TL;DR
A Wired roundup highlights seven standout phones that aren’t officially available in the United States, including models from Honor, Xiaomi and Nubia. The piece tests these handsets and outlines practical import considerations such as cellular band support, customs charges and Google services availability.
What happened
Wired published an updated guide (Jan 2026) listing seven smartphones that aren’t sold through official U.S. channels but are available in markets such as the UK and Europe. The story surveys flagship and niche devices — including Honor’s Magic 8 Pro and Magic V5 and Xiaomi’s 15 Ultra — and explains why some manufacturers avoid the U.S. market (regulatory bans or strategic focus where Apple is less dominant). The reporter tests phones as daily drivers, stressing performance, cameras and battery life, and comparing photos on calibrated displays. The update adds recommendations for Honor, Xiaomi, Fairphone and Nubia, notes options from Oppo, Nothing and others, and includes a new how-we-test section. The article also advises prospective importers to verify supported cellular bands, factor in customs fees, and beware that China-specific models sometimes ship without Google services; Huawei’s recent devices run HarmonyOS, which diverged from Android over time.
Why it matters
- These non-U.S. models can offer advanced camera systems, long update promises and design features not found in the U.S. market.
- Importing a phone can lead to limited carrier compatibility if a model lacks the LTE/5G bands used by your U.S. operator.
- China-only builds may omit Google Play and related services or include alternative app stores, affecting app compatibility.
- Software-update commitments vary by maker and model; some vendors in the guide promise multi-year OS and security support.
Key facts
- Honor Magic 8 Pro: 6.71-inch 120 Hz LTPO OLED, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 12 GB RAM, 512 GB storage, 6,270 mAh battery; camera system includes a 50 MP main, 50 MP ultrawide, 200 MP telephoto with 3.7x optical zoom, and a 50 MP selfie; listed price £1,099; Honor promises seven years of software updates.
- Xiaomi 15 Ultra: 6.73-inch 120 Hz LTPO OLED, Snapdragon 8 Elite, options for 12 GB or 16 GB RAM and up to 1 TB storage, 5,410 mAh battery; quad-camera array with 50 MP primary, 50 MP ultrawide, 50 MP 3x telephoto and 200 MP periscope 4.3x telephoto; pricing shown around $799–$897; Xiaomi commits to four Android upgrades and six years of security patches.
- Honor Magic V5 (foldable): external 6.43-inch and internal 7.95-inch 120 Hz LTPO panels, Snapdragon 8 Elite, up to 16 GB RAM, 5,690 mAh battery; camera suite includes 50 MP main and a 64 MP 3x telephoto; offered with four Android upgrades and five years of security updates; prices shown about $1,539–$1,649.
- The roundup also highlights gaming and niche phones such as the Nubia Redmagic 11 Pro and adds recommendations from Fairphone, Oppo, Nothing and Nubia in the Jan 2026 update.
- Reasons these phones don’t reach the U.S. include regulatory restrictions on some Chinese brands and strategic decisions to focus on markets where Apple’s dominance is weaker.
- Import warnings: check a model’s supported frequency bands against your carrier before buying; missing bands can reduce speeds or force fallback to older networks.
- Customs duties and import fees can significantly raise the effective cost of an imported handset; buyers should research taxes and shipping terms.
- Some China-market devices ship without Google services; workarounds exist in some cases but can be inconsistent and may break compatibility with apps like Android Auto.
- Huawei’s newer phones run HarmonyOS, which started from Android’s open-source base but has evolved into a separate ecosystem where Android apps are not supported in the same way.
What to watch next
- The imminent launch of Xiaomi’s 16 Ultra, noted in the guide as arriving soon.
- Whether any of these manufacturers change distribution strategies and begin official U.S. sales: not confirmed in the source.
- Regulatory or carrier developments that could improve cross-border band compatibility for imported models: not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- LTPO: A display technology that allows variable refresh rates to save power by dynamically adjusting how often the screen updates.
- Periscope telephoto: A camera design using folded optics to achieve higher optical zoom levels in a thin smartphone body.
- HarmonyOS: An operating system developed by Huawei that originated from Android’s open-source elements but has since evolved into a distinct platform.
- 5G/LTE bands: Specific radio frequency ranges carriers use to provide cellular service; device support for particular bands affects compatibility and speeds.
- Android Open Source Project (AOSP): The open-source codebase for Android that manufacturers can use as the foundation for their own operating systems or forks.
Reader FAQ
Can I use these phones on U.S. carriers?
Possibly, but coverage depends on whether the model supports the specific LTE and 5G bands used by your carrier; the guide recommends checking band compatibility with the manufacturer and carrier.
Will imported China-only models have Google Play and Google services?
China-market phones often ship without Google services and may use alternative app stores; in some cases users can add Google services but experiences vary.
Are there extra costs when importing a phone?
Yes — customs duties and import fees can add materially to the purchase price; the guide advises researching potential charges before buying.
How does Wired test these phones?
The reviewer uses each device as a daily driver for at least a week, runs demanding games, records high-resolution video, tests calls and audio, and compares photos on a color-accurate display.
SIMON HILL GEAR JAN 14, 2026 5:00 AM The Best Phones You Can’t Buy in the US Wondering what you’re missing out on? Here are our favorite smartphones that aren’t…
Sources
- 7 Best Phones You Can’t Buy in the US (2026), Tested and Reviewed
- Best Phones in 2026 | Top-Rated Smartphones and …
- Bored with smartphones? These 5 upcoming flagships …
- 13 Best Smartphones of 2026, Lab-Tested and Reviewed
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