• How to recognize a Chinese iPhone 5s from the original. Make sure your iPhone has original parts

    In the fall of 2012, Apple released the iPhone 5. The long-awaited new product gained popularity all over the world. However, even earlier, Chinese craftsmen launched their “iPhone 5” into production. Publication "Novaya Gazeta" detailed instructions How to distinguish a fake Apple smartphone from an original one.

    Frame

    1. The fake is made of plastic and weighs 146 grams, while the case of a real iPhone is made of aluminum and weighs 112 grams;
    2. The back panel is fake of a uniform color, on at the moment Sold in three color variations - black, red and white. The real iPhone 5 is sold in only two colors - white and black and the back panel has a dual-tone design;
    3. The cover of a real iPhone is tightly screwed on and cannot be removed;
    4. The thickness of the fake is 7 mm, while the real iPhone 5 is 7.6 mm;
    5. The screen size of the fake is 3.5 inches, while that of original iPhone 5 he is 4 inches.

    USB connector and built-in TV

    1. Fake people like to boast about the USB connector. Remember: in the original iPhone any there is no USB version, it uses a special 30-pin or 8-pin connector;
    2. The iPhone does not have a retractable antenna or TV tuner; in the original, this functionality is implemented using software;
    3. Apple phones don't come with styluses;
    4. A real iPhone doesn't have memory cards;
    5. The original iPhone does not support multiple SIM cards. If you are offered a phone with support for two SIM cards, then it is anything but an Apple phone!

    Inscriptions

    1. On back cover the original must be Apple logo, where the apple is bitten on the right side. On Chinese phones it is either not there at all or the apple is bitten on the left side;
    2. At the bottom of the back cover there should be:
    • iPhone inscription;
    • Below in the rectangle - memory capacity (for example 16 GB);
    • even lower is the inscription Designed by Apple in California, Assembled in China;
    • Model number FCC ID, IC serial number devices;
    • certification marks and FOXCONN plant logo.

    Fakes either do not have these inscriptions, or they are arranged in a different order. Instead of iPhone, it may be written iPhone, eyePhone, etc. Where they write memory capacity, anything can be possible, for example Wi-Fi or 3G.


    Operating system etc.

    1. IN real iPhone 5 operating room installed iOS system 6, in fakes best case scenario Android;
    2. In Chinese phones, menu names often do not fit completely into a line, for example, the word “calendar...” instead of “Calendar”; this can never happen in a real iPhone!
    3. In the original iOS 6, a bunch of applications are immediately available to you, whereas Chinese phone you will get a braked system;
    4. Try to find a service Apple Store in a fake.

    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:

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

    Complete 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 Apple support to regain control over, for example.

    iPhone kit:

    1. Smartphone.
    2. Branded box with a barcode and information about the device (model, batch number, serial number and IMEI).
    3. Charger.
    4. USB cable.
    5. Wired headset Apple EarPods with control buttons and microphone.
    6. SIM card ejector.
    7. 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 that there is original box(for support service).

    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 the back cover of the device. The following data must correspond:

    1. Model. For example, ME305LL/A.
    2. Serial number(not indicated on the back cover of the device).
    3. 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 using the 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 serial number in the appropriate field iPhone number.

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

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

    If you need more information, using the same serial number you can determine: phone model, country for which it was manufactured, identifier and model number, main technical specifications (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
    • Colour: Space Gray
    • Production year: 2013
    • Production week: 45 (November)
    • Model introduced: 2013
    • Capacity: 16GB
    • Memory - flavor: 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 from international identifier mobile equipment (IMEI - International Mobile Equipment Identity), for example.

    iPhone IMEI 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 information about the device and on its packaging. That'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:

