In my country, fake phones are everywhere. Sometimes they make it really authentic for the buyer to believe it is the original they are purchasing. It will give you a hard time in trying to identify which one is the original because the fake one is just so identical with the real one.
Here are some tips and recommendations that I learned to avoid being a victim of fake cellphones or gadgets:
- Buy from an authorized store. Authorized stores ensure you that you receive the quality service you deserve. Sometimes unauthorized dealers offer their products for sale just to attract unsuspecting buyers.
- The phone should be sealed properly or at least sealed in a box, if it is not or the seal is broken then DO NOT BUY IT.
- Check its resolution quality.Fake phones are cheaper because they cut their budgets by experimenting with its quality. Maybe it can clone the physical features of the original ones but not its quality.
- Check its weight.You should know the official specifications of the phone you are buying. Fake phones tend to weigh lighter than the authentic ones.
- Search online for a picture of the original phone and compare it to the other one. For example, (for samsung s6 users) the original has the Galaxy S6 at the bottom of its back, if you find an s6 and it is not like this, it is probably fake.
Here is a picture from a video comparing a fake one from an original one.
Always keep the receipt, it'll help you remember where you bought the product and also a proof of purchase in case you need a warranty. Hope this helps.