How to check a real iPhone 5s or a copy. How to distinguish an original iPhone from a Chinese one

Greetings, dear reader. So, you have decided to buy an iPhone or have already purchased this undoubtedly wonderful device. For those who have not dealt with such devices before, quite naturally, the question will arise - how can I distinguish a Chinese iPhone (any model 4, 4s, 5, 5s, 6, 6 Plus, 6s, etc.) from a high-quality original?

In this case, you have several options, which one to choose depends directly on the specific situation, but for each option I will give instructions:

1. Visual inspection. It consists of a knitting inspection of the device without turning it on or connecting it to a computer or iTunes. Suitable if using more reliable methods, which are described below, is impossible;
2. When you turn on the device. This method is suitable if you can turn on your iPhone. For example, you buy a new or old iPhone second-hand. If it is possible to turn on the device, the likelihood of detecting a fake increases many times;
3. Using a computer using the barn number. 100% way to determine the authenticity of an iPhone (any model 4, 4s, 5, 5s, 6, 6 Plus, 6s, etc.). If you have access to the Internet from any device, for example from another smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC, then you can check the authenticity through a special service. In this case, the probability of identifying a fake, as I already said, is 100%.

To put it bluntly, only the third method can give a 100% guarantee. Let's proceed to a detailed analysis of each verification method.

Visual inspection

The most primary way to recognize and distinguish a fake is a visual inspection. If you have not dealt with iPhones or iPads before, I recommend taking a person who owns Apple devices to a meeting with the seller (if you buy an iPhone in person).

How to determine the authenticity of an iPhone by eye:

1. Turn your iPhone over and look at the back cover. If you see hieroglyphs, then this is a fake;
2. Look at the number of SIM card slots. If there is more than one, then you have a fake in your hands;
3. If you find a slot for additional flash memory on the case, then this is also a fake;
4. There are no antennas, styluses, etc. in original iPhones (any model 4, 4s, 5, 5s, 6, 6 Plus, 6s, etc.);
5. On the back cover of the original iPhone, the serial number is always indicated next to the text S/N or SERIAL;
6. Try removing the back cover of the device. If you can do this easily and quickly, then this is a fake.

All these signs will help you distinguish and know that this is a real gadget or a fake of the original.

When turned on

If after a visual inspection you still have questions about the authenticity and you could not distinguish a fake from the original, then I recommend turning on the device:

1. If the device has not been previously activated, the screen will ask you to activate the device (it will not start without activation). If there is no activation, then find out from the seller when the gadget was activated and find out the data from the Apple ID;
2. Check what operating system is installed on your device. iOS is installed on original gadgets. If you see the Android OS in front of you, then this is not an iPhone;
3. Scroll through the screens, open a notepad, media library. If the gadget slows down, then this is a fake. iPhone (any model 4, 4s, 5, 5s, 6, 6 Plus, 6s, etc.) always works without brakes;
4. Find the AppStore on your device and launch it. Try downloading any application. If you are redirected to Google Play, then your iPhone is not original. When installing the application, you should be asked to enter your Apple ID information.

By serial number

The third stage of checking to distinguish a Chinese gadget is checking the device by serial number - this is the surest way to check its authenticity. To distinguish follow these steps:

That's all for me. I hope you were able to distinguish your gadget (any model 4, 4s, 5, 5s, 6, 6 Plus, 6s, etc.) from a fake. If you have any questions about the original, you can ask them in the comments to the post. See you in the next materials.

A person who prefers Apple products to other brands will be able to easily distinguish an original smartphone from a Chinese counterfeit. But if you decide to buy an iPhone for the first time, you need to know how to distinguish a Chinese iPhone from the original in order to avoid problems in the future. Such ignorance, as a rule, is expensive, since the cost of a fake in this case is equal to the cost of a real phone. By the way, price is the first criterion that you should pay attention to when purchasing. does not happen, remember this, so if you are offered to buy the latest model phone from Apple for a symbolic amount, do not rush to make a “profitable” purchase. Make sure that what you get is not a Chinese copy of the iPhone.

Where to buy?

If you want to become the owner of an iPhone, we advise you to consider only well-known stores as places to buy. They should specialize in selling such equipment, and ideally be an official dealer of Apple products. Even if you are well aware of the characteristics of the iPhone 5S, the chance of getting the original from your hands is minimal. Of course, now you can find advertisements for the sale of used iPhones from their previous owners, but it is almost impossible to buy the latest models in this way. Suspicious street stalls, as well as dubious personalities offering here and now to buy a new original phone “for only 10 thousand rubles” are ways with a high degree of probability to give away your money for a cheap fake. Dishonest sellers take advantage of your ignorance in the question of how to distinguish a Chinese iPhone from the original. Have you ever compared these devices? We will tell you how to distinguish an iPhone from a fake, and we hope this information will help you avoid mistakes.

