Which Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 will work in Aus? Where to buy it for cheapest?

illumination on 20/03/2016 - 22:47

Hi Ozbargainers,

I'm looking at this and this Xiaomi Redmi Note 2.. and I'm struggling to figure out which one, or whether both are compatible for Aus?

I've used willmyphonework to try and figure it out, and there's one which is a 2015051 (FDD TDD LTE Model) and another one which is 2015052 (TDD LTE Model). The 2015051 variant seems to be the more comprehensive with 2G, 3G and 4G LTE all covered.

From the specs below the pics and prices, it appears both cover the exact same bands? I guess I'm just confused because these bands things have always confused me + it's the same seller so I'm thinking why sell 2 of the same thing?

Btw is anyone aware of a cheaper price? That's the cheapest I could find :)

Thanks in advance!

Mobile Mobile Phone Xiaomi Android

Comments

  • daver on 21/03/2016 - 00:52
    +2

    Xtremely popular TDD budget phone hundreds obers bought of late, & not a complaint around 4g function? rightly so, differentiation perfectly meaningless outside of China; reception, identical, radio wise.

    Not as easy to find at AUD170 compared to previous holiday. hoping Easter may provide a code and I'm in for 185 DHL track posted. Anyone?

    • illumination on 21/03/2016 - 09:53

      Oh really? So you mean it doesn't matter which one I get? It's just odd because on willmyphonework it shows (for example, I selected Telstra) that the 2015051 model works with 2G, 3G and 4G LTE whereas with the 2015052 only works with the 2G bands supposedly.. which doesn't seem to match up with what you've said?

      Btw the sellers in the OP are selling it for basically ~$175 AUD for phone only. Pretty cheap! Assisted obviously by the slightly stronger dollar than in recent weeks.

      • Davo1111 on 21/03/2016 - 11:49

        Many of the cheaper stores (everybuying, aliexpress etc) will post it slow mail, so it may take months to arrive

        • illumination on 21/03/2016 - 12:05

          Yea I'm aware. It says 15-45 days. I'm ok with that.

      • mckennal on 21/03/2016 - 12:30
        +4

        As far as I understand, if you flash the latest Global ROM (http://en.miui.com/download-274.html) then it doesn't matter if you get the TDD (cheaper) or the FDD as the hardware is supposedly the same (whrl.pl/ReoZKk).

        I bought the TDD, flashed with Global Stable ROM, no issues so far on Optus 3G.

        Note: I don't have a 4G plan so can't comment on the 4G capability.

        • illumination on 21/03/2016 - 15:44

          That is an awesome summary.. ok looks good then! I guess it doesn't matter which one I buy.

          Now I'll need to decide how much extra I'd be willing to spend to get the phone faster.

        • [Deactivated] on 21/03/2016 - 21:29
          +1

          @illumination:

          I got from here:https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/229116

          4G works with optus/telstra/vodafone for me (on available frequencies I guess) Flashed to global Rom.

  • dan086 on 21/03/2016 - 13:45

    I bought from Eglobal and it arrived within 7 days. My only issue is I cannot get the second sim port to work. Does not even recognise that a sim is inserted even though the sim works in Port #1
    Other than that it works great.

    http://www.eglobaldigitalcameras.com.au/xiaomi-redmi-note-2-…

    $184 delivered

    • illumination on 21/03/2016 - 13:52

      Ah, what have you done to address this then? Have you figured out if it's a hardware or software issue?
      How did you get it for $184 btw? It shows $163 + 25 shipping for me, or is shipping to your area $21?

      • dan086 on 21/03/2016 - 14:57
        +1

        No idea I have looked all over the Web and cannot find a solution. I think it has to do with the phone only having one imei number.

        Code for and extra 5 dollars off on Eglobal = EGLFRND5

        • illumination on 21/03/2016 - 15:33

          I actually already have a Redmi Note 2 and have been using 2 SIMs in it here and there but haven't had any issues with it. Don't all dual SIM phones just have one IMEI? The IMEI I thought was per device as opposed to per SIM slot? I might be mistaken.

          Thanks for the code! I'll have a think about whether it's worth saving ~$10 to wait 15-45 days lol

        • dan086 on 21/03/2016 - 17:18

          @illumination: can I ask which rom you are using? I have the latest global rom and the setting for changing sim cards are greyed out? Even with the mtk settings app I cannot enable the second sim…

        • illumination on 21/03/2016 - 21:40

          @dan086: I'm using "sMiUI 7 sebsch1991" which was the popular "customise it your way" ROM recommended here.

