How to Identify if a Smartphone is Original or Fake?

There are many refurbished phones available for sale these days, and you can get a pretty good deal for a phone that is almost as good as buying a new phone. However, buying a refurbished phone comes with its dangers. Besides the condition of the phone, the major problem is clone copies of the original device. They are deceptively similar, and you'll need to pay a lot more attention to details to determine the authenticity of these phones. So check out the list of things that you need to look out for.

Check the Specifications and Features

It is always a standard process to check the specifications and features of any device before making a purchase. You can check the features of the phones from websites such as GSMArena. Almost all the manufacturers also keep the specification and features of the phone on their website. The details to look out for is the specifications and features. Though the counterfeit models imitate the original phone as close as possible, they can never match the hardware or software configuration of the original device. So, closely check the specifications of the phone to find out if it's a fake.

Check the IMEI Number

IMEI numbers are the identity of the phone which is unique for every phone. You can find the IMEI number mentioned underside the battery if the phone has a removable battery. If not, you can check the IMEI number by dialling *#06#. This code will reveal the IMEI number. A counterfeit device won't have a valid IMEI number and will use a fake cluster of numbers. Once you have the 15 digit IMEI number, you can quickly check if the phone is legit with information such as manufacturer and model online. You can also get the information on the phone's country of origin from the International Mobile Equipment Identity number.

Check the Appearance

Most of the time, counterfeit devices don't use trademark names and logos. However, they can be deceptively close. A close look at them will clarify if the phone is from an original manufacturer. You can also look at the material used on the device. Cheap material and feel are an indication of fake devices. You can also check the Operating System of the phone. The appearance of the OS and functionality are a clear indication to determine if the device is original or not.

Phone Availability

Counterfeit phones usually copy famous brands and their models. If the phone is out of stock on the market yet you find the models available on some sites; then you can be wary of the phones and check them properly before the purchase. The website on which the phone is available can also be an indication of inauthenticity. You can also look for the warranty provided on the phones to determine if the phone is a counterfeit.

These are some of the most common things to look for while buying a refurbished phone. Purchasing refurbished phones from a reputable company is always the best way to avoid bad deals. So if you get a deal that is too good to be true, you can look for the points mentioned above to determine if the phone is original or fake.