Forget articles about fake Android iPhones with a plastic back cover that opens. The new fakes do not have plastic, the size and weight are like a real iPhone, the box is made of high-quality cardboard and embossed.
In fact, these are used (used) phones, after a breakdown and informal repair, where almost everything can be replaced, from the case and display to the camera and cables. In this case, it may turn out that the battery has not been changed, but it has already worked for about a year. Because of these features, this type of fake is called "transformers".
Transformers iPhone 5S is in the range of "gray" sellers who sell uncertified smuggled phones. More often these are little-known online stores and radio market shops. In such stores, you can buy a completely normal iPhone made for other countries. But when selling “transformers”, the seller never warns the buyer that the phone is not original.
Here are ways to tell a fake iPhone 5S from the real one:
1. Checking the iPhone for authenticity by serial number and IMEI.
The serial number is on the box. If the serial number is in order, then you can open the box to make sure that the serial number of the phone is the same as on the box, and then proceed to inspection and testing.
One of the most reliable methods to identify a fake is to break through the serial number using the Apple database https://checkcoverage.apple.com when buying.
If you see “Sorry, this serial number matches a product that has been replaced.” (We're sorry, but this is a serial number for a product that has been replaced.), This means that this faulty iPhone was accepted by Apple under warranty and then stolen from Apple. (Officially, Apple does not recognize or comment massive leaks of decommissioned phones.).
If the device is original, the system will recognize its model and display information about the warranty status.
More information about the phone can be found on the websites
You will be surprised to know that the 32GB iPhone you bought was actually a 16GB iPhone.
2. Housing
The body of the fake iPhone 5S is rougher than the original, the side edges are sharp and unpleasant to the touch.3. Hairpin for removing the SIM tray
A real hairpin is even over the entire area, made of high-quality metal.
4. Printing
Marking on the box. The printing of the upper sticker with a barcode is noticeably poor quality.
5. Packing details
There are many more details of the package that are hardly noticeable at first glance, which can be seen when compared with the original phone. For example, different envelopes with documents, different winding quality of the headphone and headset cable, different trays for the phone and others.
Attention! Do not confuse these fake transformers with refurbished phones. The refurbished iphone 5s ("refurbished" or "Like new iPhone") is an official Apple product and comes with an official warranty. The term Refurbished (Refreshes, refs, refreshes, etc.) is not correctly applied to fakes that no one has officially restored.
It is incredibly popular not only among users of mobile technology, but also among numerous Chinese manufacturers. Copies of the "apple" gadget (often of extremely low quality) are common in Russia - you can be sure that if the seller offers the iPhone for next to nothing, the original is out of the question.
It is better to buy an iPhone in cellular networks or large electronics stores - in this case, fraud is excluded. However, if you think that paying 50 thousand rubles for a gadget in the salon is too much, and you prefer the option of buying it "by hand", remember that you are taking a risk. With such a deal, special attention should be paid to the inspection and verification of the iPhone.
Visual verification is not always effective, because the "Chinese craftsmen" have already adapted to design fakes that are outwardly identical to the original. However, the inspection should not be neglected - the inspection will save you from acquiring the lowest quality “fake” and it won’t take much time.
Signs of the 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, which is removed from the device with a needle.
Removable battery
This feature is similar to the previous one. If you see how the seller removes the iPhone battery to supply under it Sims, close the deal immediately.
Screen size not matching the original
Remember these features:
It’s not worth it to be too meticulous about measuring the diagonal: the same iPhone 5 has a diagonal, to be precise, not 4 inches, but 4.065. Due to excessive pickiness, you can miss out on a good deal.
The presence of an 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 manage to turn on the iPhone before buying, that would be great. An experienced Apple user will always distinguish the original from a fake by the screen of the gadget alone - the original has a display created using RETINA technology, which has a very high pixel density.
Poor quality logo
If the legendary "bitten apple" on the back of the device is a sticker or painted, there can be no two opinions - they are trying to sell you a copy.
Stylus included
No modern manufacturer (including Apple) now produces gadgets with resistive displays. Among the originals, the stylus in the kit can only be found in the 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".
