The price is tempting and the temptation to get a bargain is strong. But the market is full of knockoffs of branded products. Here are the details to examine
Mobile phones have come a long way over the years. Now they have become true miniature computers that allow you to do a multitude of activities such as taking photos, video conferencing, playing games, getting you to your destination. It goes without saying that the more quality they are, the more they cost. The brand also has its price.
Not everyone can afford top of the line models and so they settle for good quality, but cheaper products. Dreaming of one day buying an iPhone or Samsung. And it is precisely on this desire that proliferate counterfeit products passed off as originals both online and offline. Some fakes are made so well that they often really look like branded models. But there will always be a detail, or certainly more than one, that allows you to “unmask” it and avoid getting ripped off and robbed. Pay, therefore, good attention to these nine clues when you find yourself in front of an alleged “bargain”.
Packaging
One of the first elements to which pay close attention is the packaging of the products. If you order them online, it is important to analyze every detail and check for any signs of neglect. The real product will be in perfect condition, without the slightest defect. Also take a look at the type of font used on the back of the product: assess its readability and consistency. You should also do an additional check to make sure that nothing is the wrong size, such as cellophane wrapping, or tampered with in any way.
Unboxing
Counterfeit products can be housed in boxes that look very similar to the original. One thing to check for is text written in a language that does not correspond to the country of purchase. Another clue that a product – particularly an iPhone – could be fake is if it is wrapped in plastic. iPhones have never been sold in this way, so this would be a clear sign that the product in question has been tampered with and that it was not a “real” deal at all.
User Manual
The user manual is an excellent test to assess the authenticity of the gadget purchased. In fact, the instructions should be written in the language of the country where it was purchased. If not, then you are dealing with a stolen device or an imitation. The instruction manual is practically a kind of ticket that guarantees the authenticity of a gadget.
Materials Used
The best brands are known for their attention to detail and the products are usually smooth and perfect. It’s a good idea to pay attention to details like this when ordering products online or buying them second-hand. Smudges and imperfections in the joining of the various elements indicate that the product is actually not the brand it is made out to be. A counterfeit product may often have a dull surface as opposed to the smooth, shiny surface typical of quality items.
Font
Product names – perhaps not everyone is aware of this – are printed with a specific font type and colors. If you notice even a slight difference in the name or logo of a brand, it is an unmistakable clue that it is a fake. Even a tiny – almost imperceptible – difference in color or size should not be ignored. Il vero prodotto non cambierebbe mai il suo aspetto senza annunciarlo pubblicamente, quindi se notate qualcosa di diverso via hanno probabilmente derubati.
Caricabatterie
Non dimenticate di analizzare per bene anche il caricabatteria ricevuto insieme al prodotto. Alcuni dettagli come, per esempio, giunture perfette sulla plastica e una finitura liscia distinguono un originale da un falso. E controllate con attenzione anche le scritte presenti sul caricabatteria. Un indizio potrebbe essere un logo inclinato o simboli aggiuntivi che non sono inclusi sull’originale. Sono, ovviamente, dettagli difficili da valutare se non avete a portata di mano il dispositivo autentico. Altro elemento da controllare è anche dove il prodotto è stato realizzato.
Cavi
Premi sull’immagine per scoprire come riconoscere un cavo vero da uno falso
A meno che il produttore non l’abbia annunciato ufficialmente, non dovrebbero essere presenti delle modifiche allo stile o al design dei cavi da usare con il caricabatteria. Spesso, anche in questo caso, il colore dei cavi dei prodotti contraffatti differisce da quello dell’originale. Una prova che potreste fare è provare se i cavi funzionano con il prodotto di marca che pensate di aver acquistato.
Rifiniture
Questo esempio vale per tutti i dispositivi, ma in particolare per un iPhone. Lo smartphone di Apple ha delle porte ben rifinite, lisce, senza imperfezioni. An original might have a thicker contour.
Display
The display of a fake also differs from an original product. An imitation of an iPhone might present itself with a less bright screen and less brilliant colors than Apple’s little jewel.