Samsung is a South Korean multinational corporation and one of the world’s leading technology companies. As a trading company founded in 1938 by Lee Byung-Chul, Samsung has since evolved into a global powerhouse in various industries, including electronics, construction, shipbuilding, and more. However, it’s most renowned for its presence in the electronics sector. Samsung Electronics, a subsidiary of the Samsung Group, is the flagship division responsible for producing a wide range of consumer electronics, mobile devices, home appliances, and semiconductor products. The company’s success can be attributed to its relentless pursuit of innovation and cutting-edge technology. Throughout its history, Samsung has been at the forefront of developing groundbreaking products, including amazing smartphones, televisions, and memory chips.

The Galaxy Series of smartphones, launched in 2009, drove Samsung to the top of the global smartphone market. These devices are associated with high-quality displays, powerful performance, and feature-rich capabilities. Samsung’s smart TVs have also earned a reputation for their stunning visuals and innovative features like QLED technology and Smart Hub. Despite its global success, Samsung has faced many challenges over the years and one of them is counterfeiting. In this article, we have briefed on how to know  if a Samsung phone is original or not.

How To Identify Counterfeit Samsung Phones?

Counterfeiters are flooding the market with cheap imitations of Samsung phones, posing a significant challenge for consumers and the company. These fake devices often resemble genuine Samsung products, making it difficult for unsuspecting or ignorant buyers to differentiate. These knock-off phones not only compromise the user experience with poor performance and low-quality materials but also pose potential safety risks. To protect consumers and its brand reputation, Samsung continues to intensify efforts to combat counterfeiting through stringent measures and public awareness campaigns. To minimize the risk of purchasing counterfeit products, buy from authorised Samsung retailers or the official Samsung website. Avoid purchasing from unverified online sellers or street markets.

Disadvantages Of Using Fake Samsung Smartphones

Using a fake Samsung smartphone or a counterfeit device can result in various issues. These include poor performance, security risks, a short device lifespan, lack of warranty support, and a less satisfying overall user experience. It’s best to avoid counterfeit devices for a smoother and safer tech experience.

• Poor Performance: Fake smartphones often have poor hardware and software, resulting in slow performance, frequent crashes, and unresponsiveness.
• Limited Software Updates: Genuine Samsung devices receive regular software updates to improve performance and security. Counterfeit devices typically lack these updates, leaving you vulnerable to security risks.
• No Warranty or Support: Fake smartphones don’t come with manufacturer warranties or customer support, making it impossible to seek help for technical issues or repairs.
• Inferior Build Quality: Counterfeit Samsung phones are usually constructed using cheap materials, leading to physical wear and tear, such as broken screens or malfunctioning buttons.
• Security Risks: Fake devices may contain malware or spyware, compromising your personal data and exposing you to identity theft or fraud.

Also Read: Unlocking 4 Potential Ways To Bypass FRP Samsung

Know How To Spot Authentic Samsung Phones & Avoid Fake Ones

It’s very important to ensure the authenticity of Samsung phones and avoid falling victim to counterfeit items. Real ones have a warranty and you can get help if something goes wrong. They also get regular updates to work better and stay safe. Real phones keep their value if you want to sell them later, but fake ones don’t. Therefore, these techniques will assist you in verifying its authenticity and safeguarding your investment, personal information, and your phone’s operational capabilities.

Way 1: Check Device Packaging & Labels

One of the first steps in identifying an original Samsung phone is to carefully inspect the packaging and labels. Counterfeit products often have inconsistencies in the design, colours, and text on the packaging. Look for the following elements:

• Samsung’s official logo and branding should be clear, with no pixelation or blurry edges.
• Check for spelling errors and grammatical mistakes on the packaging or labels.
• Verify the barcode and IMEI/serial number on the device with the details on the packaging. Ensure they match.

