How to check any mobile phone. Completely legal. Full check of a smartphone before purchasing Why do I need this?

When purchasing a phone, any buyer hopes that what he is buying is not a fake. After all, he pays for quality guaranteed by an official organization, and in the event of a breakdown he can hope for repairs under warranty. But sometimes it happens that the phone turns out to be a fake, and as a result, the user loses all the guarantees provided by the company. Therefore, authenticity is very important.

First of all, here are a few tips that will help reduce the risk of buying a counterfeit:

1. Never buy phones that passers-by offer you. As a rule, such products are very cheap, but remember: a genuine product cannot be priced below cost.

2. Do not trust dubious places of sale. It is better to look into an official and well-known phone store.

3. Don't buy phones second-hand. Not only is the phone used, but it may also turn out that the previous owner sold it precisely because he found out about the counterfeit.

4. If you decide to buy a specific model, then it is better to remember not only its appearance, but also its technical characteristics.

The most reliable way to check the authenticity of a phone is to identify the IMEI number, which is located on the box from under the device, as well as on the phone’s battery. To check, dial *#06# and press “enter”. After this operation, a personal number will appear on the screen, which must match what is indicated on the battery and box. If the number matches, then the phone is genuine, and the store where you purchased it does not sell copies of phones.

If you live in the Russian Federation, you should know that devices that are officially imported into the territory of the state undergo safety checks. If the phone has been checked, then under the battery you can find a sticker with the RosTest (PCT) sign.

Companies such as Nokia or Samsung also have their own way of checking the authenticity of a phone. You can check your IMEI code for registration. To do this, you need to go to the company’s official website, find the necessary contacts and send the code for verification. After some time you will receive an answer.

Apple, which has become so popular in Russia thanks to the iPhone, has its own ways of checking products for authenticity. After all, such popularity also gave rise to many scammers who took advantage of this and began to produce cheap fakes that look very similar to popular phones.

If you doubt the quality of your device, then use the following methods to check the authenticity of your phone.

1. The iPhone screen is three and a half inches diagonally. If it is less, then the product is fake.

2. iPhone SIM card slots are also different. For example, on 4th generation iPhones the slot is located on the side. Moreover, this model supports a micro SIM card, not a regular one.

3. Each iPhone has a 12-digit number that can be checked on the packaging and the device itself. You can also view it in the phone menu, but you won’t be able to do this when purchasing, because for this you need to activate it. If it was turned on for you right away, this means that the product is either not genuine, or someone has already used it.

When purchasing any device, do not hesitate to ask the sellers questions. If they refuse to provide you with proof of authenticity, then you should not deal with such a store.

You have a communicator in your hands that you are planning to purchase, but the question in your head is: how to check a smartphone before buying? Where to begin?

And it’s worth starting early with the following:

Don’t rush to buy a new product: wait for reviews and reviews that will allow you to finally decide whether this model is worth buying;

Complaints, if any, will tell you where to look first - there may be shortcomings characteristic of a series of devices, a la dead pixels, a loose back cover or something else;

Familiarize yourself with the package contents that the smartphone should be supplied with so you can verify it before purchasing.

How to distinguish an original smartphone from a fake?

When asking how to determine the authenticity of a smartphone, the first thing you should pay attention to is the presence of intact factory seals (branded stickers that cover the joints of the packaging). No matter what, it is a guarantee that this is a new factory device.

The main way to check the authenticity of a smartphone is to check the codes, including the IMEI (a unique number assigned to each mobile device), on the sticker on the box and on the phone itself. The serial number and model are located in the “Settings” “About device” menu. To find out the IMEI on any smartphone, be it an iPhone, an Android smartphone or a Windows-based model, just dial *#06#. The number that appears on the screen, in addition to the packaging, is usually indicated on the warranty card and under the battery. It encrypts the origin, model and serial number of the device.

How to check the operation of a smartphone?

1. Appearance

Carefully inspect the smartphone: the original films should fit tightly, there should be no gaps between parts of the case, as well as chips and scratches, especially on the display. Try mechanical buttons: they should be easy to press and not stick.

2. Display

Checking the screen is performed mainly in two directions: searching for dead pixels and testing the sensor. Both the first and second can be done using special programs or manually.

To identify (or better not to identify) dead pixels, you can display a dark image on the screen and examine it by setting the brightness to maximum. If there are problem areas, they will be visible.

