Three Shanzhai phones later, the GURU's final verdict is...?

Well, all three Shanzhai phones have made it safely (except the 8800, I have a pending ticket for a return), and I decided I'd wrap up the Trilogy of the Shanzhai phones, as I am NOT buying another.

I will begin with the K66. The K66 has been a VERY pleasent surprise. It looks unlike anything else, and while I'm usually not a fan of chrome, the K66 just looks awesome. Sound quality/quall quality were also very damned good. Not to mention the Dual-SIM/Dual-Standby function, which is nearly nonexistent in regular phones. The K66, for less than CAN$50, was downright a deal. I wrote a review for FP, praising this one, rightfully so.

Now... the N9-00. A dumbphone with fairly sizeable touch screen. Resistive touchscreen. Whatever. Sounds good to me. Actually a very operatable phone and 3/4 of the time, I could get away with not using the stylus, but it is mandatory when typing text. Again, one that does not pick up the network. I'll bring it to the shop I went today to get their opinion, but if this is another phone that doesn't pick up the network even with a Rogers SIM, I will be really mad. I really hope this one can be salvaged.

Last, the "Designer's 8800". A worthless 8800 clone. The phone works as it is supposed to, but it did NOT pick up the F'N network even with a valid Rogers SIM, which circumvents the suspected issue of FIDO SIM not roaming on Rogers. I've opened a ticket about sending it back, perhaps I just got a bad one. If the second one has any problems.....................................................

Bottom line is, I'd recommend extreme caution when buying Shanzhai phones. Out of three, two have problems, and only one works properly.

However... give praise where praise is due, the K66 is DAMN good. It does not do video capture, but other than than, I'd definitively recommend the K66 for GSM users.

I will do a triple-header review to wrap up the trilogy soon.