7 Ways to Tell if a Samsung Phone is Original or Fake

Samsung phones are widely popular, but unfortunately, there's a growing issue with counterfeit, refurbished, and replica models. These imitations often find their way into both online and physical stores, posing a problem for those looking to purchase genuine Samsung products.

One major challenge is that these fake Samsung phones often look very similar to the real ones, including their specifications. This similarity can be quite deceptive, making it hard for most people to spot the differences at first glance.

Given this situation, it's crucial for buyers to be extra vigilant when purchasing a Samsung phone. To help with this, I'm going to outline some effective strategies to differentiate an original Samsung phone from a counterfeit one.

1. Check its Specifications and Prices

The first step in verifying a Samsung phone's authenticity is to thoroughly check its specifications and price. This is especially important if you're purchasing from an e-commerce platform rather than an official store. Ensure that the specifications of the Samsung phone you intend to or have already bought match those of the original model.

Take, for instance, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. This high-end phone boasts impressive features like 12 GB of RAM, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, and a 200 MP camera capable of zooming in on distant objects like the moon.

Unfortunately, some unethical sellers on e-commerce sites market replica Samsung phones without clearly stating that they're not original. They might even list specifications that closely resemble those of the genuine product, as shown in the example below.

However, with careful observation, discrepancies are easily spotted. It's highly unlikely for a sophisticated device like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to be priced at just about $69 USD.

This price point is unrealistically low, even lower than that of the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G, which I own. Entry-level models like the Galaxy A03, Galaxy A04, and Galaxy A05 are priced in the range of approximately $90 to $97 USD.

The actual price of a genuine Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra can reach around $690 USD or more.

On international platforms like Alibaba.com, numerous counterfeit Samsung phones are also available. For example, I found a product labeled "Original S23+Ultra(E6) High-Definition 7.2Inch Face Recognition Smartphone 16GB+512GB" priced at only $43.50.

Despite having "Original" in its name, this product is clearly not authentic. Another fake listing titled "Truth 12GB+256GB wholesale original brand new for samsung galaxy s22 s23 ultra 5g smartphone face unlock mobile phone" was priced similarly low, in just two-digit dollars.

In contrast, genuine Samsung products on Alibaba are priced between three to four-digit dollars, ranging from $820 to $1,040.

If you encounter similar offerings on other e-commerce sites, it's likely that the phone being sold is not original, even if the name seems accurate. Many phones with names similar to well-known brands are available online, and ironically, they are often purchased by unsuspecting buyers.

This trend of phones mimicking popular brands is known as "Fedioli". The term "Fedioli" refers to counterfeit items that replicate the appearance and naming style of established brands. It's similar to terms like replicas, imitations, or copycats.

Fedioli products are designed to mimic the look of a brand, often with a slightly altered name to deceive consumers. This phenomenon is widespread with Samsung phones; many online stores carry these Fedioli products.

Although these devices may look similar to the original Samsung phones, they are definitely not authentic. Fedioli often uses similar names to disguise their products. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is just one of many examples.

If you look into these Fedioli products, you'll find many that resemble Samsung models. These products don't explicitly mention Samsung; they only use similar serial names like "Galaxy Note 10", "S21 Ultra", or "A73 5G". Honest sellers will typically disclose that their products are not genuine Samsung items.

However, the dishonest ones might use the Fedioli name exactly as the model they're imitating. It's important to be cautious of such cases.

To avoid misinformation regarding specifications, product names, and prices of original Samsung phones, always confirm that the phone's specifications match those on the official Samsung website or visit the accuarate specifications of phones on reliable webpage like Carisinyal.

2. Check the Physical Shape

Identifying whether a Samsung phone is genuine or a counterfeit often comes down to inspecting its physical appearance. For those purchasing in person, this is a straightforward process. However, for online shoppers, extra effort is needed to determine whether the phone is authentic.

A good starting point is to examine the product's images in online store listings. Take, for instance, the following picture:

This image is from a promotional video for a counterfeit Samsung phone labeled as "S23 Ultra" in the product description. At first glance, the back of the phone might seem legitimate.

However, upon closer inspection of the front, it becomes clear that the front camera design does not match that of higher-end models like the original Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, which boasts a more sophisticated design and high-quality screen.

This kind of imitation, where the phone bears a resemblance to the genuine product but has significant differences, is common in online marketplaces. Such counterfeits are often referred to as HDC phones.

HDC stands for "high detailed copy" or sometimes "copy draw cellphone." Essentially, an HDC phone is a knockoff that closely imitates the look of an original brand phone, including Samsung. HP Fedioli, as mentioned earlier, is a type of HDC phone.

It's important to note that HDC phones generally lack the durable and well-crafted build of the original Samsung products. For more detailed comparisons between HDC phones and genuine ones, you can refer to the article below:

As a personal experience, I own a Samsung Galaxy A33 5G, which I bought directly from a store. Even though I purchased it firsthand, I still verified its authenticity by comparing its physical form, specifications, and price with those of the original model. Thankfully, everything matched.

