Apple iPhone 14 Fake vs Real. Tips to easily identify a fake one (Applicable for iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro & Pro Max too)
This guide is applicable to all iPhone 14 models: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Welcome to the Fake VS Real guide – where I share the complete guide to easily identify the differences between the fake and the real thing. This time is on Apple iPhone 14 series.
This guide is meant for you who want to buy a brand-new iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max or a second-hand iPhone 14 (and families) but you are buying not directly from Apple (via its store or online) nor via its Authorized Reseller.
Reason why you should to read and know about this iPhone 14 Fake vs Real guide
iPhone 14 (whichever model they are) has been around for 1 year plus now – at the time this article is written. For sure since its release back in 2022 till today, a lot has happening: there are second-hand iPhone 14 sold as new, conversion kit of older iPhone to iPhone 14, Android devices wrapped and sold as iPhone 14 and many more.
This guide is intended for people who plans to own any models of real iPhone 14 – be it a brand new iPhone 14 or a second-hand iPhone 14 with one main intention: You get what you are paying for – you pay for real iPhone 14, you should get REAL iPhone 14 and not the fake one.
Take a look at the iPhone conversion video here from PBKreviews, where he shows how to convert iPhone X with the iPhone conversion kit into iPhone 14.
See for yourself, there’s a iPhone conversion kit like what you see on the video above, being sold on open market, so you should be cautious when buying iPhone 14, especially if you are buying second hand or buying from non-authorized resellers.
While for some who called themselves as geeks and those who called themselves Apple fan boy can easily spot the differences between the real thing and the fake one, but for many normal people – perhaps like you and me, they may not be aware if such device is a fake one and end up buying the fake one – but still paying the full price of a new iPhone 14.
I believe there’s plenty of cases happening where people spend their hard-earned money only to get the fake iPhone. Not only these cases happening in under-developed and developing countries but these cases also happen on developed countries as well. So you have to be a smart diligent buyer, otherwise you end up the same like many people: paying the full price only to get the fake one – worst empty box only.
That’s the main reason why you should read this guide before getting yourself the iPhone 14 so that if your intention is to buy the real thing, you get the real thing and not the fake one. Be it a brand new iPhone 14 or a second-hand iPhone 14.
Tips to check and ensure the iPhone 14 / iPhone 14 Plus / iPhone 14 Pro / iPhone 14 Pro Max is the real iPhone and not the fake one.
This guide contains a few sections. While I do recommend you to read through all of them, but feel free to jump around to the section that interest you the most (some sections you can also skip if it’s not applicable for you).
Section 1: Things to do before buying the iPhone – applicable to all iPhone 14 models
Section 2: Things to check if you are buying a brand new iPhone 14 – applicable to all iPhone 14 models
Section 3: Things to check if you are buying a second-hand iPhone 14 – applicable to all iPhone 14 models
Section 4: Another things to check for both brand new iPhone 14 and a second hand iPhone 14 – applicable to all iPhone 14 models
Section 5: Things to check that’s applicable for only iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus models
Section 6: Things to check that’s applicable for only iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models
Let’s go.
Section 1: Things to do before buying the iPhone – applicable to all iPhone 14 models
Check the following section before you buy the iPhone, they are the prerequisite for a good and successful iPhone buying transaction.
Tip 1) Create Apple ID.
It’s free and easy to do. The reason why you need this one is to enable you to check the iPhone later on. Go to appleid.apple.com to register.
Tip 2) Arrange a meet up.
Unless you are buying from Apple directly or from Apple Authorized Reseller, be sure to do meet up. Do not buy online and have it shipped unless you trust the seller/platform and can get full refund in case things go south.
Tip 3) Agree to pay after checking is done.
Get agreement from the seller for you to perform checks before paying to ensure if the item is real and only to pay him if the iPhone is a real one. Recommended for you to bring someone else besides yourself during the purchasing and checking session, just in case any disputes happening.
Tip 4) Bring your own SIM Card.
Depending on where you are and which iPhone 14 models you are getting but bring your own SIM Card whenever possible. More on SIM Card on next sections.
