[Q] How to know the Fake & Real Galaxy S4 - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

How to know the Fake & Real Galaxy S4 before buying
Guys as you all know their are number of fake phone now a days ....... so to avoid it....
>>>Is their any app to check the real nd fake mobile on that spot when buying ?????:good::good:
>>>Any small instructions to check before buying.
>>> Any signs to check quickly.
>>> Any other relevant suggestions
please comment below and help the buyers :highfive::highfive::highfive:

raghavafitt said:
How to know the Fake & Real Galaxy S4 before buying
Guys as you all know their are number of fake phone now a days ....... so to avoid it....
>>>Is their any app to check the real nd fake mobile on that spot when buying ?????:good::good:
>>>Any small instructions to check before buying.
>>> Any signs to check quickly.
>>> Any other relevant suggestions
please comment below and help the buyers :highfive::highfive::highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
App to check phone details, very useful and should make clear whether phone is a clone or not.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.vndnguyen.phoneinfo
Try and boot into download mode (power off and hold volume down while powering on again), the chinese clone phones wont have this function and usually only have a stock android recovery.
CPU Z app will let you check the hardware in the device as well. Anything with a MTK brand processor will be a clone.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cpuid.cpu_z
The majority of models should be single SIM, many of the chinese clones will be dual SIM, however there is an official chinese dual SIM model to look out for. The I9502, which does not come with any of Google’s applications and services, because Baidu is the dominant search giant in China.
If you can hold the device in sunlight, you should see a blueish tint to the screen if its genuine, thats the AMOLED screen, the clones will most likely use a cheaper LCD panel. You can try the same in a dark room, the official S4 will be deep black when rebooting, whereas an LCD sceen will have a grey tint when on the black boot screen, as again it will probably be an LCD screen.
Heres a good comparison video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fTHk4CNjtc

gsmyth said:
App to check phone details, very useful and should make clear whether phone is a clone or not.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.vndnguyen.phoneinfo
Try and boot into download mode (power off and hold volume down while powering on again), the chinese clone phones wont have this function and usually only have a stock android recovery.
CPU Z app will let you check the hardware in the device as well. Anything with a MTK brand processor will be a clone.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cpuid.cpu_z
The majority of models should be single SIM, many of the chinese clones will be dual SIM, however there is an official chinese dual SIM model to look out for. The I9502, which does not come with any of Google’s applications and services, because Baidu is the dominant search giant in China.
If you can hold the device in sunlight, you should see a blueish tint to the screen if its genuine, thats the AMOLED screen, the clones will most likely use a cheaper LCD panel. You can try the same in a dark room, the official S4 will be deep black when rebooting, whereas an LCD sceen will have a grey tint when on the black boot screen, as again it will probably be an LCD screen.
Heres a good comparison video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fTHk4CNjtc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also check the really basic stuff. And I mean REALLY basic stuff.
Make sure things like SAMSUNG is spelled correctly on the phone and that the font is correct. You would be shocked how often Chinese clones of things miss little details like this. I recal cloned iPhones a couple years ago that looked absolutely perfect, except the bite on the Apple logo was on the wrong side. HTC Sensations were cloned a couple years ago as well and the HTC logo on the back of the phone was in all upper case letters, instead of the H being a lowercase 'h'. Little details like that will be a dead givaway.
Check the ROM build specs in settings. Make sure they match what they are supposed to. Often a Chinese hacked rom will look very real, but the developers won't bother to clone the build date / version serial number / etc.
Price is another dead givaway. If it's $200, it's either a clone or it's stolen. Either way, you don't want it.
And finally just trust your instincts. If it smells fishy, walk away.

Related

Ok, i need your advise. used GS2 plus other questions.

