• Not the original iPhone 6 box. How to distinguish an original iPhone from a fake

    Due to the high popularity of iPhones on the Russian market, more and more people want to purchase them. Thus, unscrupulous entrepreneurs began to counterfeit them as an easy profit. And sometimes the copies are made so well that, often, even professionals cannot distinguish them from the original. Here are some useful tips on how to distinguish the original from the fake.

    1. Packaging.

    First of all, the consumer needs to pay attention to the product box. Already familiarizing yourself with the packaging will tell you how to distinguish an original iPhone from a fake. Firstly, the outer packaging is a white box embossed in the shape of the smartphone itself. Secondly, the original should not have any pictures on the box.

    Thirdly, there must be an apple logo on the side of the box. And finally, on the side there should be the inscription “iPhone”, without the addition “6”.

    When you open the package, you will see the following elements:

    An important point: the iPhone and the box must be covered with a protective transparent film. The film must be applied evenly to the surface. There should be no air bubbles under the film that was glued at the factory.

    Important point - The presence of the original box with receipts is a condition for providing a guarantee and technical assistance when identifying problems with the device.

    2. Equipment and serial numbers.

    Be sure to check the IMEI written in three places: on the IPHONE itself (it is engraved on the back panel), on the sticker attached to the box and in its settings (In the Basic section, opening the “About device” item or dialing *#06#) .

    If one of the three options does not match, this iPhone is not original. Often, unscrupulous sellers pack a fake or non-working (or stolen, locked) iPhone in a new original box. The absence of a code is a clear sign of an inept “unlocking”, and such a gadget can no longer be restored. When IMEI is completely absent from the settings, do not even think about taking such a smartphone - it will be incapacitated.

    Another important point is the serial number of the device. It should be indicated on the back of the box, or in the “About the device” section. If you suddenly decide to buy a used iPhone 6, do not forget to take with you any device with Internet access in order to immediately get information about the iPhone by serial number. To do this, you need to go to the AppleCare service and enter the code. The system will immediately provide all support data valid for this device.

    In a situation where the system gives an error or writes that the number entered is incorrect, there is a 99% chance that the buyer is being offered a fake.

    Also, the smartphone must be well assembled - no squeaks when pressing the display, large gaps between the housing blocks, or “crunching” of the Home button are unacceptable. It is important to note that in a fake smartphone, the Home button does not have a built-in sensor that scans the fingerprints of the smartphone owner. This button just launches the menu.

    It is also worth paying attention to the nano-SIM card slot. The original iPhone has only one slot, but if the smartphone has two SIM cards, then it is clearly a fake. There should be no foreign parts. This is what a normal slot looks like.

    If you see such a picture, it means your iPhone is hardware-unlocked using the Gevey turbo-SIM overlay, which removes the software lock on a specific (often American) telecom operator.

    The accessories included in the kit must be additionally packaged as shown in the picture.

    You should also be wary of the non-original cable included in the kit. Some sellers of used iPhones put in a fake cable when selling to newbies. There is no characteristic marking on it. You can distinguish the original by the inscription along the entire length of the wire:

    With such a cable you will not be able to connect your smartphone to your computer, and without this you will not have access to the lion's share of user capabilities, because... It will be impossible to sync and share data via iTunes. You will have to buy it separately, and so you understand, the cost of a meter cable in the AppStore starts from 1,590 rubles.

    3. Checking the system

    The unique operating system - iOS - is one of the most important properties of the iPhone. iOS is rightfully considered the most reliable and secure system. Since it is designed specifically for iPhones (iPads), the devices work flawlessly.

    If you know what the iOS system looks like, then go through the tabs on your desktop. Often you can’t tell a fake from the menu, since Chinese craftsmen have even learned to copy the visual image of the iPhone operating system interface. All counterfeit iPhones run on the Android platform, so none of the advantages that iPhones give to the buyer are worth taking advantage of. So, for example, when you switch to the App Store, the gadget redirects you to the Play Store, and all other standard iOS applications are also replaced with Android counterparts.