The presence of touch buttons
There is only one button on the front of the real iPhone - " Home', and it is physical.
Hieroglyphs in abundance
Even if iPhones are assembled in China, they are still being developed in the USA. Hieroglyphs should meet you only once - when, after the first launch, the smartphone greets you in 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» should not 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 outwardly the iPhone does not have any signs of a Chinese fake, use other verification methods:
Check the "Settings" menu
Follow the path" Settings» — « Main' and try to find the section ' Software Update". In original devices, it is located directly below the " About this device».
There is no this section in the settings of Chinese fakes.
Pay attention to the quality of Russification of the menu. The Russian language is considered one of the most difficult, so spelling errors in the names of sections and paragraphs of Chinese iPhones are not uncommon.
Check Siri
The presence of the Siri voice control program distinguishes the original iPhone from a fake - the Chinese have not yet learned how to integrate this program into their fakes. Just press the " Home” for a few seconds and look at the result.
Go to AppStore
The iOS operating system has a closed code, so third-party developers cannot install it on gadgets. All Chinese fakes work on Android or simple self-written platforms. You can check which OS is on the gadget by visiting the application store. If Android is used, 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 the smartphone runs on a self-written "OS", you will not be able to get into any of the app stores at all.
Connect your gadget to iTunes
This way to distinguish the original iPhone from the "fake" is the most effective and simple, but it requires a computer or smartphone at hand. When connecting original iPhone via USB cable iTunes will definitely try to recognize and synchronize it. If iTunes remains indifferent, most likely, you have a fake in front of you.
You can also check the Apple smartphone for originality by serial number and IMEI - read how this is done.
Is it possible to distinguish the original from the copy by configuration?
When buying an iPhone, the equipment should also be the object of verification. Remember: iPhone packaging has never changed. The box should contain:
Envelope, inside which is a colored instruction. The manual has a high-quality appearance and two stickers with the Apple logo on the cover. The same envelope should contain a needle for removing the SIM.
SZU white weighing approximately 60 grams, produced in factories foxlink or Flextronix. There is no need to take the scales with you to check the iPhone: all the information must be present on the charge itself.
USB cable. The original cable from a fake can be distinguished by the inscription " Designed By Apple…” — on the real product it is barely visible, but on the copy it is applied with bold paint. The cable is also white.
Headphones. It is most difficult to distinguish them from a fake - outwardly, a complete copy is likely. "Fake" can be detected by touch - the wire of the original headphones is softer - however, such a check 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 deal to buy an iPhone.
Pay attention to such a trifle as the packaging of accessories: all components must be neatly packed in a box and wrapped in a transparent film. The absence of a film and “chaos” in an 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, ask for an iPhone from the warehouse in a sealed package.
Conclusion
The huge number of Chinese counterfeit iPhones is simply explained: Apple does not fight plagiarism in China. There are two reasons: firstly, there are many small industries in China, which still cannot be sued for large sums, and secondly, to be at enmity with Chinese manufacturers means to turn against yourself the largest sales market. Americans themselves do not suffer from Chinese fakes: their standard of living allows them to purchase original devices and not look for savings. But for Russians, traditionally striving for cheapness, the “Chinese flood” is a problem. To avoid cheating, you need to buy smartphones only from reputable dealers, avoid adventurous offers and pay attention to the aspects described in this article when checking.
Modern gadgets are being counterfeited more and more often. And so every buyer should watch what he buys. No one is immune from fakes. Not critical when it comes to an inexpensive device. But if you have to spend money on elite gadgets, a collision with fakes will bring a lot of unpleasant emotions. All this can be avoided. We will try to answer how to distinguish a Chinese iPhone from the original. Apple products are counterfeited very often. But, following simple rules, the user will be able to distinguish a fake from the original.
Price
Let's start with the simplest - with the price. Apple makes expensive devices. The newer the phone, the more expensive it is. In Russia, they even began to complain about the cost of the iPhone 8.
How to distinguish a Chinese iPhone from the original? Too low price of the device indicates that we have a fake. Chinese counterparts are really sold very cheaply. At the cost of the original iPhone, it is almost impossible to find a fake in Russia.