ok so here in KSA, some dude imported the phone from UK. which would cost 475£ if it was ordered online from any website " tax not included since it not shipped within UK "
anyway, the next day the dude sells it. the phone box is opened. but the phone is new. no scratches, stickers still on it. and the price is.....370 £
i checked the phone. No piss poor yellow screen on high brightness. no dead pixels. everything is perfect BUT one.
the grid pattern on the screen. " which you can see if you turn the brightness low on a dark gray background " is abit visible. granted on normal use you cant see anything. but if you are in dark room and happens to have dark gray wallpaper, you will notice it.
now i honestly really like SG2. i think its the best phone out there. and this is the first time in my life that i said to my self " wow. an android phone that doesnt need roms to make things better "
but this grid thing bothers me abit. i mean. i am saying to my self that i can get this one and enjoy it. and in the future when there are plenty of this phone used in the market. i can always go check the one with better screen and grab it. but what do you guys think ?
please note that the phone is not available yet here. and if its, its imported as well from outside and its closed. no warranty. costs around 530 £ " because its new, popular, and the owner who imported needs to make money "
honestly. the moeny isnt the issue for me. the only reason i dont buy new Items because cases like this. yesterday my friend bought a new one. opened it and horrayyy ... a dead pixel. ofcourse i saw it he didnt, i didnt tell him about it so it doesnt bother him. because there is nothing he can do but sell it. and then he will lose lots of money. this is why i like to buy used " but almost new condition "
and if i have to wait for samsung to release it here, i might end up with super LCD and tegra 2. and i want neither of those.
now, my other question. on the display sittings, there is something called background effect. if i put it to " Dynamic " will that harm the super amoled screen in anyway ?
my current phone is the optimus 2x. which is a great phone. but honestly doesnt hold a candle in terms of screen and smoothness. " even though i really like Nvidia games alot. "

HTC ONE Buyers Guide

Hi guys,
as most of you here, I`m planing on buying THE ONE as soon as it gets to the stores in our country.
Because of that I started checking and reading the general ONE forum almost 15 times a day . One of the most important things for me, when I buy a phone and give like 600+ euro, is for the phone to be as perfect as possible at least the first couple of months.
That`s why I decided to make this thread as a guide that explains the main things you should watch for when buying the phone from your store !
1. Take a look at all sides of the phone and see if there are any GAPS or OVERHANGS, cause its a "unibody" design after all. Here are some pictures and link to original thread, where this problem is discussed:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-...AAAAAAFc/34GVNAI3mKc/s661/20130319_152241.jpg - GAP
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h18/djbenny1/DSCF8356_zps0597f759.jpg - OVERHANG
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2197732 - Original thread
2. See also if there aren't any gaps near the volume rocker, and if it doesn't stick while you press it (incl. the power button). I remember that one member here had a similar problem, but cannot find the OP.
3. After you power on the phone try to connect to internet (all major stores have free wifi) and download a Dead Pixel Test app from the store. Then check for any dead pixels on that gorgeous screen !
4. I bought a nexus 7 tablet some months ago and got a replacement, because of a bad headphone jack design. What that leads to is a cracking sound from headphones, when you just plug them and navigate through menus or slide through main screens, but don't listen to music or watching video. Many devices suffer from a problem like that, so I test that always in the store, either with the pair of headphones in the box, or with my own ones. In many cases that means poor shielding and can affect more parts in the phone itself.
5. Camera firmware (latest batch) : According to a camera test published here - http://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/review-htc-ones-camera-tested , pre-production units had some kind of a hardware issue and that's why many photos taken with the device seemed blurry on the edges.
So it's really good to know, how can we check if the unit we are buying is from the latest batch or not ... will update this when I have more info.
OP can be found here : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2206222
6. Phone display: this is where I`m a bit confused really. Here is the thread, where I read that the ONE can have different display characteristics in terms or color temperature, contrast and brightness.
Would be very happy if someone can explain that in details and suggest if this is something we must watch for, before buying our unit.
Original thread can be found here : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2202869
That covers the main things that I`m aware of till the moment. If you have any more suggestions, I would be happy to update the OP.
Also some more clarifications about 5. and 6. would be great :cyclops:
And one really important question which I would like to ask and don`t want to make another thread for : how does the heat affect the casing and is it a problem if the device gets too hot (cause I love to use it for gaming sometimes). In other words: Could a GAP or OVERHANG occur after some usage, because of the phone reaching high temperature?
Here you can see a thread, where guy speaks about a 44,4°C device temperature : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2207645
UPDATE :
5. According to https://plus.google.com/+PhilNickinson/posts/BkaNVpcNySN it seems like its a software update after all, and not a hardware one ...
And here is a good guide on how to check if your phone is from a later batch or not : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2209277
Great write up. Will definitely use this guide.
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
Can you really even see a dead pixel on this screen? I have one on my EVO 4G LTE and I can only see it if I use the Dead Pixel Test app.
You can once you've noticed the bloody thing. It taunts you. Although on this screen, probably not so noticeable unless it's against a plane background. Annoying all the same.
Surely you can find something that you can convince yourself is a flaw that will make you miserably unhappy with your new One. Then sell it to me...
If the casing heats up so much it distorts, you probably want to put it down. That'll be well in excess of 400°C, no matter what the alloy.
bosotros said:
Surely you can find something that you can convince yourself is a flaw that will make you miserably unhappy with your new One. Then sell it to me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you pay a lot of money for a device, you expect it to be perfect, right ?
c0rp1 said:
When you pay a lot of money for a device, you expect it to be perfect, right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but a line does need to drawn...
There will always be a gap, it's not like atoms are physically connected together, even in a solid like metal.
BenPope said:
Yes, but a line does need to drawn...
There will always be a gap, it's not like atoms are physically connected together, even in a solid like metal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You pay 500 odd quid, or what ever, for a device that's been marketed for its build quality and craft....
If you find a flaw, you should have a replacement.
Although I have pre-ordered a HTC One, I'm hoping i get some sort of super batch. Slightly worried, for a phone thats not even out yet, there seems to be many issues.
As long as mine comes with no overlap or gaps and works perfectly, I'm happy.
Unfortunately these items are mass produced and the original batches more than likely will have some flaws in them, mostly minor, but like others have mentioned. You pay this much for a phone, you want it to be perfect.
Awesome write up OP!
Sent from a galaxy far away!
c0rp1 said:
6. Phone display: this is where I`m a bit confused really. Here is the thread, where I read that the ONE can have different display characteristics in terms or color temperature, contrast and brightness.
Would be very happy if someone can explain that in details and suggest if this is something we must watch for, before buying our unit.
Original thread can be found here : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2202869
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We are still clarifying in the thread whether there is a higher contrast version of the screen and what its color temperature is. Just stay tuned. I keep the first post updated with the latest information.
How do I check if its first batch or not?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
ksarius said:
How do I check if its first batch or not?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you should read this thread here : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2209277