Apple has become a global brand for a reason. The company’s specialists produce their products of deliberately high quality, and this makes any “Apple” product stand out on store shelves. Moreover, this feature is visible in everything, and smartphone packaging is no exception. Firstly, the box should not have any defects (dents, torn corners, uneven seams, scratches, signs of tampering, etc.). Secondly, take it in your hands and evaluate the sensations. The original packaging gives the impression of plastic, it is so neatly and pleasantly made, although, naturally, the material used is ordinary. And thirdly, pay attention to such details as stickers and inscriptions on the box in which the IPhone 5S lies. How to distinguish a fake with their help? All names of the device, as well as the logo of the manufacturer, must be embossed according to the rules, and they must be located on the sides of the box. In addition, check for additional vacuum transparent plastic packaging.

Now we turn the box upside down and see if there is a sticker with the model name. If you have an original iPhone in your hands, this part will also contain information about the device’s memory capacity, IMEI number, batch number and product series. And even a bitten apple - the traditional Apple logo - should be carefully examined. A cheap Chinese copy may be identified by an apple with a notch on the left, which is incorrect.

How to distinguish a Chinese iPhone from the original: external differences

The next stage of recognizing a copy is inspecting the smartphone itself and working with it. Also, first of all, let's evaluate it. We have already mentioned the highest build quality of original Apple equipment. If you remember this, then all sorts of defects on the phone’s body, even subtle ones, will indicate to you that this is a Chinese fake. The original is distinguished by the impeccable quality of fit of all panels, the absence of backlashes, gaps, chips, creaks or recesses. There should be a factory one on the front panel. As a rule, the original one has a perforated tongue at the bottom. It is needed to quickly and easily remove protection from the display.

And the most important feature that an original Apple phone cannot have is a removable back panel! A real iPhone is a monolithic device that cannot be disassembled by hand. If you have a known original iPhone, we can advise you to put the two devices side by side and compare them visually. The “Chinese” will stand out with a more elongated body format.

First impression: let's look at the menu

Next, for testing purposes, turn on the phone. When you turn on the original iPhone for the first time, a logo will appear on the display, and then a prompt will appear to activate the device. True, this point does not always help to correctly determine the originality of the device; the fact is that many real iPhones go through the activation procedure in the store before hitting the counter. This is also associated with premature opening of packaging - at some points they are required to check for serviceability. If you still have doubts, look at the display, listen to system sounds and music - the colors should be bright and the sound should be clear. We hope it is clear that a high-quality iPhone is distinguished only by a menu in Russian and a high-quality built-in camera. Here I would like to tell you how to distinguish a Chinese iPhone from the original in the fastest way. The secret is that the original device only supports a specific operating system - iOS, updates of which are available through the iTunes service. So, if you connect the device to a computer, this application will automatically recognize the original device and send a corresponding notification to its owner! Unfortunately, such a quick and high-quality check is only possible after purchasing the phone.

Differences between menu items and operating features

So, we turned on the phone and are thinking about how to distinguish an iPhone from a fake. It should be remembered that there are differences between them in the Settings menu. For a non-original version it will be incomplete, or rather, it will not be possible to see the “Phone Model” and “Serial Number” items there.

Keyboard

Do you doubt that this is an iPhone 5S? How to distinguish a fake? Go from the settings, for example, to the “Messages” menu and try typing any text. The appearance of the visual keyboard that appears is another method of recognizing Chinese production. The latter has a keyboard design similar to the keyboard design of Samsung Galaxy series phones; it consists of separate touch buttons with letters and the ability to switch characters. Often these keyboards also support the Swype function.

Slow work as a clear sign of “Chineseness”

But, probably, the first thing that will catch your eye when you turn on the Chinese copy is the braking. Sometimes this gets to such an extent that the phone can only unlock the keys the fifth time! A high-quality iPhone instantly responds to the touch of your fingers (and only your fingers!), and unlocking it won’t take even two seconds.

Includes original Apple device

The list of additional devices included with the phone has remained unchanged since the first day of iPhone production. Thanks to this, the equipment of the original device, which we present below, has become a kind of standard. If you don’t know other ways to understand whether you are being offered to buy an iPhone 5 or how to distinguish a fake, it will be enough to remember this list and compare the availability of all the parts. In addition to the device in the box you will also always find:

• Envelope containing color instructions inside. It, in turn, is produced in printing and has a high-quality appearance; there will be no tears, cuts, dents, stains, crumpled corners and blurry text indicating a low level of printing, and other defects. On the cover you can see two Apple logos pasted on.
• Soft flexible headphones.
• Data cable.
• Original charger (its standard weight is 60 grams).