    1. Condition of the case. It is desirable that the device is free of chips, scratches and dents.
    2. 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.
    3. Did you understand the iPhone? The earpiece (next to the front camera) should be covered with a mesh. The screw heads on the bottom side of the charging/sync connector must not be damaged.
    4. 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).
    5. 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.
    6. 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.
    7. Speaker and microphone. Call someone, you and you should be clearly heard (sometimes this also depends on the quality of the connection).
    8. Wi-Fi module. Turn on Wi-Fi and connect to wireless network, check your internet access in Safari. In the cold Wi-Fi module It works properly - the breakdown appears after heating, so do not turn off Wi-Fi for at least another 5 minutes.
    9. Camera and autofocus. Launch the Camera app, tap on the area of ​​the screen to autofocus.
    10. 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.
    11. Accelerometer. Launch any standard application (Messages, Contacts, Calendar, Photos), rotate the iPhone - the screen should rotate with the device.
    12. Headphones. Plug your headset into the headphone jack, launch the Music app, and play. Check volume control, track switch and playback controls.
    13. Contact with water. Shine a flashlight into the headphone jack, if you find a red marker in it (indicator of moisture penetration), then the device has been in contact with water.
    14. External speakers. Turn on music playback, the sound should be clear, without wheezing.
    15. 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

    A few years ago fake iPhone easily calculated by the characteristic crack of the body and a fuzzy image. Now craftsmen have learned to make devices that are outwardly indistinguishable from the original. Therefore, we have to understand a little deeper. To learn how to distinguish an original iPhone 5S from a fake, read our article.

    Pay attention to the packaging

    First, the box must be sealed in transparent polyethylene. There may be cases where the packaging is opened to check if the iPhone is turned on. But in such a situation, part of the film still remains, and the delivery service notifies the customer about 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 to the surface. The apple is bitten on the right. The “iPhone” logo and side inscriptions are embossed. At the bottom of the box there is a sticker indicating the IMEI and serial number of the device.

    Sticker with serial number and IMEI

    Check using Apple service

    This method allows you to detect even a high-quality fake with 100% probability. To do this you will need a PC or laptop with iTunes. The program is available on the official website. When you connect the original iPhone, it should detect it and sync with it.

    Appearance

    Usually the body of a fake is made of plastic poor quality. The original models use aluminum. Color: grey, white and gold. On the back cover there is the inscription “iPhone, Designed by Apple in California, Assembled in China.”

    This is what the inscription on the back cover of the original iPhone 5S should look like

    The model number and certification marks are also indicated here. The nano-sized SIM card slot is on the right. There is also a serial number on the carriage, which must be identical to what is indicated on the box.

    The original iPhone does not have an antenna, memory cards, a stylus, two SIM cards, or USB or mini-USB charging. In addition, it is a one-piece monoblock. Therefore, the back cover can only be removed by unscrewing the fastening screws. It is worth paying attention to the weight. The lightweight device is a fake.

    No USB or mini-USB

    Internal differences

    The original iPhone does not slow down, has a bright display, clear sound, clear photographs, menu in Russian. Moreover, the meaning of words, case and other characteristics do not cause suspicion. You also need to go to “Settings” - “General” - “About device” and find the serial number. It must match what is indicated on the box and SIM card carriage.

    Serial number and IMEI

    In the settings there should be the items “Software Update” and “Siri”. They are usually absent in fakes.

    One hundred percent verification is the AppStore. It will detect Android even if it is very well disguised as iOS. If the user selects this service, then the fake will redirect it to GooglePlay.

    Left - Google Play, on the right - AppStore

    How to distinguish an original from a fake by serial number?

    To do this, you will need a phone or tablet with Internet access.

    1. You need to go to your iPhone in “Settings” - “General” - “About this device” and find the serial number.
    2. On another device, go to the official Apple website in the section for checking serial numbers.
    3. Enter the serial number and click the “Continue” button.
    4. If the iPhone is original, the service will provide information about it. Otherwise, the message “Sorry, this serial number is not correct” will appear. Please check your data and try again."

    It is worth paying attention to the number itself. If it starts with "5K", it indicates a refurbished unit. It is possible that the iPhone was assembled from parts of various smartphones, after which it was tested and resold.

    Model components

    The complete contents of the box are as follows:

    • iPhone (new sealed in film),
    • headphones (packed in film),
    • charger with data cable (packed in film),
    • documents and a paper clip to open the SIM card carriage.

    Everything should be neatly laid out. Unlike hard and plastic counterfeits, the original wires are soft and rubberized. The hard parts of the headphones and connectors are smooth, without sagging or sharp corners.

    Things that shouldn't scare you

    These are not signs of counterfeit:

    1. 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. A Russian user will not experience any problems using such an iPhone.
    2. 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 during the transaction. If doubts remain, then you need to use the iTunes method given above.