Section 2: Things to check if you are buying a brand new iPhone 14 – applicable to all iPhone 14 models
Check the following section if you are buying brand new iPhone 14 series (whichever iPhone 14 models).
Tip 5) Ensure it’s still fully sealed.
Title says it all. Ensure you are getting a sealed iPhone box.
Take a look at the video here for the iPhone 14 sealed box.
Tip 6) Check the iPhone Model and SIM Card slot.
| Country | SIM Card Availability |
|---|---|
| iPhone 14 series US models | eSIM only. No physical SIM Card slot |
| iPhone 14 series China models | Dual nano-SIM Card. No eSIM. |
| iPhone 14 series for rest of the world (except US and China) | Nano SIM Card with eSIM. |
So depending on which country-model your iPhone is, you may/may not see the SIM Card slot. If your iPhone model has the SIM Card slot, after unsealing, open the SIM Card tray and place your SIM Card into the SIM Card tray.
Tip 7) Turn on the iPhone.
Ensure Apple logo is showing without any text at all.
Tip 8) No password being asked.
Once turned on, ensure it’s not asking for any passcode/password, otherwise it’s a locked second-hand iPhone and probably stolen.
Section 3: Things to check if you are buying a second-hand iPhone 14 – applicable to all iPhone 14 models
Check the following section if you are buying a second-hand iPhone 14 series (whichever iPhone 14 models).
| Check here for selection of certified refurbished iPhone from Amazon |
| Check here for selection of new/second-hand iPhone from AliExpress |
Tip 9) Check the iPhone Model and SIM Card slot.
| Country | SIM Card Availability |
|---|---|
| iPhone 14 series US models | eSIM only. No physical SIM Card slot |
| iPhone 14 series China models | Dual nano-SIM Card. No eSIM. |
| iPhone 14 series for rest of the world (except US and China) | Nano SIM Card with eSIM. |
So depending on which country-model your iPhone is, you may/may not see the SIM Card slot. If your iPhone model has the SIM Card slot, after unsealing, open the SIM Card tray and place your SIM Card into the SIM Card tray. Ask the seller, which country-model the iPhone is and match with the table above. If it’s not matching, likely you are getting a fake iPhone.
Tip 10) Wipe out the iPhone.
Turn on the iPhone and if it’s not reset, do a reset.
Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose Erase All Contents and Settings. When prompted, tap Continue to proceed with the reset.
Tip 11) Key in the password.
On reset attempt, the existing Apple ID that ties to the iPhone needs to be remove, thus asking for password. Ask the seller to unlock for you. If seller doesn’t know the password, likely it’s a stolen iPhone.
Section 4: Other things to check for both brand new iPhone 14 and a second hand iPhone 14 – applicable to all iPhone 14 models
This section applicable for all iPhone 14 series, brand new or second hand.
Tip 12) Check the iPhone charging port – Lightning Port.
Only iPhone 15 and newer come with USB-C port, while iPhone 14 series and before are using Lightning port. Since this is a post for iPhone 14 series, all iPhone 14 series – iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max are all having Lightning port as the charging port. So if what you see it’s not Lightning port, you are getting a fake iPhone 14 series.
Here are links to get Lightning cable (in case you need):
Note: If you buy anything from Amazon / AliExpress using links above, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost charged on your purchases.
Tip 13) Crash Detection feature.
Crash Detection is introduced as one of the new features for iPhone 14 all series. So real iPhone 14 series, should have this feature. Do the following steps to check if the iPhone has the Crash Detection feature.
Go to Settings > Emergency SOS. Find out “Call After Severe Crash”. If you can find this option, means you know the Crash Detection feature is available. If the option doesn’t exist, means you are getting a fake iPhone 14 series.
Check out the following video – for more clarity.
Tip 14) Emergency SOS via Satellite Service feature
Emergency SOS via Satellite Service is another feature introduced for iPhone 14 all series. So real iPhone 14 series, should have this feature. Do the following steps to check if the iPhone has the Satellite Service feature.