All these things are made in white colors. Cables should be folded as neatly as possible, have wide transparent ties (to prevent unwinding) and placed in additional plastic packaging. Headphones from the original iPhone are always pleasant to hold in your hands; they have a soft, flexible rubberized wire. Their plastic parts must not have defects (chips, scratches, sharp corners, protruding areas of material, burrs, etc.).

How to distinguish an iPhone from a fake the first time?

The following signs that we list are characteristic only of non-original products! If you find at least one of them when buying an iPhone, rest assured that this is a Chinese handicraft product:

Finally

Chinese engineers, of course, are becoming more and more creative from year to year, and one can only envy their hard work. Therefore, counterfeits are increasingly taking over the features of original products and flooding the equipment market. We told you how to distinguish an iPhone from its Chinese counterpart, but the conclusions suggest themselves. Alas, a similar Chinese design does not at all mean the completeness of functions that is inherent in high-quality products. Therefore, before you decide to buy a phone from Apple, remember this material and ignore suspiciously “profitable” offers from unverified sellers. Forewarned is forearmed!

The price of Apple's latest creation, the iPhone 6 Plus, is over $1,300. The price tag is too high for a resident of Russia. However, many people want to have this gadget so much that they are ready to resort to tricks. Our Chinese “brothers” offer good alternatives. At the same time, a person who does not want to be deceived wonders how to distinguish a Chinese iPhone from the original. It would be a shame to shell out good money and end up with a cheap copy in your hands.

How to distinguish a real iPhone from a fake

No matter how much imitators try to copy a global brand, it is possible to distinguish between it and a counterfeit. The price of a high-quality fake starts from $250 (a relatively cheap phone). Such models accurately copy the appearance and weight of a genuine device. The Chinese iPhone and the original have differences in software and design features, but they are discovered after a thorough analysis of the two devices. Let's look at this in more detail:

1. The original runs on the iOS operating system. Chinese fake phones operate on the Android platform, which copies the brand interface. The ability to install applications from the App Store immediately disappears. You download all programs from the Play Market. The smartphone performance provided by iOS drops significantly, so don’t expect the same performance from a fake.
2. Copies of iPhones are often released with the dual-sim function. The Apple manufacturer creates devices with one SIM card. The original smartphone has a monolithic design, so the mobile operator card is inserted into the side slot. If there are two SIM cards, you need to remove the cover and take out the battery.
3. The iPhone, which is not original, gives the right to expand the phone’s memory using microSD, while users of a truly “Apple” device are content with what they have. The fake is used as a flash drive, connecting it to a PC or radio in a car.

If you conduct a more thorough analysis, you will notice that the counterfeit display is not as bright and the sensor is less sensitive. The product launcher is slower, applications freeze more often. The video and sound of the Chinese “friend” are worse. The button on the body is flat or sticks out above the surface, but should be depressed. The screen protrudes slightly beyond the body. On the original iPhone, the inscription and brand logo are embossed. There are several more ways to distinguish a Chinese iPhone from the originals, more on that below.

5 and 5S

Before ordering an original iPhone, find an opportunity to “chat” with it live for a couple of hours. Then there will be no problems when choosing a brand. The body of a genuine iPhone 5 and 5S is made of high-quality aluminum. Upon manual inspection, the model does not creak or play, the assembly is very good. In addition, the original Apple is available in only three colors - white, black, gold. Color samples are similar to the brand but are fake.

4 and 4S

How to distinguish a Chinese iPhone 4 from the original:

1. Charging with a microUSB connector indicates that you are holding a Chinese iPhone in your hands. The original device has a unique connector and Lighting connector.
2. Another evidence of a counterfeit working TV, which Apple manufacturers did not include in their product.
3. There are no hieroglyphs in a genuine iPhone; the native language of the device is English. The Chinese iPhone 4 often demonstrates inadequate translation of menu items (not “Organizer”, but “Organizer”) or abbreviations (“Calendar.”).

6 and 6S

It's easy to check a sixth-generation iPhone. On the official website, enter the unique code of the smartphone serial number. If the model is original, information about it will appear. There is no data in the system about Chinese samples. It is important to check that the serial number on the box and on the phone itself match. The box must be smooth, without dents. On top it is covered with a film, the seam of which runs along the side surfaces. Inscriptions on the box or phone like “iFone”, “eyePhone”, “iPhon” indicate a fake.

