Buzz
1. Why is checking for an international iPhone crucial?
Recently, the market has seen a surge in fake locked iPhones posing as international versions with the support of SIM interposers. When faking an international iPhone, these interposers are directly embedded inside the device, making it challenging for buyers to distinguish with the naked eye.
Typically, the cost of imported iPhones is lower than the official ones due to the absence of VAT charges. Apple, the American technology giant, guarantees hardware products like iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV, or HomePod. Product defects in materials and workmanship under normal conditions are covered by Apple's one-year warranty from the purchase date. Different countries worldwide may have variations in bundled accessories, screen quality, or some additional features like sound enhancements during photography.
2. 4 foolproof ways to accurately identify an international iPhone
2.1. Check the part number on the back
To distinguish between international and locked iPhones, start by checking the part number on the back of the device. This number corresponds to the IMEI, a crucial factor for users. The IMEI helps users determine the origin, age, and legality of the iPhone. It typically consists of a 15-digit sequence in the format NN-XXXXYY-ZZZZZZ-A.
You can look up IMEI prefixes for different countries online. Note that if your IMEI contains 00, 80, 81 (Chinese prefixes), there's no need to worry. These are just assembly parts, while Apple handles the design and components, which are from Japan.
2.2. Insert a SIM card for testing
Inserting a SIM card is an easy way to identify international and locked (network-locked) iPhones. Simply use a SIM card from any carrier and insert it into the device. If the SIM receives the network signal and allows outgoing calls, it's an international iPhone. If calls cannot be made, then it's a locked version.
2.3. Contact Apple's customer care hotline
Directly contacting Apple's customer care hotline will reveal the iPhone's current version. Note that you need to schedule an appointment in advance, as Apple doesn't have a permanent customer support center, relying on distributors for services. Recently, Apple has added a customer support section in Vietnamese on their website.
2.4. Check in the SIM section in phone settings
To distinguish between international and locked iPhones, the final step is to check the SIM section in phone settings. If the displayed name matches the carrier name of the inserted SIM (such as Viettel, Mobifone, etc.), then the iPhone is temporarily safe. Conversely, if it doesn't match, it's a locked iPhone.
You can perform an additional check by going to Settings -> Phone. If the network matches, you can be reassured.
3. In addition to knowing how to identify international iPhones, here are other important considerations you shouldn't overlook
Checking the IMEI is one of the first things you should do to gather basic information about activation date and warranty expiration. Users need to compare the IMEI on the back of the device with the one inside to check for consistency.
Checking the warranty period is the foundation to help users verify the device's warranty and reflects its durability. External inspection involves meticulously examining the outside of the device with the naked eye to see if it has been perfectly reassembled. If screws show signs of scratches, it indicates the device has been disassembled for repairs.
Next, users should also examine hardware components such as the battery, screen, speakers, sound, Wifi, SIM, touch, and check for authentic tech accessories. Additionally, a crucial step is to verify the Apple ID and iCloud account on the phone.
Hopefully, with the mentioned methods for identifying international iPhones, you will have the knowledge to recognize and choose a product that suits your preferences.