    Thus, you are armed with useful tips, and now you can distinguish an original iPhone from a fake.

    iPhone is one of the popular smartphones among users and companies involved in the production 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 produce counterfeit devices. They are similar not only visually, but also in their graphical interface. In most cases they run on 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 at mobile phone stores or at Apple's official 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 of the device. 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. The packaging of the original phone looks quite laconic, matte in color, plain and embossed in the form of the device itself without simulating a desktop. Embossed high quality printing. 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 all versions of iPhone (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 out 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 version of Android that has a similar graphical interface.

    To begin with Let's 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; in fake smartphones it is not there.

    Is there a voice assistant Siri

    You can check the originality of your smartphone by launching voice assistantSiri. To do this, simply hold down the 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 how to counterfeit 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, most Chinese counterfeits are equipped with the Android platform. You can check your installed operating system by visiting the application 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 the iTunes application installed. When you connect your iPhone to your computer, iTunes will try to recognize it and synchronize it. If the application does not respond to the gadget, then it may be fake.

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

    If you buy a new iPhone 8 256 Gb Rose Gold on the day of release, you still run the risk of running into a fake. A box packed in film is not at all a guarantee that you are not buying a “Frankenstein” assembled from spare parts from a dozen dead iPhones.

    Bookmarks

    In this large-scale guide, representatives of the service damprodam.ru, which deals with the purchase and trade-in of iPhones, talked about how to distinguish the correct new iPhone from a fake. And in general, what iPhones can be found on the “counters” of online stores in Russia.

    Option No. 1: “white” iPhone (PCT)

    The most “legal” option for purchasing a smartphone is a “white” phone with a PCT or EAC certificate. Many people get confused, but Rostest and EAC are absolutely similar certifications (the latter unites the Russian Federation, Balarus and Kazakhstan). The PCT marking should always be on the device box:

    A phone with a PCT is a phone officially imported into Russia, which is sold at a recommended retail price, supports all necessary Russian frequencies and works with all Russian SIM cards. A phone officially imported into Russia must have instructions in Russian.

    Many people think that Rostest physically tests imported phones. In fact, no tests are performed. The “PCT” sticker means that the supplier has notified the FSB that the devices contain encryption elements. Plus, I paid customs duty - a tax for importing goods. And finally, I issued a certificate of compliance of the device with the technical regulations of the Customs Union.

    The main advantage of the “white” phone is that the iPhone with the PCT/EAC marking has a 2-year warranty, not 1 year.

    Pros:

    Guaranteed performance with all Russian operators and LTE frequencies

    Cons:

    The phone is 10-20% more expensive than a “gray” device

    2. iPhone from Europe (“without PCT”)

    The second “quality” version of the iPhone are models that were brought by you personally or by a seller from Europe. They work fully in Russia, but have only a one-year warranty. But they are also serviced by official Russian Apple service centers.

    Physically, they are no different from the “white” iPhones, they were made in the same factories, but they did not pay customs duties. And therefore they are 10-20% cheaper. If you buy an iPhone 7, you can save up to 10 thousand rubles.

    But when buying any “gray” phone, you always need to check the model of the device (and know which region corresponds to which model). Some foreign iPhone models may not support Russian LTE frequencies or may not work with Russian cellular operators at all.

    Pros:

    - “Gray” phones from Europe are 10-20% cheaper than “white” ones, but technically they are no different from them

    Cons:

    You support the informal market and do not pay additional customs duties

    The warranty on the “gray” phone is not two years, but one year

    How can I tell which country my iPhone is from?

    Information about the country is carried by the last two Latin letters in your model code. You can find the code on the box or in the settings menu at: “Settings – General – About this device.”

    What do the letters next to the model number mean:

    A – CanadaAB – Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Jordan, EgyptAE – Saudi Arabia, UAE, QatarB – Great Britain and IrelandBG – Bulgaria and so on. For Russia these are the letters RU

    3. iPhone from the USA, UAE, Asia and other countries except Europe

    Non-European phones can be a problem even if the device is “verbally” unlocked and should work worldwide. There are also often problems with the warranty for such devices. Apple's official warranty only works in the country where it was officially released for sale - and Russia, according to Apple's classification, only belongs to the European region.

