In Pakistan, the rising prices of smartphones have opened the door for counterfeit markets to flourish. With both iPhones and Samsung being the most sought-after brands, fake versions of these phones are commonly found in the grey market, online marketplaces, and even in some local shops. Whether you’re buying new or used, it’s crucial to know how to spot a fake iPhone or Samsung phone to avoid being scammed.
This guide will help you identify counterfeit devices before spending your hard-earned money.
1. Check the Price – If It’s Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is
One of the most common red flags is the price. If someone is offering a brand-new iPhone or Samsung Galaxy at a much lower price than the market, chances are it’s fake or refurbished with fake parts.
- Original iPhones and Samsung flagships hold their value.
- A drastically low price often signals clone phones or refurbished units with fake parts.
2. Inspect the Build Quality and Materials
Genuine iPhones and Samsung phones have premium finishes, while counterfeit devices usually feel cheap and plasticky.
For iPhones:
- Check the back glass, buttons, and Apple logo alignment.
- Fake iPhones often have wrong font, thicker bezels, or misaligned ports.
For Samsung:
- Samsung phones, especially the S and Note series, come with solid builds and high-resolution AMOLED screens.
- Fake Samsung phones typically have low-resolution LCDs, fake sensors, and sluggish performance.
3. Verify the Software
Fake phones often run on modified versions of Android OS to mimic the UI of iOS or Samsung’s One UI.
To spot fakes:
- Go to Settings > About Phone. Cross-check the model number and software version.
- On fake iPhones, you might find Android-style menus or fake apps like “Safari” that open Chrome.
- Fake Samsung phones will lack Samsung apps like Samsung Members, Galaxy Store, or Knox security.
4. Use IMEI or Serial Number Check
Every authentic phone comes with a unique IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity). You can verify this to confirm originality.
How to check:
- Dial *#06# to display the IMEI number.
- For iPhones: Visit checkcoverage.apple.com and enter the serial number.
- For Samsung: Visit samsung.com or use the Samsung Members app.
If the IMEI or serial number doesn’t match the phone’s model or comes up as invalid, it’s most likely a clone.
5. Camera Quality and Features
Another obvious giveaway is the camera performance.
iPhones:
- Use the portrait mode and cinematic video features — fake iPhones cannot replicate them accurately.
- The TrueDepth camera for Face ID will be missing or non-functional in counterfeit units.
Samsung:
- Fake Samsung phones often show low camera quality, sluggish focus, or fake depth effects.
- Try using Samsung’s native camera app — fake phones usually rely on generic camera apps.
6. Check for Original Packaging and Accessories
An authentic iPhone or Samsung comes with branded packaging. While newer phones come with minimal accessories, the quality of the box, logo, and included documents tells a lot.
- Check barcode stickers, user manuals, and charging cables.
- Fake phones often come with generic, unbranded accessories or older-style chargers.
7. Test Apple and Samsung Account Features
Authentic iPhones must sign in with an Apple ID to access iCloud, iMessage, and App Store.
- Try logging in to your Apple ID — if it redirects to a different login interface or gives an error, the phone is likely fake.
Samsung users can try signing in to a Samsung account and enabling Find My Mobile.
- Fake Samsung phones won’t have Knox security or secure folders.
8. Look at the Display Quality
iPhones come with Retina or Super Retina displays, and Samsung phones use Super AMOLED panels.
- If the screen appears dull, pixelated, or unresponsive, it’s a strong indicator of a fake.
- You can also check for touch latency or color shifts at angles.
9. Benchmarking and Performance Tests
Use apps like Antutu, Geekbench, or CPU-Z to see the real specifications.
- Fake phones will show unknown chipsets, low RAM, or inconsistent GPU results.
Conclusion
Fake phones may look convincing on the surface, but when tested, they fail to match the performance, security, and software experience of original devices. Always:
- Buy from authorized dealers or reputed sellers.
- Ask for PTA approval and invoice.
- Run IMEI or serial number checks before paying.
Being aware of these differences can save you from scams and ensure your investment is genuine and long-lasting.
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