These days, it’s common to see iPhones everywhere, especially among younger people. More of a flex, no? With this increasing popularity, the number of fake phones and scams is also increasing. So it is you who is responsible for knowing that you are getting your hands on the real iPhone. How? For that, I will guide you through the ways you can differentiate between a fake and a real iPhone.
Where can you buy an iPhone in Nepal?
Getting an iPhone in Nepal is a piece of cake honestly. You can buy one from an authorized distributor or grey market. To be honest, you will see every second shop on New Road selling an iPhone. Not only that, there are different online platforms like Hukut, Daraz, and Evostore where you get an iPhone. Buying from authorized sellers means you will get genuine products but at an expensive rate. Similarly, buying from an unauthorized distributor or a grey market is a cheaper and fun way until you end up getting scammed with a fake product. Trust me, it is not completely your fault, because they look surprisingly convincing. So make sure to go through a check before making a purchase. Here are some ways to ensure that the iPhone you’re buying is authentic.
How to spot a fake iPhone?
Finding a fake phone is really not that difficult if you are a bit careful and observant while buying. The first thing to look after is, of course, its form factor. But in the case of a refurbished and repaired phone, you can’t tell the difference by just looking. For this, you must look at the Model number and IMEI number. Let me explain this to you in depth.
Physical appearance
If you are buying an iPhone you must already know what an iPhone should look like and if you get your hands on one you will feel a difference in touch. While the original phone has a natural titanium, the fake one shines a little extra. Moreover, there will always be a noticeable difference in the charging cables. Usually, the touch of a fake iPhone might not respond well and the brightness of the display will be dimmer or might flicker.
Not just that the colors might be washed out or have an incorrect color calibration (more blue or yellow). You will also see the viewing angles are not correct in most of the cases. On top of that, the display might be fragile and scratch easily.
Fake iPhones often have minor cosmetic flaws that are noticeable when you compare them to the original.
- Also, read:
Verify the IMEI number
But in some cases, the phone looks so real that you can’t tell if it’s a fake from its appearance. For that, you will have to check the internal settings like IMEI number. The IMEI number is a unique identifier for your iPhone and checking it is another great way to find out if the iPhone is real. So make sure to ask your seller the number before purchasing. Here’s how you can do it:
- Go to Settings > General > About.
- Scroll down to find the IMEI number.
- Ensure that the IMEI number on the phone matches the one on the box. If they don’t, the iPhone could be fake.
- You can also use websites like IMEI.info to check the device’s details.
If your seller does not have a box, you can also check the IMEI number on the SIM tray (except for the iPhone 14 series). Alternatively, dial *#06# on the phone, and the IMEI will appear on the screen.
Check the model number
The model number is another way you can find out if your iPhone is fake or real. However, a third party can easily change the model number, so I take this as the most trustworthy way. However, it is always a good idea to check this out. Here’s how you can do that:
- Go to Settings > General > About.
- Find the “Model Number” in the About section.
- If the number starts with the letter “M” it is a Retail unit (brand new phone) and safe to purchase.
- If the model number starts with “F” it is a Refurbished unit, “N” then it is a Replacement unit and if “P” then it is a Personalized (engraved) unit.
- You’ll want to avoid purchasing an iPhone with a model number starting with “F”, “N”, or “P” if you’re paying for a brand-new phone.
Check the internal parts
Sometimes, an iPhone might be an original piece, but certain internal components could have been replaced with non-Apple parts. Here’s how to check:
- Go to Settings > General > About.
- Under Parts and Service History, you can see the details of the installed parts. If it shows “Unknown,” the part is either non-Apple or has been replaced from another iPhone.
This feature is available on iPhone 11 or later, running iOS 15.2 or newer.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can easily spot a fake iPhone. You can make additional checks, such as testing network connectivity, verifying iOS, or activating Siri. If you still have doubts, don’t hesitate to take the phone to an official Apple Store to verify its authenticity. Have fun purchasing!
- Meanwhile, watch our Authorized vs Third Part Repair in Nepal video:
