Introduction: Do you still remember that the price of gray market mobile phones often reached 4000 yuan a few years ago? Now, the mainstream prices of many gray market phones linger around 2000 yuan. Even when many friends ask the editor to recommend gray market phones, the first step is to eliminate those models that have been on the market for not long and are overpriced. For no other reason, because even if a gray market phone is very powerful, it is still just a gray market phone, especially newly launched models which are often overpriced and not worth spending too much on, as most of us earn our hard-earned money. Unless it's for showing off or face-saving issues, in terms of using gray market phones alone, few people choose Vertu, Nokia 8800 series, or gold edition/diamond edition gray market phones. In the past two months, there have been many newly launched models, and in the last two months, the price drop for many models has exceeded 1000 yuan. You can find gray market phones that have dropped by more than 1000 yuan in the past two months in this article.
Active Choice: Motorola MT710
When the editor passes through Zhongguancun on the way to work, he always notices the advertisements for gray market phones near Zhongguancun Bridge. Apart from Lenovo, which specializes in large screens, the most prominent and eye-catching advertisement belongs to Motorola MT710. The Motorola MT710, with its design full of Chinese style, once had soaring sales, fully demonstrating that it was a popular smart gray market phone favored by Chinese users. Picture of Motorola MT710
The Motorola MT710 is a gray market phone full of Chinese style. Its rounded appearance makes the phone very likable, with a ribbed back that is very attractive. The Motorola MT710 features a 3.7-inch display with a resolution of 480x854 pixels, offering extremely fine and excellent viewing effects. It supports full-touch operation, providing a superior user experience. System-wise, it runs China Mobile's OMS1.5 system, integrating many services unique to Mobile. The domestic mainstream client applications are also well-equipped, offering excellent expandability and humanized design. The Motorola MT710 is equipped with a 5-megapixel camera, offering clear and natural image quality, basically replacing low-end compact cameras. Additionally, the Motorola MT710 supports both WiFi and WAPI WLAN network connection functions, offering a comprehensive performance. Picture of Motorola MT710 Picture of Motorola MT710
Editor's Comment:
The Motorola MT710 is an exceptionally strong and eye-catching machine both inside and out, especially with many clients tailored to Chinese users, supporting TD-SCDMA networks and WIFI wireless internet access. Overall, it is very practical. Within two months, the price of the Motorola MT710 has smoothly dropped by 1000 yuan, offering excellent cost-effectiveness. Due to fewer terminals for TD-SCDMA networks, this model stands out even more, making it suitable for purchase now.
Motorola MT710 (official version)
[Reference Price] 2740 yuan (with invoice)
Performance Choice: HTC EVO 4G
All things come full circle. When China's 3G network was yet unheard of, Europe and Japan had already entered the era of widespread 3G adoption; years later, we finally stumbled into the 3G era, only to discover that Europe and Japan have already begun entering the 4G era. The difference remains evident. As the world's first 4G gray market phone, although HTC EVO 4G's WiMAX network cannot be experienced domestically, this does not hinder HTC EVO 4G's status as the highest-end gray market phone. Picture of HTC EVO 4G
The HTC EVO 4G features a straight-board full-touch design, with an overall appearance reminiscent of HTC's previous masterpiece, the HTC HD2. The HTC EVO 4G has a very imposing appearance, especially with its 4.3-inch screen with a resolution of 480x800 pixels, leaving a deep impression. The HTC EVO 4G runs the latest android2.1 version, capable of expanding a vast amount of software, with impressive expandability and entertainment capabilities. The CPU clock speed reaches up to 1024MHz, with the help of 1GB ROM + 512MB RAM internal memory, ensuring smooth operation of the entire system, running large software effortlessly. It is equipped with an 8-megapixel camera at the back, supported by dual LED flash, delivering high-quality imaging. As the world's first 4G gray market phone, it supports WiMAX networks, CDMA2000 networks, WIFI, GPS navigation, etc., with a comprehensive and robust performance, living up to its title as the king of phones. Picture of HTC EVO 4G Picture of HTC EVO 4G
Editor's Comment:
In terms of appearance, the HTC EVO 4G is a behemoth within the android system. Its powerful performance configuration deserves the title of war god of the android system: 4.3-inch high-resolution screen + 1GHz processor + 1GB ROM + 512MB RAM + 8-megapixel setup, truly shocking! Originally priced at 4999 yuan, the HTC EVO 4G has now become more approachable. Fans can consider paying attention.