          Sorry I don't have any idea how I might be able to help you..

          However, maybe give XDA Developers forum a try?

        • Findmebargain on 25/03/2016 - 16:15

          @illumination: Hi OP, I am in the market for the same phone too! Have you decided on where to buy from? Also I am wondering if you considered between the 16GB and 32 GB versions. I found the price difference varies between ~US$10 - $30

          I am leaning towards 32GB one and so far my shortlisted suppliers are (not in order of preference):
          1. Aliexpress US$159.74 (US$8 discount coupon available if bought on or after 29/3)
          2. Dealsmachine US$156.99 (only grey model available with this price)
          3. Vickmall $164.99 (with free gifts)
          4. Eglobal ~US$168.40 (with insured economy shipping)

          You're right, the maximum savings is probably just about $10 and it comes down to choosing a reliable supplier, their stock level/quality and the speed of delivery.

          I would also appreciate others opinion in helping me make the call before I press the button! Many thanks in advance.

        • illumination on 25/03/2016 - 16:34

          @Mcz:

          I'm going to go for the 16GB version (I already actually have the 16GB version - I'm buying this for my mum).

          I don't feel the need for the larger version.. although there have been times where I max out my storage, but I have plenty of apps I don't need so I just keep uninstalling them. If you're not keen on doing that then yea maybe get the 32GB (it's really not that much more, I'm just being a tightass).

          I plan to get the 16GB version from 29/3 US$119.99 from AliExpress, was posted here. The link doesn't seem to show the sale price now though, but I definitely remember it said $119.99 from 29/3 a few days ago when I checked. 16GB version though.

        • Findmebargain on 25/03/2016 - 17:16

          @illumination: Am in the same boat - buying for mum as well! :) This being her first smartphone, I'm just not sure if I should allow more capacity as she tends to be a hoarder :P I have been trying to convince my mum what a smartphone can do and so she may be too carried away with apps and photos/videos when she eventually gets started with one. And I might save myself time from having to delete stuff for her as limited by a 16GB one or to explain the limitations of a smartphone to her! LOL

          But will still check it out at Aliexpress on 29/3 hopefully they will also have a better deal for 32GB. Have you had any experience buying from Aliexpress? I reckon I will go with the most reliable and quickest delivery based on experience of others. I was almost tempted to buy from GearBest (only US$149.99 for 32GB) but reluctant due to its ban from OzB? It's been a few months GB has not been mentioned here on OzB, wondering if they are still that bad?

          Would be interested to hear from others thoughts too.

        • illumination on 25/03/2016 - 17:41

          @Mcz: Are you planning to get a microSD as well? Because I do.
          If she's anything like my mum, she won't know how to take photos/videos or download anything LOL (guess it makes it a bit easier for me)

          I think I've bought something from Aliexpress before but I'm actually not sure. Not overly concerned because Aliexpress is pretty established and you can see the ratings of sellers + how long they've been around for.

          Gearbest I've bought from before as well. Apparently they've been banned due to lying about stock? I haven't had an issue with them but haven't bought much stuff from them.

        • Findmebargain on 26/03/2016 - 11:45

          Hey @illumination, will we miss out on CR if we purchase via Aliexpress app? Or does it still get tracked if we click through CR and then proceed from the app?

        • illumination on 26/03/2016 - 11:57
          +1

          @Mcz: I think you can still use CashRewards through AliExpress app.. there were some instructions previously posted about how to get CR to recognise a transaction made through Groupon app. I'll see if I can dig it up. I'd assume it's the same logic.

  • Findmebargain on 25/03/2016 - 19:33

    Yeah I guess getting a microSD to work with 16GB phone might do as well. However if the gap between the 2 versions is under US$30 with a reputable seller, am willing to go for the 32 GB as I think that model comes with a slightly quicker processor. Don't think it'll make a huge difference when the phone is new but I am guessing somehow it might have a slight advantage as the phone ages with more stuff on it.

    Also with Aliexpress, I note there is a US$2 coupon available for spending over US$139 on top of the US$8 I get for using the app. Plus with CR, the gap gets even narrower. So like you, I will see what the actual offer is like on 29th before pulling the trigger :)

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