Equipment
How to distinguish a Chinese iPhone 5S from the original? It is worth paying attention to the box from the device and to the equipment. Often it is in these areas that punctures are detected.
The iPhone box is made of durable and high-quality cardboard. On the sides should be the inscription "iPhone".
The original set is standard. Namely:
- headphones;
- wire for connecting to a PC;
- charging block;
- instruction;
- clip for SIM-cards;
- Apple stickers (2 pieces);
- warranty card.
All components will be branded. They are neatly packaged in a box. No chaos or scattered components.
Weight
How to distinguish a Chinese iPhone-7 from the original? Just like any other version of smartphones from Apple. Fakes are released into the world with the same errors and flaws. Unfortunately, not everyone pays attention to them.
In order not to buy a Chinese fake iPhone, the buyer must pick up the phone and inspect it. Usually fake devices are easier. This rule also applies to the charger. Ideally, its weight is about 60 grams. If the "charger" in the box with the iPhone seems weightless, we have a fake.
External flaws
How to distinguish a Chinese iPhone 4S from the original? You should carefully consider the device. Without this, it will not be possible to bring the idea to life.
If you look closely at fake Apple products, you will notice that they have a number of flaws. Experienced buyers will immediately recognize a fake. After all, the original iPhones:
- no multi-SIM support;
- there is no retractable antenna;
- no radio;
- there is no slot for a memory card.
Accordingly, if the user has found support for the listed features, he has a fake in front of him. Also, the iPhone does not have the Mobile TV app.
Lid
Another feature that you will have to pay attention to is the body of the phone. According to him, sometimes it is possible to understand which smartphone a person is dealing with.
How to distinguish a Chinese iPhone from the original? Often, for fakes, the case does not look too neat, and the back panel can be easily removed. This should not be. Original iPhones are monoblocks, which only a specialist can open.
Headset
How to distinguish a Chinese iPhone 5 from the original? As we have already said, the device must have a complete set. Sometimes fakes are also packed to the maximum. But this does not mean that before the buyer - the original.
Operating system
It would be nice not only to inspect the purchased product, but also to turn it on. If the seller refuses this service, most likely we have a fake. But why? How to distinguish a Chinese iPhone from a fake?
It is necessary to carefully study the operating system of the device. Apple officially releases smartphones running iOS. This is unique software.
Fake smartphones run either unknown Chinese operating systems or Android. At the same time, translation into Russian often encounters errors. And in the operating system itself there are Chinese characters.
Applications
But that's not all. Today, the owners of "apple" devices advise each other another rather interesting method of checking the device for originality. To do this, you have to turn on the phone.
How to distinguish a Chinese iPhone from the original? The buyer just needs to open the AppStore. The original smartphone will open the corresponding application. It may request data from AppleID.
Fakes also have an AppStore. Only when it is launched, the Play Market opens. This is a clear sign that a person is buying a fake. The original iPhones don't have this problem.
Settings
Do not rush and turn off the device. In order to answer how to distinguish the Chinese iPhone 6 from the original, you can go the other way. Faster and more efficient.
It's about checking the phone's settings. The original "apple" products have an item "About the device". It contains the serial number of the device and its model. Chinese counterparts do not provide such information.
iTunes and checks
Many owners of "apple" devices use another trick. It helps to quickly understand what kind of device is in front of us - an original or a fake.
It's about connecting to iTunes. It is enough to connect the iPhone to the PC and run the appropriate program. A genuine "apple" device is recognized in iTunes. When connecting a Chinese analogue, the software will not "see" the phone.
number check
Particularly cunning buyers can 100% find out what kind of device is in front of them. The technique proposed below is not entirely convenient, but it is guaranteed to indicate whether a fake is in front of a person or not.
We are talking about checking the serial number of the "apple" phone for service. To bring the idea to life, you will have to connect to the Web.
How to distinguish a Chinese iPhone from the original? Would need:
- Go to "Settings" - "General" - "About device" on your phone.
- Click on "Serial Number".
- Copy the resulting combination.
- Open checkcoverage.apple.com.
