[Review] HiPhone - A clone worth its name

Tangmu · 02-11-2008

Hi everyone!

This is my review of the recently released iPhone clone called "HiPhone". Up to this date it is the only clone that doesn't have to be ashamed of its name and this guide will show you why.

Part One: Unboxing the phone

Part Two: A closer look at the OS

Part Three: Memos and Messaging

Part Four: Multimedia (MP3 and Videos)

(P.S. Please don't PM me on this topic. You will be getting a detailed review soon and if there are questions left after that you can still post them.)

Recent updates:

2008/02/24 (00:03 GMT+1): "Part Four: Multimedia (MP3 and Videos)" is up on YouTube.
2008/02/21 (20:01 GMT+1): "Part Three: Memos and Messaging" is up on YouTube.
2008/02/20 (01:04 GMT+1): "Part Two: A closer look at the OS" is up on YouTube.
2008/02/19 (19:12 GMT+1): "Part One: Unboxing the phone" is up on YouTube.

sere83 · 02-11-2008

hmmm, would like to read your review but the link does not work.

toma · 02-11-2008

Originally Posted by sere83

hmmm, would like to read your review but the link does not work.

the review will be here (on this page) but on the 02/14

swiltse · 02-12-2008

Originally Posted by Tangmu

I had some problems with the version send from China which wasn't the HiPhone I was looking for (another clone; ChinaiPhonelove ). New phone from U.K. just arrived and is the right model.

This is exactly why I won't be getting a HiPhone. There are just too many clones, that seem so similar. Many online stores claim to offer this phone, but in photos and screenshots, and videos, they differ.

SteveMB93 · 02-12-2008

I'm looking forward to your review. Too bad this thing doesn't have WI-FI, it would be comparable to some of the mid range phones.

black_wing_angel · 02-13-2008

Originally Posted by SteveMB93

I'm looking forward to your review. Too bad this thing doesn't have WI-FI, it would be comparable to some of the mid range phones.

If you are talking about the I32 (aka Hiphone), you are right, it doesn't have wi-fi but if you are talking about the T32 then you are wrong it coming with wi-fi and a GPS built-in but it ain't out yet...

Here are the specs:
http://www.digitalplayworld.co.uk/fr...ile-p-172.html

iversonjack · 02-13-2008

Oh man, those specs are amazing black_wing_angel...

SteveMB93 · 02-14-2008

That thing looks nice! Too bad it only supports up to 2GB. Do you know when it will be released? Thanks

coentre · 02-14-2008

The Boxu T32 looks very nice and has all I want.

All but availability and decent reputation of the manufacturer.
If the price is right is might be someting to take a chance with.

I can renew my contract at this point, but I am waiting to see this thing online anywhere.

Hope thequality is good.

DimaMP4 · 02-14-2008

Eh, the site says that the price is expected to be £250, isn't that $500? which is the price of an 16GB iPhone. If anyone is thinking about getting that clone instead of a 16GB iPhone, needs to think again. imo

toma · 02-14-2008

the review, the review, the review :D

edit : yeaaaah top page for this usefull post

SteveMB93 · 02-14-2008

Originally Posted by DimaMP4

Eh, the site says that the price is expected to be £250, isn't that $500? which is the price of an 16GB iPhone. If anyone is thinking about getting that clone instead of a 16GB iPhone, needs to think again. imo

Yeah I saw the price for $500 and was hoping it's an error.

mcanka · 02-15-2008

So where is the Review ??? :D

Tangmu · 02-15-2008

It's coming your way... Sit back and relax. Check again this evening.

kadajawi · 02-15-2008

Originally Posted by SteveMB93

Yeah I saw the price for $500 and was hoping it's an error.

Hm, still expensive, and you must consider that at least in Germany you can't get it for that price. You will have to sign a very expensive contract at the same time, I think its around 1200 € for the 2 years, at least. You may still unlock the phone after that, but what for? You still have to pay. In America of course it is a bit different, as you can buy without signing the phone contract.

thestrangestick · 02-15-2008

Originally Posted by DimaMP4

Eh, the site says that the price is expected to be £250, isn't that $500? which is the price of an 16GB iPhone. If anyone is thinking about getting that clone instead of a 16GB iPhone, needs to think again. imo

$500? I would very much like to know where you can buy an iPhone for that much: I'll buy it straight away. Where?

SteveMB93 · 02-15-2008

Originally Posted by kadajawi

Hm, still expensive, and you must consider that at least in Germany you can't get it for that price. You will have to sign a very expensive contract at the same time, I think its around 1200 € for the 2 years, at least. You may still unlock the phone after that, but what for? You still have to pay. In America of course it is a bit different, as you can buy without signing the phone contract.

I was talking about the T32.

Russarch · 02-15-2008

Originally Posted by SteveMB93

I was talking about the T32.

£250/$500 is Crazy money for the T32 in my opinion - although im pretty sure u'll be able to pick it up for about £200/$400 (which is still pretty expensive)

What im thinking of doing is.....

Waiting for the T32 to get a public release.....

Hopefully when this happens the price of the HiPhone will drop a little ( as the price of the P168 did when the P168+ was released - there are several other comparisons i could mention)

then i'm gonna pick up the HiPhone for a good price to keep me going till the M8 comes out....
....because i badly need a good phone plus i wanna get used to all this new-fangled touch screen stuff

Regards

Russ

sere83 · 02-15-2008

hmm, I spose it depends how much money you have, personally i'm just gonna wiat till cebit for the M8 to show and hopefully we will get more info on a release. From the videos I've have watched the UI on the hiphone looks badly implemented and slow IMO and is very clone like, although saying that looks better than all other clones to date. The T32 is more promising with WinMo6 and touch flo but again no wifi or decent screen res when your paying that much is definitely not worth it IMO, also considering the fact it is a clone and the build quality is probably not that great. Think of all the other smartphones you could get for that price as well!

Russarch · 02-15-2008

Who said the T32 wont have Wi-Fi ? - Just curious ?

Regards