Ruslan's Gadget Corner

How to spot a fake Nokia

They come by suitcase and they come very nice. The box is the same, the manual is the same, the logo is the same. Here is my list from the counter of how to tell:

• Weight. A real one is heavier by a few grams. The battery is real lithium. The fake battery is a sad brick.
• Under the battery: dial *#06# and compare the number with the sticker. If they differ, the phone has two names.
• The screen when you turn it off: real ones go black, quietly. Fakes have a small blue light, like a ghost.
• The sound: a real ringtone is clear, a fake one hurts your ear.
• The price: if it is 40% below the shop prices, ask yourself why.

I do not say all Chinese phones are fake. Some of them are honest, they say "Nokla" on the case and nobody lies. I respect that more.