Help How do I know if my Pixel is not an imitation or refurbished?

[PrinceOfDorne]

What are the red flags?

 

[Hadron]

I assume you are buying it from an unreliable source, or there is already some other red flag, since with a shrink-wrapped box from a major onshore retailer the question would be unlikely to arise. It's possible that someone would be able to give better advice if we knew more about this.

The short answer is that you probably won't be able to tell until you physically get it in your hands, so whether you'll be able to see it before paying is am important question. You might be able to learn something about the phone's history from the IMEI. The baseband version is often a good thing to check for fakes: these are usually programmed to lie about most of the hardware and software features, but the baseband version is usually genuine information and fakes never use the real SoC (too expensive) and so this is usually a giveaway.

 

[lvt]

Try some files recovery apps, unless the devices has been previously encrypted before the factory reset, you might be able to find some old photos or movies.

 

[Hadron]

Modern devices are encrypted by default.

 

[codesplice]

Google has an article on how to identify counterfeit hardware:
https://support.google.com/store/answer/9096512

It really focuses more on Chromecast and similar devices but the details about the packaging should be relevant. @Hadron's suggestion to look at the details under Settings > About phone is also a good one.

You can also try any benchmark app (like this one). That will measure the device's performance and also tell you where it stacks up with other devices. If it deviates wildly from what it should be the you'll know that something is up.

 

[PrinceOfDorne]

I assume you are buying it from an unreliable source, or there is already some other red flag, since with a shrink-wrapped box from a major onshore retailer the question would be unlikely to arise. It's possible that someone would be able to give better advice if we knew more about this.

The short answer is that you probably won't be able to tell until you physically get it in your hands, so whether you'll be able to see it before paying is am important question. You might be able to learn something about the phone's history from the IMEI. The baseband version is often a good thing to check for fakes: these are usually programmed to lie about most of the hardware and software features, but the baseband version is usually genuine information and fakes never use the real SoC (too expensive) and so this is usually a giveaway.

Thank you so much for your reply and also to the others. So I’m meeting the retailer this Friday and of course first thing I’ve to check is whether the box is sealed right. About the baseband thing and IMEI, what should I do in relation thereto to ensure I’m buying an authentic, brand new not refurb Pixel?

 

[mikedt]

Thank you so much for your reply and also to the others. So I’m meeting the retailer this Friday and of course first thing I’ve to check is whether the box is sealed right. About the baseband thing and IMEI, what should I do in relation thereto to ensure I’m buying an authentic, brand new not refurb Pixel?

An IMEI search should indicate that it's a Google Pixel phone, and if it's been carrier blacklisted or not. But not if it's been previously activated or used AFAIK.

Some phones have a security feature which is supposed to indicate if the phone has been tampered with and modified, like Samsung's Knox. Don't know if Pixel phones have something similar? About counterfeits, I've never seen or heard of one, unlike Samsung or Apple, but knock-off Pixels could exist.

 

[PrinceOfDorne]

Answer is that you probably won't be able to tell until you physically get it in your hands, so whether you'll be able to see it before paying is am important question. You might be able to learn something about the phone's history from the IMEI. The baseband version is often a good thing to check for fakes: these are usually programmed to lie about most of the hardware and software features, but the baseband version is usually genuine information and fakes never use the real SoC (too expensive) and so this is usually a giveaway.

Yes fortunately I get to check the phone before payment. I'll be visiting the store. So how do I check the history based on the IMEI? Is it mad work? I really need help cuz I'm paying $950 for this.

 

[LizMac]

If it's a PIxel 2 and you're buying it from a seller on ebay or craigslist or similar, it might be mine. My Pixel 2 was stolen several weeks ago..... I'll want it back.

 

[Hadron]

$950? That's more than it costs to buy new, direct from Google, including UK taxes, at the moment.

 

[PrinceOfDorne]

$950? That's more than it costs to buy new, direct from Google, including UK taxes, at the moment.

Sorry, it's actually $ 880. The phone is great. It's brand new. Not refurbished. Been using it as my second phone for almost two weeks now. Best Android smartphone ever.

 

[lvt]

Modern devices are encrypted by default.

Yes it seems that from Nougat and up it's automatically encrypted.