    How to distinguish the original iPhone at first glance? (table)

    Video: 4 characteristics that help identify even a high-quality fake

    The buyer can be sure of the originality of the iPhone 5S only if he orders the device from official dealer. In other cases, you need to pay attention to the signs described above. Knowing about them, the user can easily distinguish low-quality copy from the original.

    iPhone is one of popular smartphones from users and companies involved in the manufacture of counterfeit devices. Next, we will describe in detail how to distinguish iPhone 5, 6 and newer original versions from counterfeits.

    The price of Apple gadgets is quite high. Often, in order to have a trendy smartphone model, a person looks for ways to save money on a purchase. It is for such users that some Chinese companies They produce fake devices. They are similar not only visually, but also graphical interface. In most cases they work for custom firmware OS Android, which has been redesigned for iOS.

    There are so-called " gray sellers”, which sell original flagship gadgets at a lower price and, most often, counterfeit ones. It is best to purchase an iPhone in stores cellular communication or at official Apple representative offices in Russia – re:Store stores. Before you buy a device at a low cost, you need to read our recommendations on how to distinguish a fake Chinese device from an original one.

    How to distinguish a Chinese iPhone from the original

    Difference in appearance

    When buying a phone in non-branded stores, you must first of all pay attention to appearance apparatus. At the moment, Chinese manufacturers of counterfeit equipment have learned to make the device body close to the original one. Therefore, it is not always possible to distinguish a fake from a real gadget, even among fans of Apple devices.

    The original device must be well assembled, no gaps between blocks are allowed. The case should fit snugly in your hand; any crunch or crack is a direct indicator that this is a fake. Another feature can be highlighted buttonHome, in fakes it is non-functional and does not have a built-in fingerprint sensor, but simply opens the application menu.

    Pay attention to the box

    You can distinguish an original iPhone from a fake by the box in which it was packed. Package original phone It looks quite laconic, matte in color, plain and embossed in the form of the device itself without simulating a desktop. Embossed seal high quality . This feature is typical for all iPhone models.

    The box itself is packed in transparent film, it is evenly distributed over its entire surface. There should be no swelling or other deformation. The Apple logo and IPhone inscription are printed on the side without specifying the model.

    Equipment and accessories

    A real iPhone, unlike a fake, only has one SIM card, this applies to everyone iPhone versions(except 10). In this case, no additional parts should be built into the SIM card slot.

    Regarding accessories, then the original kit contains AirPods headphones, packed in a plastic case, a lightning cable, neatly laid and secured with a white tie, and a power supply. At the same time, as for the power supply, its appearance may differ in configurations for different countries.

    Lightning cable, when purchased from a “gray seller”, is almost always unoriginal. You can distinguish a fake by the missing inscription along the entire length of the wire “Designed by Apple in California, Assembled in China.” As a rule, such a cable cannot connect a smartphone to a PC and most functions are not available to the user.

    Appearance

    Additional ways to distinguish a fake from an original - by appearance:







    Software

    Another way to check if an iPhone is original is to check the installed operating system. As a rule, such devices are equipped with a customized Android version, which has a similar graphical interface.

    To begin with check the settings menu:

    • go to “Settings”;
    • open the “Basic” item;
    • Next, look for the “Software Update” section.

    IN original smartphones It is located under the “About this device” item; it is not in the fake one.

    Is there a voice assistant Siri

    You can check the originality of your smartphone by launching voice assistantSiri. To do this, simply press Home button. In fakes, this button is used to open the application menu.

    Determining if the iPhone X is real

    The new gadget from Apple has conquered the world with its design, frameless screen and technologies embedded in it. Main feature is the notch cutout at the top of the display. This is not just a dark place on the screen; in addition to the speaker, there is a built-in front camera and a FaceID sensor. The Chinese have not yet learned to fake this feature of this smartphone, despite the fact that there are fakes, they are still of fairly low quality.

    The picture shows a low-quality fake iPhone X.

    Checking the AppStore

    As a rule, the majority Chinese fakes are equipped with the Android platform. Check installed operating system you can by visiting the app store. If at choosing an iconAppStore there is a transition to the Play Market, this is a fact of a counterfeit device.

    Verification on the Internet

    It is worth noting that when purchasing a phone from a “gray seller”, carefully inspect the box. The IMEI code is printed on a sticker attached to it, on the back cover and in the device settings. Do not buy a device whose packaging does not contain IMEI information.

