Poll: Have you ever imported a phone?

There’s a good chance that your country of residence offers a slew of smartphones from numerous companies. However, it’s likely that not all brands are represented. Perhaps that brand hasn’t launched there yet or has departed the region entirely. Even if they do sell products, it’s possible that not all configs or colorways are on offer.

It’s an inevitable problem, but one that could be solved relatively easily if you’ve considered importing your smartphones.

While import regulations differ from country to country, it’s a valid way to gain a product not available in your region. It also allows fans of a specific brand to obtain the latest device that might be exclusive to a specific region. If you really want that transparent collector’s edition gaming phone, or that limited-edition 18GB RAM model, this might be one way to snag it.

But is it worth it? Region-specific tariffs and trade disputes usually make importing a device more expensive than buying the closest locally-available equivalent. Some countries put steep premiums on imports to encourage local purchases. Importing a device from a company that doesn’t have local representation could be a nightmare for warranty claims, too. This is important considering that imports may take months to arrive at your door in some cases.

With all this in mind, we want to know your thoughts and experiences. Have you ever imported a phone before? Which device or brand was it from? And if you have, would you do it again? Be sure to vote in our poll above, and do be sure to drop your anecdotes down below.