This guy's iPhone turned out to be a reskinned Android! Here's how to avoid scam and spot a fake iPhone

Leaving aside the eternal debate about which is better - Android or iPhone - but given that the price of Apple smartphones is usually quite high, Apple gadgets can become a convenient bait for some naive users. How to avoid scams and what signs can you use to detect a fake iPhone?

It would seem that a person who uses a smartphone and is interested in new gadgets should easily distinguish between an iPhone and an Android. However, not everyone is interested in mobile devices; some people do not fully comprehend the nuances, making them potential targets for scammers. For instance, by purchasing an iPhone 13 or 14 at an attractive discount, they can easily fall victim to deceit. Cases of such deception with reskinned Androids can be found on social networks and forums, shared by affected customers who unknowingly bought a fake iPhone. For example, a purchaser of a new iPhone 14 Pro Max discovered that they could not update it to the latest version of iOS and later realized that the application had an "apk" signature, indicating it was a reskinned Android, purchased for $300.

Buying a smartphone from an authorized site eliminates the risk of counterfeiting. Fraudulent incidents often occur in small physical stores or on marketplaces such as Facebook or eBay. Retail professionals note that sometimes these counterfeits appear very high-quality and authentic, with packaging boxes indistinguishable from Apple-branded packaging at first glance. Therefore, the foremost advice to buyers is to never purchase a phone without turning it on and verifying its authenticity. Are the iOS and apps genuine?

Here are a few more detailed and useful tips by which you can recognize an Android device reskinned to mimic an iPhone:

• Software interface inconsistencies: Pay attention to the software interface. If it looks like iOS but behaves inconsistently or lacks the fluidity typical of an iPhone, it might be a reskinned Android device.

• App Store differences: Check the App Store. If it's the Google Play Store instead of the Apple App Store, it's a clear indication that the device is running Android, regardless of its appearance.

• Settings menu: Dig into the settings menu. Android devices have a different settings layout compared to iPhones. If you notice settings menus and options that are typical of Android, it's likely a reskinned device.

• Hardware design and build quality: While the exterior might resemble an iPhone, upon closer inspection, you might notice differences in build quality or materials used.

• Button placement and functionality: Compare the placement and functionality of buttons such as the volume rocker, power button, and mute switch. If they don't match the typical layout of an iPhone, it's likely an Android device.

• System performance: Run performance tests or try running demanding applications. If the performance is subpar or inconsistent with what you'd expect from an iPhone, it might indicate an underlying Android system.

• Check for manufacturer branding: Look for any manufacturer branding or logos. Some reskinned Android devices might still bear the branding of their original manufacturer, giving away their true identity.

Remember, the best way to ensure you're purchasing a genuine iPhone is to buy from authorized retailers or directly from Apple. If you're unsure, it's always wise to seek expert advice or do thorough research before making a purchase.