How to distinguish original apple watches from fakes. We compared the Chinese iWatch and the original Apple Watch

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Not everyone can afford a brand new iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus. If you are one of them, but really want an iPhone (not necessarily latest model), it makes sense to buy it on the secondary market, that is, “used”. How to do this without consequences in the form of hardware and software faults read under the cut.

Buying a used iPhone. Seller's choice

If this is your first time buying a used product online, know that there are many times more scammers on the secondary market than honest sellers. Therefore, be careful when choosing a seller. Advice: don't trust anyone!

The model of a decent and sensible seller of a used iPhone looks something like this:

Doesn't hide his contact number phone.
Will not refuse a personal meeting.
Will not refuse to check the status of the phone.
Will not give away your iPhone at a price below average on the secondary market. Although you can always bargain on the spot.

Full set

Buy a used iPhone in the factory configuration and, if possible, with a receipt from the store. The latter will be needed when contacting the service. Apple support to regain control over, for example.

iPhone kit:

Smartphone.
Branded box with a barcode and information about the device (model, batch number, serial number and IMEI).
Charger.
USB cable.
Wired headset Apple EarPods with control buttons and microphone.
SIM card ejector.
Documentation.

It’s not critical if a used iPhone doesn’t come with a power supply, USB cable, headphones, paper clips and instructions. It is important to have the original box (for support).

Check that the data in the iPhone settings matches the original packaging

Check if the information on the box matches iPhone settings in the “General -> About this device” menu and on back cover device The following data must correspond:

Model. For example, ME305LL/A.
Serial number(not indicated on the back cover of the device).
IMEI. Compare the identifier indicated in the device information, on the box and on the SIM card tray.

If any of this data on the box, in the phone settings and on the SIM card tray differs, the device has been repaired. This can also be checked by serial number and IMEI.

Video on how to find the serial number

How to check if an iPhone is authentic by serial number

On a special page of the official Apple website (Check Your Service and Support Coverage), enter the iPhone serial number in the appropriate field.

If the device is original, the system will recognize its model and display information about the warranty status. It is important that the “Valid Purchase Date” field is checked - this confirms that the device is original and purchased from Apple.

If more than a year has passed since the purchase of the device, international guarantee Apple no longer applies to it. Information about this is in the lines: “Telephone Technical Support” ( Technical support by phone) and “Repairs and Service Coverage” warranty repair and service).

If needed more information, using the same serial number you can determine: the phone model, the country for which it was manufactured, the identifier and model number, the main technical characteristics ( clock frequency processor, screen resolution, case color, memory size), year and month of production, as well as manufacturer.

An example of checking my iPhone 5s by serial number:

Serial number: F18LND37FF9R
Nice Name: iPhone 5s (GSM/North America)
Machine Model: iPhone6.1
Family Name: A1533
Model Number: ME296
Group1: iPhone
Group2:
Generation:
CPU speed: 1.3MHz
Screen size: 4 inches
Screen resolution: 1136×640 pixels
Color: Space Gray
Production year: 2013
Production week: 45 (November)
Model introduced: 2013
Capacity: 16GB
Memory - flavour: xx
Factory: F1 (China, Zhengzhou - Foxconn).

This means that I have a 16 GB iPhone 5s, GSM model A1533 gray, produced at Foxconn's Zhengzhou plant in November 2013.

You can also identify the restored one by the serial number. iPhone manufacturer(Refurbished). For such devices, the serial number starts at “5K”.

To make it easier for you, I recorded a video on how to check the serial number of an iPhone:

How to check iPhone by IMEI

Comprehensive information about the iPhone (and not only) can be obtained using the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI - International Mobile Equipment Identity), for example.

The IMEI of an iPhone is engraved on its back cover and SIM card tray, indicated on the barcode label on the packaging and in “Settings -> General -> About this device”. In the "Phone" application, enter the combination " #06# " And iPhone IMEI will be displayed on the screen.

Short: If you have never owned an iPhone and cannot determine its originality by appearance, check the iPhone by serial number on the official Apple website and check the information in the device information and on its packaging. It's enough.

For reference: If in the iPhone settings in the device information there is no data in the lines “ Wi-Fi address", "Bluetooth" or "Modem firmware", this means that the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or modem modules are not working, respectively.