    It's a little easier if you buy an iPhone for the US market from a Russian store. Then it is covered by the warranty of the store itself. If the store closes, then the problem of the warranty claim falls on your shoulders. In rare cases, such phones may come with a worldwide warranty, which is also 1 year.

    There are cases when iPhones locked to an American operator cannot update to the new version of iOS. Or they simply stop working with Russian SIM cards. True, Apple is now moving towards “equalizing” the characteristics for all countries, and such problems more often arise with early models (up to the 5th). But there is still a risk of problems. The list of models supported in Russia can be found below.

    Pros:

    The price is usually 10-20% lower

    Cons:

    It is necessary to check the model of the device before purchasing

    The warranty applies only to the region of purchase. We bought an iPhone for the US market - the warranty is valid only in the US, even if the phone itself was purchased on Gorbushka

    There is a risk of blocking or inoperability with Russian SIM cards or LTE frequencies

    How to find out your iPhone model?

    Your phone model is also indicated on the box:

    And on the phone itself, on the back side:

    Which models are adapted for Russia (repair or replacement of other models may be refused, and they may also have problems with LTE or cellular communications): iPhone 7 And iPhone 7 Plus. Models A1778 and A1784 iPhone 6s And iPhone 6s Plus. Models A1688 and A1687 iPhone SE. Models A1723 and A1724 iPhone 6 And iPhone 6Plus. Models A1586 and A1524 iPhone 5s. Model A1457.

    4. Refurbished by Apple

    “Refurbished” iPhones are devices that were previously sold, but then returned to Apple due to a defect. Or which users exchanged for new ones as part of promotions, or returned within the first couple of weeks of use. The thing about a “real” refurbished iPhone is that it has undergone a full screen, case and battery replacement at the Apple factory.

    Such models are usually 15-25% cheaper. Moreover, both new models and those that are no longer produced.

    All refurbished iPhones have the same warranty as regular iPhones - that is, a year (in Russia - two), plus free telephone consultations in the first 90 days. If any warranty incident occurs with the Refurbished iPhone, Apple will repair it free of charge at an authorized service center or simply return the money.

    How does the process of “restoring” such an iPhone take place at Apple factories?

    All iPhones that fall under the restoration procedure undergo thorough diagnostics and are subject to performance tests according to the same requirements as tests for new products. All problematic parts in the device are replaced, and a new case and display are also installed. Next, the iPhone is returned marked “like new” to store shelves with an official warranty.

    A refurbished product is no different in appearance from a new one, with the exception of packaging. All such products now come in plain white boxes with an "Apple Certified Refurbished" guarantee.

    This iPhone receives a new serial number, and a new number is assigned to each replaced part. The latest software is installed on the gadget. Each product comes with an original operating system and a standard software package.

    Pros:

    The phone is 15-20% cheaper

    The device has been fully tested and major parts replaced at the official Apple factory

    Cons:

    You are buying a phone that has already been restored. Even at the official Apple factory.

    Where can you see which iPhone you are buying: new or refurbished?

    Go to your phone settings: “Settings → General → About this device.” The model number is displayed there. You need to check the first letters at the beginning of the serial number:

    “M” means that the gadget is new, purchased in a store.

    “N” - initially registered in warehouse stocks as a replacement model, may be a new device, or maybe “refurbished”.

    “F” means that the smartphone is definitely one of the restored ones, that is, “refurbished”.

    5. Chinese Refurbished

    This is an iPhone clone. The Chinese or underground services are buying up “dead” iPhones. They take the only part that cannot be faked - the motherboard - and add real parts to it, such as a working battery, a new-looking but plastic non-original case. Next, they pack them in a new box, which they make themselves. They put a kit there in the form of Chinese headphones and a charger, and sell it under the guise of a new device. Those who have less impudence - under the guise of a Refurbished phone.

    It is not easy for a non-professional to distinguish such a phone from the original. What to look for first: poor-quality box and packaging, creeping fonts, small gaps between the case and the screen and other visual flaws.

    Cons:

    This phone is one big minus

    Pros:

    None

    Once again, briefly:

    1. “White” PCT models purchased in Russia from official partners have a warranty of not one, but two years.

