Mumbai, May 27: Some of the most exciting smartphones globally are not available for purchase in the United States. While Americans engage in debates over iPhone versus Pixel, a different tier of smartphones is thriving in China, Europe, and parts of Asia, making current devices seem ordinary.
These smartphones push the boundaries of cameras, displays, and designs beyond what is found in local carrier stores. However, acquiring them isn’t straightforward.
To clarify, this list does not include upcoming models or those that may eventually launch in the US. These are phones available for purchase right now, but not in the US. Some are restricted due to trade regulations, while others were never introduced because manufacturers deemed the market unworthy. A few exist in a legal grey area, complicating imports. Regardless of the reasons, these devices are impressive.
If you’re curious about what the rest of the world is using or if you’re already searching for import guides, here’s what you’re missing.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra
Display: 6.9-inch LTPO OLED, 2608×1200, 3,500 nits peak, 120Hz Chip: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Cameras: 50MP main (1-inch Leica sensor, f/1.7) + 50MP ultrawide + 200MP periscope telephoto Battery: 6,000mAh — 90W wired, 50W wireless Durability: IP66/IP68/IP69
Xiaomi’s collaboration with Leica shines in the 17 Ultra. The main camera features a one-inch sensor, and it has been hailed as one of the most ambitious smartphones of the year. Its Leica Essential mode restores emotion to photos, pulling back highlights and allowing shadows to breathe, resulting in images that feel more authentic.
The battery is the largest in any Xiaomi Ultra device to date, and the phone boasts impressive dust and water resistance. It starts at around €1,249 in Europe.
Oppo Find X9 Ultra
Display: 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED, 3168×1440, 144Hz Chip: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Cameras: 200MP main (Hasselblad) + 200MP periscope telephoto + 50MP secondary telephoto + 50MP ultrawide Battery: 7,050mAh — 100W SuperVOOC wired, 50W AirVOOC wireless Durability: IP66/IP68/IP69
The Find X9 Ultra is Oppo’s most powerful phone, featuring an impressive camera setup. With two 200-megapixel sensors and a 50-megapixel ultrawide, it competes directly with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra.
The Hasselblad tuning offers a more natural image quality, differing from Samsung or Google’s processing. Starting at Rs 169,999 in India, or about $1,776, it’s a premium device.
Vivo X300 Ultra
Display: 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED, 1440p, 144Hz, Dolby Vision, Zeiss Master Color Chip: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Cameras: 200MP main (Sony LYTIA 901 sensor) + 200MP periscope telephoto + 50MP ultrawide Battery: 6,600mAh — 100W wired, 40W wireless Durability: IP68/IP69
Vivo continues to impress with the X300 Ultra, although this year’s upgrades feel incremental. The “Raw Lighting” mode reduces computational processing, resulting in images that resemble those from a professional camera.
The main camera utilizes a Sony LYTIA 901 sensor, with Zeiss managing color calibration. The 6,600mAh battery and 100W wired charging power the device, available from around €1,999.
Huawei Pura 90 Pro Max
Display: 6.9-inch LTPO OLED, 1.5K, 120Hz, Kunlun Glass Chip: Kirin 9030S Cameras: 50MP main (RYYB sensor, f/1.4–f/4.0 variable aperture) + 200MP periscope telephoto + 40MP ultrawide Battery: 6,000mAh — 100W wired Durability: IP68/IP69
Huawei faces challenges in the US market due to trade restrictions. However, the Pura 90 Pro Max’s camera system is noteworthy, featuring a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera and a variable aperture for enhanced depth of field control.
While it offers a refined experience, it falls slightly short in display quality and performance compared to competitors. Priced around $1,199, it’s the most affordable option on this list, if imported.
Huawei Pura X Max
Display: 7.7-inch inner OLED (4:3 ratio) + 5.4-inch outer display, 120Hz Chip: Kirin 9030 Pro Cameras: 50MP main with variable aperture + 50MP periscope telephoto + 12.5MP ultrawide Battery: 5300mAh — 66W wired Build: 5.2mm thin unfolded, 11.2mm folded, 229g Durability: IP58/IP59
The Pura X Max features a unique horizontal foldable design, making it more suitable for video watching and multitasking. Despite its large displays, it remains lightweight and thin.
Similar Google services limitations apply as with the Pura 90 Pro Max, but its innovative design sets it apart.
Honor Magic V6
Display: 7.95-inch inner LTPO 2.0 AMOLED, 2172×2352, 120Hz + 6.52-inch outer AMOLED Chip: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Cameras: 50MP main + 64MP periscope telephoto + 50MP ultrawide Battery: 6,660mAh (global) or 7,150mAh (China) — 80W wired, 66W wireless Durability: IP68/IP69
The Magic V6 shows significant advancements in foldable technology, featuring a shallow crease and a robust design. It is the first foldable to achieve both IP68 and IP69 ratings, alleviating concerns about water exposure.
The camera experience is exceptional, with a 50MP main sensor capturing detailed images, even after cropping.
What You Should Know Before Importing
Importing these smartphones is feasible but can be complex. Researching band compatibility is crucial, as not all models support the same 5G and LTE frequencies in the US. Huawei devices require workarounds for Google services, and warranty support is limited. If you’ve ever felt limited by your carrier’s offerings, now you know there’s a lot more available—just not in the US.
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