Anyone with any experience with Chinese Vivo phones in New Zealand - specifically the 100X Ultra and 200X Ultra?

Forums › Android › Anyone with any experience with Chinese Vivo phones in New Zealand - specifically the 100X Ultra and 200X Ultra?

Dave2ic

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#319861 9-Jun-2025 10:34

I'm really keen on the Vivo 200X Ultra with its camera system. It has a large ultra-wide sensor, and the main camera is a more normal 35mm focal length - both of which appeal to me and are rare to find on any phone, even other flagships.

Vivo only have the 200X Pro as a global variant, so if I want the Ultra I'll have to import it. It doesn't look like there are any grey market importers offering the 200X Ultra in New Zealand, so it looks like I'd have to resort to Ali Express to purchase.

It looks like this is possible, with certain caveats listed on the sellers stores that don't look like they are deal-breakers to me. It doesn't support:

Esim
Android Auto
Google assistant

It does support:

OTA Update
Google Play Store

It also states there are some Chinese apps related to system that you can't delete - I don't know if they a obtrusive in any way or can be safely ignore without bothering you?

The main 4G/5G bands seem to be covered, so I don't think coverage should be a problem.

Of course there will be GST to pay at the border - I'm not sure how much of a hassle that is.

I'd appreciate feedback from anyone who has imported Chinese phones in New Zealand.

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BDFL - Memuneh
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Geekzone

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#3382000 9-Jun-2025 10:48

In addition to 4G/5G connectivity, make sure the phone supports VoLTE, otherwise there will be no voice calls over the mobile network once 3G is shutdown.

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Asteros

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#3382077 9-Jun-2025 12:14

I don’t think it’s worth the risk. Let someone else confirm that Volte works in NZ first otherwise you can’t make calls from 2026 onwards. 5g probably doesn’t work, Voice over wifi probably won’t work either. It’s not like the old days where you could look up the network frequencies and assume compatibility.

mrgsm021

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#3382108 9-Jun-2025 13:25

Personally, I wouldn't buy any Chinese phones that have China only version and have no separate global version available.

Dave2ic

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#3382112 9-Jun-2025 13:55

Thanks for the warnings about VoLTE. I couldn't find anything definitive online, so I asked ChatGTP, and AI seems to echo your cautionary responses so not really worth taking the risk:

Yes, the Vivo X200 Ultra does support VoLTE, including dual‑SIM VoLTE functionality.

The phone supports LTE bands 3 (1800 MHz) and 28 (700 MHz), which are commonly used by NZ carriers such as Spark, Vodafone, and 2degrees.
It also supports VoLTE on those bands, so in theory it should work seamlessly on NZ 4G networks with voice over LTE.

However, there are some real-world caveats for Chinese models:

One user reported calling/text/data issues when using a Chinese‑ROM Vivo X200 outside China. They “suffer a problem of losing signal to cell towers so that I can't receive calls, texts and use mobile data occasionally” in New Zealand.
That same user mentioned manually switching to 3G made the phone stable, but VoLTE and full 4G reliability were hit or miss.

Asteros

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#3382128 9-Jun-2025 15:23

VoLTE requires the manufacturer to program in the VoLTE profile for each individual network. Once 3G is shut down at the end of 25 then this issue will come to the fore for people with parallel imported handsets sold in NZ or foreign phones brought to NZ.

Dave2ic

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#3383092 12-Jun-2025 10:43

Asteros:

VoLTE requires the manufacturer to program in the VoLTE profile for each individual network. Once 3G is shut down at the end of 25 then this issue will come to the fore for people with parallel imported handsets sold in NZ or foreign phones brought to NZ.

Interesting. Do you think this could be an issue with my current Pixel 8 Pro then?

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nztim

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#3383094 12-Jun-2025 10:51

Dave2ic:

Asteros:

VoLTE requires the manufacturer to program in the VoLTE profile for each individual network. Once 3G is shut down at the end of 25 then this issue will come to the fore for people with parallel imported handsets sold in NZ or foreign phones brought to NZ.

Interesting. Do you think this could be an issue with my current Pixel 8 Pro then?

Option 1 - Text 3G to 550, this is a horribly inaccurate as all it does it test your registered SIM card against a list of known supported phones
Option 2 - Hotspot your phone to your laptop, get a constant ping running to 8.8.8.8 (ping -t 8.8.8.8) while doing this Make a voice call (or call your phone) and see if the ping drops for 2 or so pings, if it does then your phone is dropping to 3G
Option 3 - download an app called itest which is in the apple/play store (costs about $2) this will test VoLTE with your current Carrier

Any views expressed on these forums are my own and don't necessarily reflect those of my employer.