To check the responsiveness of the sensor, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel: just try moving the shortcuts on the screen, or even better, type SMS. A large number of typos and unprintable characters will indicate a low quality touchscreen.

3. Communication

Speaking about how to check a smartphone before buying, do not forget that, first of all, it performs the functions of a phone. Accordingly, we stock up on a SIM card of the required type in advance, put it in the slot and try to call: can you hear the interlocutor well, can they hear you well. You should also check your wireless connection: try connecting to the nearest Wi-Fi point and moving away from it, use Bluetooth and GPS.

4. Audio

Evaluate the sound of external speakers by turning on one of the standard ringtones. You can kill two birds with one stone: play an audio or video file from a microSD card, thus checking both the slot and the speakers. Connect a headset - check the headphone jack.

5. Charger

Another criterion for how to check a new smartphone is charging performance. You shouldn’t be shy or lazy to try charging your phone. As for the battery itself, it can tell you if moisture has gotten into the phone: the small white sticker at the end of the battery in this case turns red.

So, how to check a smartphone before buying? Be well aware of what the device looks like and what configuration it comes with; pay attention to whether the box is sealed. Check the IMEI, inspect the case and screen for damage and play, test the responsiveness of the touchscreen, look for image defects. Try making a call, test the speakers, as well as all available connectors and interfaces. And, finally, make sure that the documents for the product are completed correctly: is all the data included in the warranty card, is it worth stamping. These simple operations will take 5-10 minutes, but will allow you to be confident in purchasing the original and

In today's world, a mobile phone is not a luxury. First of all, it is a means of communication, integral for every person these days. The modern mobile phone market offers a wide range of device models that differ in functionality and, of course, cost. Having chosen an expensive device model and decided to purchase it, each of us wonders how to verify the authenticity of the phone and not buy, as they say, a pig in a poke. The main method of verification is checking the mobile phone by IMEI. Let's take a closer look at how you can independently verify the authenticity of the device you are purchasing.

IMPORTANT: We remind each subscriber that authentication is best done using all available methods. They are written in the article, so they can be used at any time of the day..

Checking your phone by IMEI

IMEI is the serial number of the device, which is absolutely unique for each gadget. Knowing the IMEI code, you can determine where the owner of a particular cell phone is currently located. If a mobile phone is lost or falls into the hands of criminals, using the IMEI number you can block the device from a distance. To unlock the phone back, its owner just needs to call his mobile operator. It is worth noting that on the Internet you can find special programs for changing the IMEI code of a cell phone. But in some countries such action is even punishable by law. And so, to check the authenticity of a Samsung phone or a product from any other manufacturer, you need to:

Favorite phone

• take the box from your mobile phone and see what IMEI code is indicated on it (in addition to the box, the serial number of the device can be indicated under the battery or in the warranty card)
• turn on your cell phone, and in the dialing section enter the combination *#06#, after which its serial number will appear on the device screen
• compare the number indicated on the box with the number received from the phone

Decryption of IMEI code

Unfortunately, today it is quite easy to purchase so-called gray mobile phones. This is why checking a device by IMEI is quite important. Knowing the IMEI code of your phone, you can decrypt it, thereby obtaining all the necessary information about the device:

1. the first 6 digits are the serial number of a specific device
2. the seventh and eighth digits are the code of the country where the gadget was produced
3. 9th to 15th digit – serial code of the device itself
4. the last digits are a control number that allows you to determine the authenticity of the device.

If you come to the store, check out several devices you like. If the IMEI code is not indicated on the box, you can always find it out from your sales consultant. If a store sells “white” phones, the last six digits of the IMEI code on the device and its documentation will always match. To determine the country of origin of the device, you need to check the seventh and eighth digits of your phone’s IMEI code:

1. 02/20 – country of origin is the Emirates, so the quality of the device, as they say, leaves much to be desired
2. 01/10 – the manufacturing country is Finland, and the quality of the device is quite good
3. 08/80 – country of origin is Germany, which already guarantees pretty good build quality of the device
4. 0/00 - such numbers confirm the originality of the device, regardless of the country in which it was produced
5. 13 – the country of origin of the device is China or Azerbaijan, respectively, the quality is more than low

Deciphering the IMEI code is the best answer to the question of how to verify the authenticity of a phone. IMEI cannot be faked, so you can immediately determine whether you are purchasing an original device.

Be careful when purchasing!

