Since it is illegal to sell fake smartphones that look like the original models, these devices are perfectly created and it is for this reason that being able to spot counterfeit ones becomes extremely difficult. This article explains how to find out if an iPhone or Android device is genuine or just a well-executed fake.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: iPhone
Step 1. Check the technical specifications on the device packaging
If the iPhone is sold with all the original packaging, some information should be on the packaging: model number, serial number and IMEI. These three codes should match those listed on the page Info section General of the app Settings. If these specifications do not match, it is possible that the smartphone is not an original iPhone.
Step 2. Verify the serial number by visiting the following site
Enter your iPhone serial number on the page Check coverage of the official Apple website dedicated to checking the warranty status of the iOS device. By entering the requested data, some information relating to the smartphone should appear: model, warranty validity, technical support status and other data. If a message appears stating that the serial number entered is invalid, it means that your iPhone is not genuine.
You can find an iPhone's serial number by launching the app Settingsby selecting the item General and choosing the option Info.
Step 3. Check the IMEI number by visiting the website
Each mobile or smartphone is associated with a unique identification number called IMEI. By searching the database with the IMEI code, some information about the device will be displayed. If the search shows different information related to the model of the device that the IMEI is associated with, it means that your iPhone is a fake.
To find the IMEI of your iPhone, type the following code * # 06 # after starting the app Phone or check the slot where the SIM card is installed.
Step 4. Check if your device has a slot for installing an SD card
There is no iPhone model on the market that provides for the installation of an additional memory card. If your smartphone has a slot for installing an SD card of any size, it most likely is an Android device that has been aesthetically disguised to look identical to an iPhone.
Step 5. Check for the Apple logo on the back of the device
All iPhones have the Apple logo clearly visible in the center of the back side. The original Apple logo should not appear embossed or rough to the touch. If you swipe your finger over the Apple logo printed on the back of your iPhone and feel a difference from when you swipe it elsewhere on the device's exterior, it means it's not a genuine iOS device.
Step 6. Compare your iOS smartphone to an iPhone of the same model with proven authenticity
Place them side by side and carefully check them down to the smallest detail making sure they are the same size and weight. If you have an iPhone model where the screen occupies the entire top edge of the device, you may have noticed that there is a recess at the top. If so, make sure this recess is identical and in the same position on both devices. If your iPhone looks different than the reference one, it means it's a fake.
To perform this visual comparison you can also use one of the images published directly on the Apple website. Visit this URL https://support.apple.com/it-it/HT201296 to view the complete list of all iPhones on the market
Step 7. Look for the default Apple apps installed on all iPhones
All iOS devices are sold with a certain number of applications produced by Apple: the App Store, the app Settings, the app Compass and the internet browser Safari. If Google is present instead of the App Store Play Store it means that your device is not an iPhone but an Android smartphone disguised as an iPhone.
- Check the app Settings to verify that it has the standard sections that can be found in all original iPhones, such as voice Control center, Siri Search And iTunes Store and App Store.
- All iPhones on the market use the default internet browser Safari. If your device doesn't have Safari, it means it's not an iPhone.
Method 2 of 2: Android
Step 1. Compare the physical appearance of your device with an Android smartphone of the same model
Place them side by side and carefully examine them in every detail to make sure they are the same size. Many models of Android devices are produced in different colors, but the dimensions remain the same.
If you are unable to retrieve an Android smartphone of the same model as the one in your possession, search the web for authentic images of the original device
Step 2. Check the materials used to build your smartphone
Visit the website of the company that produced it, then look for the page that details the materials that were used for production. The materials indicated should correspond to those with which your Android smartphone was built.
For example, if it is indicated that the screen of the device is protected by a layer of glass, while your smartphone adopts a simple transparent plastic protection it means that it is not authentic
Step 3. Check the IMEI number by visiting the website
Each mobile or smartphone is associated with a unique identification number called IMEI. By searching the database with the IMEI code, some information about the device will be displayed. If the search shows different information related to the model of the device the IMEI is associated with, it means that your smartphone is not genuine.
To find the IMEI of your smartphone, type the following code * # 06 # after starting the app Phone, or check inside the compartment where the battery is installed.
Step 4. Run a benchmark using a third party application such as AnTuTu Benchmark
This type of application performs different types of tests and checks by displaying the information and specifications detected on the Android device. If the information detected is different from the technical specifications that the device should have, it means that it is a fake. You can download the AnTuTu app for free directly from the Play Store.
