Made in China: These three words are ubiquitous, but also quite controversial. Pick up anything mass-produced these days—whether it’s clothing, toys, or technology—and you’re likely to find this phrase emblazoned on a label or plastic backing.
In the smartphone world, devices made by Chinese brands have long been viewed as a curiosity – lesser-known phones with impressive specs but often unavailable in Western markets.
However, while it’s still very difficult to get Chinese phones in the U.S., companies like Xiaomi and Oppo have made strides in entering or returning to local smartphone markets in the U.K., Australia and continental Europe.
For example, Oppo recently came with OPPO Find X8 Proan impressive device that works with Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro With its dazzling screen and superior photography capabilities.
Xiaomi also offers a variety of high-end devices. our list The best Xiaomi phone The current upper limit is Xiaomi Mi 14 Ultra Commemorative Editionwhich lives up to its name, with a ridiculous quad-camera system centered around a 1-inch sensor.
At the start of China’s smartphone boom, the inspiration for these high-spec devices was obvious. Manufacturers such as Huawei and OnePlus have all been related to production─How should I put it? – A soulful interpretation of a more popular flagship product.
For example, Huawei Mate 20 ProReleased in 2018, design and software inspired by iPhone XSwhile in 2020 OnePlus 8T and Samsung Galaxy S20.
This has proven to be a sustainable and lucrative business practice, as these Chinese brands are often able to undercut their competitors at considerable margins, offering consumers iPhones and Samsung-Offer competitive products at more affordable prices. For the most part, this sentiment remains true for the mid-range models offered by these companies.
However, as the smartphone industry shifts toward tiered flagship series, China’s premium handset makers appear to have a different priority: outpacing Western rivals.
Better product, higher price
For example, the Xiaomi Mi 14 Ultra retails for £1,299 (approximately $1,650), which is even more than the world’s most expensive phablet, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which starts at $1,299 / £1,249 / AU$2,199.
While other brands aren’t pushing the envelope quite as much as Xiaomi, phones like the Oppo Find X8 Pro (£1,050 / AU$1,799) Honor Magic 6 Pro (£1,099) Still close to or exceeding the price of high-end flagships apple, Googleand Samsung.
The way China’s flagship challengers operate has changed: previously these companies sought to offer comparable performance at a cheaper price, now they focus on delivering better performance at a higher price.
Also keep in mind that we haven’t seen the rumored Oppo Find X8 Ultra Surface yet, which will undoubtedly cost more than the Pro version.
Likewise, while available globally one plus 12 indeed beyond iphone 16, Samsung Galaxy S24and Google Pixel 9 In many specs, it’s priced to match them too, at $799/£849 – while last year’s one plus 11 Particularly cheap at $699 / £729 / AU$1,199.
That said, the way China’s flagship challengers operate has changed: previously these companies sought to offer comparable performance at a cheaper price, now they’re focused on delivering better performance at a higher price.
Of course, companies like Xiaomi, OnePlus and Honor have every right to change their strategies in this way. After all, they are producing high-quality equipment. But the fact remains that from a consumer perspective, the days of buying flagship phones at mid-range prices may be coming to an end.
So if you’re looking for a capable phone, don’t mind using Android, and aren’t particularly loyal to the big brands, it might be wise to buy a capable Chinese phone before the de facto discounts disappear entirely.
More about the latest smartphones from around the world, including tri-fold smartphones Huawei Mate XT – Be sure to check out our Telephone Coverage. For specific recommendations on the best Chinese phones, we’ve got you covered with our list The best Xiaomi phone, The best Honor phoneand The best OnePlus phone.