?
4) are you able to get software updates for this in the UK or are you stuck with the shipped android version?
4) will you get Chinese characters appearing with this phone being for the Chinese market?
5) if I were to purchase do you suggest I flash it and can you suggest the software (and why)?

it is a great spec for the price but I just wonder if we should stick to UK designed for us UK users. btw I have a lenovo vibe that has terrible signal (ee) and with Chinese characters appearing (not flashed).

thank you.

Owner here. Well until yesterday, its on it's way back to bang good. :-( It developed a fault whereby some of the touchscreen became unresponsive . tried flashing different ROMs to cure it but no joy.

Guess I could have had a bad luck duff one but can't find it in myself to take the risk on another one.

Before the screen broke though, for what its worth I loved everything about the phone. It had everything. Miss it already.

From what I understand the ROM that comes pre-loaded won't get any updates as its a "Shop ROM" for the international market on a fixed version.

I used this guide:
https://zukfans.eu/community/threads/howto-flash-a-stock-zui-rom-zuk-z2-z2131-only.104/

With this ROM: https://zukfans.eu/community/threads/z2plus-zui-2-0-093_st_16081.763/

Voting hot even though banggood as doesn't have some s**t mediatek cpu like 99% of crap from here..

its also the phones signal itself, have had these types of phone for years without problem.

then went for a wileyfox swift which is a full UK spec and my three coverage was abysmal to the point where i have a home signal box. Recently went for a Redmi note 4x and now my signal is fantastic.......

I flashed the phone with the India ROM, which wasn't too bad after a fair amount of reading and technical knowledge! OTA updates seem to be working fine and the phone performs well.

I got one of these a few weeks ago for £129.95. It arrived without any import duties and TCB tracked @ £8.08.

I really wonder how people whining about the lack of Band 20 were using their phones before 2014? HSDPA+ is more than enough even when watching YouTube videos. The real problem is the abysmal coverage in the UK overall.

Is this alot better compared to the moto g5?

I would of bought this phone but im on contract sim only with tescomobile which runs on 02 so 4g wont work for me so i had to buy the xiaomi mi note 4 with the less powerful snapdragon 625 unfortunately :disappointed:

If you're using 4G just to troll HUKD I really feel sorry for you mate. If you're not interested in SD820 phone for £130 why come here and whine like a little beach?

As long as its not ordered with DHL shipping you will be safe from import 99% of the time

How does this compare to the honor deal at the moment? Advice appreciated!

Your mentality is an electronics manufacturer's dream. You post about SD835 and say how you wouldn't be buying a SD820 phone now because it's last year's processor. You post on any 1080p TVs/media players stating how it's obsolete and everyone should be buying 4K devices. You post on non B20 phones saying how people not getting the fastest available speeds are living in the stone age. All the while, ignoring the fact that your opinions or preferences towards electronics don't apply to everyone else. But by all means, throw your money at the latest offerings and try to convince others to do the same. Then next year when manufacturers announce new tech, state to everyone how last years tech is obsolete and that we should be buying the current latest. Manufacturer's are able to keep hiking up the prices of newer models because people like you will still pay in order to have what they believe is the "best". I feel bad for you because it doesn't seem you'd be content with anything below that and will be constantly paying more. Just take a look at the range in prices in the phone market. Manufacturer's know people have varying needs and preferences, including how much they wish to spend. Yet you seem unable to grasp this notion and constantly comment as if people need to have the same preferences as you.

Pity the screen isnt just a bit bigger.

All 4g netwoks in UK use B20.

The S7 is much improved now under Nougat and trashed the OP3T a few days ago.
The OS is now fully optimised for performance and battery life and most of the garbage has gone.

anyway to get rid of import duty?

Would this be any good for a pay as you go along phone please?

No problem can't wait for mine to be delivered

That's pretty bearable. Cheers.

Much prefered the original with George Michael and Paul Young singing on it.

It's not as fast in real life, I think the S7 is better at multi-core processing tasks. I have used both side by side - S7 is better. I had hoped the Z2 would be equal if not better but that's not the case, otherwise the S7 would be on Ebay by now :smiley:

Had this, terrific phone, but i couldn't find a way to turn on push notifications for things such as WhatsApp and the fast charging was pretty much what made me get rid of it

yeah see that not as important to me.however its taken off in a big way now.just reading about the reviews for the phone and they were saying they were baffled why nfc wasnt on this phone as even really cheap handsets have it now.

I recently bought one of these, its not a bad phone at all. Good screen, very fast, plenty of storage, for the money you will not get anything close to it in the UK. I ran Geekbench (phone bench-marking software) and it's not far off my Samsung Galaxy s7 Edge in most cases. Obviously its not a true contender for the S7 but its pretty close considering it costs 1/3 of the price.

Can anyone comment on how long these really take to turn up? The 7 to 20 business days listed for Air Parcel Register seems pretty vague.

No NFC - So no Android Pay

thanks evi

just watched that was up there all the way was well impressed

You will be charged at the point of delivery eg if it comes via Royal Mail, they stick a card through the door telling you how much is due, and to go to the sorting office to pay the amount due & collect.

Ordered few weeks ago xiaomi note 4 with DHL from aliexpress phone cost £124 + import duty and handling fees £18 on the top

do you have to pay the import duty, is there anyway to avoid it

I ordered from the last HUKD post with standard delivery, and it got caught by customers -- however only a ~£11 charge in total including the royal mail handling fee.