[Q] Disable completely the s-pen features

Hello to the community
I want to disable S-Pen completely and permanently on Samsung Galaxy Note 2 or Note3. I dont want the electro magnetic field of the wacom digitizer of the screen to be turned on even if the stylus in not in its silo . Is this possible with some hidden option or some extra app?
Thanks
So, probably there is no such option or app available for that purpose.
At least is it sure that there is not a emf present on wacom digitizer while s-pen is in the silo and the battery saving option is on?
Any one with emf meter (or second adnroid device with the free emf meter application) to measure if the emf desapears with the s-pen in the silo?
Thanks
Dimitris9999 said:
Hello to the community
I want to disable S-Pen completely and permanently on Samsung Galaxy Note 2 or Note3. I dont want the electro magnetic field of the wacom digitizer of the screen to be turned on even if the stylus in not in its silo . Is this possible with some hidden option or some extra app?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy an S4/S5 mate
Freeze the processes?
gee2012 said:
Buy an S4/S5 mate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 Surprised someone bought Note series and don't want to use S pen. For me it is one of the major reason for keeping Note series.
:sly:
Sent from my N9005
Was the reason I bought a note 3.. and also the reason I've not gone custom rom so I can't use it!
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app
I am just searcing for an android phone with at least 5.5 inch amoled display. S4 and S5 has smaller screens, and i dont like the idea of curved ones like Galaxy Round or LG Flex. So the only remaining options are the Note phones. Beautifull big aboled screens. Just what i want.
I dont have one yet. If i found a way to disable the electro magnetic filed for sure then i am going to buy it
.
I don't know if any one of you have any health problems with the produced emf of wacom digitizer. I found this site where people had health problems after long usage of wacom digitizer.
Maybe someone found it informative but it is now allowed to me to post the site yet.
That idea of freezing some processes is interesting. Or even better an small app with a small icon in the corner that terminate those proccesses automatically... Do you know these processes?
Additional ideas are welcomed
Dimitris9999 said:
I am just searcing for an android phone with at least 5.5 inch amoled display. S4 and S5 has smaller screens, and i dont like the idea of curved ones like Galaxy Round or LG Flex. So the only remaining options are the Note phones. Beautifull big aboled screens. Just what i want.
I dont have one yet. If i found a way to disable the electro magnetic filed for sure then i am going to buy it
.
I don't know if any one of you have any health problems with the produced emf of wacom digitizer. I found this site where people had health problems after long usage of wacom digitizer.
Maybe someone found it informative but it is now allowed to me to post the site yet.
That idea of freezing some processes is interesting. Or even better an small app with a small icon in the corner that terminate those proccesses automatically... Do you know these processes?
Additional ideas are welcomed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But isnt it more likely that the built in radio's have way stronger E.M.F. than the digitizer?
Else check for the Xperia Z Ultra, or for some tab without radio's so you don't have E.M.F's. at all!
ps to the rest; why dont you stop putting your opinion down when it DOESN'T contribute to the thread. You know who you are. This is still a Dev. community, not Justin Biebers fanclub-site.
HanZie82 said:
But isnt it more likely that the built in radio's have way stronger E.M.F. than the digitizer?
Else check for the Xperia Z Ultra, or for some tab without radio's so you don't have E.M.F's. at all!
ps to the rest; why dont you stop putting your opinion down when it DOESN'T contribute to the thread. You know who you are. This is still a Dev. community, not Justin Biebers fanclub-site.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, much more stronger emf but only for a few seconds as i dont talk too much to the phone, and zero E.M.F will in Flight mode
I checked for Xperis Z Ultra, nice one but without AMOLED screen. I love AMOLED screens. Not those LED backlight ones. Also there is no tablet out there with AMOLED screen. Yet.
Thanks for the suggestions.
What about those custom rooms that don't have spen function?
Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk
If you wont pull out stylus you wont activate S-pen functionality as simple as that, go buy Z2 or LG G2
Dimitris9999 said:
Yes, much more stronger emf but only for a few seconds as i dont talk too much to the phone, and zero E.M.F will in Flight mode
I checked for Xperis Z Ultra, nice one but without AMOLED screen. I love AMOLED screens. Not those LED backlight ones. Also there is no tablet out there with AMOLED screen. Yet.
Thanks for the suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah ok, ill compare the Z ultra with the Note3 next time i have a chance.
But last i looked the Z ultra did have a very nice screen tho. :good:
Goodluck in your hunt to EMF less devices, please report back if you have any succes.
Mechayoshi said:
What about those custom rooms that don't have spen function?
Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Custom roms without spen function? Thanks.
