Original iPhone and fake. How to distinguish an original iPhone from a fake - the official method
Interested in how to distinguish an original iPhone 6 from a fake? In this article you will learn about this, but about everything in order.
At iPhone release 6, many American lovers of the Apple brand immediately went to stores to buy the new product, although the difference with the same iPhone 5S is not so significant. Thus, the cheapest iPhone 6 in the US with 16 GB on board is available for $649, and versions with 64 GB and 128 GB can be purchased for $749 and $849, respectively. For them, this money is a trifle, but not for the majority of our citizens (especially since when they enter our communication stores, the price tag increases by about another 20%). Let us note that in the USA it is possible to purchase a device linked to an operator for just a couple of hundred dollars, but we are left in the cold.
Not every person is able to buy an iPhone 6, but many people like Apple technology, and this is where demand creates supply - the Chinese come onto the scene with their fakes. The mixture of strong desire and lack of money clouds the minds of some people so much that they forget about unscrupulous sellers.
Real and fake iPhones
Low price should be alarming
Too attractive iPhone cost 6 is the first sign of a fake. No one will sell you an original device for pennies. Think about it: if you bought an iPhone 6, say, for $649, would you sell it several times cheaper? We think the answer is obvious.
If the phone is used, then you should definitely ask the seller the reason for the sale, how long it was in use, whether there are documents or defects. Feel free to ask questions.
What should be in the iPhone 6 box and its appearance
Before you begin inspecting the device, pay attention to the box and its contents. Unscrupulous manufacturers and sellers very often “burn” on the following point: on the side of the package it should simply say “iPhone”, but not “iPhone 6”.
In addition to the device itself, the box should contain:
- Headphones
- Lightning cable
- Charger
- Two stickers with Apple logo
- Documentation
- SIM slot opener
If the equipment is different from that described above and/or the quality of the materials is suspicious, then this is a fake. If the kit is incomplete, be sure to find out from the seller what this is connected with.
Visual features
On back side the original device contains inscriptions "iPhone, Designed by Apple in California, Assembled in China", as well as the model number and certification marks. If something else is added to this set, then congratulations - you managed to distinguish Chinese iPhone from the present.
Note that the assembly Apple technology It is produced exclusively in China, but the quality of workmanship cannot be put on the same level as Chinese copies.
The back cover of the iPhone 6 cannot be removed without first unscrewing the screws, so if you are able to remove it, then this means that this is a fake. Also, in the original device there should not be a front camera eye above the microphone outline.
The iPhone 6 does not have the following features that are inherent in Chinese iPhones: the device does not have external antenna, it does not have a slot for a memory card, there is only one slot for a SIM card, it cannot be charged from a USB or mini-USB connector (Lightning only).
Checking the serial number
When purchasing, be sure to check the serial number of the device. To do this, you will need to have another device with you that has access to the Internet. Next, in the purchased smartphone, we follow the path: "Settings" – "Basic" – "About this device" – "Serial number".
Serial number in settings
Then we take another device, follow this link, where we enter the number of the device you are purchasing. The resource will display all information about the iPhone 6, but only if it is original. If it gives you an error, then they are offering you a Chinese counterfeit.
Important: Copy the serial number carefully so as not to confuse yourself and put the seller in an awkward position.
This is what checking the serial number looks like on the Apple website
Other video verification options
Summary
There is one more trick that will help distinguish a copy from the original - iPhone 6 only works on iOS. Since this operating system has a closed source, developers of fakes have no choice but to install Android on their products. Sometimes copies can look very believable, so it’s a good idea to try to switch to App Store. If the transition is successful, then you will have a real iPhone 6 with iOS on board, and if you end up in Google Play, feel free to refuse the purchase - this is a Chinese iPhone.
The iPhone has been the best-selling smartphone for a long time. At the same time, of course, it is no wonder that “Apple” equipment is counterfeited very often. And I must admit, from year to year the crafts become more and more believable. However, nevertheless, distinguishing the original iPhone from the Chinese one is not so difficult. The main thing is to prepare properly. In this article, we’ll figure out how the original iPhone differs from the “gray” Chinese one.
Appearance
- Box
Apple cares about the quality of its products at every stage - from the first screw to the last letter on the package, and therefore the first differences between the original and the copy can be detected simply by taking a closer look at the box in which the device is packaged. If this is not a Chinese iPhone, it will be made from materials highest quality, and all inscriptions will be written carefully and in English.