Loved this phone. A bit slippery on front and back but wont complain as overall built is just awesome. FYI... I got charged £11.00 as cross border charge. It arrived through Royal Mail.

Nice one.
If the screen size was bigger, I would have bought one myself months ago. It's a fantastic deal for the spec's it has.

nope it wont happen again

thanks everybody for babysitting me in the thread tonight.and thanks for jimbob for opening my eyes to chinese brand phones.for all the bad comments i have left i apologise i was naive and was commenting on things i knew nothing about.looking forward to receiving my new phone and well thanks for all your help.

thanks realdeal brought one now dont think band 20 will be as much of a problem as i was worried about.

thanks dread ill take a look now.

There is nothing with this level of specs.

Paying by Paypal is fine. This would be the preferred payment choice for most people. There's plenty of past threads for this phone from same retailer. Previous thread from same poster. And another thread from a 3 months ago. Reading through some of the comments may help. Usually free delivery = no charges and DHL or expedited shipping = customs.

The phone will turn up. The only real uncertainty is VAT and taxes.

ok common bit the bullet and purchased it sais the price quoted in op so i will just wait and see thanks for your help.

ok i understand so just pay by normal and hope that the phone turns up.if not protected by paypal is that about right

There is no lawful way. Often the seller under-invoices or makes false declarations by default!
Yes, pay by PayPal or credit card and hope for zero tax.

gonna buy one of these dread great for the price.is it ok to pay with paypal and will i get any extra charges etc

common ive just registered would you just pay with paypal and is there any special way to get round import taxes etc

thanks

If you're on EE, B20 isn't essential for you. EE only begun using B20 November last year. Article here. Unless you noticed a significant increase in 4G performance after November compared to beforehand, then you're likely not even utilising their B20. Try "LTE Discovery" app to see if it tells you which mobile frequency you're using.

As for the Redmi Note 4. The "Global Version" is Snapdragon 625 and has B20. What you're seeing is likely the original Mediatek Redmi Note 4.

Below £135 there is no duty, but above £15 you need to pay VAT. Also often charged a fee to process it. Usually it is £8. In total you will be approx £160 less, not 127.

looking at the xiomi red note 4 with ali express currently 122.76 but until the end of the hour you get 15% cashback with quidco.doesnt have the snapdragon processor like this phone alough.

How does fair this against the xiaomi mi5?

dread can you tell me that i will definately be fine with this phone and will it affect the stability of my 4g because where i use it its flying and i use my signal for work so it has to be the fastest available at all the times.

its EE max plan the top data

thanks

Is your network o2? B20 might not be as crucial as you're thinking. More info about frequencies here. B20 is 800mhz. There's a lot of people with non B20 phones that use 4G perfectly fine. For this price point, you won't find an equivalent spec phone with B20 however the Redmi Note 4 Global Version and Redmi Note 3 Special Edition mentioned above are popular B20 phones at this price point.

Look up the recently posted global editions of the Xiaomi note 4. Or note 3 se . Think that will be what you are looking for less powerful than this true but more than powerful enough for most people good battery and can get band 20, it's 2 sims or a sim and memory card looking at 32gb 3gb ram. Using one now and I have been very happy at this price. My last phone a moto play never got 4g inside or at either of the 2 places I worked. One was countryside now I do on the same network. I used to blame the network now realise it's equally as much the phone.

understand that but jimbob has opened my eyes and im taking a more constructive view.if this perticular phone had band 20 i would have definately tried it at the price for the specs.just checking ali express and banggood now for decent band 20 phones.

Nope no extra charges and I have some cash back pending

You almost bought it? That's strange. Lenovo is a Chinese brand and Banggood aren't a UK supplier with full warranty but you have warned people to "get a grip" about these particular things. So what is your basis for determining which Chinese brands are what you call "Chinese junk" "put together in a rice field with inferior parts."?

Great deal but wish it was available in black.

Thanks moon was waiting for a reply don't understand band 20 do now alough.incredible phone for the price and nearly purchased.however I rely on 4g and if i cant get it or it may not be as quick as i need the phone would be no good.could you recommend a similar style price phone that has band 20 please

I'm looking to get rid of my galaxy note 4 for £150 to music magpie and then buy a good smaller budget phone...this looks pretty good...

Band 20 is one of the 4G bands (800mhz) used in the UK. It's the lowest frequency 4G band, which means it travels the furthest and is the best at getting into buildings, but doesn't have as much capacity as the higher frequency bands.

Basically, no Band 20 support means your 4G might not be as good as it could be, especially indoors or outside of towns/cities. The vast majority of UK networks that offer 4G data use Band 20 to some degree, there may be some MNVOs which don't use Band 20 at all.

Does this support sd card with dual SIM

Just so people know there's no Band 20

Only on the latest Samsung :wink:

Very good phone for this price

Plus the "handling fees" charged by the courrier/post office which can be higher than the tax itself. Been there and suffered myself. That said, stuff usually seems to get through....seems to be pot luck.

if hit with import duty does anyone know how to work out the potential cost? thanks

oh man....i ordered mine last week at £139 & it's currently in transit.
cracking deal op

Warehouse in Hong Kong so you can expect import duties