[Q] HOW TO - difference between Original S3 vs Clone S3 - Galaxy S III Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I was wondering if I buy used S3 how to be shure that I got the original and not the clone? Is there any specific that I can check by myself and is there some sort of samsung databse of original IMEI or serial numbers that can be queried?
Thanks.

nebitan said:
I was wondering if I buy used S3 how to be shure that I got the original and not the clone? Is there any specific that I can check by myself and is there some sort of samsung databse of original IMEI or serial numbers that can be queried?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First you have to cross check the numbers from its original box. If the android version/CSC/modem donot match its not a big problem. Main thing you have to check is IMEI. Make sure the retailer is trust worthy... oh and that there should be samsung printed at the front and back of the phone . clones cant use official brand name as far as i have seen. Just google it if you need more specific details that i am not aware of.

nebitan said:
I was wondering if I buy used S3 how to be shure that I got the original and not the clone? Is there any specific that I can check by myself and is there some sort of samsung databse of original IMEI or serial numbers that can be queried?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpGuQdtC24s
But i've seen grade A fake before.
Example
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fTHk4CNjtc (S4)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyuOuKfDzSg (S3)

As I can see mostly the top and bottom basel are thicker on clones. I was thinking to buy used one, but there are too much clones in the market where I live so the only safe option will be to buy one sim locked to a carrier. Thanks guys.
Any other opinion is welcome.

Related

Is there a reason why my GS2 has no samsung or carrier branding?

Is there a reason why my GS2 has no samsung or carrier branding?
Completely black at the top, and logo at back.
I like it, but have always been curious as to why.
Here are some pics. MAybe it is carrier branded I never noticed the "q" thing before which carrier is that?, but there is no samsung.....
Seeing as I have been flashing roms for the past two weeks and no issues, so It seems genuine...
Quadrant=3229(Normal)
Are serial numbers on battery and label behind it supposed to be the same?
and BTW I have a matte screen protector, thats why its not glossy.
and lcd density set at 200, which is why the font looks slightly smaller
Battery and label looks official
Thanks!
Oops, shouldn't it have a Samsung logo just above the screen and under the Earpiece? The battery cover at the back could be easily replaced with an original one, and that icon at back is the NFC icon right? So is it a Korean GS II or what?
Sent from GT-I9100
My GS2 has Samsung on the top of the front and at the bottom of the back but came unlocked to all networks,personally i wouldn't buy a phone with say Vodafone or any mobile network branding on it again.
I though every SII has "Samsung" on the top front, no matter if branded or not
Sp1tfire said:
I though every SII has "Samsung" on the top front, no matter if branded or not
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i agree name brandings are always on phones or the phone is from China ^^ and have dual sim card slots.
If i where you i check it out if its a real samsung device.
Good luck.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App
endor43 said:
Is there a reason why my GS2 has no samsung or carrier branding?
Completely black at the top, and logo at back.
I like it, but have always been curious as to why.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you post pictures?
Sp1tfire said:
I though every SII has "Samsung" on the top front, no matter if branded or not
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree return it to the seller .
Samsung label and product code under the branded Samsung battery as well .
jje
Just updated First post with pics and info,
Thanks!
Oh, edited my comment after the seeing pictures.
ithehappy said:
Oops, shouldn't it have a Samsung logo just above the screen and under the Earpiece? The battery cover at the back could be easily replaced with an original one, and that icon at back is the NFC icon right? So is it a Korean GS II or what?
Sent from GT-I9100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah, the NFC icon is this.
had ISDB-T antenna in corner so could it be a SC-02C? If so why does settings say its GT-I9100 and have no SC-02C branding at back?
Does anyone know what the icon in back is?
Even though quadrant is good, I'm really starting to worry...
I appreciate everyone's help.
Ah, the box tells alot
Its apparently a SHW M250-K, so not a GT-I9100, but still a GSII model!
The Q things is an O for Olleh its KT carrier in korea. Yes my phone is korean, but I took a chance and had bought it in China.
Though none of this explains the lack of Samsung branding in front. Or does it?
(or why my settings tells me its a GT-I9100 or is that the ROM's doing?)
endor43 said:
Ah, the box tells alot
Its apparently a SHW M250-K, so not a GT-I9100, but still a GSII model!
The Q things is an O for Olleh its KT carrier in korea. Yes my phone is korean, but I took a chance and had bought it in China.
Though none of this explains the lack of Samsung branding in front.
Or does it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the SMS work? Because the SMS technology is locked to specific Korean carreir so you will not be able to use it. If I recall correctly.
If you did a google image search with the model, it would appear that there is no Samsung branding in the front.
No, sms works on china unicom for me (im living there for now).
But I've just discovered some inconsistencies.....
The box says its an SHW-M250K but sticker behind battery says M250S....
What is the difference between the two?
The battery has NFC label, but I have no Idea how to test if thats real.
What do you guys think? (about whether my phone is valid GSII)
Hmm the box has SHW-M250K and Olleh printed on it, but it has stickers and barcode sticker, that indicate SK telecom. Also, I've just discovered that M250S is SK and M250K dentoes KT. Seems a bit odd.
Again, Thoughts?
When I google'd "Galaxy S II" it came up both with samsung logo and without?
Not quite sure
Edit: SHW-M250K is the korean model which doesn't have a Samsung logo on the front
So yeah, it's not fake
The original Samsung Galaxy S II had a different front and a back cover. There was no branding on the front. The prototypes that our team saw had no branding. I can post a picture if you want.
Random but applicable---I also cannot get FM radio app to pick up fm radio in China. Does that have to do with my region settings (USA or Europe are only choices), or is this another inconsistency?
Where did you buy this device from?
Dinghao Electronics Market, Beijing. Which is black market.
I know not the best idea, but It was my only chance to get one...
Anyways, I just discovered that Korean GSII has DMB chip instead of FM radio chip, bummer, but not a big deal.

