The modern smartphone market, unfortunately, is not protected from counterfeiting. This has been the case throughout the market’s existence: selling a cheap product at a higher price is a very tempting business model. Even popular brands like Xiaomi fall victim to counterfeiting.
Counterfeits are not only disappointing in their quality, but can also be unsafe. We will tell you how to distinguish an original Xiaomi smartphone from a fake one so that you can make the right choice.
Packaging and assembly
The first thing you should pay attention to is the packaging. The original Xiaomi smartphone box has high-quality printing, neat seams and brand logos. Carefully inspect the packaging: fakes often use cheap materials that may show defects or errors in the text, the ink may smudge from touching. A large company cannot afford such shortcomings in the packaging.
The original package must include:
- Charger and cable with Xiaomi logo.
- SIM card ejector needle.
- Documentation in several languages.
- In some smartphone models, the creators have thoughtfully included a transparent silicone case.
Pay attention to the quality of fonts and logos on accessories and documentation. Counterfeits often have incorrect branding.
Appearance and assembly
Original Xiaomi smartphones have high build quality. Pay attention to the following details:
- Case materials : fakes may use cheap plastic or metal. Original Xiaomi models have high-quality materials that are pleasant to the touch.
- Buttons and connectors : Buttons should be pressed smoothly, without sticking, and connectors should be precisely positioned and without play.
- Screen : The image quality should be high, without pixel distortion. Fake displays often have dim backlighting and poor color reproduction.
Check serial number and IMEI
Each original Xiaomi smartphone has a unique serial number and IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). You can check them on the official Xiaomi website. To do this:
- Go to the Xiaomi website and check the authenticity section .
- Enter the serial number or IMEI of the device. You can find the number on the box, under the removable battery, or by dialing *#06# on your phone.
If the site shows that such a device does not exist or is already registered, most likely you are looking at a fake.
Software and Features
Original Xiaomi smartphones run on MIUI, a proprietary shell based on Android. Counterfeits may use other operating systems or copies of MIUI with bugs. Pay attention to the following aspects:
- MIUI version : it must match the model and be up to date.
- Applications : availability of Xiaomi branded applications, such as Mi Store, Mi Remote and others.
- Updates : Original devices receive system updates regularly.
Price and place of purchase
Price, although not always an accurate indicator of authenticity, is worth checking. If a smartphone is sold at a significantly reduced price, you should be wary. It is best to purchase devices from official Xiaomi stores or certified sellers. Avoid buying from individuals and dubious online stores.
Certificates and guarantee
Original Xiaomi smartphones have the appropriate quality certificates and warranty obligations. Make sure that the seller provides a guarantee and all the necessary documents. The absence of certificates and warranty cards may indicate a fake.
Buying an original Xiaomi smartphone is a guarantee of quality and durability of the device. Following these simple recommendations, you can protect yourself from buying a counterfeit device and enjoy all the benefits of the original product. Carefully inspect the packaging and accessories, check the serial numbers and IMEI, pay attention to the quality of assembly and software. And, of course, buy only from trusted sellers.