Counterfeit mobile phone manufacturers imitate all facets of a branded phone’s appearance to make their products appear genuine. The phone’s outer shell and screen, the printed logos and branding, the packaging, and the included accessories can all be copied, making it difficult to identify whether a smartphone is fake or genuine.
Here are some quick guidelines to help you determine whether a smartphone is real or fake:
Familiarize yourself with specifications and features.
You should constantly be aware of the specifications and features of any smartphone, whether it’s an Apple iPhone or an Android device.Do some research, either online or offline, before purchasing the doubtful phone. Check out the phone’s specifications and features for that model on the official website. Examine the hardware, software, available colors, warranty, and other details.They can never match the Hardware and Software configuration of the Original Phone and this is where we have to focus to identify and spot a fake phone.
APPEARANCE
At first appearance, a fake phone may be mistaken for a real one. If you are able to view the product in person you may be able to notice a difference in weight, screen size, location of buttons and battery, quality of printing and paint finish, added or missing functions, quality control stickers and holograms and an overall lack of quality.
FEATURES
Fake phones may have features like two SIM cards, analog TV, and other things that are not present in authentic devices. Check that the authentic phone you want to purchase’s model number and technical features match those that are offered. The availability of colors, memory size, camera megapixels, screen quality, and operating system might potentially be counterfeit phone flaws. To be sure the phone is authentic, it’s crucial to compare technical specifications.
FUNCTIONALITY
Counterfeiters use cheap older generation chipsets, which may offer the same functionality as a genuine model but at far slower processing speeds.
Processing rates are frequently lot slower, operating systems lack functionality, and it’s possible that the phone won’t work with related software and applications.
AVAILABILITY
When an original model is out of stock or unavailable, counterfeit mobile phones frequently flood the market. When manufacturers and authorized dealers announce a model out of stock or unavailable, counterfeits frequently start to circulate through unregistered sellers and on auction websites. This is also common when a phone is not available in certain colors.
IMEI NUMBER
A serial number is used to identify every genuine mobile phone and identify it on a carrier network. The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number is what this number is known as. A phone’s IMEI number can be used to confirm the phone’s authenticity.
You can use this tool to verify the accuracy of a phone’s IMEI number as well as any information regarding the country of manufacture, the manufacturer, and the model type.
With the information above in mind, you are now prepared and safe against getting a counterfeit smartphone. The chances of encountering one are slim, but it’s always best to be prepared.