Buying A New Phone? Watch Out For These Clones | TechTree.com

Buying A New Phone? Watch Out For These Clones

'No brand cellphones' from China are posing a threat not only to big names but also new players such as Xiaomi.

 
Buying A New Phone? Watch Out For These Clones

Apple changed the way we use our smartphones with its iPhone. Soon, Android handsets from Samsung, Sony, and HTC emerged as cheap alternatives to the iPhone. Then, these relatively affordable phones started getting heat from the Chinese start-ups such as Xiaomi.

As they say what goes around, comes around. Now, 'no brand cellphones' from China are posing a threat not only to big names but also new players such as Xiaomi.

According to the benchmarking app AnTuTu, 37 percent of its 10 million user-base own counterfeit Xiaomi phones. For Samsung, the number goes up to 31 percent. Little wonder then that Samsung and Xiaomi's sales are taking a hit. Let companies take care of themselves though. We are concerned about the consumers.

Most of you would be wondering whether this shady smartphone business only limited to China. Well, no. One trip to any grey market in Mumbai or Delhi, and you will find clones of numerous Samsung, Apple, HTC phones. Raise a doubt, and the standard reply from a shopkeeper would be "customs ka maal hai". We had covered some of them in this article.

These clones are available online too. Take a look at this brand new "Galaxy S4 32GB" that sells for Rs 7000.

Not impressed yet? How about an iPhone 6 pegged at Rs 8500?

Just so that Microsoft doesn't feel left out, here is one Lumia look-alike for Rs 7000.

So how do you avoid end-up buying these knock-off devices? Well, with fake handset makers getting better at the game, it can be difficult to spot a clone by just the appearance.

For instance, check out the photograph of a counterfeit Samsung phone seized by U.S. Customs.

The branding and build looks fine. However, Samsung's iconic Home button is missing, which gives it away. So watch-out for such clues.

Checking software is another way of detecting fakes. This works best for iPhones as despite the identical design, shady manufacturers can't get hands on Apple's iOS.

Finally, the best suggestion is to buy devices from a trusted retailer. If you are purchasing phone from Flipkart, check for 'Flipkart Advantage' seller that provides easy returns and refunds. Similarly, on Amazon, look for 'Amazon Fullfilled' ribbon near the product price.


Tags : Mobile Phones, Chinese smartphone manufacturers

 
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