Buzz
Illegally cloned smartphones can closely resemble genuine ones, making it difficult to distinguish them initially. This guide will help you determine whether your iPhone or Android device is genuine or a convincing replica.
Steps to Follow
Distinguishing a Counterfeit iPhone
Verify the details on the packaging. When you receive a new iPhone in its original packaging, check for the model number, serial number, and IMEI on the box. Ensure that these match the information found in the Settings app under General > About. If there are discrepancies, it's possible that your phone is a clone.
Authenticate the serial number at https://checkcoverage.apple.com. Inputting your iPhone's serial number into Apple's warranty status website should reveal details like the model, warranty coverage, support status, and other pertinent information. If you encounter a message stating 'We're sorry, but this serial number is not valid,' your iPhone is likely counterfeit.
- You can locate your iPhone's serial number in the Settings app under General > About.
Verify the IMEI number at https://www.imeipro.info/. Every phone possesses a unique IMEI number. Checking this number against a database will provide detailed information about the device. If the IMEI number reveals details about a different model, it indicates a counterfeit device.
- To find the IMEI, dial *#06# on the keypad or inspect the SIM tray.
Inspect for a memory card slot. Authentic Apple iPhones do not feature memory card slots. If your device accommodates any size memory card, it's likely an Android device modified to resemble an iPhone.
Examine the Apple logo on the rear of the iPhone. Genuine iPhones bear an Apple logo on their rear surfaces. An authentic Apple logo should not be raised or textured. If running your finger over the logo feels distinct from other areas on the back of the iPhone, the device is likely not genuine.
Compare the device to a confirmed iPhone of the same model. Place both devices side-by-side and ensure they share identical dimensions. Also, verify the alignment of each edge. For newer models with notches, ensure the notches are aligned in the same manner on both devices. If your device differs from the confirmed genuine iPhone, it is not authentic.
- You can also compare your device to an image of a genuine iPhone from Apple's website. Visit https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201296 to access a comprehensive list.
Inspect for default Apple applications. Genuine iPhones are equipped with certain pre-installed apps such as App Store, Settings, Compass, and Safari. If you notice a Play Store app on your iPhone, it's a clear indication that you're using an Android device disguised as an iPhone.
- Check the Settings app for standard iPhone features like Control Center, Siri & Search, and iTunes & App Store.
- All iPhones are equipped with the Safari web browser. Absence of Safari indicates the device is not an iPhone.
Identifying a Counterfeit Android
Compare the phone to a verified Android of the same model. Place both devices side-by-side and ensure they share identical dimensions. Additionally, verify consistency across all edges. While some models may vary in color, all other specifications should match precisely.
- If you don't have access to an Android device, search the internet for an image of an authentic model matching yours.
Authenticate the materials used in manufacturing the device. Visit the website of the phone's manufacturer and locate information regarding the materials used in its construction. The listed materials should align with those of your device.
- For instance, if the manufacturer specifies a glass screen and your device features a plastic screen, it indicates a counterfeit device.
Verify the IMEI number at http://www.imeipro.info. Every phone possesses a unique IMEI number. Entering this number into a database will provide detailed information about the device. If the IMEI number yields information about a different model, it signifies a counterfeit device.
- To locate the IMEI, dial *#06# on the keypad or inspect beneath the battery.
Utilize a third-party benchmarking application such as AnTuTu Benchmark. This application conducts various tests on your Android device and provides detailed specifications. If the specifications and model displayed differ from what is expected, it indicates that your device is not genuine. AnTuTu can be downloaded for free from the Play Store.
