I recently returned from a two-week journey in China, where I visited two cities, attended the launch of the Oppo Find X8 Ultra, and explored Huaqiangbei, known as the world's busiest tech market. While there, I stumbled upon some astonishing deals like $9 AirPods pro and a $12 Apple Watch Series 10.This trip allowed me to discover many smartphones that are not easily found outside of China. Brands such as Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo, and Vivo often do not sell their top models in Western markets. Rather, these devices cater primarily to local consumers.
Here are four Chinese smartphones that I believe should be available worldwide.
Huawei Pura X: A New Take on Flip Phones
The Huawei Pura X stands out as one of the most innovative phones I've seen recently. Launched just weeks ago, it redefines what flip phones can be. Unlike customary models like the Motorola Razr or Galaxy Z Flip 6 with large front screens that unfold into standard smartphone sizes, the Pura X takes a different route.
Its cover display is smaller at 3.5 inches but is designed for horizontal use with cameras placed separately from it. When opened up, you get a 6.3-inch screen that may be smaller than its competitors but is notably wider.Initially skeptical about its practicality before trying it out myself; I found this design ideal for watching movies or browsing social media.Although wider displays can feel less comfortable to hold for long periods, this phone uniquely combines features from both flip and book-style folding designs.
Oppo Find N5: The Slim folding Phone
I've previously reviewed the Oppo Find N5 and consider it my go-to folding phone despite its limited availability in China and Singapore onyl.
As one of the thinnest folding phones on the market today; it builds on OnePlus Open's success while adding several enhancements like a triple camera system (two lenses at 50MP), stylus support for both screens, and impressive water resistance ratings (IPX8/IPX9).
The main display measures an impressive 8.12 inches while housing powerful specs including a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor along with a robust battery capacity of 5,600 mAh supporting both wired (80W) and wireless charging (50W).
All these features fit into an incredibly slim body measuring just 4.21 mm when open and only slightly thicker when closed at 8.9 mm—over three millimeters thinner than Galaxy Z Fold 6 yet less than one millimeter thicker than iPhone 16 Pro Max or Galaxy S25 Ultra—showing you don’t have to sacrifice quality for portability in folding phones.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra: A Photographer’s Dream
switching gears from foldable devices brings us to non-folding options like Xiaomi's latest flagship—the Xiaomi 15 Ultra—a true powerhouse aimed at photography enthusiasts unveiled during MWC earlier this year.This model boasts five camera sensors including dual high-resolution lenses (50MP each), alongside specialized depth sensing technology plus telephoto capabilities featuring unique zoom options—one lens offers optical zoom up to three times while another provides an unusual four times through its periscope design!
A standout feature includes an optional photography kit transforming yoru phone into more traditional handheld camera gear complete with easy-to-use controls enhancing user experience considerably! While available across various countries including UK markets; unfortunately it's still absent within US borders!
Vivo X200 Pro: Affordable Excellence
next up is another strong contender—the Vivo X200 Pro—which will soon be joined by its sibling model—the Vivo X200 Ultra—but currently shines brightly among affordable alternatives without compromising quality!
It carries similar high-end specs featuring dual fifty-megapixel cameras paired together alongside an impressive two hundred-megapixel periscope lens offering unique focal lengths! Though my time spent testing hasn’t been extensive enough yet—I must mention how strikingly different its blue glass finish appears compared against typical smartphone designs thanks largely due wavy patterns underneath surface layer creating eye-catching aesthetics!
With rapid charging capabilities reaching ninety watts wired plus thirty watts wirelessly combined alongside substantial six thousand mAh Silicon Carbon battery—all priced around $880 after currency conversion—it presents excellent value proposition overall!
China showcases numerous remarkable gadgets worth exploring further beyond these four highlighted examples which truly stand apart amongst best-selling options available stateside! As I write this now en route between Shenzhen & Hong Kong—I’m blessed enough having all four devices right here beside me!
