How to distinguish an original iPhone 4s from a Chinese one. How to distinguish an original iPhone from a Chinese one

From the time gadgets from the world-famous giant Apple began to appear on the mobile phone market, Chinese specialists immediately took up the “dirty business.” Factories in the Middle Kingdom are tirelessly trying to copy Apple products, offering consumers a cheap fake with a wide variety of popular functions, and even selling these clones at the price of original iPhone phones.

In addition, the person choosing at the store counter brand new iPhone 4s, not every seller will happily tell the client what he has in his hands instead of the original - a replica, a clone or even a low-grade fake. Therefore, the information provided in this article will help you not make a mistake when buying a popular mobile phone and pay your money for a truly high-quality and original product. Let's look at how to distinguish a genuine iPhone 4s from a cheap fake.

Box and contents

Before you pay a lot of money for a gadget that at first glance resembles the desired iPhone 4S, carefully consider the packaging and what is in it. So, let's check the package:

• The box must be sealed! Even if you are considering a genuine iPhone, the unopened boxes may contain accessories that have been replaced with cheaper alternatives;
• charger and cradle. The mobile phone is equipped with an original charging adapter, which must bear the inscription FLEXTRONIX or FOXLINK. If on charger at least one found Chinese character– Feel free to return such an accessory to the seller. The weight of the adapter itself should be approximately 60 grams. The apple cradle weighs approximately 80 grams. Unlike the Chinese counterpart, the inscription “Designed by Apple in California Assembled in China”, which is located at the bottom, must be embossed, and not just printed, as is done on Chinese counterfeits. The Chinese analogue does not have a sound output function, while the original accessory has 2 sound recording channels;
• USB cable. In the original USB cable there should be no latches on the side of the telephone connector;
• headset. It is almost impossible to distinguish the authenticity of headphones from the iPhone 4S with the naked eye, but the cable in the original headset is softer than in its analogues.

Device and its characteristics

1. Corporate logo. Chinese iPhone may give itself away by having the wrong logo. The true “apple” logo is an apple with a bite on the right side. In a Chinese fake, it may be bitten on the left side.
2. Screen size. If you take the original iPhone 4S and a Chinese iPhone in your hands, the first one should have a larger screen. This difference is clearly visible, and a fake can be recognized with the naked eye.
3. Rear iPhone side 4S. In addition to the logo and inscriptions on the back of the mobile phone, the Chinese iPhone reveals itself with a removable back cover of the battery compartment, while the real gadget is made non-separable, and the original phone cannot be disassembled without the use of an additional tool. In addition, Chinese “miscarriages” may show off on the back cover inscription Android. This operating system has nothing to do with Apple products.
4. Built-in memory. U original iPhone 4S on the back cover there is no data about internal memory smartphone. A Chinese iPhone can be recognized by the presence of a memory expansion slot for microSD cards.
5. Software and connection with PC. As mentioned above, the original iPhone and all genuine Apple products do not have Android! Apple Company releases its gadgets with its own branding software iOS. When connected original phone To personal computer data transfer and file exchange should only be carried out using special software iTunes. If the connected gadget is not detected by iTunes, it means you have a Chinese counterfeit in your hands.

So, if you are planning to buy an iPhone, but are afraid to take a Chinese counterfeit and wondering“how to distinguish an iPhone 4s from a fake”, then read a few recommendations before purchasing. In general, if you have ever held original iPhone in your hands, it is unlikely that you will not be able to distinguish the original device from a fake. But still, if you are gnawed by doubts and you have already asked yourself the question “how to distinguish real iPhone from a fake”, then read the differences between the original and the Chinese fake:

Instructions on how to distinguish iPhone 4s from fakes

1. In the original iPhone, the back cover cannot be removed in order to insert a SIM card. Most likely this is due to the fact that Steve Jobs liked to be in control, and didn't like the idea of ​​users getting into the insides of his devices. In general, in the original iPhone the lid does not open, period, and the SIM card is inserted from the side.
2. If you are told that you can insert 2 SIM cards into an iPhone, and even a flash drive, for example MicroSD, then don’t even ask yourself the question “how to distinguish a real iPhone 4s from a fake,” just know that they are trying to sell you a fake! The original iPhone does not accommodate any additional flash drives, much less 2 SIM cards.
3. Even though the Chinese make fakes, they still make high-quality Retina display, as on the iPhone, they have not yet succeeded, and they have not yet been able to install iOS on any device. So, roughly speaking, if the iPhone does not have iTunes, then it is a fake. If the iPhone has a clumsy interface and everything is inconvenient and not in normal Russian, then it’s a fake. If the screen consists of big and ugly pixels, then it is a fake. If you can poke the screen with anything other than your finger, then it’s a fake. The screen of the original iPhone is capacitive and responds only to finger touches, and it is very sensitive and only needs a light touch.
4. Another thing that is very noticeable about Chinese fakes is the small iron antenna on the side, which is invisible until you pull it out. The original iPhone does not have any antennas, remember this.