- Enter "serial" into it.
- Click on the "Check" button.
The screen will display information about whether the device is supported by Apple. If not, then we have a Chinese fake. Otherwise, the serial number will pass verification.
We verify the data
When buying "apple" devices, it is worth checking all possible data about the device. After all, Apple devices are counterfeited extremely often.
Attentive buyers always check the data on the boxes with the information in the smartphone's operating system. If some components do not match, the user has a fake iPhone in his hands. Everything is not as difficult as it seems!
Refurbished or fake?
We figured out how to distinguish a Chinese iPhone from the original. But today fakes are found not only among new devices. Stores counterfeit refurbished "apple" phones.
How to detect a fake? You have to remember that:
- the refurbished iPhone has a perfect body, a new battery and a screen that fits snugly to the rest of the components;
- on the box with the iPhone there is no engraving of the phone, but there is an inscription "Refurbished" in English;
- the original device is delivered in high-quality boxes and in a complete set;
- all genuine Apple phone connectors are clean;
- the camera of a real smartphone is located exactly in the center of the allotted area on the back of the device.
Plus, the original refurbished iPhone gets a one-year warranty. Therefore, you can check by serial number. All of these tips will help you make the right choice.
A few years ago, a fake iPhone was easily identified by the characteristic cracking of the case and a fuzzy image. Now, craftsmen have learned to make devices that are outwardly indistinguishable from the original. So you have to delve a little deeper. How to distinguish the original iPhone 5S from a fake, read our article.
First, the box must be sealed in clear plastic. There may be times when the packaging is opened to check the iPhone is turned on. But in such a situation, part of the film still remains, and the delivery service notifies the customer of the inspection.
Secondly, coated cardboard is used as the box material. Corners and seams are free of defects, and there are no dents or damage on the surface. The apple is bitten on the right. The logo and side inscriptions "iPhone" are embossed. At the bottom of the box is a sticker with the IMEI and serial number of the device.
Sticker with serial number and IMEI
This method allows you to identify even a high-quality fake with one hundred percent probability. This requires a PC or laptop with iTunes. The program is available on the official website. When you connect the original iPhone, it must identify it and synchronize with it.
Usually the body of a fake is made of poor quality plastic. The original models use aluminum. Color: grey, white and gold. On the back cover is the inscription "iPhone, Designed by Apple in California, Assembled in China".
This is how the inscription on the back of the original iPhone 5S should look like
The model number and certification marks are also listed here. The nano SIM card slot is on the right. Also on the carriage is the serial number, which must be identical to that indicated on the box.
The original iPhone does not have an antenna, memory cards, stylus, dual SIM, USB or mini-USB charging. In addition, it is a one-piece monoblock. Therefore, the back cover can only be removed by unscrewing the fixing screws. It is worth paying attention to weight. The light machine is a fake.
No USB or mini-USB
The original iPhone does not slow down, has a bright display, clear sound, clear photos, menu in Russian. Moreover, the meaning of words, case and other characteristics does not arouse suspicion. You also need to go to "Settings" - "General" - "About device" and find the serial number. It must match the one indicated on the box and carriage of the SIM card.
Serial number and IMEI
In the settings, there should be the items "Software Update" and "Siri". In fakes, they are usually absent.
One hundred percent verification is the AppStore. It will reveal Android even if it is very well disguised as iOS. If the user selects this service, the fake will redirect him to GooglePlay.
Left - Google Play, right - AppStore
How to distinguish the original from a fake by the serial number?
To do this, you need a phone or tablet with Internet access.
- You need to go to the iPhone in "Settings" - "General" - "About this device" and find the serial number.
- On another device, go to the official Apple website in the section for checking serial numbers.
- Enter the serial number and click the "Continue" button.
- If the iPhone is original, the service will provide information about it. Otherwise, the message “Sorry, this serial number is not correct. Please check your information and try again."
It is worth paying attention to the number itself. If it starts with "5K", it indicates a refurbished machine. It is possible that the iPhone was assembled from parts of various smartphones, after which it was tested and given for resale.
