How to confirm it is original and not replica?

[RoadMax]

When purchasing the iPhone from other than Apple store or AT&T locations sources like ebay and others what is the safe and reliable way to confirm it is genuine and not replica product?

 

[Chaszmyr]

Are you asking about a way to know before you actually have the device in your hands? If so, there is probably no way to know. But as soon as you hold the device, or even see the device, you'll know... replica Apple products aren't even close to as high of quality as the real thing.

 

[farmermac]

Going off the replica videos i've seen on youtube, it won't be very difficult to figure out if you try to use the phone. It may look like an iPhone, but the software is absolute crap.

 

[Applejuiced]

Yes, you will know right away as soon as you turn it on or hold it.
But with Ebay and CG you cant be 100% untill you see it in person.

 

[JennaLDS]

Your best bet is to not even try. Stick with buying directly from Apple or at&t because honestly, it is your only sure fire way of knowing that the item is real. I buy things off craigslist sometimes, but i would be careful when doing that. There are some crazies out there. But dealing locally is always easier, just take someone with you or meet at an Apple store or an AT&T store. Or if you are buying from ebay, buy from a seller that has no less than 99.8% positive feedback. And make sure that they specify that the item is an actual iPhone, not a replica. If you need to, get the esn from the seller and call Apple yourself and check first. That way you know if it is real and if the esn is good.

Good luck!!

 

[RoadMax]

Re

What is esn?
I am planing on obtaining a new 3GS as factory unlocked (not software jailbroken), based on what I am hearing factory unlocked will remain unlocked even after downloading updates and so on.
So going to Apple store or AT&T, they will not have this type.
I am looking there are some on ebay that have very good feedback and sell only iPhones as factory unlocked.
I can either get one from there which only after having it in my hands will confirm 100% it is genuine or travel to a country that sells factory unlocked at Apple stores.
So the best way to confirm it is genuine is to see the screen after turning on?

 

[CocoaPuffs]

Pretty easy, get a serial number of the phone and confirm via Apple website. Although I am not sure about unlocked phones, since they're not available in the states.

 

[RoadMax]

Re

It would either have to be purchased from a country that Apple sells as factory unlocked or get from websites like ebay etc. that they import from those countries, that is what they claim as imported from Australia, Hong Kong etc.
Also I received some replies from them that Apple 1 year warranty applies to the phone just has to be in the country where the phone is coming from, that is if the phone becomes defective I would have to send it to that country for repair.
For a price of $1000 it better be original Apple product.

Thanks for pointing out the serial number, that would be easy as long as I find a will from Apple side to answer this question, hope they do.

 

[bjb.butler]

You will know when you hold it in person.