[Q] SHW-M250S LCD screen and digitizer problem

Hi everyone, I was wondering if someone would be able to help me with my question/problem. I'm kind of new to this site, so please excuse me if I seem noobish. I tried looking everywhere in the forums for something similar to my predicament, but I didn't find anything. Either that, or I didn't look very well.
Anyways, I'll try to be as brief as possible. I bought a broken Samsung Galaxy S2 with a cracked screen and broken digitizer for $100. My plan was to swap out everything with replacement parts, but when I took it apart to check the model number (because I noticed some differences from my i9100) I found out that it was the Korean-type S2. The model number is SHW-M250S. I looked everywhere on Ebay and Amazon for the lcd screen and digitizer for this exact model, and nothing came up except the regular i9100 lcd+digitizer replacements. Link below:
http://www.amazon.com/Display-Digiti...7&sr=1-1owever
I did check on Amazon, and the closest thing I was able to find for the shw-m250s model are these items that are in the link below. Other than the lcd screen and digitizer, it also comes with a brand new housing and other parts I don't need. Which is just making it more expensive. Link below:
http://www.amazon.com/Touchscreen-Di...6418770&sr=1-3
My question is, can I use a regular i9100 lcd screen and digitizer replacement part for my SHW-M250S model, or at least use the (SHW-M250L) model part that I found on Amazon? The SHW-M250L parts look very similar to the one that I have. (That "L" could be a typo) If not, can someone send me a link to a site or place where I can buy ONLY the lcd screen and digitizer part for my exact model?
Thanks a lot in advance.
-Davin
The "L" supports CDMA, which you do not have, but my guess is they should all work, since they use the same screen. I could be wrong, though.
I would buy the international and if it doesn't work for your model - resell it. You can also try asking in the monster SHW-M250S thread.
By my guess, I think it should still be compatible because I doubt the screens have any major differences whether its a CDMA or GSM version. Neither do they affect the phones GSM or CDMA ability itself.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

I9300 with plain white box, no writing on it???

