Last week we saw the OnePlus 5 announced after a lot of teasing from the fledgling Chinese company. We have seen many reviews of it already and the general consensus is that this is a great phone at decent value — for those who can buy it. For us Aussies it isn’t as hard as it once was to purchase a phone that has not been released here.
There are a multitude of grey-market importers vying for a chance to earn our dollars, as well as buying the official route and using a mail forwarding service. We’ve shot out a few emails and scoured the known reputable importers for those who will be selling the OnePlus 5 when it goes in sale in just over 24 hours time.
First just a quick reminder of the OnePlus 5 and it’s specs:
| Key Specifications: | OnePlus 5 |
|---|---|
| Release date |
|
| Screen size | 5.5-inch |
| Screen technology | Optic AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1,920 x 1,080 |
| PPI | 401 |
| Rear camera | Dual 16MP + 20MP Telephoto |
| Front camera | 16MP |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 835 |
| Core config | — |
| RAM |
|
| Storage |
|
| MicroSD | No |
| Battery | 3,300 mAh |
| Battery removable | — |
| Connector | USB C |
| Headphone Port | Yes |
| Headphone Location | Bottom |
| Speaker Configuration | — |
| NFC | Yes |
| Android OS | Android 7.1 |
| Vendor skin | OxygenOS |
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 74.7 x 7.25 mm |
| Weight | 153g |
| Colours |
|
OnePlus + Mail Forwarder
Firstly you could always get your OnePlus 5 directly from OnePlus themselves. There are a variety of mail forwarders who want to help you with this. Our favourite here at Ausdroid is Comgateway.
This will set you back $479US for the 6GB/64GB version and $539US for the 8GB/128GB version. Add in postage from OnePlus to your mail forwarder of choice and then postage from there. Most mail forwarders will set you back around $50US to post a phone to you (along with any accessories you decide to purchase at the same time). All up you are looking at around $550US ($715AU) for the baby version and $610US ($795AU) for the higher specced version.
What about warranty though I hear you ask? Well, if you have any issues with your OnePlus 5 you will need to send it back to OnePlus and then pay for the mail forwarder again on the way back. Risky, and expensive.
Grey Market Importers
Many of us have used grey market importers, some with varying success and when buying through a non-official supply line we always recommend caution. We try to steer you clear of any dodgy ones and everyone’s experience will vary but we cannot be held responsible for any issues you may have. We suggest you ask them about warranty etc before purchasing your item. Many of these importers will handle your warranty themselves through a local repairer which may or may not be a good thing. As always, buyer beware.
Without further adieu, here is a list of grey market importers who responded to us or have it on their website who was have heard some good things about — not taking into account the shipping charges. All prices are in Aussie dollars.
| 6GB/64GB | 8GB/128GB | |
|---|---|---|
| GearBest | $761 | $926 |
| Banggood | $772 | $880 |
| Expansys | $740 | — |
| eGlobal | $709 | $809 |
| DWI | $749 | $859 |
| OPPOMART | $519US | $619US |
Some of these websites have free shipping, some have local warranty and some do not. It is best you weigh up all these when purchasing your OnePlus 5. You need to determine which things you are happy to compromise on.
This but a small sample of the number of grey market importers. More will be joining the fray in the coming weeks, chasing your dollars so if you can wait the prices will improve. Let us know below in the comments who you will be using to buy yours. Have you used any of these importers in the past? What has been your experience? Is there anyone we missed?
Note: The links to GearBest and BangGood are affiliate links which help to support the running of Ausdroid. You pay no extra, and the retailers sling us a dollar or two for the link.
