Should you import your next phone?

Thursday, 19 November 2009

HTC`s decision to launch the Hero and Tattoo exclusive to retail has reignited the import debate in the Australian Android community. We think that there are both positive and negative aspects to importing a mobile phone so we`ve done our best to help you make up your mind.

You should import it because you can`t get it here: New handsets are generally released in international markets before they`re available locally, so those who want the latest and greatest are forced to look elsewhere.

You should import it because nobody else will have it: If you go to the trouble of getting a brand new device shipped from another country, you can be sure that it is going to look great next to all of your friends’ phones.

You should import it because it will cost less: With the increasing value of the Australian dollar, savvy buyers are finding that they can buy the latest handsets and have them delivered to their door for a great deal less than they can buy it off the shelf here in Australia.

You shouldn`t import it because you have to pay upfront: The main benefit of purchasing a mobile through a phone contract is that the cost of the handset is subsidised and you pay for the handset in monthly instalments. If you`re buying overseas stock, you can’t buy it on contract and have to pay the full ticket price upfront.

You shouldn`t import it because you can`t get it fixed here: Unless the manufacturer provides an international warranty (and most don`t), you can`t have your new phone repaired under warranty in Australia. Yes, even if it looks identical to locally sold stock (and no, don`t try to trick the repair centre, they`ll know).

You shouldn`t import it because you need to send it back if it breaks: If you thought it took a long time to get your phone back from the local repair centre, just imagine how long it will take to get it back if you have to send it across the Pacific ocean.

You`re not sure because you heard about incompatible network frequencies: Yes, you need to find out if your imported phone will run on your chosen network. You should also be aware of the differing network types, such as GSM and CDMA. To find out if you can use the new phone, simply match the information from the manufacturers’ website with the information from the carriers’ website.

Finally, keep in mind that you will always pay a premium for cutting edge technology. If you can wait 6-12 months then you will avoid the early adopter tax and save yourself some money in the process. Of course, if you must import it now then do it safely: research your seller on the internet by checking consumer forums, emailing the seller with questions or even call them up using Skype. Above all, have fun and enjoy your new Android phone.

tags: android    import