1. Camera - usually the fakes have a very poor quality and simply disgusting camera. The camera on a real iPhone is amazing.
2. Branded accessories that fit perfectly on the original iPhone often do not match the fake, or do so with great stretch. In particular, the original iPhone 4s case will fit perfectly, which cannot be said about a fake.

And finally, don’t buy an iPhone from somewhere unknown. If you buy from a trusted online store, this will save you from buying a fake. If you buy secondhand, be sure to check the IMEI with the one on the box and the one in iPhone settings. You can go to “Settings/General/About device” and familiarize yourself with the device. Also be sure to check the camera, network, external condition of the iPhone and the contents of the box. The box must contain headphones, instructions for use, charger ( USB cable and a socket attachment), a special pin for inserting a SIM card.

When you buy a device, don’t hesitate to ask and ask to see everything you need, don’t worry and try not to forget anything and check everything. I hope after this quick guide“iPhone 4s how to distinguish a fake” You will no longer ask such questions, but boldly go and buy yourself a high-quality and original device.

And lastly. On the original iPhone it says on the back : “Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in China". Don't be put off by China's last word. This literally translates to: “Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in China,” that is, the original iPhones are assembled in China, and there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s just cheaper there. But they are collected at special Apple factories and only professional workers. I don’t think it’s worth talking about the bitten apple, because the Chinese have learned to fake the logo well, but still don’t forget about it.

How to check the authenticity of an iPhone 4s is of interest to many of its future owners. And this is not surprising: people spend a lot of money on a status device, and do not want to look funny in the eyes of other iPhone 4s owners. Unfortunately, you can often buy a fake even in fairly well-known retail outlets, so the question of the authenticity of the iPhone is pressing.

How to check the authenticity of an iPhone 4s yourself

• Weigh your iPhone 4s. The original device weighs exactly 137 grams. No more, no less. If the deviation is even one gram (and Chinese copies, usually lighter), your iPhone 4s is of dubious origin.


• Look carefully at the device. Screen original device it is controlled by heat, and the Chinese device is controlled by pressure, so the presence of a stylus immediately reveals a fake. Look at the case and logo - it should be absolutely identical to the original one. The “branded” iPhone 4s cannot have blue or pink cases.


• Look at the block where the mini-SIM card is located. The original iPhone can only be equipped with one SIM card, not two. The slot itself must be located on the side of the device, and the SIM card must certainly be a mini-standard one. In the original device, you do not need to remove the back panel to replace the SIM card.


• Measure the device screen - its diagonal should be exactly 8.9 cm (3.5 inches). If there are deviations (usually to a lesser extent), your iPhone is clearly fake.


• So, if all the previous points do not raise questions, you can turn on the iPhone. This is done by pressing Power buttons within a couple of seconds. Before turning it on, you can install a mini-SIM card into the device, although you can do without a connection test. Maybe the iPhone won’t turn on right away - sat down battery. It needs to be recharged right in the store.


• Turn on the seller's computer and load iTunes. We connect your iPhone, automatic activation should begin. You just need to agree and press “next”. After the activation process is completed, access to SpringBoard, the iPhone desktop, will open.


• If a SIM card was installed before switching on, you can make a test call. Attention: the speaker is covered with a film, it must be removed before making a call.


• We check the iPhone operating system - the original device can only have iOS 5.


• It is better to hold the original iPhone in your hands before purchasing. A person who has at least once held a “branded” iPhone 4s in their hands versus a fake.

How to check the authenticity of an iPhone 4s by serial number

How to check the authenticity of an iPhone 4s using imei

Knowing the IMEI code, you can find out all the details you are interested in about your device using the SNDeepInfo service. Be sure to use this service if you want to make sure that your iPhone is original. Don't hesitate to ask even the most expensive store to do this. Well, if you buy an iPhone secondhand, check the device in SNDeepInfo. This is very easy to do. You need to go to the website and enter the IMEI code in the special field or serial code the device being tested. In a few moments you will know everything about your iPhone. Additionally, buyers of Apple products will find out all the information about their device: its memory capacity, body color, factory version firmware, production date, unlocking methods, and jailbreak.

Taking advantage free services website SNDeepInfo, you can very quickly, in a few seconds, determine the originality of the iPhone. The service detects a fake instantly and absolutely accurately. When faced with the fact that the site does not have any data about your device, you should immediately refuse to purchase it.

