📱 How to Identify a Fake vs Original Phone in Nepal (2025 Guide)

With the growing smartphone market in Nepal, the risk of buying fake or refurbished phones disguised as new is higher than ever. Many buyers fall victim to scams, especially when buying from unauthorized sellers or online marketplaces. This guide will help you identify fake vs original phones and make safe purchases.

🔍 1. Check the IMEI Number

• Dial *#06# to get the phone’s IMEI number.

• Match it with:

• The box label

• The sticker on the phone (usually inside SIM tray or back panel)

• The number listed in Settings > About Phone

🔗 Visit www.imei.info or nta.gov.np/IMEI-DB to verify if the IMEI is valid and registered in Nepal.

🧾 2. Buy Only From Authorized Sellers

Avoid buying from unknown online stores or unverified social media pages. Instead, choose:

• EvoStore

• Oliz Store

• Hukut

• Daraz Mall (for verified sellers)

They offer official warranties, VAT bills, and original accessories.

📦 3. Inspect the Packaging

Original phones come with:

• Properly sealed boxes

• IMEI stickers

• Matching serial numbers

• Clean printing and official branding

Fake phones often come in:

• Unsealed boxes

• Generic chargers or cables

• Poor-quality manuals or packaging

⚙️ 4. Software & UI Check

• Go to Settings > About Phone. Check for:

  • Brand name

  • Model number

  • Android/iOS version

• Fake phones often run skinned versions of Android that mimic iOS or other UIs.

❌ Example: A fake iPhone will have the App Store but open Google Play.

📸 5. Camera & Display Test

Fake phones often have:

• Low-quality camera performance

• Laggy interface and app crashes

• Poor display brightness and color accuracy

Try:

• Zooming in the camera

• Recording video and testing slow motion

• Checking display brightness outdoors

🔌 6. Check the Charging Port & Accessories

Original phones use:

• Official Lightning, USB-C, or proprietary ports

• Branded, sealed accessories

Fake phones may:

• Have loose charging ports

• Include generic cables and non-branded earphones

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💰 7. Too Good to Be True Price? It Probably Is

If someone is offering:

• An iPhone 15 Pro for NPR 80,000 brand new

• Or a Samsung Galaxy S24 for half the market price

🚩 It's likely fake, refurbished, or stolen. Always compare with market rates on official stores like gadgetbytenepal.com or techsathi.com.

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🛠️ 8. Check for PTA/NTA Approval

Phones imported legally into Nepal are registered with NTA (Nepal Telecommunications Authority). Unregistered phones may be:

• Blocked from using Nepali SIM cards

• Banned from updates and warranties

Check registration at:
➡️ nta.gov.np/IMEI-DB

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✅ Final Tips Before Buying

• Always ask for the VAT bill and warranty card.

• Avoid deals on Facebook Marketplace or unknown sellers on TikTok/Instagram.

• Test the device in person if possible.

• If buying second-hand, use trusted platforms like HamroBazar (but still do IMEI & box checks).

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📌 Conclusion

Buying a smartphone is a big investment, and getting scammed with a fake or refurbished device can be costly. With these simple checks, you can protect yourself and make smart, secure purchases in Nepal.