Smartphones distributed by Chinese companies pose no specific security threats to ordinary consumers, according to a security expert, despite rising concerns about the same companies building network infrastructure.

Earlier this year Fairfax Media reported on government concerns about Chinese tech giant Huawei's role in building Australia's 5G mobile network. At the same time, the company is receiving widespread praise from reviewers for its new range of smartphones, including the P20 and P20 Pro.

Huawei's phones are not on sale in the US following warnings that may not be safe, while fellow Chinese tech company ZTE has also been in the news, as the US contemplates a ban on its products following its violation of trade sanctions with Iran and North Korea.

While these two companies have had a spotlight shone on them because of their high-level dealings with Western governments, they're certainly not the only globally popular Chinese smartphone brands. OnePlus is currently launching its much-anticipated OnePlus 6, Xiaomi sells a global version of its flagship Mi MIX 2 in Australia, and Oppo's R11s is a popular choice to bundle with low-cost plans at Optus and Vodafone. Huawei also sells phones under the brand name Honor in Europe, and says it's sold more than a million units of its new phone — the Honor 10 — worldwide after less than a month on the market.

The phones all boast a high level of performance and attractive designs, at comparable or much lower prices than other flagship phones. So, are smartphones from China-based companies safe to use?