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How to tell if a Galaxy S4 is fake

galaxy s4 test teaser 628
© nextpit

A few days ago we posted some tips and tricks to identify a Galaxy S4 is the real deal or just a phoney. Think you've got a fake Galaxy S4? Read on and find out for sure.

galaxy s4 test teaser 628
© ANDROIDPIT

You may have already come across several Galaxy S4 clones on the market at much lower prices around the 200 USD mark. The actual Samsung smartphone costs a great deal more. Initially it should be easy to see since the design usually doesn’t have the Samsung logo above the display.This should be your first indication. That being said, sometimes it’s not that easy with an increasing amount of users being deceived with fakes that look just too darn good.

The first thing is to wrap your head around the product specifications. Below I’ve listed the details for the real Galaxy S4’s:

  The real Galaxy S4 
Display: 4.99-inches
Resolution: 1920 x 768 pixels
Processor: Exynos 5 at 1.6 GHz or a Qualcomm Snapdragon at 1.9 GHz
RAM: 2 GB
Internal storage: 16/32/64 GB
Android OS: Android 4.2.2
Battery: 2,600 mAh
Cameras: 13 MP back-facing, 2 MP front-facing
Other: microSD slot
Price: 519 USD (as seen on Amazon 30.01.2014)

Other easy ways to spot a fake

Other than comparing the raw numbers:

  • S4 pretender is heavier, less compact and has different dimensions.
  • It also won’t come with many of the famous camera functions known of the Samsung flagship, like face recognition, image stabilization, smile detection, HD video and other.
  • The wannabe S4 will most likely run Ice Cream Sandwich.
  • An imposter won’t possess an AMOLED technology.
  • Its processor will be much less powerful. To get this, try running a benchmark test with the actual Galaxy S4 mark in mind.
  • The faux S4 will also lack some of its smart features like Smart Stay, among others.
  • The memory is probably more limited.
  • The lock screen doesn’t have the iconic ripple effect from Samsung .
  • Most replicas won’t have the Google Play Store.

Other indications

  • Sometimes a copy is so well done it fulfills these previous criteria with flying colors. So how would one then check to see if a Galaxy S4 is fake or not? It’s not easy, but there are some glitches and tricks that will help you find out.
  • Some dots above the LED notification and the touch buttons.
  • Download mode (volume down + home + power) displays directly in a Chinese dialect.
  • To check if it’s real, enter * # 1234 # in the phone app and check the information of the computer software, it must be i9500 or I9505.
  • Connect it to a PC and if Kies doesn’t detect it, you probably have a fake Galaxy S4.
  • Check the IMEI by dialing * # 06 #. You can also compare it with the label on the battery and if the terminal numbers don’t match, then it’s a fake. You enter these numbers at the website http://imei-number.com/ the devic’s true identity.

Has anyone ever tried to sell you a Galaxy S4 fraud? What would you do to identify a copycat from the real deal?

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Loie Favre

Loie Favre
Editor

Loie Favre found her way to her present passion for Android and smartphone technology after experiencing an epiphany when she held her Galaxy Note 2. From that point onwards, you can find her with her nose buried in countless Android apps and different smartphone models, and thanking her lucky stars that she gets to work at something she loves.

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  • 1
    Anols Jan 14, 2015 Link to comment

    You can check Samsung warranty by IMEI here:
    imeidata.net/warranty/samsung

    IMEI: 3564200525xxxx
    Serial Number: RV1D53Jxxx
    Model: SGH-M919
    Unit Model: SGH-M919ZKATMB
    Division: Mobile Phone (HHP)
    Manufacturer: Tianjin Samsung Telecom Technology
    Sold To: U.S.A
    Production Date: May 16, 2013
    Ship Date: May 16, 2013
    Phone Age: 1 Year(s), 7 Month(s), 28 Day(s)
    Factory Warranty Coverage: August 16, 2014


  • 3
    khan Nov 6, 2014 Link to comment

    What about galaxy s4 i9515?


  • 2
    mark Feb 5, 2014 Link to comment

    how did you run the test.. zaid


  • 2
    mark Feb 5, 2014 Link to comment

    he did you run the test


  • Zaid Siddiqui 8
    Zaid Siddiqui Jan 30, 2014 Link to comment

    i did! my cousin got one!! i wasn't able to detect! so i ran the benchmark test and it beated the shit out of S4! xD

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