Checking a used iPhone for mechanical damage

Visually inspect the iPhone and check:

Condition of the case. It is desirable that the device is free of chips, scratches and dents.
Controls(Home and Power buttons, volume rocker, vibration mode switch). The buttons should work softly and silently, and should not stick or fall through. The device should respond instantly to button presses.
Did you understand the iPhone? Earpiece (next to front camera) must be covered with a mesh. The screw heads on the bottom side of the charging/sync connector must not be damaged.
Has it been renovated? Home button colors and protective glass, must be the same. The charging/sync port and headphone jack must match the color of the iPhone. Press on the screen, original Touchpad“does not float” (pressures leave no traces).
iPhone Neverlock (unlocked) or “locked”. Remove the SIM card tray; there should be no overlays for the SIM card (adapters for the Gevey or r-Sim hardware unlock). Insert your SIM card - connecting an “unlocked” iPhone to cellular network happens quickly.
Touchpad. Unlock your iPhone, press and hold your finger on the screen until the application icons begin to “dance”, and slowly drag any icon across the screen. It should not “come off” from the finger.
Speaker and microphone. Call someone, you and you should be clearly heard (sometimes this also depends on the quality of the connection).
Wi-Fi module. Turn on Wi-Fi and connect to wireless network, check your internet access in Safari. In the cold Wi-Fi module works properly - the breakdown appears after heating, so do not turn it off Wi-Fi still at least 5 minutes.
Camera and autofocus. Launch the Camera app, tap on the area of the screen to autofocus.
Proximity sensor. Call someone, during a conversation - cover with your finger top part screen to the right of conversational dynamics— the screen should go dark.
Accelerometer. Launch any standard application (Messages, Contacts, Calendar, Photos), rotate the iPhone - the screen should rotate with the device.
Headphones. Plug your headset into the headphone jack, launch the Music app, and play. Check volume control, track switch and playback controls.
Contact with water. Shine a flashlight into the headphone jack, if you find a red marker in it (moisture indicator), it means the device has been in contact with water.
External speakers. Turn on music playback, the sound should be clear, without wheezing.
Remove protective films, they hide scratches.

Checking iPhone lock using Apple ID

The originality, external condition and performance of a used iPhone are important, but even an original, fully functional and externally perfect device can be absolutely useless if it is blocked by activation lock ( Activation Lock). An iPhone with the “ ” function enabled cannot be

Innovative iWatch will cost the buyer a tidy sum, so when purchasing such a gadget second-hand or from unofficial representatives of the company, you may stumble upon:

stolen goods;
Chinese copy.

Therefore, buyers often face the question: how to check your watch Apple Watch ?

Original or copy: how to check your Apple Watch when purchasing

The easiest way to distinguish a Chinese copy, which unscrupulous sellers can pass off as original products. Official smart watch:

devoid of any connectors;
Magnetic induction technology is used for charging;
A slot for a SIM or SD card is an insult to the iWatch.

The products of the famous American brand look completely different: all the details, curves and pixels of the screen are where they should be. Chinese copies made very roughly: with unevenness and defects in both color and shape.

Even if the copies are externally indistinguishable from the original Apple Watch, which is almost impossible upon detailed examination, the internal content of the fakes will certainly put an end to this dispute. Instead of branded iOS with a great design and high-quality language translation, the copies use:

adapted Android version;
Chinese version unknown firmware.

In addition to the above information, it will be useful to read an article on the topic of the differences between ROSTEST and EUROTEST for Apple Watch at the link provided.

New or used

But if everything is clear about a counterfeit from China, and identifying it is not difficult, then how can you check a smart watch when buying it in a store or from your own hands? Even if you buy a completely new device, there is no guarantee that it is truly new.

The fact is that some Russian businessmen purchase original products not from Tim Cook’s company, but from third parties, from whom the stolen products are reflashed and resealed in the original packaging.

IMEI or serial number

You can find out the history of the origin of iWatch without leaving the store checkout. Just find the IMEI (in the settings or on the box) and check it on one of the official sites with databases about mobile devices Oh.

Such a site could be a resource:

https://checkcoverage.apple.com/ru/ru/ (official website of Apple).

You can find out about the activation status of the device by IMEI or by the serial number indicated on the packaging on the official website https://www.icloud.com/activationlock/. Apple check Watch by serial number will show information about the activation status:

not activated;
activated;
blocked.

You can also find out the exact date and time of blocking or activation of the gadget by the serial number. If instead of new iWatches the store tries to sell used ones, then:

On line with exact date the date of early activation of the device will appear.
If the watch is stolen, the activation status will indicate that the device is blocked. It is almost impossible to get around it on the last iOS versions, nor can you access the app store or log in through your profile.

Advantages and disadvantages of Chinese smartwatches compared to the original Apple Watch

Some very dubious advantages include:

Inexpensive cost of the gadget.
Ability to insert a SIM card and make calls directly from smart watch.
There is no need to worry about the safety of the gadget - you don’t mind breaking or losing it.

