Would You Pay This Much More for Aussie Stock Phone?

Hi Everyone.

I am looking at getting a new mobile phone and tossing up weather to go grey import or Local.

I can get the grey import phone for $483 delivered from ebay.
U can get the Aussie version phone locally (today) on special for $648 (including gst)

All the phone stats are the same.

Cons for grey import: Need to wait for arrival, Warranty only with ebay business for 12 months, after market charger. No gst to claim back.
Pros: $165 Cheaper.

Pros for Local phone: Can get it immediately, warranty 24 months manufacturer, Genuine aussie charger, Would probably be able to claim back GST as it is for work.
Cons: $165 more expensive. (-10% gst back)

As a group what would be your suggestion? Is the $100 more of Aussie stock worth it?

Comments

  • Price difference not big enough to go grey, I would get local.

  • +1

    I always go import but would never waste that much on a phone. You'll get something with similar specs from manufacturers like Cubot, Homtom, or other Chinese no-names for $100-$200. Have proved ultra-reliable to date for me.

    • I agree with you. But in this case I need features that those don't have, such as waterproofing, USB-c, big battery and fast camera.

      • Fair enough. It's a tough call alright. Warranty vs Savings. If you get a dud, I find you pretty much know it up front though.

      • How does this new Homtom stack up. Waterproof but not sure of camera.

        http://www.gearbest.com/cell-phones/pp_608456.html

        • No band 28 and no usb type c. Probably a slow camera too.

          Has a good battery size but are these china phones batteries really what they say they are?

        • @nofearzzz:

          My wife's Cubot Note S (which claims a top battery) seems to have a better life than my Homtom HT17 Pro.

  • grey import is more like driving a car without insurance. You wont have any issues unless you have an accident.

  • +1

    What's the device? And how often do you upgrade your device?

    I'd go for the local option just for the ease in case anything happens and also because I wouldn't want to be without a phone if it were to be sent back.

    • The phone is a Samsung Galaxy a7 (2017). I replace my phones on average about every 1.75 years.

  • just buy the phone within 2 months of ur international travel and claim gst

    • I Don't need to travel internationally within the next few months.

  • You cannot claim 10% if you are also going to use it for personal use.

    At full price, it is about 1/3 more expensive.

    Not worth paying that much more IMO. If it breaks you can sell on a faulty and you will be ok.

    If you buy the AUS phone and drop it then you just wasted more for no reason.

    Just my logic.

    • -1

      User name checks out.

    • The phone will have a very strong tough case on it. I'm self employed and the phone will majority be used for work.

      Still sitting on the fence which way to go…

  • it seems the 'well-known' Chinese branded phones include Xiaomi, Meizu, Huawei and Oneplus etc. you can tell by the way the pricing is done. If you decide to go for an unknown like 'Ramos' or 'Ulefone', UMI etc you're taking a risk - it may pay-off but is it worth the money you spent? that's the real question.

    • +1

      Never been let down by a no-name Chinese brand. Many just target other markets than Aus. Like Cubot sells in UK.

Login or Join to leave a comment