darkshaft said:
If you wont pull out stylus you wont activate S-pen functionality as simple as that, go buy Z2 or LG G2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is exactly what i am talking about in my post 2. I believe that is the case but i want to be sure. Apparently no one has an emf meter to measure this. The Z2 and LG G2 doesn't have AMOLED screen.
HanZie82 said:
Ah ok, ill compare the Z ultra with the Note3 next time i have a chance.
But last i looked the Z ultra did have a very nice screen tho. :good:
Goodluck in your hunt to EMF less devices, please report back if you have any succes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A very difficult hunting...
Dimitris9999 said:
Yes, much more stronger emf but only for a few seconds as i dont talk too much to the phone,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incorrect, at all times the EMF will be greater from the radios except when they are off.
Dimitris9999 said:
and zero E.M.F will in Flight mode
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From the radios sure, but the rest of the device will still be producing a particular harmonic frequency as do all electronic circuits.
If I may be honest I really think this is a fools errand as all devices will produce a certain amount of EMF and in most cases it will be greater than that of the digitiser. Turning flight mode on kills all radios but not all sources of EMF, for that you need to turn the device off, and if you turn the radio and the wifi/bt off there doesn't really appear to be much point in a device with a >5" screen.
Most EMF is harmless in smaller quantities, and there are regulations around how much EMF can be emitted from a device for FCC registration. Also when you turn your phones radio off you are still surrounded by the EMF it receives (850/900/1800/1900/2100MHz radio frequencies are all electromagnetic fields.) Here in Australia there have been cases where people have claimed the wireless spectrum from a tower has made them sick, only for it to be revealed that the tower wasn't even turned on when they made the claim.
Also not to be a damper but you cannot really believe everything you read on the internet regarding things making people sick, there are people who will claim that anything is bad for you if you look hard enough The question really is has a wacom digitiser made you feel sick. If not then don't worry about it. Worrying about something potentially making you sick is more likely to do more harm to your health through stress than the thing you are concerned about
Meaby you are right. Meaby its not harmfull at all. But... meaby. After some years we know for sure. But i dont want to be a member of on of those future statistical resurches...
I would like to have the capability to turn it OFF.
Alternatives
I have had my eye on other brands, not for the EMF reason although if that is your worry use hands free and leave the device in your bag, it's more the knox nonsense + the up & coming Tizen terror Samsung has/will inflict on their consumers.
I like the specs of the LG G2 pro & the one plus one but will have to get my 'hands on' before putting down the Note 3 as I have had the note from version 1 & the digitizer is a boon, pressure sensitivity is not such a seller but the writing & precision is, I have found alternative stylus type implements but again it will be trial & error.
styli : http://www.staples.com/Adonit-Jot-P...iPhone-iPod-Touch-and-Touch/product_SS2203726
http://www.kensington.com/kensingto...s-and-pen-for-tablets-black.aspx#.U1QRvvldVp8
hope my input helps.
itsmix said:
I have had my eye on other brands, not for the EMF reason although if that is your worry use hands free and leave the device in your bag, it's more the knox nonsense + the up & coming Tizen terror Samsung has/will inflict on their consumers.
I like the specs of the LG G2 pro & the one plus one but will have to get my 'hands on' before putting down the Note 3 as I have had the note from version 1 & the digitizer is a boon, pressure sensitivity is not such a seller but the writing & precision is, I have found alternative stylus type implements but again it will be trial & error.
styli : http://www.staples.com/Adonit-Jot-P...iPhone-iPod-Touch-and-Touch/product_SS2203726
http://www.kensington.com/kensingto...s-and-pen-for-tablets-black.aspx#.U1QRvvldVp8
hope my input helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply.
I dont suggest you to do it. I see the screen of G2 and although is good is not compared with the superb AMOLED screen of Note 3. Those unbelievable colors and that deep black is unparalleled to any screen i have ever seen. That is the reason that i want to get the note 3.
I of course use handsfree or bluetooth all the time and the phone is in my bug and away from me. But it is impossible to play some games or see some pictures or anything else fun while the phone is in it's bug. It must be in my hands. And as we talk for inductive charging here for the charging of the stylus the emf will be strong. That is why i want to disable entirely the wacom digitizer, and if this is not possible, at least to know for sure that if the stylus is in its place the emf of wacom digitizer is gone completely.
Or get the Galaxy S5.
Or are there some things you want, that i forgot?
Pretty sure just walking outside provides more radiation and health risks than the E.M.F of any cell phone can ever produce.
Pretty much everything you can do in life poses a higher risk than a cell phone.