Does anyone have a Galaxy S III with just a plain box? My other I9300's had writing on the back with specs and the imei and stuff. This box has nothing on it, its from Hong Kong. The phone is working as an I9300 should and is running the new jellybean leak. Any ideas? or info? Or is this how they are sold out there?
Attached are pics of the plain white box and a pic of the french 32gb one i had.
This is the actual phone http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1852761
Original and new GS3 doesn't comes with leaks Jellybean. I think yours is second-hand phone.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
I know they dont come with the leak, its rooted running the leaked ROM. Im just wondering about the blank box.
No idea. What's system info say you have? What's the previous owners response?
Obviously that box missed out on printing or it is fake.. No NFC, would be a good indicator. Should have posted phone pics, front and back with phone cover off.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
I dont have the phone, this is the phone i was going to trade my ATT S3 for. I am going to ask about what you said.
there are tonnes of fake S3 out there on sale now.
updated the op with the actual phone
the pictures in the link seems legitimate for the int' S3. if that is the box he shows you, you could probably say it's an AP set (original samsung sets that was bought from another source (country) other than the official distributor in that country, for a lower price). AP sets may be packaged in duplicated box or box from another s3 (IMEI of sticker may not match IMEI of the phone). "Risks" of AP sets = original parts swapped with fake battery/ fake accessories. Samsung stores in your country most likely won't allow RMA for AP sets. Wholesalers in my country actually sells duplicated box (from china) for phones like these.
These are just precautions, best you ask the seller. People in Asian countries, esp places like south east asia buys AP sets because they are cheaper than the usual RRP
Big thanks for the information
MXR2 said:
there are tonnes of fake S3 out there on sale now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just get to know about this thread. I found that the box is not the original but from a TMobile but the phone itself is i9300 - at least that's what I think as I have applied various i9300 ROMs. I bought it from a colleague who brought it from Hongkong.
Is there any way to check out if it's a fake??

[Q] Anyway to check version?

Hi,
I was wondering if there are different versions of S3's like for S2's (ie, Singapore differ from US etc), because i want to buy an S3 online from a reseller in which the title goes by Samsung Galaxy S3 Unlocked WHITE/BLUE. Is there anyway to tell or how to check which version the seller is selling?
Thanks!
Was there a model model number?
I typed this by hand.
SGiZac said:
Hi,
I was wondering if there are different versions of S3's like for S2's (ie, Singapore differ from US etc), because i want to buy an S3 online from a reseller in which the title goes by Samsung Galaxy S3 Unlocked WHITE/BLUE. Is there anyway to tell or how to check which version the seller is selling?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If its being sold online it is most likely to be the GT-I9300 international version. However be sure of the credibility of the online re seller. There have been cases where people reported to have received fake S3's..
Yes, there is:
this app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.alxdroiddev.gs3identity
it will not only tell if it is a genuine S III, but it will also tell what specific model it is.

