Versions and Google services

Most of what we sell was made for markets outside the UK. That's why these models are hard to find here — and it's why every listing states two things separately: the hardware region, and the software installed. They aren't always the same, and we'd rather you know exactly what you're buying.

Huawei

  • Hardware: Chinese-market units.
  • Software: HarmonyOS, as shipped by Huawei. We don't modify it.
  • Google: There is no Google Play on these devices, and we don't install it. Some Google apps can be used in other ways; some can't. If you rely on a specific app — banking, in particular — ask us before you buy and we'll tell you what we know, or say that we don't know.
  • Language and region: English is available in the system settings. [Other notes as tested: keyboard, app store (AppGallery), region-locked services.]

Samsung

  • Hardware: [region not verified per unit — stated on each listing where known].
  • Software: Most Samsung units we sell run Korean firmware, installed by us before dispatch, so that Google services work. This is the state the device is sold in, it's shown on the listing, and it's covered by our warranty as delivered — we don't treat our own firmware as a modification. Sealed units keep the firmware they shipped with.
  • Google Play: tested on every unit and shown on the listing as Works, Not available or Not tested.
  • What Korean firmware changes: [TO CONFIRM after testing — typically: software updates come from Samsung Korea; Samsung Wallet/Pay availability; the camera shutter sound may be fixed on; some regional apps preinstalled.] We list what we've checked on each unit; we don't guess.

What we test, per unit

On every used Samsung unit: Google Play. Where we've also tested Google Wallet, banking apps, Android Auto, over-the-air updates, or UK network bands and VoLTE, the result is on the listing. Where we haven't, the listing says Not tested rather than implying it works.

UK networks and eSIM

Every listing says whether the model works on UK 4G and 5G, checked against the bands used by EE, O2, Vodafone and Three. Most of the phones we sell support the main UK bands; where a model is missing one that matters for coverage (for example band 20 or band 28, used for rural and indoor signal), the listing says so instead of hiding it in a spec sheet. VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling are listed as tested.

eSIM: it depends on the model. Older Chinese-market phones take physical SIM cards only (usually two); some newer ones support eSIM as well. The listing states which for every model. If your UK plan is eSIM-only and the model has no eSIM, ask your carrier for a physical SIM before the phone arrives.

Your rights

A device sold as described isn't faulty because it lacks something the listing told you it lacks. But if a listing says something works and it doesn't, that's on us — see Returns & refunds.