Yes, despite the fact that Apple factories are located in the Middle Kingdom, there should not be any hieroglyphs on the box. The paint with which the inscriptions are applied and the drawing is made must be of high quality - if you run your finger over it with force, no streaks should appear. If any were suddenly discovered, it means that this is a fake, and a very shoddy one at that.
- Equipment
If the box is checked and no flaws are found in it, we continue checking. How to distinguish a fake iPhone by its configuration? Open the box and look inside. We must detect - headphones, Lighting cable, Charger, a special key clip for a SIM card, a set of documents and... two gift stickers with a branded “apple”. Please pay Special attention on the last detail, very often scammers “fall” on this little detail. Didn't find the stickers? Yes, it would seem nonsense, but, nevertheless, this is a very eloquent statement - this is a fake!
By the way, needless to say that all components must be carefully packaged, and the smartphone itself must have a protective film.
- Appearance of the smartphone itself
Before you go to buy an iPhone, it would be a good idea, of course, to hold the original in your hands and study it thoroughly. If this is not possible, at least look at pictures on the Internet. What should you pay attention to?
1 Firstly, the iPhone 6 has only one Lighting connector - and no microUSB or separate charging sockets. 2 Secondly, there are no memory card slots for the iPhone. The absence of such slots is Apple’s principled position, so don’t be fooled by the stories of dishonest sellers who will try to prove to you that it was decided to add such a slot in the sixth iPhone. 3 Thirdly, there should not be any Chinese inscriptions on the device itself, as well as on the box. 4 And finally, back cover original iPhone 6 is non-removable and there are no screws on it.
By the way, don’t forget that a real “apple” always means perfect build quality. How to check an iPhone for this characteristic? Yes, very simple! “Remember” the device properly (without fanaticism, of course) - there should be no squeaks or squeezing!
How can we distinguish the original iphone display 6? This is another point that can be attributed to appearance - iPhone screen. The picture of the original device literally “lies” on the surface, but if, looking at the display, you feel some depth, most likely the smartphone is fake.
Software part
Of course, not even the most skilled fraudster will be able to establish a fake iPhone operating iOS system. However, he can skillfully show off. After all, a shell that looks branded iOS interface, you can create. That is, in fact, in your hands you will have a device running on Android, but everything will look as if you were looking at an iOS smartphone.
But! We can't be fooled. How to distinguish a real device in this case? Find the App Store icon (branded store Apple applications) and click on it. What has opened up for you? If you have a fake in your hands, a Google interface Play (brand store Android applications)! The App Store interface cannot be faked - after all, the store is loaded via the Internet!
By the way, often, when studying the interface of a fake, you don’t even have to go as far as checking the App Store - scammers often make mistakes when translating the name of a particular menu item/program.
Serial number
And finally, we’ll tell you about another opportunity to check the iPhone for originality. This method is the most win-win!
On iPhone box, of course, its serial number is always indicated, and it is also indicated in the device settings menu (“Settings” / “General” / “About this device”). First, check whether the serial number on the box matches what is indicated on the smartphone itself? Of course, the numbers for a real iPhone should not be different. However, this can also happen with a fake.
But our ace in the hole, namely a special Apple service where you can “punch” the serial number, will put everything in its place. We go to the service page, enter the serial number and click “Continue”. If you have an original iPhone in front of you, you will see detailed information about the device, and if you have a fake, the service will display a message: “Unfortunately, this serial number is not correct.” That's all! You have exposed the scammers!
Well, we hope we were able to answer the question of how to distinguish an original iPhone 6 from a fake device!
iPhone has long become a popular product in the market. Very often you can find fakes that are similar to the original. More recently, it was possible to distinguish a fake quite easily: a crack in the case, a poor-quality image on the screen. Now craftsmen have learned to copy the gadget almost perfectly. However, there are several ways to help distinguish a Chinese iPhone.
If you have absolutely no time or desire to independently check the authenticity of the iPhone, then you can purchase your treasured smartphone from an official dealer. Of course, the price will be significant, but you can be completely sure that the device is original. You can also buy an iPhone directly on the company's official website.
What to do when there is no money to purchase a new smartphone, but there is a chance to buy a used iPhone? Before purchasing, you need to check the device to understand whether it is original or not.
Checking the serial number
At buying an iPhone You need to take a phone with internet access with you. With it you can check the gadget.1. First you need to go to settings, select “Basic”, then “About device” and look at the serial number.
2. Open the link “https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do”.
3. On the website you will need to enter the serial number in the appropriate field, after which the necessary information will appear.
