Parallel Importer recent user experiences?

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NedLudd

38 posts

Geek

#223693 13-Oct-2017 06:26

Hello,

Firstly, if this is not the best forum category for this question, I welcome it to be moved.

I searched, but could not find a recent suitable thread on which to ask.

Can anyone offer recent experiences, preferably positive, but also cautionary, of known

NZ parallel importers offering mobile devices?

I am especially interested to hear any recent experiences of using 'supero.co.nz' please.

coffeebaron

6231 posts

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#1882745 13-Oct-2017 07:21

Big issue with imports is 4G. Lots of different frequency bands support or not. Also carrier aggregation may not work. Some will still only support 3G band 900 or 850 but not both.
For basic calling etc, then usually you'll be fine.

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tehgerbil

1102 posts

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#1882813 13-Oct-2017 09:17

A long while ago I bought a parallel import Samsung Galaxy S.

It came preloaded with Chinese applications I could not uninstall and the Software update functionality said it wasn't a genuine Samsung OS so refused to update the OS.

I eventually won a refund from the seller (with a restocking fee..) as none of this was mentioned when I bought it, I wasn't happy with the chinese apps as I had no idea what access they had to my data etc.

I ended up spending the extra $150 to get a genuine device from Noel Leeming. This was from eKing.co.nz, who have now gone under.

And more recently a couple years ago a work mate bought the original Galaxy Edge parallel import and again it had Chinese Apps built in he couldn't remove and also said it wasn't genuine when he opened up Software update. I told him not to buy it and he immediately regretted it.

Anecdotally, even saving money on buying cheaper phones from PBTech etc comes with many risks, dotted across even Geekzone typically involving the warranty, claiming water damage etc and being assessed 'in house' repair agent rather than going to the genuine repair agent.

In short YMMV but be wary. If you're saving money, it's likely to cost you at some point.

shk292

2853 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#1882814 13-Oct-2017 09:28

The key thing is to do your research; ensure you know the exact model you're buying and how this is compatible in NZ. You can usually find out which models support which frequency bands and compare this to NZ's bands.

I've had positive experiences, most recently with a Xperia M4 Aqua from parallel imported - fully compatible with all NZ networks and the dual-SIM version for less than best price available on single-SIM official import.

djtOtago

1149 posts

Uber Geek

#1882815 13-Oct-2017 09:29

Give them a ring and talk to them.
Oh wait you can't.
There is no contact phone number on their web site.

Nothing worrying about that at all.

Malboo

57 posts

Master Geek

#1905914 22-Nov-2017 18:31

Just used CoolMobile -Auckland for Samsung Note 8 x 2 ordered Sunday arrived all sealed boxes Tuesday so far no problems with any of them

dickytim

2514 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#1906111 23-Nov-2017 07:09

ask yourself if it is worth the risk for a saving of $100 - $150 on a $1000 item?

If there is a problem are you willing to let them sort it out without the support of the manufacturer?

CGA is only any good if the company you are dealing with is still around...