StructureDr

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#3401668 11-Aug-2025 12:58

I've had X100 Ultra for about 8 months.

Photos are superb - a clear step up from wife's Iphone 16 Pro. They often look more like photos from a decent camera rather than a phone.

Android auto works seamlessly - I believe this was added after original release (but before I got the phone). No issues at all with it. Google pay has worked fine for me as well (ASB/Kiwibank/Wise)

I've managed to get things like Google circle to search working using guides online and a few other apps (Vivid NG is one - forget which other ones).

Esim is not built in - I got a 9Esim physical sim that provides Esim functionality. Worked great on recent overseas trip, and lives in the phone permanently with Skinny sim in the other slot (some suggestion online that only works with 9Esim in 'slot 1' - which is where I have it - but haven't confirmed if reversing causes an issue.

The only major(ish) thing that doesn't work is Google location history.

As for VoLTE - guess time will tell. I got the phone second hand for about a grand, so can always look at other options if it becomes an issue. Text and calls have worked fine so far.

---------------
Edit - just checked using VoLTE Check and got indication that all is well using VoLTE on Skinny 🤞

inspectaclueso

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#3410894 3-Sep-2025 19:15

Probably a bit late to the thread but I just took a punt and imported a CN version Vivo X200 Pro.

Came with Google Play preinstalled so wasn't an issue installing all the Google apps easily. When I first tried to connect Android Auto to the car it said I needed to download a couple extra Google apps which it did and seems to be working well. Appears Hey Google is not supported on the device.

Most Chinese apps can be uninstalled directly without the use of ADB etc. I was unable to disable/uninstall the factory dialer and contacts apps however you can change the defaults to the Google ones. I was able to uninstall the default Browser.

There are only a few traces of Chinese language remaining... such as if you use the built in clock/weather widget, the widget is in English but when you click on more weather details there is some Chinese. I've uninstalled it and installed a different app. Changing wallpapers etc. appears to require the Themes app which has Chinese and in order to set a schedule to turn off notifications etc. at bed time you require the health app which is a pain as I would uninstall it otherwise.

To install Widgets you need to go Origin Kits which displays some Chinese Widgets which I'm not sure can be removed. If you click on the camera mode explanation/tutorial that displays in Chinese. Other than that I haven't noticed much else in the short time I've had it.

Calls and messages work fine and RCS chat set itself up when I installed Google Messages. Google wallet works.

There is a setting to enable VoLTE HD call which was on already and there is a Wi-Fi calling setting.

Overall it is how I imagined it would be and I haven't discovered any deal breakers... certainly couldn't justify the additional $800-$1000 for the global (FunTouchOS) version.

Dave2ic

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#3411093 4-Sep-2025 14:47

Not late at all - given that I had put on hold the idea of importing a Vivo X200 Ultra due to uncertainties over VoLTE support anyway. I figured I'd wait until after the 3G shutdown before considering this, which Spark have deferred until the end of March now.

nztim above had a post which gave some options you could try to verify VoLTE support, if you care to try and report back as a 'public service' 😁:

Option 1 - Text 3G to 550, this is a horribly inaccurate as all it does it test your registered SIM card against a list of known supported phones
Option 2 - Hotspot your phone to your laptop, get a constant ping running to 8.8.8.8 (ping -t 8.8.8.8) while doing this Make a voice call (or call your phone) and see if the ping drops for 2 or so pings, if it does then your phone is dropping to 3G
Option 3 - download an app called itest which is in the apple/play store (costs about $2) this will test VoLTE with your current Carrier

Where did you purchase you Vivo from, and how was the purchasing experience and delivery time? I was looking as purchasing from wondamobile.com but would be interested in your experience.

inspectaclueso

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#3411265 4-Sep-2025 15:59

Okay, I've done three tests.

I texted 3G to 550. Screenshot of reply attached.
I ran a continuous ping to 8.8.8.8 and called the phone. Didn't observe any interruption. Screenshot attached.
Installed a few free Android apps for testing VoLTE. First one (VoLTE Check-Know VoLTE Status) confirmed VoLTE was active on the phone but then said the device and network didn't support VoLTE? The second app (VoLTE Plus :Check VoLTE Status) passed all three tests. Active, device, network. The third app (5G / 4G Volte Testing) also showed a pass. Screenshot attached.