HTC EVO 4G (modified version)
[Reference Price] 3900 yuan
Luxury Choice: Samsung B7620U
In the gray market phone sector, there are no shortage of phones adorned with diamond inlays and gold plating, but indeed, there are many simple and elegant products. Samsung B7620U is one of the rare exceptions, as it conceals comprehensive and powerful performance within its luxurious body. Although Samsung B7620U is a "golden device," some price inflation is inevitable. However, after two months of adjustment, the price has dropped by more than 1000 yuan, starting to reveal good value for money. Picture of Samsung B7620U
Appearance-wise, the Samsung B7620U adopts a side-sliding full keyboard design. Designed personally by international fashion masters, the phone is both rigorous and fashionable. The screen features a 3.5-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 480x800 pixels, offering high clarity. System-wise, the Samsung B7620U runs the Windows Mobile 6.5 intelligent operating system, with a vast array of third-party hardware and resources available for installation, offering high playability and notable entertainment capabilities. Hardware-wise, powered by an 800MHz CPU, both the system and software run exceptionally smoothly. The rear 5-megapixel camera offers good imaging results, with commendable image quality, capturing clear and natural photos without issue. Network-wise, the Samsung B7620U supports WCDMA networks, as well as WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth. Beneath its luxurious exterior lies equally luxurious configuration, making it very eye-catching overall. Picture of Samsung B7620U Picture of Samsung B7620U
Editor's Comment:
The Samsung B7620U is a gray market phone that exudes luxury and grandeur both inside and out. For business professionals, the Samsung B7620U not only gains face due to its golden craftsmanship but also boasts comprehensive and powerful internal features. With a price drop exceeding 1000 yuan in the past two months, its current cost-effectiveness is quite good, worthy of consideration by high-end individuals.
Samsung B7620U (official version)
[Reference Price] 5588 yuan (with invoice)
Practical Choice: Nokia N97mini Navigation Edition
The Nokia N97mini Navigation Edition is a powerful gray market phone. Although Nokia lacks innovation in the Symbian system and lacks stunning high-end products, as the flagship of Nokia's Symbian system, the Nokia N97mini Navigation Edition still possesses charm that makes it desirable. Picture of Nokia N97mini Navigation Edition
The Nokia N97mini Navigation Edition features a side-sliding full keyboard design, with a front 3.2-inch 16 million color TFT screen offering detailed display. Unfortunately, this screen is resistive touch, resulting in average touch sensitivity. The phone runs the S60 fifth edition operating system, with relatively strong expansion capabilities. It comes with 8GB of built-in storage, supporting up to 16GB expansion, fully meeting regular user needs. The 434MHz CPU performs comparably to lower-end models like the 5230, with the overall operation speed remaining smooth. Additionally, the phone is equipped with a 5-megapixel camera supporting digital zoom, with dual LED flash lights aiding in photo quality. Similarly, the Nokia N97mini Navigation Edition supports WCDMA networks, performing well under 3G networks. Picture of Nokia N97mini Navigation Edition Picture of Nokia N97mini Navigation Edition
Editor's Comment:
The Nokia N97mini Navigation Edition eliminates a directional key compared to the N97, reducing the screen size from 3.5 inches to 3.2 inches, making it more compact and clearer. The current price is about to break 3000 yuan, offering good cost-effectiveness. Friends who like Nokia can consider it.
Nokia N97mini Navigation Edition (official version)
[Reference Price] 3099 yuan (with invoice)
Slim Choice: Samsung I9000
The release of the iPhone 4 made many gray market phone manufacturers feel threatened, with Nokia being the most affected. However, the newly emerging Android system launched a counterattack against the iPhone 4, with the Samsung I9000 being one of the key players. The popularity of the Samsung I9000 is not accidental but closely related to its powerful hardware. Picture of Samsung I9000
The Samsung I9000 features a fashionable straight-board touch design, with the full-touch screen offering excellent visual effects. The screen is a 4-inch Super AMOLED (Magic Brilliant Screen) with a resolution of 480x800 pixels, displaying bright and clear images. System-wise, the Samsung I9000 uses the android2.1 smart system, with strong expansion capabilities and playability. It also comes with 8GB of built-in memory, eliminating the need to purchase a memory card. Equipped with a 1GHz processor, its performance is very powerful, with satisfactory operating speed. The phone supports WCDMA networks, allowing use of China Unicom's 3G network. It also supports Bluetooth, GPS navigation, and WIFI wireless internet access, truly deserving the title of king-level gray market phone in the Android system. Picture of Samsung I9000 Picture of Samsung I9000
Editor's Comment:
The Samsung I9000 is a very powerful smart gray market phone. According to Samsung's pricing strategy, new models inevitably carry significant price premiums. However, after market pressure, the price of the Samsung I9000 has become more reasonable. Fans can consider it.
