How to recognize a fake Samsung Galaxy S7
Whether you are a Samsung fan or not, it cannot be denied that the latest flagship from the brand has been extremely successful. The Galaxy S7 and S7 edge from the South Korean company have broken sales records. However, with this much success come repercussions. Copycats and other Galaxy S7 counterfeits are appearing on the smartphone market. Here’s how to identify them so that you don’t fall into the trap.
The Galaxy S7 copies
According to a Chinese proverb: ‘the biggest compliment that you can give your competitor is to copy their success’. Obviously, many manufacturers (mostly Chinese) are taking this proverb very seriously as copycats have multiplied on the market since the release of the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. In fact, we can name the Elefone S7 or Goophone S7 Pro as copies that have excelled in the field.
It’s easy to distinguish these smartphones from a Galaxy S7 as the technical characteristics are not the same and the devices don’t carry the Samsung logo on their casing. It’s hard to be fooled. The price could also be another red flag to watch out for. It’s often possible to get good deals, but buying a Galaxy S7 for 200 euros is simply impossible!
It’s often possible to get good deals, but getting a Galaxy S7 for 200 euros is simply impossible!
| Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge | Elephone S7 | |
|---|---|---|
| System | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow | Android 6.0 Marshmallow |
| Display | 5,5" QHD | 5,5" Full HD |
| Processor | Exynos 8890 | MT6797 Helio X20 64-bit |
| RAM | 4 GB | 2/3/4 GB |
| Internal storage | 32/64 GB | 16/32/64 GB |
| Battery | 3600 mAh | 2600 mAh |
| Camera | 12 MP (back), 5 MP (front) | 16 MP (back), 5 MP (front) |
| Connectivity | HSPA, LTE, NFC, Bluetooth 4.1 | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi : IEEE 802.11 b/g/n/ac |
| Dimensions | 150,9 x 72,6 x 7,7 mm | 145 × 71 × 8 mm |
| Weight | 157 g | 150 g |
| Price | $650 | $139,99 - $249,99 |
Galaxy S7 counterfeits
On the other hand, many Galaxy S7 copies are sold online. Year after year, the businesses responsible for producing these clones improve the quality of their counterfeit devices, making it difficult for users to determine whether the device is authentic or not.
These companies not only imitate the smartphone design but also the packaging, the charger and even smartphone accessories. Many unsuspecting people can easily be fooled especially since the differences are difficult to see in photos.
Year after year, the businesses responsible for producing these clones improve the quality of their counterfeit devices.
To give you an idea about the ‘quality’ of the counterfeits, I advise that you watch the following video by the YouTuber Redskull. He discusses one of the counterfeits that can be found on the market:
Here are some tips on how to spot a fake Galaxy S7
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Check the packaging against the original box. As previously explained, even if efforts have been made to replicate the packaging, nothing with a counterfeit will be identical the original. The box won’t necessarily open in the same way, the writing won’t be identical, colors may vary…
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Check the device’s appearance. For example, the Samsung logo isn’t the same color, it’s not situated in the same place or it’s simply not present at all
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Test the device beforehand, if possible. Check the brightness, features, interface, quality of finishes and even the device’s technical specifications with the name, model number and Android version in the parameters. You can even go as far as downloading an application like CPU-Z for further details in order to compare the technical datasheets.
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Pay attention to the price. If your dream Galaxy S7 is being sold at a significantly lower price than the manufacturer’s price, there’s probably something fishy going on.
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Check where the device came from and its seller. To avoid any nasty surprises, I advise that you don’t buy your phone from less reputable sites or lesser known brands. If you have any issues with the device, it’s easier to solve the problem if the smartphone has been sold by a reputable and well established company.
Have you already been a victim of these counterfeits? Have you got any other tricks for spotting fakes? Tell us in the comments.
Benchmark the phone with antutu apps. Compare score to published benchmark.
I wish I'd known this two days ago
Perhaps someone should make a fake Galaxy Note 7. it can only be better than the original
Worth a try I guess :D
And what exactly is the price of ELEPHONE S7 ??? :O
It depends on which version you go for. The prices right now start at $139,99 for 2 GB RAM and 16 GB internal storage. The highest price at the moment is $249,99 for the 4 GB RAM and 64 GB internal storage version. We updated the data in the article.
Idk why people buy their phones from unknown places to be honest. If you get it from a career or a famous shop you'll get 2 year warranty plus customer support. :)
People are tempted to buy a used phone for hundreds less than a new phone, even on a payment plan. A new GS7 is still $672, while you can get one on Craigs for $300. That's why this article was written - bargain buyer beware!
It is people like you complain later because you got ripped. If you can find a good condition not black listed used S7 for under 350 I'll take 10. lol His article is about a NEW S7 not a used. I just got a new S7 and while pricing I saw that used they are still pushing the 450 mark.