Way 2: Verify If the Samsung device’s IMEI Number Is Original

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity which is a 15-digit number available in all smartphones.. The IMEI number serves as a device’s identifier, allowing network carriers and manufacturers to track and authenticate the device, preventing counterfeit and stolen devices from accessing mobile networks. Given below are some steps to verify the IMEI number:

• Dial *#06#: Open the phone’s dialer on your Samsung device and dial *#06#. Upon dialling you’ll see the IMEI number displayed on the screen.
• Check the device settings: Go to “Settings” > “About phone” or “About device” > “Status” > “IMEI information.” The IMEI number should be listed there.
• Look on the back of the device: Some Samsung devices may have the IMEI number printed on the back cover or near the battery.
• Check the device’s packaging: The IMEI number is usually printed on the packaging of the Samsung device.

Once you have obtained the IMEI number, you can verify its authenticity on Samsung’s official website or authorised service providers to ensure that your Samsung device is genuine.

Way 3: Using Samsung Secret Codes

Samsung smartphones come equipped with a host of hidden features and settings accessible through secret codes. These codes allow users to access various hidden functionalities, diagnose issues, and can also be used to check the phone’s originality. If the Samsung Galaxy device you are holding doesn’t respond, it is not real. Some most popular Samsung codes are as follows:

• Check IMEI Number: As mentioned earlier, dial *#06# to reveal your device’s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number.
• General Testing Mode: Access the Testing Mode by entering #0# in the phone app. Here, you can perform hardware tests, check display pixels, evaluate sensors, and more.
• Service Mode: To access Service Mode, dial *#0011# or *#32489#. This mode provides detailed network information, signal strength, and other useful data for troubleshooting network-related issues.
• Device Information: Obtain comprehensive device information by entering *#1234#. This code reveals essential details like the device’s firmware version, PDA, CSC, and more.
• Battery Status: Check your battery’s health and status by dialling *#0228#. This code displays information such as battery level, temperature, and voltage.
• Total call time: Dial *#22558463# to reset the total call time on your phone, effectively clearing the call duration records.
• Product Code: To check the product code, dial #272IMEI#. This code provides information about the product code of your device.
• Software Version: Dial *#1234# to access the software version information on your device, which can be helpful for updates and troubleshooting.
• USB Settings: Use *#0808# to modify USB settings, allowing you to configure how your device interacts with a connected computer via USB.

Way 4: Examine Build Quality & Display Quality

Samsung is known for its high-quality build and premium materials. Pay attention to the finishing, seams, and material texture of the device. If the product feels flimsy, has rough edges, or uses cheap materials, it may be a counterfeit item and the same goes with the display as well. Original Samsung devices feature vibrant, sharp, and high-quality displays. Counterfeit products might have poor screen resolution, colour inaccuracies, or be less responsive to touch. Compare the display with a known genuine Samsung device to spot any noticeable differences.

Also Read: Update Samsung Device Firmware: Install TWRP With Odin

Way 5: Check Camera Quality

The quality of pictures taken from original Samsung devices is known for its exceptional performance and is often a significant selling point for these smartphones. Original Samsung devices are equipped with high-quality camera modules. Test the camera performance in various lighting conditions and compare the results with sample photos available on the internet from official Samsung sources, one can also use various visual cues and characteristics, such as colour, shape, size, content, context, and details to differentiate between pictures. Some of the prominent features of an original Samsung phone are:

• 8K Video Recording: The Samsung camera app provides users with the flexibility to toggle between various frame rates, each linked to specific resolutions. On most Samsung Galaxy devices, video capture is achievable at 30 FPS in HD, FHD, and UHD, while FHD and UHD offer the option of recording at a smoother 60 FPS. For the premium flagship models, an impressive 24 FPS is accessible for 8K video capture.
• Hyperlapse: Timelapse, or ‘Hyperlapse,’ videos compress lengthy time intervals into brief clips. Samsung Galaxy devices include a user-friendly ‘Hyperlapse’ feature in their camera app, making it accessible to all without the need for extensive photography skills. Ensure a stable camera setup while recording.
• Super Resolution Zoom: Samsung phone uses AI and image processing to enhance zoomed images and maintain detail, even at high magnifications.