Going off that, I'm reasonably comfortable that I shouldn't run into any problems but I guess we'll see :)

I ended up ordering from TradingShenzen. They were a bit more expensive than AliExpress however they guaranteed no customs/GST fees. This meant they would end up cheaper than AliExpress if that order got pinged at customs. Plus, I appreciated the added service they provided with the compatibility checker on their website and tutorial video they provide (https://tradingshenzhen.com/en/content/origin-os-vivo-devices-best-settings-1-hack) showing tips and tricks to debloat and best configure OriginOS. They shipped in about 2 days and it arrived in a week. They used 4PX logistics who I think partner with various express air-shippers. Communication was good and on the couple of times I've contacted them both pre and post ordering, they've replied in a few hours.

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Thorak

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#3411266 4-Sep-2025 16:02

Dave2ic:

Not late at all - given that I had put on hold the idea of importing a Vivo X200 Ultra due to uncertainties over VoLTE support anyway. I figured I'd wait until after the 3G shutdown before considering this, which Spark have deferred until the end of March now.

nztim above had a post which gave some options you could try to verify VoLTE support, if you care to try and report back as a 'public service' 😁:

Option 1 - Text 3G to 550, this is a horribly inaccurate as all it does it test your registered SIM card against a list of known supported phones
Option 2 - Hotspot your phone to your laptop, get a constant ping running to 8.8.8.8 (ping -t 8.8.8.8) while doing this Make a voice call (or call your phone) and see if the ping drops for 2 or so pings, if it does then your phone is dropping to 3G
Option 3 - download an app called itest which is in the apple/play store (costs about $2) this will test VoLTE with your current Carrier
Where did you purchase you Vivo from, and how was the purchasing experience and delivery time? I was looking as purchasing from wondamobile.com but would be interested in your experience.

I have the Vivo X200 Ultra, purchased from Wonda, they were great to deal with. I did a bank transfer to get the discount, funds were on their end immediately and phone was sent out that day, took less than a week to get to me. Amazing phone, haven't had any issues at all, everything works as per normal Android phone (apart from WearOS and Google TimeLine). The Camera melts every available phone (bar the Oppo Find X8 Ultra). Beast of a phone. You will not regret it. There is a pinned post on the Vivo sub on reddit explaining how to set the phone up properly to ensure no delayed notifications etc.

Dave2ic

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#3411269 4-Sep-2025 16:08

Thorak:

I have the Vivo X200 Ultra, purchased from Wonda, they were great to deal with. I did a bank transfer to get the discount, funds were on their end immediately and phone was sent out that day, took less than a week to get to me. Amazing phone, haven't had any issues at all, everything works as per normal Android phone (apart from WearOS and Google TimeLine). The Camera melts every available phone (bar the Oppo Find X8 Ultra). Beast of a phone. You will not regret it. There is a pinned post on the Vivo sub on reddit explaining how to set the phone up properly to ensure no delayed notifications etc.

Thank you so much!

Dave2ic

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#3411270 4-Sep-2025 16:16

inspectaclueso:

Okay, I've done three tests.

I texted 3G to 550. Screenshot of reply attached.
I ran a continuous ping to 8.8.8.8 and called the phone. Didn't observe any interruption. Screenshot attached.
Installed a few free Android apps for testing VoLTE. First one (VoLTE Check-Know VoLTE Status) confirmed VoLTE was active on the phone but then said the device and network didn't support VoLTE? The second app (VoLTE Plus :Check VoLTE Status) passed all three tests. Active, device, network. The third app (5G / 4G Volte Testing) also showed a pass. Screenshot attached.

Going off that, I'm reasonably comfortable that I shouldn't run into any problems but I guess we'll see :)

I ended up ordering from TradingShenzen. They were a bit more expensive than AliExpress however they guaranteed no customs/GST fees. This meant they would end up cheaper than AliExpress if that order got pinged at customs. Plus, I appreciated the added service they provided with the compatibility checker on their website and tutorial video they provide (https://tradingshenzhen.com/en/content/origin-os-vivo-devices-best-settings-1-hack) showing tips and tricks to debloat and best configure OriginOS. They shipped in about 2 days and it arrived in a week. They used 4PX logistics who I think partner with various express air-shippers. Communication was good and on the couple of times I've contacted them both pre and post ordering, they've replied in a few hours.

Thank you so much for all your testing! It looks like I shouldn't have any concerns about waiting for the 3G shutdown then.

TradingShenzen was the other online retailer I was considering purchasing from. When I last looked I think Wonda Mobile pricing might have worked out a little better if you use their bank transfer discount, but it's good hear from you and the post from Thorak a few minutes ago that both companies seem to be very good to deal with.

inspectaclueso

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#3411272 4-Sep-2025 16:25

No problem.

And yes, the camera is next level. Particularly the telephoto lens for both macro and far away shots plus low light photography is impressive.

I got tired of my son banging on about how much better the iPhone cameras were when comparing to a $350 Android 🤣

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