Should You Import a Chinese Phone?

The US has increasingly shut out Chinese smartphone makers in recent years with outright bans and punitive tariffs, not to mention Apple’s dominance. But the truth is, some of the best smartphones you can’t officially buy in the US are simply some of the best smartphones. If you want cutting-edge photography, interesting innovations, and top-tier hardware that won’t break the bank, you can find them in China.

The trouble is that getting your hands on a Chinese import can prove tricky and unexpectedly expensive. It’s doable, but is it worth the risk? Whether you’re jealously eyeing the latest AI-packed Honor phone, a photography-focused handset from Oppo, or the unbeatable hardware in Xiaomi’s latest flagship, here’s what you need to think about before importing a smartphone from China.

Chinese or Global Phone Models

Some Chinese smartphones are only released in China ...