    2. Models purchased in Russia in unofficial stores (of which there are plenty on Yandex.Market) or in Europe, but with a model number adapted for Russia, have a 1-year warranty. They can be repaired in Russia at the SC in the same way as PCT models.

    3. Models from the USA and other countries (except Europe) can be repaired under warranty only in the country where this model is officially sold. Well, or for money at any service center. In rare cases, such phones may come with a worldwide warranty, which is also 1 year.

    4. Never trust only appearance phone and its box. Check IMEI, model number, call statistics.

    PR disclaimer on behalf of the authors of the post: don’t fool yourself and trade-in your old phones at damprodam.ru If you have a seven, we’ll give you at least 30 thousand for it, even for 32 Gb. We won’t press you for a discount on your purchase, promise a meeting “in the center of the hall” and not show up. Valuation of an old smartphone immediately on the website online. Then the master himself comes to you. You only pay the difference between the old and new iPhone.

    The world of smartphones is growing every day, so the more popular the brand, the more fakes and copies there are. Today we’ll talk about how you can understand that the iPhone is original.

    I have a little experience buying new iPhones and therefore, I would like to share with you what I look for first.

    How to check the authenticity of an iPhone 4S, 5, 5S, 5C, 6, 6S, 6 PLUS, 6S PLUS, SE, 7, 7 PLUS?

    In fact, this matter needs to be taken very seriously. After all, then you will really regret that you didn’t spend five minutes checking and lost a lot of money.

    Now let’s go through in general all the points that apply to all models of Apple smartphones. Essentially the same things are always checked.

    Appearance

    Well, let's start with the most important thing - appearance. This includes both the smartphone itself and the box itself. After all, boxes are often counterfeited too.

    Everything is quite simple, we make sure that it is intact and the images are made with high quality. If something is blurry or words are written crookedly, then there is immediate suspicion.

    It's a little easier with a phone. Here we look at the lack of different antennas and styluses. Also, don’t be lazy to go to the store and look at the original.

    For example, if it is an iPhone 6 or 6S, then the fake one usually has darker antenna stripes. And there may be a completely different Home button.

    If you understand that you are not very strong here, then there will be points further that will definitely make it clear whether it is a copy or not.

    Functionality

    Usually everything is determined at this stage, because it is extremely difficult to fake iOS. Although there are very good copies of this OS, you can’t argue with that.


    When you pick up the phone, don’t be lazy with the standard iPhone applications. The hardest things to fake are Maps, App Store, Camera and probably the iTunes Store.

    If all this works correctly and looks normal, then we immediately check the quality of the camera images and whether you can log in to your Apple ID (if you have one).

    Starting with the 5S, you can immediately check the fingerprint scanner, which is built into the Home button. We also check 3D Touch starting with the iPhone 6S.

    It’s best to get someone to touch the original iPhone a little before purchasing and get to know iOS and its capabilities. Ideally, take this owner with you to compare everything live.

    Accessories

    After opening the box, make sure everything is neatly packed. We check the quality of the headphones and charging; if the materials are suspicious, it is better to double-check.


    The most standard package usually contains a power supply, charging cable, headphones, the phone itself and, of course, stickers with documentation. The paper clip is also available.

    Craftsmen here also manage to fake everything efficiently, so we do one more very simple check.

    Model number

    Each iPhone has a model number and it must match. After turning on the smartphone, go to Settings - General - About this device.


    Having found this number, we simply compare it with what is on the back of the box. If everything matches, then this is another sign of the original.

    By the way, the sticker should be glued evenly. After all, they are also being printed now, and at first glance, it is very difficult to understand the copy.

    How to check an iPhone when purchasing

    Now I just want to give just a couple of tips that you need to follow every time you buy a new iPhone. At least partially, it is advisable to do so.


    First point. We don't buy in strange places. It is advisable to choose a trusted store that someone has already used or is simply well-known in your city.

    Second point. Don't chase low prices. The lower the price, the greater the likelihood of counterfeit. There is a limit to everything and the pricing policy of phones too.

    Third point. Surely you have a friend who owns at least some model of iPhone. Ask him to come with you, he already has operating experience.