WARNING!!! Fake vs Real Note 4

Warning!! I just came across this at work when my co-worker asked me to set up his phone. I realized something was wrong when I saw the screen and size of this note 4. I decided to show it off for those who is considering picking up one from ebay or Craigslist. See the comparison from a real note 4 and see for yourself. There's no real difference w/ the software but the hardware might be a concern since the battery(charger) is not Original it might blow-up or melt. The fake one is really flaky and has weird random vibration and I would not recommend using it at ALL!!
The problem is, that the real ones are not consistent. I've had two carrier bought note4 from Canada and neither had "Galaxy Note 4" on the back cover. Everything else was spot on thou. I think the hover feature is still unique to the original Note though. (I mean that the screen is active when hovering, not actually having to touch it)
This isn't a sprint note 4. Could have been rooted with custom software.
maddog497 said:
The problem is, that the real ones are not consistent. I've had two carrier bought note4 from Canada and neither had "Galaxy Note 4" on the back cover. Everything else was spot on thou. I think the hover feature is still unique to the original Note though. (I mean that the screen is active when hovering, not actually having to touch it)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The material are way dif plus as you can see the internal from the battery is WAY dif....
dschachm said:
This isn't a sprint note 4. Could have been rooted with custom software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, It's a custom rom from the international version (as you can see from the photo). But in recovery it's not in English it's in Chinese.
Notice the fake also says ERGENCY CALLS ONLY when no card is in it. This is typical Chinglish.
Solarenemy68 said:
Notice the fake also says ERGENCY CALLS ONLY when no card is in it. This is typical Chinglish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's just scrolling, and EM in the beginning is not on field when clicked for a pic. It is spelled right. Don't underestimate the cloning industry, they've grown a lot.
make sure your buddy contacts whoever he bought it from on ebay - if they falsely advertised it as a genuine note4 then he should be covered by ebay's protection. He should also leave negative feedback.

General Handling the Nothing Phone 1 in store?

While on vacation in the UK I'm looking to buy a Nothing Phone1.
The problem I have is deciding which color to purchase.
Here’s the thing the only stores that I'm aware that have these phone's on display is O2 stores.
Both black and white on display not turned on and housed in a armoured casing secured to the sales display countertop.
While both look nice I wanted to actually handle both devices turn them on run through the menus etc to get a feel of both devices before making a purchase.
They don't even have a dummy phone.
So basically your buying a product blind without even testing it out.
O2 policy for not having any the nothing phones turned on it may induce epileptic fits to customers and passers by.
Most of the other brand devices one can handle or turn on and play with the devices.
So I'm at a loss as to buy a black, or white PH1..
So my question is other then the UK can you go into a store and play with PH1 devices?
it's the exact same size as an iphone pro max. Just pick up one of those and imagine it being much lighter. Watch a video of the setup process if you want to see the OS (it's basically stock android with a cool font for headings)
UserNamist said:
it's the exact same size as an iphone pro max. Just pick up one of those and imagine it being much lighter. Watch a video of the setup process if you want to see the OS (it's basically stock android with a cool font for headings)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for the feedback, yeah I know it mainly stock Android one of the main reasons looking to buy one.

Categories

Resources