The full contents of the box are as follows:
- iPhone (new sealed in plastic)
- headphones (packed in a film),
- charger with data cable (packed in foil),
- documents and a paperclip to open the SIM card carriage.
Everything should be neatly laid out. Unlike hard and plastic fakes, the original wires are soft and rubberized. The hard parts of the headphones and connectors are smooth, without sagging or sharp corners.
Are not signs of a fake:
- Hieroglyphs on the packaging and the inscription "Made in China". These signs are typical for original devices manufactured at Apple factories in China or intended for sale in Asian markets. The Russian user will not experience problems when using such an iPhone.
- The phone does not require activation when turned on. This is possible if the seller carried out this operation before the sale, so as not to waste time on the transaction. If doubts remain, then you need to use the method with iTunes, which was given above.
Demand always gives rise to supply, but not always good and expected. With the advent of the iPhone 5, an unprecedented demand arose around the gadget, at one point Apple could not even cope, and the delivery of the novelty was delayed for 2-3 weeks, but then the brave guys from China joined in, and a stream of fakes of the iPhone 5 poured onto the market. Moreover, these creations from in China are no less in demand than the real iPhone 5. Let's discuss in detail how to distinguish the iPhone 5 from a fake from China and not become a victim of scammers.
Almost every person who has not been familiar with Apple products can buy a fake iPhone 5. Therefore, our first advice will be this: if you have a friend who has an iPhone, then be sure to take a gadget from him and “use” it for at least 10 minutes. This time will be enough for you to get acquainted with the device and eventually identify a fake iPhone 5. If if this is not possible, then you should pay attention to the distinctive features of the original iPhone 5, described below.
How to distinguish an iPhone 5 from a fake from China. Basic moments.
The first thing you should pay attention to when buying an iPhone 5 is frame.
1. The case of a real iPhone 5 is made of aluminum, while a fake is made of plastic, usually cheap;
2. Fake iPhone 5 is produced in several colors, including red. The original Apple smartphone of the latest generation is available in 2 colors - black and white;
3. The back cover of the iPhone does not open just like that, it is screwed to the body with special screws and is removed only for service purposes, you do not get direct access to the battery;
With the case, everything became more or less clear to you, we continue to expose the fake iPhone 5, then you should pay attention to the connectors of the device.
1. The original iPhone has its own unique 30-pin or 8-pin connector, there are no usb or mini usb connectors on a real "apple" smartphone;
2. If you bought a Chinese fake, then you will definitely become a happy owner of a TV gadget. Remember, there is no TV feature on the real Apple iPhone;
3. The original smartphone from California does not have a memory card slot and does not support 2 SIM cards.
In addition to all of the above, you should pay attention to the inscriptions that are located on the phone case. On the original, all the inscriptions are in English, no Chinese. On fakes, as a rule, there is no company logo - a bitten apple, or it is distorted.
What should be written on the back cover of the original iPhone?
The back of the iPhone, in addition to a bitten apple, is decorated with the following inscriptions:
- iPhone;
- then the inscription Designed by Apple in California, Assembled in China;
- model number FCC ID, IC device serial number;
- below are the certification marks and the logo of the FOXCONN factory.
Very often, fakes are decorated with funny inscriptions ala "iFone", "Phone", "eyePhone" and so on ... Pay attention to these features.
And finally, the last moment, which will finally help you understand how to distinguish an iPhone 5 from a fake from China is a mobile operating system - iOS.
1. The best thing you can find "on board" a fake iPhone is OS Android, at worst - a crooked self-made operating system with limited functionality;
2. Pay attention to the translation of menu items in the phone. On a fake, they either have an abbreviation (for example, not a Calendar, but a calendar), or simply have an inadequate translation (instead of Organizer - Organizer);
3. The original iPhone has a lot of standard applications at its disposal from the very beginning, in addition there is an App Store application - a hallmark of iOS.
With this, our FAQ on how to distinguish an iPhone 5 from a fake from China is over, I hope we have given you comprehensive answers to all your questions. Be careful and remember that free cheese is only in a mousetrap. Well, the new iPhone 5 cannot cost 10,000 rubles ....
