Additionally, you have a contact person in case of warranty claims, who also offers a return address within the EU. Looking at the current Vivo X200 Ultra prices at Tradingshenzhen, I find it hard to recommend the European Vivo X200 Pro, which costs about €1,100 for the 16/512GB version on Amazon Germany, for example. Certainly, you’d get a worry-free package with global software and “European extras”, such as a 3-year warranty. However, those interested in the global Vivo X200 Pro can also import the smartphone from other countries via Tradingshenzhen, where the global 16/512GB model is in stock at an EU warehouse. But at €972, it’s slightly more expensive than the Vivo X200 Ultra from China.

Of course, importing or buying directly from China always comes with limitations and certain risks, which we have already outlined in the past. eSIM, for instance, is not supported, and I plan to use an eSIM adapter instead. However, Android Auto and cellular bands and frequencies are not an issue with Vivo, and both German and English are selectable as system language in OriginOS. Google services, banking apps and Google Pay should work as well. That said, getting WhatsApp notifications to work and decluttering the OS might take a few hours, but there are some decent tutorials for that. Considering the currently lower prices, maybe there’s an incentive to upgrade to the Vivo X200 Ultra after all, even without a personal visit to China.