Go to Settings > Emergency SOS. Find out “EMERGENCY SOS VIA SATELLITE” section, under the section, there should be “Try Demo” button. If you can find this section and button, means you know the Emergency SOS via Satellite Service feature is available. If the section doesn’t exist, means you are getting a fake iPhone 14 series.
FYI, according to Apple Support documentation, Satellite connectivity isn’t offered on iPhone models purchased in Armenia, Belarus, China mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. So, if you are buying the iPhone 14 series from those countries, you may want to skip this step.
Tip 15) Setup as brand-new iPhone.
Avoid restoring from your backup now, your intention here is to make sure the iPhone is all in good condition and at the same time, ensuring it’s not a fake one. So follow the setup process. Choose your preferred language, activate the device using cellular (to ensure cellular is working).
Tip 16) Setup Face ID.
Use your face. Then have it tested by trying to use someone else’s face, by right the iPhone is not going to get unlocked. If it is, then likely it’s a counterfeit iPhone.
Tip 17) Create a Passcode.
This is a pre-condition and part of the setup. So, type in any 6-digit passcode.
Tip 18) Choose don’t transfer app and data.
Again, to remind you, your intention here is to make sure the iPhone is all in good condition and at the same time, ensuring it’s not a fake one. So choose the less hassle one for now.
Tip 19) Key in your Apple ID when asked.
First try key-in wrong password intentionally. By right, it won’t allow you to proceed. If it is, then likely it’s a counterfeit iPhone. Then next step is to try to key in your Apple ID with correct password. This time by right it will allow you to boot into the iPhone. Complete the rest setup, including setting up Siri.
Tip 20) Wake up Siri.
Once you are at iOS Home Screen, try calling Siri by saying, “Hey Siri”. If it’s a real iPhone, the Siri should come and answer you. Try go ask her to “set alarm at 9pm” (or something similar). The idea is Siri to ensure it’s a real Siri and it’s working. If it’s the real Siri, she would help you create the alarm (or whatever command you ask her).
Just in case, in your first few attempts Siri is not waking up to your calling, try going to Settings > Siri & Search. Ensure “Listen for ‘Hey Siri'” is turned on (if it’s not turned on, please do turn it on). Then go back to iOS Home screen and try calling, “Hey Siri” again and ask her to do your command.
Tip 21) Apple Store and not Google Play Store.
On the iOS Home Screen, try find Apple App Store and try to open it. When opened, you should NOT see Google Play Store.
If it’s a Google Play Store, then it’s a counterfeit iPhone. Try the Apple App Store to install iOS specific apps that do not exist on the Google Play Store, such as “Apple Store” app, “iMovie” app, “GarageBand” app. Do install one of them and open the app, ensure what you download, and install is what you get, such as if you are downloading “Apple Store” app, you should see list of Mac, iPhone and other accessories being offered by Apple.
Tip 22) Check Serial Number validity.
Open the following link via browser: https://checkcoverage.apple.com/. Then key in the serial number you found on Settings > General > About. And click “Continue”. It should tell you the warranty period. If it’s a totally brand-new iPhone, the date should be 1 year from today (or even more, but not less). If it’s a second hand iPhone, match the remaining warranty with what them seller told you. Ask for personal warranty whenever possible. The page should also tell you which model is the iPhone is. If it’s iPhone 14 series, then you should see either iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max, other than that it’s a fake iPhone 14 series.
Tip 23) Enable Assistive Touch.
iPhone has assistive touch. It’s white in color. It’s a virtual button which mimics the classic iPhone Home Button functionality. By enabling assistive touch, you are confirming that what you are getting the real iPhone, because Android doesn’t have any assistive touch. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Assistive Touch. Turn it on. Soon you’ll see a white virtual button appearing on your screen. Tap on it to bring you the sub menu.
Tip 24) Enable Back Tap.
