Real or Fake? How to Check If That iPhone Is Original Before Paying

Imagine saving up for months to buy your dream iPhone, only to discover, days later, that it is a counterfeit. It looked like the real deal, came in shiny boxes, and even the seller called it "London used" or "Grade A." But soon enough, the battery starts to die, the camera is embarrassingly out of focus, and the so-called "iOS" starts to crash like a bungling old Android phone.

This happens way too often in Nigeria, especially in popular markets like Computer Village, online platforms like Jiji, or social media. These "Made-in-China" versions look the same, from Apple's logo to the user interface, but internally, they are cheap knockoffs.

If you are going to buy an iPhone from somewhere other than an authorised Apple reseller, this article is your survival kit. It will help you spot an imitation iPhone and get a genuine one, either new, refurbished, or "UK used."

Why Are There So Many Fake iPhones?

There is a huge demand for Apple products, and they come with hefty price tags. Everyone wants an iPhone, but not everyone can afford to purchase a new one from official dealers. That mismatch has created a massive market for counterfeits, phones made in China that look exactly like the real thing but have entirely different internal hardware, software, and performance.

These fake iPhones are diverse; some even have fake iOS interfaces, Apple logos, and realistic packaging. But no matter how sophisticated they may look, they usually have poor performance, bad cameras, and no ability to support future software updates. Here’s how to spot a fake iPhone when it’s been sold to you. 

1. Start with the Price

If it is too good to be true, it most likely isn't true. If someone is offering you a "brand-new" iPhone 14 Pro Max for ₦300,000, you should already suspect foul play. Apple products rarely offer significant discounts, especially not on the latest models.

Check Apple Nigeria's official prices or compare them with those of authorised dealers like SLOT, Pointek, or iStore. If the price is much lower than the market value, that's a warning sign. Counterfeit or "Made-in-China" iPhones are cheap because they cost much less and are worth even less.

2. Check the Physical Build

Apple is known for its precision and quality. A fake iPhone might look real at first glance, but it rarely feels the same in your hands. Here’s what to check:

• Weight: Original iPhones have a premium weight due to their metal and glass design. Fakes often feel too light or bulky.

• Buttons: The power button, volume, and mute switch must be responsive and firm. In clones, these are soft or loose.

• Font and Spacing: Check the "iPhone" marking on the back closely. The font and spacing in counterfeit models are usually incorrect.

• Camera Placement: Most fake iPhone cameras are off-centre or not flush with the surface.

When buying, it helps to carry a real iPhone (if you have one) for comparison. The counterfeit ones usually give themselves away with poor finishing.

3. Get a Better Look at the iOS Interface

One of the most misleading things about high-end clones is the fake iOS skins they use. These Android devices carry launchers that try to mimic Apple's iOS, but a closer look reveals their true identity. Here are a few ways you can get a better look at the iOS interface.

• App Store: Tap on the "App Store" icon. If it takes you to the Google Play Store, it's a fake.

• Smoothness: iOS animations are smooth and consistent. Fake iPhones lag, especially when switching apps or opening the camera.

• Settings Menu: Apple's setting aesthetic is unique and minimalistic. If you notice an "About Phone" section or any other Android-like features, that's your proof.

4. Verify the IMEI or Serial Number on Apple's Website

Every iPhone has an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. You can obtain this by calling *#06# on the device or going to Settings > General > About.

Obtain the IMEI or serial number, then go to Apple's Check Coverage page. Enter the number. If you receive "Invalid" or "Not Found," you have a clone.

This is one of the most certain ways to check for authenticity.

5. iCloud and FaceTime Test

Only real iPhones can access iCloud and FaceTime. If you try to sign into an Apple ID and the phone keeps giving you errors or redirecting you somewhere strange, it's a clone.

Also, try activating Find My iPhone or FaceTime. If these options are missing or don’t work, you’ve got a fake on your hands.

6. Check the Charging Port and SIM Tray

Apple uses a Lightning connector, which is very specific in design. Some fake iPhones come with micro-USB or USB-C charging ports. Even if they appear to have Lightning, inserting a genuine Apple cable often feels loose or doesn't work.

The same is true for the SIM tray. Apple SIM trays are well-cut and flush with the body, while fakes often have SIM trays that are either too shallow or poorly aligned.

7. Use Siri

One of the simplest checks? Just say, “Hey, Siri.” Real iPhones will respond instantly. Most fakes can’t replicate this correctly or at all.

If Siri doesn’t activate or behave abnormally, chances are you’re holding a fake iPhone.

8. Inspect the Packaging Carefully

Apple packaging is sparse, neat, and standardised. Beware of:

• Blurry text or logos

• Low-quality printing

• Packaging being too big or too small

• Accessories appearing generic or not like those included by Apple

Even the plastic wrapping on an original iPhone is high quality and tightly wrapped. On clones, it's loose or poorly sealed.

9. Ask for a Power-On Test—Don't Accept a Sealed Box

Some sellers will try to sell you a sealed box and tell you it's "new." Don't trust them. Always have them turn on the phone before you pay. Most counterfeit iPhones are sold in sealed boxes that appear original but contain substandard phones inside.

If the seller is unwilling to open the box or gives you some excuse like "You can't return it after unboxing," walk away.

10. Where You Shop Matters – Purchase from a Trusted Source

Finally, your best defence against buying a fake iPhone is shopping smart. Avoid roadside vendors or unverified Instagram sellers with impossibly low prices.

Instead, shop at:

• Authorised Apple Resellers like iStore or Apple Premium Retailers like PC PLACE.

• Authorised retailers like Pointek and JustFones.

The slightly additional expense is worth the peace of mind.

Fake iPhones are increasing in number, but they are still far from the real deal. From their clunky software to their cheap construction, they can't replicate the Apple experience. If you're paying hundreds of thousands of Naira for a phone, you deserve your money's worth.

So, the next time you are tempted by a "bargain" that is too good to be true, trust your gut, do your research, and remember everything you have learned here about how to spot a counterfeit or Made-in-China iPhone before buying.