This approach is helpful for anyone who has already bought a Samsung phone but is unsure about its authenticity. I recommend checking both the specifications and physical characteristics of the phone. If there are discrepancies, it's reasonable to suspect that the phone might not be an original Samsung product.

3. Check from the IMEI

Determining if your Samsung phone is genuine can be done by checking its IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. Here’s a simple way to do it:

• First, open the dialer on your Samsung phone and enter *#06#.

• Then, note down one of the IMEI numbers that appear. You can write it in your notes app or another secure place on your phone.

• Next, compare the IMEI number you've noted with the one on the phone's sales box. If they match, your Samsung phone is authentic.

Besides using the dialer, you can also verify your phone's authenticity through an IMEI checking website. One popular site for this is Imei.info. To use it, just follow these steps:

• Go to www.imei.info.
• Enter your Samsung phone's IMEI number in the provided space.
• Complete the CAPTCHA verification, and then click the "Check" button.

• The website will display information about your phone, including its IMEI and serial number. If this information aligns with what's on your sales box or phone, then your Samsung phone is authentic.

It’s worth mentioning that this site can also be used to check your phone's warranty, though this is a paid service.

Additionally, you can find IMEI information in your phone's settings. Just go to Settings > About Phone. Here, you’ll find the IMEI number, serial number, product name, and model of the phone.

4. Software Updates, Interface, and Built-in Applications

Every new Samsung phone model comes with the latest Android Operating System (OS). Samsung also commits to providing software updates for these devices over the next few years. For instance, my Samsung Galaxy A33 uses Android 13 with the OneUI 5.1 interface.

To check the authenticity of your Samsung phone, you can follow these steps:

• First, go to the "Settings" menu on your phone.
• Then, choose the "About Phone" option.

• Next, select "Software Information."

Here, you should check the version of OneUI and the Android OS. If your Samsung phone is original, the software details should be accurate. For example, if you have a Samsung Galaxy A33 5G, it should feature the OneUI interface. If the interface or settings menu looks different, it might be a sign that the phone is not genuine.

Additionally, Samsung phones usually come with specific built-in features and applications. Some of these include Samsung Free, Samsung Pass, and the Galaxy Store. However, note that genuine Samsung phones rarely have pre-installed third-party apps or intrusive ads.

Therefore, if your phone lacks these built-in apps and features, your phone might not be a genuine Samsung product.

5. Test the Performance of the Processor, Camera, and Other Features

When you buy a high-end phone, it's expected to handle demanding games with ease, thanks to its powerful processor. To further assure yourself of your phone's authenticity, you might want to test its performance.

Also, it's a good idea to test the main camera, any additional cameras, and the front camera lens. It would be surprising if a top-tier phone like this couldn't take high-quality photos.

Another thing you can do is check out other features. For instance, see how well the fingerprint sensor works, try out voice command applications such as Samsung Bixby, and explore options like Battery and Device Care. This last feature helps you assess the health of your device, covering both hardware aspects like the screen, buttons, and speakers, and software aspects.

6. Check the Box or Sales Package

Original Samsung phones, especially those with official warranties, are usually sold in a sealed box. Inside, you should find items like a warranty card, USB cable, SIM ejector, and a manual.

It's important to note that some new Samsung phone models, including the more affordable ones, no longer come with accessories like a charger head, earphones, or a soft case.

When you purchase a Samsung phone, make sure to check for the seals and all the items included in the sales package, especially if you're buying from an online store.

Recognizing the difference between an original and a counterfeit Samsung phone isn't too hard if you know what to look for. The price, physical appearance, features, and software are usually good indicators.

An original Samsung phone typically offers a smooth user experience with features designed to make life easier. Even the lower-end models have a distinct quality feel to them.

To avoid any issues, it's best to buy your Samsung phone from an official store. If you must buy from an e-commerce site that isn't an official store, make sure it's a reputable one.

If you're still unsure after checking the phone yourself, consider visiting the nearest Official Samsung service center. The experts there can help you verify the phone's authenticity.

Source: Redskull/YouTube

For instance, take the Samsung Galaxy S8. In the picture above, which compares the original and a counterfeit version, the differences are clear. The original Galaxy S8's screen stretches fully from top to bottom with slim bezels.

In contrast, the fake version's screen doesn't fill the entire front, leaving a black line and wider bezels at the top and bottom. This image, taken from a video on the Redskull channel, illustrates the differences between the original and fake versions of the Samsung Galaxy S8.

7. LCD Test 

Even after purchasing your phone, you can still check its authenticity by testing the LCD. It's a simple process. Just type the code #0# on the dialing screen. Once you do this, your Samsung phone will display several tests for you to check, like the touchscreen, camera, sound, and more.

Another way to verify your phone is to check its specifications using a specific code. Type ##4636## on the dial screen. This will bring up information about your Samsung phone's specifications. Compare these details with the official specs for the Samsung phone model you're concerned about.

And that concludes our guide on seven ways to determine whether a Samsung phone is original or not. I hope these methods prove useful to those of you who are uncertain about the authenticity of the Samsung products you're planning to buy or have already purchased.