Smartphone Tips: Everyone wants an original, high-quality device when buying a new smartphone, yet people often unknowingly end up purchasing a fake one.

Buying a smartphone has become commonplace today; it has become an essential part of our daily lives. Whether it is online classes, office work, digital payments, or entertainment, almost everything is done via mobile phones. Naturally, everyone desires an authentic, high-quality device when making a purchase, but people sometimes inadvertently buy counterfeit smartphones. Instances often come to light where fake mobile phones and accessories are manufactured and sold under the names of major brands like Oppo, OnePlus, and Realme. Therefore, it is crucial to keep a few important points in mind when buying a new phone. Let us show you how to instantly verify whether your new phone is genuinely new.

The easiest way to determine if a smartphone is genuine or fake is to check its IMEI number. Every mobile phone has a unique IMEI number that serves as its distinct identifier. To find the IMEI number, dial *#06# on your phone. Then, compare the IMEI number displayed on the screen with the number printed on the phone's box.

The IMEI number listed on the purchase bill should also match the numbers found on the phone and the box. If the IMEI numbers differ across these three locations, or if the IMEI number is not visible on the phone, it could indicate that the device is counterfeit. You can also verify the IMEI number through the Indian government's CEIR portal or the 'Know Your Mobile' (KYM) service.

If you wish to check online, start by visiting the official CEIR website. Enter your mobile number, verify the OTP, and then input the phone's IMEI number. This will let you know whether your mobile is genuine or not. Verification can also be done via SMS. To do this, type "KYM" in the message box, add a space, enter your 15-digit IMEI number, and send it to 14422. If the reply states "IMEI IS VALID," your mobile is genuine.

The phone's box can also reveal a lot. Boxes for genuine smartphones feature high-quality seals, serial numbers, and necessary certification marks. Additionally, the box is sturdy, and the printing is clear. In contrast, boxes for counterfeit smartphones often show several flaws; the box quality may be poor, colors might appear faint or washed out, spelling errors may be present, or the brand logo might look blurry. In many cases, essential warranty information is missing from the box.

If purchasing offline, verify whether the shopkeeper is a registered seller; you can even check their GST number if necessary. When buying online, be sure to check the seller's details before placing an order. After purchasing the phone, ensure you obtain the GST bill, the original purchase receipt, and the warranty card. If someone is selling a phone without a GST bill or offering it at a price significantly lower than the market rate, it should serve as a warning sign to exercise caution.

Counterfeit smartphones can also be identified during use. Such phones often run slowly, hang frequently, or have apps that do not function correctly. Furthermore, camera quality may be poor, the phone might overheat quickly, buttons may feel loose, or apps might crash unexpectedly. Often, these devices do not receive security or software updates like official Android phones because they run on modified operating systems. You may also face difficulties downloading apps from the Google Play Store on such phones.