www.chinaphonearena.com

The only thing(s) that make me a clone fan are the interchangeability of batteries and/or cases.

Since an iPhone has a built in battery, if it is one with a removable battery, I would even settle for a "standard" battery interchangeability with a common brand (Samsung, Sony, etc) if it is that type of clone.

Of more importance is the availability of screen protectors (glass) and common cases.

One major failing of all "clone distributors" seems to be a concentration of their target market: scammers. I hate that. They spend a ton of time and effort to copy, for example, Apple or Samsung software (which stinks, compared to a clean Android system). I want a PHYSICAL device clone, not a bad software copy from crappy software to begin with. Touchwiz anyone? That does not add value to me, it takes it away.

Another problem is in the marketing. If you are selling "clones", the sellers MUST tell us if all cases/battery backs for model XXXX and/or batteries for model XXXX will work. Also, if marketing clones, it is just as important to disclose that batteries or cases of the original will not work nor fit on the clones that are being sold.

I think they have their place. I know I use them primarily as backups now. If my Samsung Note 3 dies while on a business trip, I always carry my cheapo HDC clone. I have it in a tiny padded compartment in my briefcase at all times. I know that the cases, external specific battery chargers, and batteries I have brought along for my trip will all work perfectly with the clone. Everything is synced with Google, so I have all my data. All of my required minimum apps are preloaded and updated once a month. I have an emergency device with which I can complete my business seamlessly without being sidetracked by device hunting and baseline setup in a strange city. Just throw it in the Note 3 case, turn it on, good to go with contacts, schedule, and everything else I need. I can hunt for a replacement device at my leisure.

As for an Apple clone, there is less utility to be sure, but I do like the form factor. Too bad I hate Apple's closed system and software in general - but yet, I still own one. Therefore, if you are going to make a clone of this device, a clean Android system is a huge plus as opposed to an Apple skin where half the icons don't work. Another huge plus that must be disclosed is the ability for all cases made for the original device to fit perfectly on the clone.

Lets face it, if cases and/or batteries cannot work in a "clone", then it is NOT a clone. It is nothing more than a poor copy... and I personally have no interest nor use in that.

I agree with some of what you say here @edcoolio , but not all of it. In my experience, 'clone' is just a generic term for a phone that is very similar to another. If using the term 1:1 clone/copy, then yes it should be an exact copy. Of course if you want to use the dictionary definition

Also, these branded phone manufacturers don't generally use the term 'clone' *or* 'copy'. It's picked up by reviewers and purchasers of the phone. I think looking at the phone and where the buttons are placed will show you whether cases will fit. Yes, enclosed batteries are another matter, but again the shop/brand isn't marketing this as a clone...So...

I do agree with you about the OS 'cloning'. This seems senseless to me. I've always preferred vanilla Android.

I don't really care if the phone is a clone or not. I certainly don't go seeking a phone that looks like another popular phone. All I care about is - is the price right? does it look at least decent? does it work well? is it physically well put together?

(2015-04-19, 14:03)Ninja^F.U.B.A.R. Wrote: [ -> ]I agree with some of what you say here @edcoolio , but not all of it. In my experience, 'clone' is just a generic term for a phone that is very similar to another. If using the term 1:1 clone/copy, then yes it should be an exact copy. Of course if you want to use the dictionary definition

Also, these branded phone manufacturers don't generally use the term 'clone' *or* 'copy'. It's picked up by reviewers and purchasers of the phone. I think looking at the phone and where the buttons are placed will show you whether cases will fit. Yes, enclosed batteries are another matter, but again the shop/brand isn't marketing this as a clone...So...

I do agree with you about the OS 'cloning'. This seems senseless to me. I've always preferred vanilla Android.

I don't really care if the phone is a clone or not. I certainly don't go seeking a phone that looks like another popular phone. All I care about is - is the price right? does it look at least decent? does it work well? is it physically well put together?

I get where your coming from.

I guess the bottom line for me, personally of course, is that I have no use for a clone/copy that gives no real benefits as I see them. These benefits are common cases, screen protection, and batteries to the real thing.

Basically, if they do not give me these benefits (or if the benefits are unknown), then I have absolutely no use whatsoever for a clone/copy. None.

It is difficult to see where anyone would buy one, other than for display purposes, fun, or the "me too" culture, without this extra benefit. For me, this is a disposable functional copy used for emergencies. I buy the real thing, then buy the clone for emergencies. It is only because of my specific use that I find them valuable. Valuable in their ability to be disposable, interestingly enough. Without this basic function, I would much rather buy an established and reliable China brand phone than a clone/copy any day of the week!

I am definitely understanding you. I'm just saying I wouldn't buy it for "me too". If it's a good phone at a good price, I'm not caring if it's a clone/copy or not. For sure, as you mentioned, if it fits a popular model's accessories, that's a nice bonus. I definitely wouldn't go for some unbranded, random copy. We see how much trouble those are.

1080p confirmed.

Okay. Added to specs.

I don't know why they feel its necessary to put 1080p on 5.5 phones. Adds big cost and load to the system. 720p looks great on 5.5. @wuddawaste . I think mlias m52 has the right idea.

the battery is a major problem. i bought a lenovo clone -- S960s -- and when the battery died i couldn't find a replacement anywhere. so the phone was junk.

(2015-04-22, 23:56)fieldinski Wrote: [ -> ]the battery is a major problem. i bought a lenovo clone -- S960s -- and when the battery died i couldn't find a replacement anywhere. so the phone was junk.

This is why we always buy branded phones. Any moderately popular, branded phone will have batteries available for it. Generic, random clones not so easy, or impossible as you mention.