The Chinese have learned to make fake iPhones at the highest level, and what was previously determined visually (presence of antennas, dual SIM cards, plastic case, operating system - Android) can no longer be determined without certain knowledge. In addition, many people buy used phones. And here the primary signs (packaging, completeness, turning on the iPhone for the first time) will no longer help in determining originality. In our article, we looked at 100 percent ways to identify a fake. Whether you're buying a new, used or refurbished iPhone 5s, use our improved guide to identifying the original phone.

Package

Packaging is the face of the product, protecting the product from damage during transportation, but also carrying information about the device inside. Packaging must be required for new and refurbished phones. When choosing a used iPhone, look at the options with a box.

• There must be a sticker on the back of the box with IMEI, serial number, model, and amount of built-in memory.

• The box is made of coated cardboard (the surface is smooth, matte) without irregularities or flaws. Printing on coated cardboard is of excellent quality, the shape of the box does not change over the years.
• The inscription iPhone 5s and the image of the phone on the front side are embossed.

The iPhone 5s was produced in two types of boxes: the one that came with the new device and the one that appeared later - for packaging refurbished phones.

In addition to the phone, the box must contain instructions, a clip for removing the SIM card and accessories (headphones, charger, data cable). An important factor is the availability of original accessories. They also need to be checked for authenticity, especially pay attention to this point when purchasing used devices. The phone itself may be original, but the accessories are fake. Which, with further use, can damage the phone.

Accessories

• Headphones - the original has holes covered with a metal mesh, there are no gaps on the control buttons, the body is solid (there are no visible recesses or bulges on the headphone body).
• Charger - for phones sold on our market, the charger looks like the photo below.

• Data cable - a fake cable is made of several parts and this is noticeable; the original seems to be a more solid device. The original cable must bear the inscription “designed in California, made in China.” The font is clear, printed in light gray and slightly visible.

Read the full articles on the differences between fake iPhone accessories at the following links:

Appearance

• The body is made of aluminum.
• There is an inscription on the reverse side.

• The SIM card slot for one SIM card, nano size, is located on the right.
• The back cover is not removable.

The Chinese have spent enormous effort creating housings for counterfeit phones. This item is difficult to verify without holding the original in your hands. And experienced sellers said that it is now difficult to determine by appearance what is in your hands - a fake or an original.

Software – what the software shell looks like, where to look for the serial number, AppStore

100 percent method, the only drawback is that you need a computer to carry out the test.

Turn on the iPhone and check the software. All iPhones run on their own proprietary shell – iOS.

• Connect your iPhone to your computer/laptop and launch iTunes. If the iPhone is original, then the program will see it, determine the model and allow you to work with the phone (upload music, synchronize, etc.)
• Applications must have an App Store. The application must start and work.

• Check the availability and functionality of Siri (Siri) - voice assistant. Turn on the Siri application and say a question in your voice. In the original phone, Siri will answer from the speaker.
• In the settings we look for the required items - serial number and phone model. On the screen we find the icon with the inscription - “Settings”, click then click - “General” - “About this device”. We did not find the model and serial number - 100% fake.

Serial number, service where to check the serial number

Previously, we learned how to look for the serial number in the menu and compare it with the number on the box, now we’ll check it on the official Apple website. This will give us complete information about the device: new, refurbished, warranty period.
Go to the official website of the iPhone manufacturer, find the item - “Support” - “Check the right to service for your product” and enter the number in the verification window or use the link - https://checkcoverage.apple.com/ru/ru/.

Click continue and there are only two options - get information about the official Apple product - you have an original iPhone phone.

Or an error indicating that it is a fake:

Video

A couple of videos from Youtube in which they make a visual comparison of the original with the fake. See for yourself how “well done” the Chinese are, how they have learned to counterfeit Apple phones externally and partially in software. Remember all the little details.

Although Chinese counterfeits have acquired the basic design features of original iPhone phones, all the functionality, reliability, and software components cannot be found in a counterfeit. Choose an official iPhone wisely and with our instructions.

Make the right choice.

A few years ago, a fake iPhone was easily identified by the characteristic cracking of the case 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 logo and side inscriptions “iPhone” are made using embossing. 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 one hundred percent 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 fake body is made of poor quality plastic. 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 photos, and a 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 should 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, the fake will redirect him to GooglePlay.

Left - Google Play, 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 an official dealer. In other cases, you need to pay attention to the signs described above. Knowing about them, the user can easily distinguish a low-quality copy from the original.