Such analogues undoubtedly have more disadvantages:

The body is cheap plastic.
The replica is much heavier than the original.
Straps chinese watches made of leatherette unlike real iWatch.
A fastener made of plastic or silumin quickly becomes unusable.
There is no protection against moisture and dust.
The screen simply shows no signs of life, completely ignoring the user's touch.
The service life of an outright fake rarely exceeds 10-12 months.

Apple Watch is the leader in the smartwatch market, as each gadget is distinguished by a premium level of quality. Therefore, even an inexperienced user can distinguish a fake from a genuine iWatch. When choosing such an accessory, you should not compromise in favor of low cost, because a Chinese replica will only bring disappointment.

How to distinguish an original iWatch from a fake?

Even a quick external inspection will allow you to find a number of differences that will leave no doubt that this is a fake:

Huge frames on the sides of the screen. The screen itself is too small and grainy, and most importantly, the connector for charging the micro-USB device on the side, which clearly gives off a fake. But the most annoying thing is that you have to swipe the screen several times to get the Touchpad to work, which is, frankly, annoying.
Chinese iWatch replicas are larger and thicker. Having put such a gadget on your hand, you immediately want to take it off. Fakes are frankly difficult, inconvenient and unpleasant to everyday use.
Chinese iWatches are designed to work autonomously from smartphones, so they have a SIM card slot. If you have an original iPhone + Apple Watch, then separate work hours is impossible.

Conclusions on how to check your Apple Watch when purchasing

Buying from official dealers, you don’t have to worry about the legal purity of your new smartwatch. When buying second hand, the likelihood of getting into trouble with the law when bundled with a new iWatch is much higher. Smart check apple watch Watch when buying second hand is no different from checking new ones, except that after the fraud is discovered, the seller will try to hide.

How to check the authenticity of an Apple Watch when purchasing?

4.7 (93.33%) 18 votes

What is a serial number?

The manufacturer assigns each released device a unique serial number, which encrypts all information about the device model, country, and release date. The serial number is unique for each device from the same manufacturer.

What is IMEI?

Mobile phones, in addition to the serial number, have a so-called IMEI code. IMEI is an international identifier unique to everyone mobile phone. IMEI is a generally accepted standard for all mobile devices, which is “sewn” into the phone during manufacturing at the factory. This is something like a serial number that is broadcast to the operator when authorizing the phone on the network. The IMEI code format is the same for all phones, regardless of manufacturer. IMEI code is also used to track and block stolen phones at the operator level cellular communications, which in the future does not allow the use of such a device in the network of this operator. However IMEI lock code from one operator does not prevent you from using it in other networks.

How can I find out the device serial number?

As a rule, the serial number is printed on the packaging and duplicated on the device body; in most cases, the serial number is accessible through the software shell.

How to find out the IMEI of a phone?

To check your phone's IMEI, dial *#06# and the call button on your phone. Phone IMEI looks like 15 digits digital code. IMEI code is duplicated under battery your phone, on the packaging and in the warranty card.

Why do I need this?

SNDeepInfo is the most affordable way find out all the information about the device before you pay money for it. Enter the device serial number or phone IMEI in the input field and get accurate information about the phone model. Apple users receive expanded information indicating physical and technical characteristics(device color, memory capacity, production date, firmware version when selling the device, unlocking and jailbreak methods).

What is this all for?

SNDeepInfo will protect you from purchasing fake device. If, when checking, the serial number is not in the system, think about whether you are buying counterfeit equipment.

SNDeepInfo protects you from buying stolen goods. Every user who has become a victim of theft or lost a device has the opportunity to leave it in the database IMEI number stolen phone or device serial number. Therefore, SNDeepInfo is not only a service IMEI checks and serial numbers, but also a database of stolen phones and devices.

SNDeepInfo helps you find stolen and lost items. Enter the code of the stolen phone or the serial number of the missing device into the IMEI database and increase the chances of finding the loss. If upon inspection the device is found to be listed as stolen, you can return it to its rightful owner and receive a reward if nominated by the owner.

SNDeepInfo is not just a database Phone IMEI and checking serial numbers, this is an in-depth quality check service for devices, a test for the integrity of sellers, and a search service for stolen phones and lost devices.

IN currently the service supports checking IMEI codes of all phones, including IMEI Apple iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X, as well as Samsung Galaxy S8, and Galaxy Note 8! It is planned to expand the service for checking device serial numbers for any electronic equipment.

if you love Apple technology(Apple), but you have a modest income, we can only sympathize with you, because even a smart watch from the Apple company will cost a tidy sum. For an i-Watch with the simplest strap you will have to pay at least 20,000 rubles.

However, if you purchase a device from an unofficial dealer in Russia or even a used one, you can save a lot. However, it is also possible to run into yourself. In this article, we will talk about how to distinguish counterfeit i-watches from real ones, as well as how to check an Apple Watch by IMEI or serial number.