    You can check the originality of your iPhone using AppleCare service where you need to enter the serial number of the device. If it is original, then the user will be granted the right to service.

    Using iTunes

    This method will require a computer and installed application iTunes. At iPhone connection to your computer, iTunes will try to recognize it and sync it. If the application does not respond to the gadget, then it may be fake.

    More detailed information You can find out how to check the IMEI and serial number of an iPhone on our website in a special article.

    Year after year, the popularity of the company's products Apple smartphones growing more and more. Many people simply cannot imagine themselves without another “brand new” model. But there are incidents with too risky designs that are radically different from their predecessors. This, for example, happened with the iPhone 6. The increased diagonal of the iPhone 6 and its smoothed corners were not to the liking of many users. Due to this, counterfeits began to appear in the form of Chinese pseudo-iPhone 5s. Let's look at how to distinguish an original iPhone from a Chinese one.

    The technologies possessed by counterfeit manufacturers are high, making it difficult to identify a counterfeit. We will try to understand the signs that allow us to distinguish the original and answer the question, “how to distinguish an iPhone 5s from a fake?”

    To make their iPhones, Chinese manufacturers use technologies similar to the original components: heavy-duty glass and metal. And they never use it Chinese characters when applying markings on the body of a counterfeit. Due to the skills of counterfeit manufacturers, many buyers focus on how to distinguish Chinese iPhone from the original. And there are differences.


    How else can you check your iPhone?

    The real iPhone 5s is a monolithic case that can only be opened by unwinding. Counterfeits are usually noticeably lighter than the original. The original should not contain:

    • Antenna
    • Stylus
    • Chargers from USB and mini-USB
    • Memory cards
    • Dual SIM cards

    Fakes usually do not have such settings menu items as “Software Update” and “Siri”.

    How can you determine and distinguish the original iPhone?

    Complete set, of course. So, the complete set of a genuine iPhone.

    • iPhone device packed in film.
    • Headphones packed in film. They are covered with a metal mesh and are white in color.
    • Charger with cable packed in transparent film.
    • Documents for a smartphone and a device for opening a SIM card. Apple logo stickers.

    Whether an iPhone is Chinese or not can be distinguished by paying attention to the neatness of all the included components. In the original they are laid out neatly. The wires are rubberized and quite flexible to the touch; the hard parts of the headphones are smooth without corners.

    You can check the authenticity via the Internet. By following the link https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynam..., you can find out all the information about the device, of course, provided that it is genuine.

    Pay attention to the material from which the iPhone case is made. The original has aluminum gold, gray and white flowers. Counterfeits may differ in poor-quality case material.

    How to distinguish a Chinese iPhone from the original if you have checked everything visually

    • In the “About this device” sub-item in the “Settings” menu you can find the serial number, which must match the number on the smartphone case. The phone menu design should match the features of the original iPhone. Counterfeits usually run on Android OS or Windows Phone.
    • If you went to the app store and Google opened Play Market, then this is a fake. Also, when connected to a computer during synchronization via iTunes, it is the iPhone 5s that should be displayed, this is proof of the originality of the device.

    How to distinguish an original iPhone and warnings you need to know

    There are many offers on the Internet to buy an iPhone 5s, but remember: only an official Apple representative can give you a guarantee of the authenticity of the device.


    How to distinguish a fake by its software components

    • When checking for originality and turning on a genuine iPhone, a black screen and a white bitten symbol are visible, or vice versa.
    • All signs of iOS and in no case should there be elements similar to Android.
    • With the advent of iPhone 5, fingerprint identification function appeared. Touch ID is built into the Home key. In the corresponding sub-item we activate the “add fingerprint” designation and if following the instructions no unlocking actions occur, then it is a fake.
    • WITH using iCloud can be entered, thereby activating account or turn it off. In a fake, the system will request account activation Google posts, Mail, etc.
    • All actions on transitions to the menu should be smooth and clear. The fakes show slowdown or you have stumbled upon a higher quality fake.
    • The memory capacity of the original iPhone 5s must be at least 16 GB.
    • It is necessary to note the difference in price. Original iPhone cannot cost a couple of hundred dollars, unlike Chinese ones.

    Even the best quality counterfeits can cause unexpected difficulties when working with an iPhone. But if you are not too demanding in using phones, then a high-quality fake can help you save on buying a smartphone.

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