Jump to content
John_Galt

How to spot a fake phone / How to buy an original phone in Cambodia?

Recommended Posts

John_Galt

How do you know you are buying an original phone? 

 

There are many places here in Cambodia and SEA that will try and sell you a fake / look-alike phone. Some businesses knowingly some unknowingly. 

 

Here is some tips to help you buy an original phone.

 

IPhone - This one is easy. 

 

Go to the app store. 
If it loads the Iphone app store it is real. 
If it loads the Google Play Store it is fake.

It is currently impossible to run a fake IOS all fake Iphones run Android with the skin changed to look like IOS.
 

Android - This is a little more complicated but still easy enough.

 

Download the Geekbench app onto the phone you are looking to buy. 
Then run the Geekbench Benchmark test. It can take from 5-15 minutes to run the test.
Take note of the resulting score.
Check this score on the Geekbench website. 
If the score is nearly the same the phone is real.
If the score is way off the phone is fake.

 

Example: 
Real Samsung note 8 Score is 1800 single core 6000 multi core
Fake Samsung note 8 score is 421 single core 1126 multi core 


The fake / knockoff phones are made to look like the original not to perform like it. You can't go by look alone some of the fakes are just too good. Just watch some YouTube videos and you will see.

If you want to buy a fake phone then the price generally seems to be 10% of the original phone's price. 

Good luck when buying a phone. 

 

  • Thanks 2

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
syzmic

Great information.  Too bad that app is a 90 mb download.  That will complicate the process of checking the phone prior to purchase.

 

Of course, if the seller won't let you make that test, then you can safely assume the phone is fake, and he knows it .

 

 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
John_Galt
20 minutes ago, syzmic said:

Great information.  Too bad that app is a 90 mb download.  That will complicate the process of checking the phone prior to purchase.

 

Of course, if the seller won't let you make that test, then you can safely assume the phone is fake, and he knows it .

 

 


When buying a smartphone for a few hundred dollars. I wouldn't even consider buying from a shop that didn't have wifi for their own use. If you are just buying the $10-$20 Nokia phone then no problem.

If they wont let you download the app don't do business with them. It is the equivalent of a used car salesman not letting you test drive the car.
 

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Read2Learn

The only problem with that is, to download the app I believe that you would have to sign into your gmail account, is there another way? 

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
John_Galt
28 minutes ago, Read2Learn said:

The only problem with that is, to download the app I believe that you would have to sign into your gmail account, is there another way? 


That is a good point.
 

One option would be to have the shop login to the app store for you and download the app. It would depend on if the sales staff knew how to do it or not. 
 

Another option would be to make a new gmail account right there on the device you are looking at or to have one ready before going phone shopping.

I wouldn't log into my personal account until after I bought the phone.

It is worth the extra time if you are buying a name brand expensive phone. Even if it is new in box they are good at faking every thing including the box.

It is kind of pointless if you are buying a $30 Smart phone. 

 

 

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Read2Learn

I have an apple id from years ago when it did not require adding a credit card, I tried to help a friend get an apple id recently and it insisted on a credit card. A test gmail account is a good idea for android. :thumbsup: Thank you for the tips. :thumbsup:

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
DavidLeon1977

On a samsung power it off, then hold the home,volume down and power button together until you see the samsung splash screen then release all three buttons , Andy the android will show up (download mode) if its a real samsung it will have text in the upper left corner that gives phone info one being knoxx which is samsung proprietary software (photo below) to back out of this simply do a battery pull or hold thd power button for 30 seconds to reboot on phones with a sealed back.

14991886096709.jpg

  • Like 2

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
John_Galt
12 hours ago, DavidLeon1977 said:

On a samsung power it off, then hold the home,volume down and power button together until you see the samsung splash screen then release all three buttons , Andy the android will show up (download mode) if its a real samsung it will have text in the upper left corner that gives phone info one being knoxx which is samsung proprietary software (photo below) to back out of this simply do a battery pull or hold thd power button for 30 seconds to reboot on phones with a sealed back.

14991886096709.jpg


Good information thanks. I didnt know about that one.

  • Thanks 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • If you would like to join to begin posting and become an active member, feel free to click on THIS LINK, to register. If you have any questions, feel free to post them in the Forum Operations / Issues forum. If you register, but then are unable to log in, please feel free to post concerns in the Having Problems Logging In? forum. We will address any and all questions, comments, or concerns, as quickly as possible. Welcome to the Living In Cambodia Forums! 

    Welcome to the forum!

  • Similar Content

    • OrangeDragon
      By OrangeDragon
      http://orangedragontravels.com/2013/03/21/staying-connected-on-a-budget-get-a-free-us-phone-number-and-incoming-calls/
       
      So far I've tested it and it's working fine for all incoming calls, with a little breaking up from me to them while using my mobitel data connection on my phone.  Haven't tested it with broadband as I'm in the process of moving and don't have any right now.
       
      A nice way for family/friends to get a hold of you for emergencies, or if your telecommuting like I am for clients to reach you.  Their outgoing call rates seem pretty decent as well with some packages that make it about 1.5 cents (US) a minute.
    • Guest Kenny
      By Guest Kenny
      From Phnom Penh Post
      Friday 14th September 2012
      By Anne Renzenbrink
      Apple needs to do more than revamp its iPhone to maintain a leading status on the smartphone market, according to the global independent analyst firm Ovum.
       
      Ovum predicts Apple’s new iPhone, the iPhone 5, will be the company’s most successful smartphone. But without redesigning its mobile operating system iOS and the underlying software platform within the next two years, Ovum predicts Apple will be in a similar position to Nokia and RIM, both confronted with outdated smartphone platforms.
       
      He said right now, they sell about two or three Samsung SIII per day, compared to only one iPhone 4S per week.
      Read More Here
    • Parrothead
      By Parrothead
      Greetings:
       
      Those of you who use smart phones, may now find it easier to view this forum. Please note that I have added Tapatalk integration to this site.
       
      Please contact me directly, or post in this thread, to let me know if it works for you.
       
      Thanks,
       
      Paul
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use & Guidelines. Here is our Privacy Policy.