Hi Darionclinton To determine whether a Samsung phone is original (genuine factory unit) or a second-grade/refurbished/clone, you need to check several technical indicators. Work through these in order: 1. Check the IMEI (most reliable) Dial: *#06# You’ll see the IMEI number. Then: Go to Samsung’s official checker or a trusted IMEI site (e.g. IMEI.info). The result should show: Correct Samsung model number Storage/RAM configuration Manufacturing info Red flags IMEI shows a different model. IMEI not found. Phone has no IMEI (or shows “null”). Also verify: IMEI on box IMEI in Settings → About phone IMEI via dial code All three must match. If not, it’s likely refurbished, repaired, or **bleep**. 2. Check model number in Settings Go to: Settings → About phone → Model number Compare it to official Samsung model numbers for that device. Example: Galaxy A06 official model numbers look like: SM-A065F, etc. If you see something generic or different → suspicious. 3. Use Samsung diagnostic codes Dial: *#0*# → Opens Samsung hardware test menu (real Samsung only) *#1234# → Shows firmware info If these codes don’t work, it could be: **bleep**/clone Non-Samsung firmware 4. Build quality & software clues Signs of an original Samsung: Samsung logo on boot screen One UI software (Samsung interface) Samsung apps: Galaxy Store, Samsung Members Secure Folder available Good camera quality Smooth performance Signs of clone/**bleep**: Looks like Samsung but runs generic Android No Galaxy Store Camera quality very poor Model name slightly wrong Very cheap price for “new” phone 5. Check Samsung Members app Open Samsung Members → Support → Phone diagnostics. If the phone is genuine: It will recognize the device Show warranty info (if applicable) If it says device not supported → suspicious. 6. Check for refurbished/second-grade (not **bleep**, but used) A phone can be original Samsung but still second-grade/refurbished. Signs: Box says “Refurbished” or “CPO” Battery health slightly lower Minor scratches Different IMEI sticker on box Warranty shorter or from shop only This is common in South Africa — many shops sell refurbished Samsung phones. 7. Price check (important in SA) If the price was: Very cheap → likely refurbished or clone Normal retail price → likely original new