So, if you want to save on buying Apple Watch, there are two ways - contact an unofficial seller or buy the device second-hand.

In the first case, you risk getting a fake. In the second, the main danger is activation blocking. However, if you are careful, you can avoid risks.

How to recognize a fake?

First, let's talk about how to recognize a fake. And, in fact, it is not difficult when we're talking about about Apple technology.

Greeted by clothes

The fact is that the Apple giant zealously monitors the quality of its products. And this applies not only to the design of the device itself, but also to the configuration and packaging.

That's why it's cheap Chinese fake It’s easy to “recognize” without even opening the box - if you see fuzzy or smeared letters on the packaging or some other defects, you have a bad copy. Even creases on the box should alert you, because to pack your Apple devices uses some kind of super thick cardboard with a special coating.

Although, to be honest, over “many years of training” China has learned to make good copies, and therefore the box of a fake may be no different from the original. Then we continue the inspection.

Face to Face

Open the box and take out the Apple Watch. We study carefully. Here, of course, the quality should also be at its best - if you notice a slight hint of wear or scratch, you can safely refuse the purchase. No, of course, defects do happen at Apple factories, but the quality service works great and will not let defects go on sale.

Does the watch look perfect? Then we inspect for “extra” parts. The fact is that China likes to show originality by adding non-existent elements to devices. For example, the Apple Watch does not have any connectors or slots, but such elements are often found on fakes.

Of course, it is best to have the original with you for comparison when examining a smartwatch, but we understand that in most cases this is not possible. Then we advise you to at least watch video reviews of the Apple Watch to get a detailed idea of what this device looks like.

Apple Watch on Android?

And finally, finishing touch- turn on Apple Watch. And here everything will definitely fall into place. No matter how perfectly they copy the appearance of a fake, install watch OS - operating system, developed by Apple specifically for its smartwatches - no one will be able to get a fake one on board.

Check by serial number or IMEI

However, someone might say that watch OS can be copied. Well, then the last and indisputable argument is to check the authenticity of the watch by serial number or IMEI. How to do it? Follow these instructions:

How to check if there is an activation lock?

It's hard to believe, but purchasing a fake is not as big a problem as buying an original Apple Watch with activation lock enabled. What kind of option is this and what are the risks?

Activation Lock is automatically enabled when you turn on “Find Apple Watch,” an option that allows you to set the lost or stolen device via iCloud.com to lost mode, block the device, and leave a message and contact information for the person who found/stolen the gadget.

Needless to say, this useful option Users usually turn it on, but, unfortunately, forget to turn it off when selling. What does this mean? The first time you reset data or restore/update the watch, you are asked for the Apple ID login and password of the previous user - this is how activation lock works. Without knowing the specified data, further use of the watch is not possible.

If you did not buy your smartphone or tablet from an authorized Apple reseller store, but, for example, from an advertisement site, such a check will be very useful for you for a number of reasons.

There are frequent cases of fraud in the secondary market, therefore, by checking the IMEI and serial number, you can find out exactly where the iPhone was purchased, find out the activation date, the remaining warranty (if any), find out whether the device in front of you is new and check its authenticity.

Let's take a closer look at each of these questions.

How to find out IMEI and serial number of iPhone?

The most reliable option is to look in the settings of the device itself. To do this, launch the “Settings” application, go to the “General” section and select “About this device”.

By clicking on it you will see all necessary information, including serial number and IMEI. For clarity, these points are circled in the screenshot. The whole sequence of actions is also valid for the iPad.

Similar data is indicated on the original box and the back panel of the device case. But, if we are talking about a used device, they could be replaced, but the system will provide 100% reliable information.

Another way - iTunes program. Launch it and connect the device to the computer using a cable. Click on the name of your gadget, and on the “Overview” tab, its serial number will be displayed:

Checking iPhone by IMEI

After you found out necessary information, you can run quick check devices using special service. Not all of them work correctly, therefore, we recommend using the proven iphoneimei.info

When you go to the site, you will see only one field in which you need to enter the received IMEI numbers. Just a few seconds and you get the necessary information:

As you can see from the screenshot, this way you can find out:

iPhone activation date
date and country of purchase
presence of binding to the operator.

Except third party service, similar data can be obtained on the Apple website. More on this later in the article.

Check by serial number

To check the warranty and get another one useful information, as they say, “first hand”, go to the Apple website using this link. A page will open in front of you that says “Checking your right to service and support” with a field in which you need to enter the equipment serial number, then the captcha, and click the “Continue” button.

As you can see in the screenshot above, this way you can quickly check Apple warranty, which is important if the seller assures you that it is still valid. This way you can see for yourself.