All iPhone 14 series come with Back Tapping feature. Enable this feature by going to Settings > Touch > Back Tap. For the purpose of testing, choose Double Tap and assign to Mute. Now try double back tapping the iPhone, your iPhone should now mute. If it’s not working, then perhaps it’s not the real iPhone (or broken iPhone).
Tip 25) Test the Magnet.
All iPhone 14 series come with built-in magnets, located at the back of the iPhone. To ensure what you are getting is the real iPhone 14, test it on a paperclip. The paperclip should stick with the iPhone 14.
Check out the recommended MagSafe cases for your iPhone 14 series.
  | Click here to check out recommended MagSafe case for iPhone 14 series at Amazon. |
![](http://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/Sdc67af8ddc42459584d1991921123455y.jpg_140x140.jpg") | Click here to check out recommended MagSafe case for iPhone 14 series at AliExpress. |
Note: If you buy anything from Amazon / AliExpress using links above, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost charged on your purchases.
Tip 26) Try making a phone call.
At this moment, you should have your SIM Card slotted in (if you are buying the iPhone with SIM Card slot), in case you haven’t put the SIM Card in, put the SIM card in. Then try calling any of your friends or family. This is to ensure the iPhone you are buying is compatible with your SIM card and network.
Tip 27) Try FaceTime call.
Do a FaceTime call with any of your family/friend who own iPhone too. If you can call them via FaceTime, then it’s the real iPhone. Otherwise, the iPhone is a fake one.
Tip 28) Check Cinematic mode inside the Camera
Cinematic mode introduced as part of iPhone 13. iPhone 14 inherited that feature as well. So open your Camera app, then swipe left to see if you have Cinematic mode. No Cinematic mode means that’s not the real iPhone 14 series.
In case you are looking for a detail guide on how to use Cinematic mode to the fullest, check this out: Mastering iPhone Cinematic mode: Here’s how you can record, edit and use all the available features for Cinematic video at JILAXZONE.
Want to take your iPhone Recording to the next level? Try getting these rigs/grips.
| SmallRig – Small Rig. Big Dream |  | Check SmallRig on Amazon Check SmallRig on AliExpress |
| BeastGrip – grip used by Apple to capture Tim Cook’s video |  | Check BeastGrip on Amazon |
Note: If you buy anything from Amazon / AliExpress using links above, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost charged on your purchases.
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Section 5: Things to check that’s applicable for only iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus models
This section is for iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus only, you can skip this section if you are not into iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus.
Tip 29) Check the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus color.
iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus come with 6 colors (as seen below): Midnight, Starlight, Product Red, Blue, Purple, Yellow. Check out the image below for the actual colors.
Tip 30) iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus Cameras: 2 Back Camera and 1 front Camera
As seen from the image above, both iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus come with 2 back Camera (diagonally arranged) and 1 front Camera (housed inside the top notch). So if you are getting something different, then the iPhone 14 is a fake one.
Tip 31) iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus Face ID Camera: Smaller Notch on top of the iPhone
Apple introduced dynamic island when Apple introducing iPhone 14 series, however the dynamic island was only available on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus instead, are getting a smaller notch (like the image above) and should not have wider notch (like the image below). If the notch is not the smaller one, you are getting a fake iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Plus.
Tip 32) iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus Processor: A15 Bionic
Yes, whether you like it or not, iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus come with A15 Bionic Processor. Yes, A15 and not A16. If it’s coming with processor other than A15, then you know it’s a fake iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Plus.
Tip 33) iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus Storage
iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are available in 3 different storage configurations: 128 GB, 256 GB and 512 GB. They don’t come with MicroSD slot.
Tip 34) iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus Model Number
These are the model number for iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. Go to Settings > General > About. Then tap on “Model Number”.
| iPhone 14 model | Model Number |
|---|---|
| iPhone 14 | A2649 (United States, Puerto Rico) A2881 (Canada, Guam, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and U.S. Virgin Islands) A2884 (China mainland, Hong Kong, Macao) A2883 (Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia) A2882 (other countries and regions) |
| iPhone 14 Plus | A2632 (United States, Puerto Rico) A2885 (Canada, Guam, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and U.S. Virgin Islands) A2888 (China mainland, Hong Kong, Macao) A2887 (Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia) A2886 (other countries and regions) |
Tip 35) iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus Always-On Display: No such feature.
iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus doesn’t come with always on display. If it has, you are getting a fake iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Plus.