8GB Samsung I9000 (modified version)
[Reference Price] 3650 yuan
Elegant Choice: LG GD888
One cannot help but admire the profound skills of Japanese and Korean companies in designing gray market phones, especially their ability to tightly capture the attention of Asians. Similarly, LG and Samsung are quite active in the North American market, despite lacking the most core technology but performing exceptionally well in the market. The LG GD888 is an outstanding 3G gray market phone both in system core and appearance. Picture of LG GD888
The LG GD888 features a classic straight-board full-touch design, with sharp lines giving it a masculine feel. The overall design is generous and elegant, exuding a solemn business atmosphere. The LG GD888 has a 3.5-inch 480x854 pixel display, offering precise visuals, with obvious advantages when browsing web pages and multimedia content. System-wise, it uses the OMS smart system, capable of utilizing many mobile services, with the phone itself pre-installing various local clients such as Feixin. The LG GD888 also perfectly supports Mobile's TD-SCDMA network, offering satisfying operation speeds under high-speed networks. The LG GD888 is equipped with a 5-megapixel camera, offering satisfactory overall performance. Picture of LG GD888 Picture of LG GD888
Editor's Comment:
The LG GD888 has a dignified and elegant appearance, featuring a leather high-end design, offering a unique and delicate texture. It is very suitable for high-end business people. Besides its elegant appearance, the internal performance of the LG GD888 is equally powerful. After market adjustments, it has dropped by more than 1000 yuan in the past two months, making it ready for purchase by interested friends.
LG GD888 (official version)
[Reference Price] 3388 yuan (with invoice)
Grand Choice: Samsung I7680
Not long ago, China Mobile's OMS system was not favored, but after efforts by many gray market phone manufacturers and Mobile, it has finally taken on a new look. Recently, the world's first OMS2.0 system has been announced, and the gray market phone Samsung I7680, equipped with this latest version, is finally ready to meet everyone. Picture of Samsung I7680
The Samsung I7680 adopts a straight-board touch screen design, with a fashionable appearance. The front features a 16 million color 3.5-inch Super AMOLED (Magic Brilliant Screen) touch screen, with a resolution of 480x800 pixels, offering extremely fine visuals. There is a 300,000-pixel secondary camera above the screen, supporting video calls under certain conditions, while the back is equipped with a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash, offering excellent overall imaging quality. System-wise, the Samsung I7680 runs the OMS 2.0 smart operating system, supporting Mobile's TD-SCDMA network, with notable performance under 3G networks. Commonly used functions like Bluetooth, WIFI, and GPS are all equipped, with the overall performance being quite powerful and outstanding, one of the reasons why this phone is called "Oscar." Picture of Samsung I7680 Picture of Samsung I7680
Editor's Comment:
The Samsung I7680 is truly a long-awaited arrival, with the halo of the world's first OMS2.0. The price of this phone is also quite high, but after market trials, the price has quickly dropped by more than 1000 yuan. High-end users who love TD networks and Samsung gray market phones can consider this Samsung I7680.
Samsung I7680 (official version)
[Reference Price] 3958 yuan
Stylish Choice: Apple iPhone 4
The Apple iPhone 4 will soon be sold in Hong Kong, and the unlocked non-contract price is relatively affordable. China Unicom may introduce the iPhone 4 shortly thereafter, so the price of this phone continues to adjust. Although the locked version faces the dilemma of not being able to unlock for calls, with the efforts of online experts, a perfect solution will likely be introduced. Picture of Apple iPhone 4
The Apple iPhone 4 features an ultra-thin design with an extremely attractive appearance. Thanks to the latest technology, the gray market phone looks very stylish and beautiful, with a slim body and straight-line design that feels very tech-savvy. The front features a 3.5-inch Retina touch screen with a resolution reaching an astonishing 640x960 pixels, offering extremely clear and sharp visuals, with the high resolution bringing excellent visual effects. System-wise, the iPhone 4 uses the iOS 4 smart operating system, with extremely fast system response and the ability to download a vast amount of software for use. It is equipped with a 5-megapixel camera, offering high imaging quality. Simultaneously, the phone supports WCDMA networks and WIFI wireless internet access, featuring a three-dimensional gyroscope, truly embodying numerous accolades. Picture of Apple iPhone 4 Picture of Apple iPhone 4
Editor's Comment:
The popularity of the Apple iPhone 4 is unsurprising, but in terms of pricing, merchants, driven by profit motives, set very high and chaotic prices, creating a situation where the iPhone 4 is difficult for ordinary users to accept. Because the iPhone 4 is merely a common gray market phone, its appeal is simply due to its slightly higher price relative to China's consumption level, giving people a sense of bragging rights. However, the price has dropped nearly 10000 yuan, and the current cost-effectiveness is still quite good.
Locked Version 16GB Apple iPhone 4 (modified version)
[Reference Price] 5600 yuan
Conclusion:
Gray market phone products, and indeed all digital products, undoubtedly favor buying new over old. New products mean better designs, more user-friendly experiences, and higher technological content. However, blindly pursuing novelty requires paying a steep price, which most people earning limited incomes cannot accept. Among gray market phones, new products are certainly better, but to make purchases more rational, it is suggested to wait two months after a new product launch before buying. This way, the cost-effectiveness will be excellent, and one won't end up buying an innovative model. The gray market phones mentioned above, which have recently seen price drops nearing 1000 yuan, can serve as references. We hope everyone practices rational consumption, reading professional websites and relevant reviews thoroughly before purchasing a phone, ensuring confidence in your decision.