4. If the iPhone is original, then 3 points will be shown, but if it is a fake, then a message will appear that the serial number is incorrect.
Note! You should check the serial number several times to ensure that you do not make a mistake when entering it.
Checking the operating system
You shouldn’t check the OS on your gadget just by visual cues. On Chinese fakes, iOS looks almost the same as on the original. However, you can still see some shortcomings. For example, very often in the Notes application there is an inscription: “No note.” Before purchasing, it is advisable to go to the settings, go to “Basic”, and then “About the device”. Next you need to pay attention to the version, serial number, model. They should look similar to the screenshot below. Although this is also not an ironclad guarantee, since this too can be faked.
Another verification method
Enough reliable way checks – iPhone connection to iTunes. Must be downloaded from the official website first software and connect the gadget. If the program detects the device, then everything is fine.In a word, when buying a smartphone, you need to thoroughly check it so as not to become another “lucky” Chinese owner.
It is incredibly popular not only among users mobile technology, but also among numerous Chinese manufacturers. Copies of Apple gadgets (often of extremely low quality) are common in Russia - you can be sure that if a seller offers an iPhone for next to nothing, there is no question of the original.
It's better to buy an iPhone online cellular communications or large stores electronics - in this case, deception is excluded. However, if you think that paying 50 thousand rubles for a gadget in a salon is too much, and you prefer the option of buying it “from hand”, remember that you are taking a risk. In such a transaction, special attention must be paid to inspecting and checking the iPhone.
Visual inspection is not always effective, because the “Chinese masters” have already become accustomed to constructing fakes that are externally identical to the original. However, there is no need to neglect the inspection - checking will protect you from purchasing the lowest quality “fake” and will not take much time.
Signs of a Chinese iPhone are:
Availability of two or three slots for SIM cards
A genuine iPhone supports only one SIM card, which is placed in a special tray that is removed from the device using a needle.
Removable battery
This sign echoes the previous one. If you see a seller remove the iPhone battery to install under it"Sim cards", end the deal immediately.
Screen diagonal that does not match the original
Remember these characteristics:
You shouldn’t be too pedantic when measuring the diagonal: the same iPhone 5 has a diagonal, to be precise, not 4 inches, but 4.065. If you are too picky, you may miss out on a good deal.
Availability of antenna
Sellers present the antenna as an advantage - supposedly it will be possible to listen to the radio without connecting a headset. In fact, the presence of a retractable antenna is a sign of a “fierce” fake.
Screen grain
If you can turn on your iPhone before purchasing, that would be great. Experienced Apple user will always distinguish an original from a fake based on the gadget's screen alone - the original has a display created using RETINA technologies, very different high density pixels.
Poor quality logo
If the legendary “bitten apple” on the back of the device is a sticker or applied with paint, there can be no two opinions - they are trying to sell you a copy.
Stylus included
Not a single modern manufacturer (including Apple) currently produces gadgets with resistive displays. Among the originals, the included stylus can only be found in Samsung Note series.
Sticky sensor
If you have to make an effort to, for example, swipe from right to left to go to another screen, you are dealing with a “fake”.
Availability of touch buttons
On the front edge real iPhone There is only one button - “ Home”, and it is physical.
Hieroglyphs in large quantities
Even though iPhones are assembled in China, they are still developed in the USA. You should encounter hieroglyphs only once - when, after the first launch, the smartphone welcomes you to different languages. The interface of the original device is Russified.
Please note: the inscription on the back of the gadget “ Designed by Apple in California, Assembled in China"shouldn't scare you! Both real iPhones and fakes are assembled in China - the difference is that the originals come from special Apple factories.
How to distinguish an iPhone from a fake: other ways
If the iPhone does not outwardly show any signs of a Chinese counterfeit, use other verification methods:
Check the Settings menu
Follow the path " Settings» — « Basic" and try to find the section " Software Update" In original devices it is located directly under the “ About this device».
In settings Chinese fakes this section does not exist.
Pay attention to the quality of the Russification of the menu. Russian is considered one of the most difficult languages, so spelling errors in the names of sections and items of Chinese iPhones are not uncommon.
Check Siri
The presence of the Siri voice control program distinguishes original iPhone from fake - the Chinese have not yet learned how to integrate this program into their “fakes”. Just hold down the " Home"for a few seconds and look at the result.