Way 6: Verify OS

It’s an important sign that the Samsung device is fake if you have the most recent Samsung flagship and it isn’t getting the most recent OS update or isn’t receiving it at all.

• Navigate to the Settings App.
• Move towards the downward direction and tap on About Phone or About Device.
• Scroll down to the Android Version; if you find an outdated version, it indicates that the Samsung phone is likely a counterfeit.

Way 7: Implying LCD Test

Using an LCD test is an effective method to verify the authenticity of a Samsung device. It’s particularly helpful when you want to confirm whether the phone you’ve purchased is a genuine Samsung product or a counterfeit one. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform an LCD test and what to look for during this verification process.

• Dial Code: Firstly, open your phone’s dialer.
• Enter the Code: Just input the code *#0# on the phone’s dialling screen.
• Test Mode: Your Samsung phone will enter a test mode, displaying various test options.
• Evaluate: Assess the screen’s performance, including the touchscreen, display, and other functions.
• Check for Consistency: Ensure the touchscreen is responsive, the colours are accurate, and there are no anomalies in the display.
• Confirm Authenticity: Genuine Samsung phones typically pass these tests with high-quality results. If you notice issues or irregularities, it may be a sign of a counterfeit device.

Way 8: Using Samsung Kies

Samsung Kies serves as a tool for verifying the authenticity of Samsung devices. It is the official software provided by Samsung for connecting their smartphones and tablets to computers. By using Samsung Kies, you can confirm whether your Samsung device is genuine or not. Here’s how it works:

• Step 1: Make sure that you’ve successfully installed Samsung Kies on your computer. If it’s not already on your system, you can easily download it by following this link.
• Step 2: Next, use a data cable to establish a connection between your Samsung smartphone and your computer.
• Step 3: If Samsung Kies successfully identifies and connects to your device, this is a strong indicator that your Samsung device is genuine and not a counterfeit.
• Step 4 (Optional): However, in the event that Samsung Kies is unable to detect your device, this situation could raise concerns about the authenticity of your Samsung device, potentially indicating that it may not be an authentic product.

Way 9: Battery Examination

A battery seal can serve as a method for verifying the authenticity of a device, particularly mobile phones. This seal is a sticker or label placed on the battery of a device, often bearing a unique pattern, holographic image, or specific markings. In particular, the SEIN seal is a unique feature exclusive to authentic Samsung products. It signifies Samsung Electronics Indonesia’s commitment to ensuring the authenticity and quality of the mobile device. By recognizing the SEIN seal on a Samsung phone, you can be confident that it is an original product backed by Samsung Electronics Indonesia. This assurance provides peace of mind, helping consumers avoid the pitfalls associated with counterfeit or imitation devices.

Also Read: Simple Techniques to Root Samsung Verizon Galaxy Note 5

Conclusion

In conclusion, identifying an original Samsung product is essential to ensure you get the quality, performance, and security expected from the brand. And no one will want to get a duplicate product after paying the original amount. By checking the packaging, labels, build quality, IMEI/Serial number, and using online verification tools, you can confidently purchase an authentic Samsung phone. Always buy from authorised retailers to guarantee a genuine product. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the full Samsung experience and avoid the disappointment of buying a counterfeit item.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q) How do you check if your Samsung is refurbished?

Ans: Samsung device owners have the option to download the Phone INFO+ app, a valuable tool for inspecting the refurbishment status of their phones. This app allows users to scan various aspects of their device, including hardware and software details, providing insights into whether the device has been refurbished or modified in any way. Additionally, contact Samsung support for verification.

Q) How do you check when a Samsung phone was bought?

Ans: To check when a Samsung phone was bought, review the purchase receipt, check online accounts for purchase history, or contact the retailer or seller for records. The activation date in phone settings may also indicate the purchase date.