Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to buy a used phone off of somebody. It’s really simple for someone to have a phone for a year or two, decide to get an upgrade or switch carriers and get a good deal on a new phone, but their old phone is still worth a few hundred bucks. What do they do? Hop on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace and sell their phone for a decent deal!
The buyer is getting a decent phone for a cheaper price than Amazon or Verizon would offer, and the seller is making some extra money – it’s a win-win!
However, if you’re going to do this, you must be careful! We’ve seen a few fake iPhones recently, so make sure to verify that you’re getting what you pay for if you’re going to buy directly from someone.
What do you mean by fake iPhones?
The exterior appearance of the phone will look just like an iPhone, but as soon as we open it up it looks different. It basically means that someone put an Android motherboard into an iPhone case, and uploaded software onto the motherboard to imitate an iPhone’s interface.
Check the physical buttons
Another physical quality to note is that on the real iPhone, the sleep/wake button is on the top right corner, while the volume switch and ringer switch are on the upper left side. If the switch or buttons are not where they should be, then the phone you are looking at is a fake one. Some fake iPhones have the buttons in the right positions, however, feel the buttons by running your fingers on them. Press the buttons repeatedly to check if they are not loose and are improperly fitted. Clone iPhones have poor button quality.
Check the screen
The screen of original iPhone should be clear and not pixelated. iPhone’s screen uses a retina display that has a higher pixel density making the screen look crispier, livelier, and full of colors. Fake iPhones have dull colored screens due to the low-cost of their parts.
Check for the Apple logo
On the back of the phone, you must see an iPhone logo. If you can’t find the logo, then it is not a real iPhone. Some clone iPhones are so good in imitating the original ones that they also have the logo at their back. However, you can rub your finger over the logo. You will feel a transition from the phone cover to the Apple logo if you are having the fake one.
Switch Between Application Screens
Scroll to the Right and left of the home screen. With the fake iPhone, you will not be able to switch between screens easily and a response would be more than usual.
SIM Cards Used
As you know the iPhone can only work with a single SIM. If the phone dealer boasts that you can use two SIMs on your iPhone, then that is a red flag. Also, the real iPhone comes with a label that says Designed by Apple California and assembled in China.
Connect to iTunes
Connect your iPhone to your computer and sync it iTunes. If you are not able to connect it, and iTunes does not recognize your phone; then you have a fake iPhone.
Check the built-in applications
The original iPhone should have the built-in Apple applications, such as Compact, Compass, Settings, Calculator, Music, and Photos. If one of those is missing, the phone might be jailbroken. To be sure you have the original phone, try to restore the original firmware. If some built-in application is still missing after restoring the original firmware, then you know what it is — a clone iPhone.
So, these are red flags or indicators to if your iPhone is real or fake. Try them if you are buying an iPhone.