Go to the AppStore
operating room iOS system It has closed code, That's why third party developers They can’t put it on gadgets. All Chinese fakes operate on Android or simple home-written platforms. You can check which OS is on your gadget by visiting the application store. If you are using Android, then clicking on the AppStore icon will take you to Google Play - this is another sure way to distinguish a “natural” Apple product from a fake.
If your smartphone runs on a proprietary operating system, you won’t be able to access any of the app stores at all.
Connect your gadget to iTunes
This way to distinguish an original iPhone from a “fake” one is the most effective and simple, but it requires a computer or smartphone at hand. When connecting the original iPhone via USB cable iTunes will accurately try to recognize and synchronize it. If iTunes remains indifferent, most likely, this is a fake.
Also check Apple smartphone for originality you can serial number and IMEI - read how this is done.
Is it possible to distinguish an original from a copy by its packaging?
When purchasing an iPhone, the object of inspection should also be the package contents. Remember: iPhone equipment has never changed. The box should contain:
Envelope, inside which is located color instructions. The instructions have a high-quality appearance and two stickers with the Apple logo on the cover. The same envelope should also contain a pin for removing the SIM.
SZU white weighing approximately 60 grams, produced in factories Foxlink or Flextronix. There is no need to take a scale with you to check your iPhone: all the information should be present on the charger itself.
USB cable. The original cable can be distinguished from a fake by the inscription “ Designed By Apple..." — on the real product it is barely visible, but on the copy it is applied with thick paint. The cable is also white.
Headphones. They are the most difficult to distinguish from a fake - outwardly probably full copy. “Fake” can be detected by touch - the wire is original headphones softer - however, such a test makes sense only when there is something to compare with.
The absence of one of the elements of the kit, as well as the presence of an extra one, is a signal to cancel the iPhone purchase deal.
Pay attention to such a small detail as the packaging of accessories: all components must be neatly placed in a box and wrapped in transparent film. The absence of film and “chaos” in the opened box do not always indicate that the iPhone is fake or used - perhaps the sellers simply used the accessories for personal purposes, which, however, is also unpleasant for the buyer and unacceptable. If possible, request the iPhone from the warehouse in a sealed package.
Conclusion
A huge number of Chinese iPhone fakes The explanation is simple: Apple does not fight plagiarism in the Middle Kingdom. There are two reasons: firstly, there are many small industries located in China, from which it will still not be possible to sue large sums, and secondly, to be at enmity with Chinese manufacturers- this means turning the largest sales market against yourself. The Americans themselves do not suffer from Chinese counterfeits: their standard of living allows them to purchase original devices and don't look for savings. But for Russians, who traditionally strive for cheap prices, the “Chinese flood” is a problem. To avoid being scammed, you need to buy smartphones only from reputable dealers, avoid gamble offers, and when checking, pay attention to the aspects described in this article
Like any other best-selling device with a hefty price tag, iPhone smartphones are not protected from counterfeiting. Let's skip the issue of device certification. Certification means that the device being sold meets all the quality and safety parameters of the product adopted in a particular country. You can buy an original, but not certified smartphone, having the opportunity to enjoy its functionality and appearance fully.
Chinese production of iPhones and their counterfeits
Let's pay attention to counterfeits from other manufacturers that periodically appear on the market. They are becoming more and more similar to the originals and trying to match their quality. Appear iPhone clones, which sometimes even go on sale before the original.
The process of identifying the original is also complicated by the following feature: almost all of the company’s products are manufactured in China. Cheap labor reduces the price of the product, which consequently increases the turnover of smartphones. It can be very difficult to distinguish the left smartphone from the original, however, if the following conditions are violated, you can be sure of a fake.
The main signs of fake iPhones:
Beware of Hardwired Original iPhones
Even if you were lucky enough to buy yourself an original for pennies, this does not mean that everything will be fine. If it was brought into the country illegally, questions about unlocking may arise. In some European countries or the USA, a smartphone may be “wired” for a specific operator. In this case, all functions of the device will work, excluding communication-related services.
This is a locked smartphone. However, craftsmen bypass this obstacle too. Eat special programs, allowing you to inexpensively purchase an original, but “hardwired” iPhone, “reflash” it (log in engineering menu, change system files, increase productivity and even install applications from other developers), and then use a good original device.
When flashing, you lose the warranty and the possibility of updates.
Naturally, you lose the manufacturer's warranty. You won't be able to update it operating system before latest versions OS (with the exception of hacked versions of the OS), so purchase original ones iPhone versions at official dealers companies. Then you will have no problems with their maintenance and are guaranteed to receive a high-quality product.