    That's basically all the advice. Many people neglect all the points and then suffer, not knowing what to do with the purchased fake.

    Conclusions

    For today, that’s all I wanted to tell you about how you can distinguish an original iPhone from a Chinese counterfeit. The points are very simple.

    The most reliable, in my opinion, is the item with functionality. It is very difficult to fake iOS, and just by turning on your smartphone, you can check everything right away.


    Good afternoon, dear connoisseurs of the indispensable genuine quality of the best modern gadgets. Perhaps you understand perfectly how to distinguish an original iPhone 6 from a fake.

    Russian users are often tempted by the cheap price of fakes that come to us through unknown means. And often we don’t think about the fact that a great thing, into the creation of which the best “brains”, the best details, the best modern developments were invested, cannot be cheap under any circumstances.

    The iPhone 6s performs flawlessly, so much so that you don't think about the ease of flight of the platform, because that's its natural state.

    Its appearance is characterized by functional minimalism. Of course, various imitations try to completely imitate an “Apple” smartphone, but here, as with banknotes, a fake still cannot absolutely replicate the unique appearance and quality. And the difference is felt, as always, in the details.

    Visual differences between the iPhone 6 and a fake

    When you pick up an original Apple smartphone, you feel a pleasant thrill mixed with the anticipation of touching its software.

    The main minor features of the appearance of the iPhone 6 that distinguish it from a fake are:

    • in the inscriptions on the back cover of the gadget;
    • lack of external antenna;
    • having only one SIM card;
    • lack of a slot for installing an external memory card;
    • only the original Lightning connector is present;
    • The back cover is secured using screws only.

    The first thing that may darken your mood is the absence of the obligatory “iPhone, Designed by Apple in California, Assembled in China” inscription on the back cover. Plus, the serial number and certification marks are indicated on the iPhone. And nothing more than what we listed above.

    As for the original connector, there is no way you can charge a real iPhone from a cord with USB and mini-USB output.

    In appearance, the iPhone 6 can be distinguished by its packaging from Apple. The seller should put in front of you a box with the treasured “apple” and high-quality inscriptions, very carefully sealed in polyethylene.

    The package should include the following packaged in separate films:

    • headphones;
    • cable;
    • charger;
    • a paperclip that opens the SIM card slot;
    • the entire set of documents;
    • a pair of Apple stickers as a gift.

    If the appearance of the smartphone does not cause you any suspicion, then it is worth examining the “stuffing”. And we invite you to understand its visual and software features.

    So the original iPhone obviously assumes the absence of any system errors or “hieroglyphs” in the system. The only possible platform for this smartphone is iOS. And if we suddenly come across an iPhone that runs on the well-known Android, then give it back to the seller.

    How can you immediately recognize a “pirate” Android on a pseudo-iPhone? Just go to the App Store. If instead you are greeted hospitably by the suddenly opened Google Play, then, without a doubt, this smartphone also has nothing to do with Apple.

    While still in the store, ask the seller to connect the iPhone to a laptop with iTunes installed. The program should immediately notice the new device. The program won’t even notice a fake on Android.

    The question often arises about what the iPhone 6 charging process looks like. When you plug the cable into the slot, you will see the coveted “lightning bolt” next to the battery icon. When locked, a large battery logo appears in the middle of the display.

    Determining the serial number of iPhone 6

    The unique serial number of an Apple smartphone can be easily checked on the manufacturer’s official website. Having found the serial number in the “General” and “About this device” settings, enter it on the site, and then you will receive all the data about the genuine device. The counterfeit number, of course, is not recognized.

    Of course, we are all human, as they say, and we can make mistakes. Therefore, before shaming the seller in the latter case, double-check that the characters you typed are correct. Otherwise, the situation will turn out to be very awkward, because we are talking about purchasing an expensive high-status smartphone.

    Conclusion

    I hope you now understand how not to get burned when buying a real iPhone. And in order to always keep abreast of the latest events in the world of gadgets and modern technologies, we invite you to subscribe to blog updates and our groups VKontakte, V Facebook, Twitter. Watch our reviews on the channel at YouTube. We are waiting for your friends on our pages.

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