Checking Out the IPhone Clones

What gadget-minded guy or gal isn't attracted to the iPod plus cell phone combination dubbed the iPhone? As someone who normally thinks of a cell phone as only something to make phone calls with, even I had to take a closer look. I also took a look at the iPhone price and the ATT service and data plan prices that would be required for 24 months to get the phone price down to an acceptable level. The resulting numbers would have been fine for purchasing a used car but I couldn't justify it for making occasional phone calls.

Along come the iPhone clones

China has demonstrated an outstanding ability to copy and mass produce popular products. They also have 2 of the largest cell phone production facilities in the world. My trusty old Motorola V3 was made in China as are most cell phones.

The last year or two has seen a growth in popularity of what are termed iPhone clones. In fact, only the appearance is cloned. The operating system is not the same proprietary system that is used in the original iPhone. There are numerous differences in various features but the lower price makes the clone versions very attractive.

The major players in the clone arena are the SciPhone and CECT brands. Both brands feature iPhone copies for under $100 including shipping from Hong Kong or China. The most prominent models are the i68 and i9 models which have subtle differences and can be obtained for about $80 new on Ebay. There are also additional models that expand the available features of the original phones. Allow about 2 weeks for shipping unless you pay for expedited shipping.

Getting to know your clone

These phones are unlocked and can work on any GSM network in the US or overseas with the appropriate SIM card. Being GSM, you just put your AT&T or T-Mobile SIM from your old phone and you are in business. Verizon uses CDMA technology and will not work with GSM phones.

The phones will work fine as they come, but a Micro-SD card of 2GB or more is needed to put video, music, apps, and other files on. Loading multimedia files into the phones is identical to copying files from your computer disk drive to a USB memory stick. The phone is connected to the computer USB port with a data cable. The Windows Explorer program will show the Micro-SD card in the phone as an additional drive plus the memory in the phone itself will show as yet another disk drive. Files can be moved from your main disk drive into the phone memory as needed.

The user manuals or quick-start guides are lacking in detail regarding specifics on how to do many things. Many web sites to assist users with getting the most from their phones have appeared and the SciPhone Forums would be a good starting point for information on various models. These informational sites are invaluable when you have problems or questions regarding your phone.

As a final note, these make great phone calls too.