How to spot a 'fake' new iPhone

Favour Agbai

10 Sep 2025 • 2 min read

Buying an iPhone is a big investment, and in Nigeria, you want to be sure your "brand new" devices is exactly that. Unfortunately, in markets like Computer Village, many refurbished or replacement iPhones are repackaged and sold as fake new iPhones.

At first glance, they look perfect: sealed box, neat accessories, shiny body. But behind that flawless packaging may be a used device that's already lived another life. The good news? With a few quick checks, you can confirm if the iPhone you're holding is truly new.

What is a Fake New iPhone?

A fake new iPhone isn't a counterfeit device, it's a real Apple iPhone that has been refurbished, replaced, or previously used but is disguised as brand new.

Apple-certified refurbished iPhones are safe and reliable because they're tested, verified, and sold as refurbished at fair prices. The problem lies with market refurbished iPhones, which are reboxed and sold as new, tricking buyers into paying full price for a used device.

5 Ways to spot a fake new iPhone

Check Battery Health

On a brand new iPhone, battery health should be very close to 100%.

Go to settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging
If it shows 90% or less, the hone has been used.

Check Battery Cycle Count

Every time an iPhone is fully charged, it counts as one cycle.

A brand new iPhone should have 0 or very few cycles.
You can check this using tools like 3uTools.
A high cycle count = a phone that has been in use.

Confirm the First Use/Activation date

Apple records the exact date an iPhone was first activated.

Visit Apple's Check Coverage page.
Enter the device serial number.
If the activation date is older than your purchase date, that iPhone isn't new.

Verify the Serial Number

Dial *#06# to display the IMEI and serial number.
Cross-check with the number on the box.
If they don't match, the device has been swapped or tampered with.

Decode the Model Number Prefix

Apple model number always start with a letter that reveals the phone's origin:

M = Brand new unit (sold directly by Apple or licensed resellers)
F = Refurbished unit
N = Replaced unit (after warranty or service swap)
P = Personalized unit (custom-engraved)

If you're paying for a new iPhone and the model number starts with F or N, that device is not truly new.

Why you should avoid fake new iPhones

Fake new iPhones often:

Have a shorter lifespan due to battery wear.
lack valid warranty coverage.
Cost as much as a truly new Phone, but deliver less value

Remember: refurbished isn't always bad if sold transparently and at the right price. The scam is when refurbished devices are disguised as brand new.

Final Word: Shop Smart, Shop Safe

Don't fall for the fake new iPhone scam. Run these quick checks before you pay, and you'll save yourself from spending "new phone money" on a used device.

At gamp, you never have to worry about this. we partner only with licensed distributors, so every iPhone you buy from us is 100% genuine, covered, and truly brand new.