Nowadays, it is much more difficult to buy cheap and counterfeit devices. Not because there are less for sale – quite the opposite – but because cheaper imported and good quality options are getting bigger and more present. Still, we always run the risk of slipping and falling into a blow. Let’s go through some tips that will make you safer.
1. When alms are too much …
Let’s face it, there are no miracles. A Galaxy S8 for R $ 900 is not something normal, there is something wrong there. Either the device is broken or defective, or they are trying to sell you a pig in a poke. Always check the average price of the new device and, when you see a used one, also see other prices on sale sites to check. If it is not counterfeit, you may even be buying theft product. Always be suspicious, especially in cases of line tops.
Too cheap until the saint suspects / © NextPit2. Beautiful on the outside?
Generally, original products are well finished and beautiful, and when you put one of these side by side with your pirated copy, counterfeiting is evident. Plastics with milky aspects, apparent burrs, letters printed with smudges, screen that does not follow the infinite pattern (fakes still can’t make screens without cheap borders), missing parts (such as sensors, buttons, sound outputs), much less weight than normal and general neglect are clear items.
The finish can be tricky to the eye, but not in touch / © NextPit
Small details can also sentence a smartphone as counterfeit. Spelling errors in both Portuguese and English are strong indications. Also, always watch the company logo carefully, as counterfeiters love to joke and joke with the original names to trick your eyes. iPhoni, Somy, Orro, Sansung, Aplle and other things that look like innocent mistakes, but that actually reveal piracy.
And please remember that there are no Android-powered iPhones. Digital TV on top of Samsung line, expensive devices with three chips and other inconsistencies.
3. IMEI
As you can read in our article below, IMEI is the unique number that each smartphone with chip receives to prove its origin. If your smartphone does not have an IMEI number or it is the same as that of another device, there is a huge chance that it will be counterfeit. To check this, enter * # 06 # in your cell phone’s phone app. If there is no number or error, it is already a problem.
If a number appears, write it down (dual SIM smartphones will show two numbers). First, see if it matches the IMEI printed on the device box (if there is no IMEI on the box, another problem). Then, go to http://www.imei.info/ and enter the same number. There you will have to see the same device you have in hand, including a model.
Every cell phone has its own IMEI / © NextPit
4. Work as a whole
In these less important items we also ended up being able to notice details of counterfeiting. Through the box you can already be suspicious, when you find things like the lack of IMEI, spelling errors, pixelated and low resolution images, rough finish, excess varnish, among others. And the accessories follow the same premise: burrs, low quality plastic, relaxation in manufacturing, crooked and smudged prints and the lack of items in the box also show risks.
Original and quality accessories / © NextPit
5. Anatel to work
This is an item that only applies to devices officially sold here, that is, it excludes imported devices such as Xiaomi, OnePlus, Huawei and others. But it already includes iPhones and Samsungs and Motorolas, which are among the best selling and most counterfeit here. Check if the device has the Anatel seal, which is not always easy to find.
Anatel to work / © ANDROIDPIT
Some companies do not care about aesthetics and put the seal, very large, behind the device, next to the Anatel logo. Others put them in more hidden places, like the bottom of the device, or even on a sticker inside the SIM chip cradle (Sony case). If you have access to the battery compartment, chances are you’re also inside. If you sell here and don’t have the label, you already know.
Have you ever had a problem with counterfeit devices? Tell us!