In addition to checking the authenticity of the phone using the IMEI code, it is worth considering other features when purchasing an expensive gadget. Although every company that produces modern devices does everything possible to protect its products and consumers, copies of mobile phones still continue to actively spread on the market. It is worth noting that copies of some device models are so skillful that, as they say, it is almost impossible to distinguish them from the original by eye. The catch is identified already during operation, when it is impossible to return the phone to the store. Gray mobile phones usually don’t last long, and you won’t get service from the manufacturer’s service center. It is not difficult to get such a purchase, because many residents of the country understand that checking phones upon import cannot be ideal. So, how to check a cell phone when purchasing? Follow these simple tips:

Phone IMEI code

1. You shouldn’t buy used phones and new packaged devices from your own hands.
2. also try to avoid small stores with an assortment of only a few expensive models
3. Having chosen a suitable cell phone and taken its box in your hands, see if there is a sticker on it indicating the name of the device and its serial code
4. It’s better to choose the device model in advance on the Internet, and go to the store with the specific purpose of buying exactly such a device model
5. study all the characteristics of the selected model and check for compliance with the same phone model in the selected store
6. ask the seller to show certificates of mobile phones offered in the assortment
7. call the support service of the manufacturer of the device you have chosen and ask them to confirm over the phone the authenticity of the IMEI code you dictated

• After confirming the authenticity of the mobile and its detailed external inspection, you can safely purchase a new gadget and enjoy it

Analyzing all of the above, we come to the conclusion that if you want to purchase a truly original and reliable device, you need to be especially observant when purchasing it. Of course, you need to follow the check points listed above, but the safest way is to check your cell phone by IMEI, immediately finding out all the necessary information about the device. And don’t forget that you can always call the manufacturer’s support service and confirm the authenticity of the device you are purchasing or already using.

What is a serial number?

The manufacturer assigns each released device a unique serial number, which encrypts all information about the device model, country, and release date. The serial number is unique for each device from the same manufacturer.

What is IMEI?

Mobile phones, in addition to the serial number, have a so-called IMEI code. IMEI is an international identifier unique to each mobile phone. IMEI is a generally accepted standard for all mobile devices, which is “sewn” into the phone during manufacturing at the factory. This is something like a serial number that is broadcast to the operator when authorizing the phone on the network. The IMEI code format is the same for all phones, regardless of manufacturer. The IMEI code is also used to track and block stolen phones at the level of the cellular operator, which subsequently prevents the use of such a device in the network of this operator. However, blocking the IMEI code with one operator does not prevent it from being used in other networks.

How can I find out the device serial number?

As a rule, the serial number is printed on the packaging and duplicated on the device body; in most cases, the serial number is accessible through the software shell.

How to find out the IMEI of a phone?

To check your phone's IMEI, dial *#06# and the call button on your phone. The phone's IMEI looks like a 15-digit digital code. The IMEI code is duplicated under the battery of your phone, on the packaging and in the warranty card.

Why do I need this?

SNDeepInfo is the most affordable way to find out all the information about a device before you pay money for it. Enter the device serial number or phone IMEI in the input field and get accurate information about the phone model. Apple users receive extended information indicating physical and technical characteristics (device color, memory size, production date, firmware version when selling the device, unlocking and jailbreak methods).

What is this all for?

SNDeepInfo will protect you from buying a fake device. If, when checking, the serial number is not in the system, think about whether you are buying counterfeit equipment.

SNDeepInfo protects you from buying stolen goods. Each user who has become a victim of theft or lost a device has the opportunity to leave the stolen phone number or device serial number in the IMEI database. Therefore, SNDeepInfo is not only a service for checking IMEI and serial numbers, but also a database of stolen phones and devices.

SNDeepInfo helps you find stolen and lost items. Enter the code of the stolen phone or the serial number of the missing device into the IMEI database and increase the chances of finding the loss. If upon inspection the device is found to be listed as stolen, you can return it to its rightful owner and receive a reward if nominated by the owner.

SNDeepInfo is not just a phone IMEI database and serial number check, it is an in-depth device quality check service, a seller integrity test, and a search service for stolen phones and lost devices.

Currently, the service supports checking IMEI codes of all phones, including IMEI Apple iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X, as well as Samsung Galaxy S8, and Galaxy Note 8! It is planned to expand the service for checking device serial numbers for any electronic equipment.