Section 6: Things to check that’s applicable for only iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models
This section is for iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max only, you can skip this section if you are not into iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Tip 36) Check the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max color.
iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max come with 4 colors (as seen below): Space Black, Silver, Gold, Deep Purple. Check out the image below for the actual colors.
Tip 37) iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max Cameras: 3 Back Camera and 1 front floating Camera
As seen from the image above, both iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max come with 3 back Camera and 1 front Camera (housed inside the dynamic island – the black pill-shaped object on top of the screen). So, if you are getting something different, then the iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max is a fake one.
Tip 38) iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max Face ID Camera: Dynamic Island (not a notch)
Apple introduced dynamic island when Apple introducing iPhone 14 series, it’s available on both iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. So, you should see the Face ID and Front Camera are now floating on the top of the screen and no longer attached to the top bezel.
To test the Dynamic Island, ensuring it’s the actual one, try touch and hold the dynamic island or swipe from the center to the right or left side, then try swiping from the right or left side toward the center. If it reacts on your touches, then it’s the real Dynamic Island.
Tip 39) iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max Processor: A16 Bionic
Apple changed the game during introduction of iPhone 14 series. The normal models – iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus – no longer come with the latest Processor. And only the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models come with the new Processor A16 Bionic. If it’s coming with different processor other than A16, then you know it’s a fake iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Tip 40) iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max Storage
iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are available in 4 different storage configurations: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB. They don’t come with MicroSD slot.
Tip 41) iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max Model Number
These are the model number for iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Go to Settings > General > About. Then tap on “Model Number”.
| iPhone 14 model | Model Number |
|---|---|
| iPhone 14 Pro | A2650 (United States, Puerto Rico) A2889 (Canada, Guam, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and U.S. Virgin Islands) A2892 (China mainland, Hong Kong, Macao) A2891 (Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia) A2890 (other countries and regions) |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | A2651 (United States, Puerto Rico) A2893 (Canada, Guam, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and U.S. Virgin Islands) A2896 (China mainland, Hong Kong, Macao) A2895 (Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia) A2894 (other countries and regions) |
Tip 42) iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max Always-On Display.
iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max come with always on display. To check the feature, go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display. If you can’t find the option, then you are getting a fake iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Tip 43) Test the LiDAR scanner.
iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max come with LiDAR scanner / sensor. It’s located next to the back camera, the black rounded circle opposite the camera flash is the LiDAR scanner. To test the LiDAR scanner to ensure it’s the real thing and working, is to take Night Portrait photo. You need to do this at night. Try covering the LiDAR sensor then try taking Night Portrait photo. The camera won’t be able to focus, however this time try to uncover the LiDAR sensor and try taking Night Portrait photo, this time the camera should be able to focus and able to take Night Portrait photo. Go to darker place if you are testing it during the day.
Check out this video for other ways you can test the LiDAR sensor on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Tip 44) Check the ProMotion Display.
iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max comes with adaptive display that can show up to 120 frames per second. So go to Settings > Accessibility > Motion then scroll down to find “Limit Frame Rate”. If you can’t find “Limit Frame Rate”, means it’s not the actual iPhone 14 Pro nor iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Bring it all together
Alright. I guess I have cover pretty much everything about how you can identify the fake vs real iPhone 14 series. While they are long list, but I can guarantee if you perform all the checks and test all the tips given in this guide, you’ll be end up a happy owner of the real iPhone 14 series.
Let me know in the comment down below in case you have any questions or difficulties. I’ll be happy to assist.
For my other iPhone 14/iPhone 15 and iOS 16/iOS 17 tips and guides, do check them out here: iPhone and iOS guides and tips & tricks at JILAXZONE.
Do you have anything you want me to cover on my next article? Write them down on the comment section down below.
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