Another good reason to use the services of SNDeepInfo is to find out if you are being offered to buy a stolen device. No price, even the most tempting one, should force you to buy stolen iPhone. Firstly, this is immoral, secondly, you support criminals, and thirdly, the former owner will be able to block the device stolen from him using IMEI and serial number. If your operator blocks your iPhone, you will not be able to make calls on it. It is also possible that law enforcement agencies will become interested in the owner of the stolen iPhone.

On the contrary, if you refuse to buy a stolen device, you can count on a reward, which is sometimes awarded to the owners of stolen or lost devices for their return. If you find an iPhone, we recommend that you also check its serial number in SNDeepInfo and return it to the owner.

Demand creates supply. Chinese manufacturers have long established the production of products from well-known brands. Apple devices were no exception. I was prompted to write this article by a couple of cases when, when faced with a fake, I could not clearly determine iPhone authenticity. You turn the phone in your hands, and everything seems to be in place, but something is not right. Let's try to determine what you should immediately pay attention to when buying a phone second-hand. There is no point in analyzing in detail the difference between the original iPhone and its Chinese counterparts. There are quite a lot of similar “left” manufacturers, and everyone tries in their own way. In addition, counterfeits are found in all previously produced and released generations of smartphones. And it will probably be the same in the future.

I would like to immediately warn you against unnecessary fears. On the back cover of the iPhone there is an inscription "Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in China." This is the honest truth, and you shouldn’t be afraid of it. All original iPhones are assembled in China at special Apple factories. Non-original iPhones are also assembled in the same country.

It is worth noting that phone authentication is verified by IMEI number through the SNDeepInfo service may lead to nothing. I came across a fake iPhone, where in the paragraph about this device the real IMEM and current version firmware. This data corresponded to a real Apple phone.

Let's try to identify the main differences, first external.

It will be difficult for a person who has never held his own iPhone in his hands to determine the originality of the device. Moreover, even experienced user It won't be easy for Apple products to understand what's wrong. At first sight fake iPhone looks quite plausible. The differences are in the little things. In general, the ideal way is to have the original iPhone with you for comparison.

1. In all existing iPhones to date no memory card slot, no retractable antenna. These improvements from Chinese manufacturers have never been used in native devices.

2. The SIM card slot for iPhone5, iPhone 4 (4S) is located on the side. They are designed for nano-SIM for iPhone 5 or micro-SIM for iPhone 4(4S), respectively. For first generation devices and 3G, 3GS it is on top. Phones only have one SIM!

3. Back cover at real iPhone cannot be removed, there is no access to the smartphone battery. No removable covers!

But the main differences are determined in the work. You need to turn on the device.

Native iPhone runs under control operating system iOS. Fake iPhones use different firmware. In this regard, programs from the store App Store cannot be installed on this device.

4. Open the "Settings" - "General" application. Please note Russian menu. Russian is one of the most difficult languages ​​and correctly translating the menu is not an easy job. If there's something wrong with cases or abbreviations like "Return", then it's not an iPhone.
The menu items here differ from the original. As a rule fakes do not have "Software Update" and "Siri".

5. Click on the App Store icon. See what the content store offers you. All programs on iPhone are installed from this store. If, when you click on the App Store icon, you will be transferred to Google Play it means your phone is not original.

6. If possible, connect the device to your computer. At iPhone connection to the computer iTunes program recognizes him. The fake phone will not sync with iTunes at all.

The real one is on the left*

Chinese people working in factories Foxconn, deserve respect if only because every day from early morning until late at night they work with incredible care, fulfilling Apple’s strict requirements for the level of quality of finished products. However, work on assembling iPhones goes on even at night and not even within the walls Hon Hai. Only in this case we are talking about copies of a super popular gadget. Believe me, you've never seen before such copy of iPhone 4.

Editorial team of the French portal Nowhere Else I acquired a replica iPhone 4 of such quality that you begin to seriously fear for the well-being of your acquaintances and friends.

Of course, there are differences. And for us, experienced users of the original iPhone, it will be easy to identify the “Chinese” by the display alone, glowing gray in the off state. But pay attention to the connector: this is the same 30-pin port, and yes, it is backward compatible with the original Apple cables. However, the problem here is not only the high accuracy of copying the exterior. Chinese version iOS is very similar to the real thing. At least judging by the photographs.

Ugly fonts, icons drawn on knees, ringtones from Nokia and others software errors are a thing of the past. Such iPhone copies They are unlikely to boast of having a powerful processor and certainly will not connect to the App Store. But for a quick sale to a random passerby, these “clones” are one hundred percent suitable. Be careful, gentlemen.