Can you bring devices overseas as a gift?

So buying phones in North America is a lot cheaper than in china, so a friend requested our family to bring over 10 iPhones. Is it allowed? I've heard of a person who stuffed their pockets with phones and had them taken away and fined, so I'm a little worried.

Oh you can bring them but you will have to pay duty (tax) on them, especially with 10 phones.
You can try hiding them to avoid paying duty but if caught you are looking at either a fine, confiscation or both.

Can you JUSTIFY WHY you're carrying 10 phones? No, you can't.

Yes it is. Just pack them in the suit case I have taken phones to China.

They are allowed. They may also be subject to import taxes.
You show them and the Customs Officer will decide if there's a charge and what it might be.

Their main concern is you are trying to sell them.

Trying to hide them can result in forfeiture a fine and being sent back.

Yes. I travel with 2 computers & phones. But 10? You may need pay import tax. Also American cell phones do not work in China. Phones are cheaper to buy in China than America. So why do they want them? Sounds like a black market deal. As they need reworked to work there. Unless quad chanel phones. Something is not right here on this deal. Or your friends don't know phones. Want a American phone for show of. Or are into something illegal there.