[Q] my GT-i9300 have 2gb ram

I recently Purchased a unlocked Samsung galaxy s3 over Ebay.in (i'm from India) phone works great but i now i noticed the phone model is GT-i9300 and it have 2Gb Ram and and Dual Core processor , now i'm searching for the New Rom for this device but i can't find similar specification in any other official S3 Phone any one please help me.i'm attaching the screen shot of my phone specification
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1704138
ITS a FAKE/ CLONE
It is not Samsung .
ruznik said:
I recently Purchased a unlocked Samsung galaxy s3 over Ebay.in (i'm from India) phone works great but i now i noticed the phone model is GT-i9300 and it have 2Gb Ram and and Dual Core processor , now i'm searching for the New Rom for this device but i can't find similar specification in any other official S3 Phone any one please help me.i'm attaching the screen shot of my phone specification
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check if the device status is modified, if so then it probably will be somekind of LTE variant with an edited build.prop or modification of that kind.
i'm a s3 gt-i9300 user
JJEgan said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1704138
ITS a FAKE/ CLONE
It is not Samsung .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey i'm suppose to be a samsung galaxy s3 gt-i9300 user ,
are you sure it is fake or clone model can i get custom Rom for it
How to know the real model Number
EP21 said:
Check if the device status is modified, if so then it probably will be somekind of LTE variant with an edited build.prop or modification of that kind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it shows it is modified.and it have LTE capability , how can i know the real model number ,every where it shows gt-i9300,even under the battery
ruznik said:
Hey i'm suppose to be a samsung galaxy s3 gt-i9300 user ,
are you sure it is fake or clone model can i get custom Rom for it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IT IS A FAKE// or please read the specifications as it could be one of those odd china or something models as EP21 posted .
Google CPU and GPU .
It's not I9300. Either your build.prop is modified, or AnTuTu is nuts, the first being more likely.
The description fits SGH-I747 or SGH-T999, including their starting OS variant (4.1.1).
They're US version of Galaxy S3, dual-core Snapdragon S4 with 2GB RAM and LTE. The graphics (Adreno 225) confirm it. A good phone, and it has its own forum on XDA.
---------- Post added at 12:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:52 PM ----------
JJEgan said:
IT IS A FAKE// or please read the specifications as it could be one of those odd china or something models as EP21 posted .
Google CPU and GPU .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do not reply without knowledge. There are over 10 models of Galaxy S3. Wikipedia lists 13. And this happens to be one of the major models.
Your the genius
Jack_R1 said:
It's not I9300. Either your build.prop is modified, or AnTuTu is nuts, the first being more likely.
The description fits SGH-I747 or SGH-T999, including their starting OS variant (4.1.1).
They're US version of Galaxy S3, dual-core Snapdragon S4 with 2GB RAM and LTE. The graphics (Adreno 225) confirm it. A good phone, and it has its own forum on XDA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is everything as you say but still no idea which is it SGH-i747 or SGH-T999 i also have an update coming in notification but when i tried to update it show your phone is modified and update is no longer valid
ruznik said:
there is everything as you say but still no idea which is it SGH-i747 or SGH-T999 i also have an update coming in notification but when i tried to update it show your phone is modified and update is no longer valid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't apply any updates or flash files meant for the i9300, they will hard brick your phone.
Go into download mode and see the product code then you'll know what model of the S3 you really have.
haha..be very weary of these chinese models.. a friend of mine purchased one of these so called galaxy s4's and when it was brought into my shop i couldnt help but have a good chuckle.. ofcourse it was not funny to him....
ruznik said:
I recently Purchased a unlocked Samsung galaxy s3 over Ebay.in (i'm from India) phone works great but i now i noticed the phone model is GT-i9300 and it have 2Gb Ram and and Dual Core processor , now i'm searching for the New Rom for this device but i can't find similar specification in any other official S3 Phone any one please help me.i'm attaching the screen shot of my phone specification
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I decoded your IMEI and it turns out that it is: Samsung SGH-T999
http://sndeep.info/en
Specs are ok:
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s_iii_t999-4804.php
ruznik said:
I recently Purchased a unlocked Samsung galaxy s3 over Ebay.in (i'm from India) phone works great but i now i noticed the phone model is GT-i9300 and it have 2Gb Ram and and Dual Core processor , now i'm searching for the New Rom for this device but i can't find similar specification in any other official S3 Phone any one please help me.i'm attaching the screen shot of my phone specification
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely seems to be a USA or some other country variant if the reported specs by Antutu are true, otherwise its a fake.
But normally US variants like AT&T and T-Mobile have carrier logos on front or the back, did you notice any ?
Another thing, which you can do is remove the battery, there will a sticker with Model and FCC ID. You can google the FCC ID to conclude on model. Also try downloading CPU-Z for Android and see what it reports. Carefully note down the senors which your phone has. Normally you can map the sensor names to the chipset your phone has.
In any case, do not flash any software till you are sure of the model.
i'm confused now
sanefirst said:
I decoded your IMEI and it turns out that it is: Samsung SGH-T999
http://sndeep.info/en
Specs are ok:
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s_iii_t999-4804.php
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i asked my seller and he told me it's i747 version now i'm confused , can i trust this website for the info.?
ruznik said:
i asked my seller and he told me it's i747 version now i'm confused , can i trust this website for the info.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another site:
http://www.imei.info/?imei=353022053919608
I found one I747 IMEI on the internet and checked it with this tool and it was recognized correctly as I747, so I assume that your model was also recognized correctly as T999, because IMEI contains part of serial number also.
T999 - standard HSDPA
T999L - LTE
As far as I know the firmware is the same except for different modems.
ruznik said:
i asked my seller and he told me it's i747 version now i'm confused , can i trust this website for the info.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does it say under the battery ???
The phone is FAKE and it is absolutely obvious.
AssassinGEO said:
The phone is FAKE and it is absolutely obvious.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You checked the physical device or just guess?
IMEI says it's one of US Galaxy S3, which can be true if you consider the phone was acquired via ebay...
sanefirst said:
You checked the physical device or just guess?
IMEI says it's one of US Galaxy S3, which can be true if you consider the phone was acquired via ebay...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guess.
Well,just let him do a photo of the device and it's battery,then it will be absolutely understandable. Also,he can google himself FAKE vs Real.
AssassinGEO said:
Guess.
Well,just let him do a photo of the device and it's battery,then it will be absolutely understandable. Also,he can google himself FAKE vs Real.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BUT U SAID IT IS ABSOUTE :C I am confused now :c lmao

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