In the modern world, cell phones have long ruled. Every now and then you can come across slogans like: “Why live if the battery is dead?” and much more. So, thanks to such a stir and mass consumption, manufacturers are racing to create more and more powerful devices that not only “get smarter” before our eyes, but also become a chic accessory, thanks to a perfect and thoughtful design.

Truth has a price

Despite the fact that branded manufacturers work tirelessly on their new products, in terms of diligence they can only be surpassed by plagiarists. Those who create their capital in the name of others work tirelessly to ensure that their creation is almost

identical to its “big brother”, and at the same time more friendly in price. And when the average user does not see the difference in devices, then the question is like: “Why pay more?” appears somehow by itself. Therefore, preference is given to the cheaper option, but the trouble is that this “cheaper” option then costs much more when it comes to the performance and general functioning of the gadget as a whole.

How not to be left behind?

To save your money, and subsequently your nerves, you need to know how to check a phone for authenticity. In general, there are common characteristics for each phone. Remember, if something worries you, this is the first signal to escape. You can trust sellers, but you don’t need to, since most of them are just resellers who simply receive a percentage for “selling” you a fake, and you, as a naive user, went home happy, not even suspecting that you were deceived.

So, now let’s figure out one by one how to check the authenticity of a phone. First,

What should be on everyone's lips is the place of purchase. No matter how risky a person you are, buying electronics in an underground passage is not the smartest idea, unless, of course, there is a specialized store there. Do not hesitate to ask the employees for documents - this is your right as a consumer.

When the place of purchase has been settled, proceed to the second stage of the difficult mission “how to check the authenticity of a phone.” Here you have to inspect your future acquisition. Be extremely careful about your appearance. You can remove the back cover and look at the inscription on the battery and under it, nothing should cause alarm. In addition, you can take the device box and compare what is written on it, as well as the information on the case - all data must match (serial number, name and IMEI of the phone). If you have questions, you can contact the manufacturer's hotline, and the operator will provide you with an answer regarding authenticity, warranty and other key points of this type of device.

Next you need to delve into the phone itself. All manufacturers, without exception, answering the question of how to check the authenticity of a phone, say that the user should not encounter incorrect menu display. This is manifested in the presence of hieroglyphs in the names, various incomprehensible applications or a set of Arabic and Chinese languages. The same applies to push-button phones - the keyboard must have a layout in Cyrillic or Latin.

After carrying out all the above manipulations, if the feeling of anxiety still does not go away, you need to go back to the roots. One of the largest whales on the market

electronics also has its secrets. To check the authenticity of a Samsung phone, several combinations are enough. For example, *#7353# calls up a test menu, which makes it possible to check the functionality of the smartphone. For a regular push-button telephone, you can use *#9999#, which informs you about the software version. In addition, by pressing *#06# you can display the IMEI data, which must match the declared IMEI on the box and on the sticker under the battery. There's also a trick with phones that support dual SIM cards, as the DUOS logo says it all. None of this works with copies.

Tricks from Nokia

Checking the authenticity of a Nokia phone is as easy as checking its Korean brother.

The IMEI chip remains unchanged, which is displayed by the request *#06# (in some models, *#0000# is called), and, naturally, it must match the other specified IMEI. Then you can play with codes such as *#7220# (remember that the call button is not pressed), in which the phone should not turn off, but if it does go out, then this does not bode well. Or *#92702689#, which shows how long the device has “lived”, so you can determine whether the phone is new or not. And the logo itself should clearly indicate that this is “Nokia”, with “i” after k, and not “NokLa”, as is often the case.

Pedantic Samurai Sony

As for this Japanese, in order to check the authenticity of a Sony phone, you need to start with the box; it should have an image of the device itself with all the logos and bells and whistles, and there should be no third-party inscriptions. Further

side of the box - the zone in which you are purchasing the phone (for example, RU - Russia), barcodes and PCT or CCC logos should be indicated (in rare cases they are missing, so there is no need to raise the alarm here yet. There is also a nuance with charging, its manufacturer can be Delta or Actek, and the Sony logo itself must also be registered. As for the codes, the standard *#06# is for calling the serial number, *#8377466# for information about the software version and >*.<<*<* для посещения инженерного меню.

Remember that caution is paramount. Check the documentation for your phones, read the instructions (pay attention to their language), but if doubts still remain, you can always download specialized utilities that will provide a merciless answer.