Whether you're buying online during a sale or from a local shop, there's always a small risk of getting a box-opened, refurbished, or — rarely — a counterfeit phone sold as new. A few quick checks protect you. Run these before you accept the phone or, for online orders, during the open-box delivery if offered.
Before you pay: check the seal and box
- The retail box should be factory-sealed with intact plastic wrap and unbroken seals. Resealed plastic often looks loose, wrinkled, or has a visible cut line.
- Check that the model number, colour, and storage printed on the box match what you ordered.
- The IMEI number on the box should later match the one inside the phone (see below). On a genuine sealed unit, they always match.
The IMEI test (the most important one)
Every genuine phone has a unique IMEI. To check it:
- Dial *#06# on the phone — the IMEI appears instantly.
- Compare it with the IMEI printed on the box and on the bill.
- Verify the IMEI on the Indian government's Sanchar Saathi / KYM (Know Your Mobile) service — you can SMS KYM <IMEI number> to 14422 or check on the Sanchar Saathi website. It tells you if the IMEI is valid, and flags blacklisted or duplicate IMEIs.
If the IMEI is invalid, duplicated, or already flagged, refuse the phone.
First-10-minutes checks on the phone
- Activation date: A brand-new phone shouldn't show prior usage. Check warranty status on the brand's official site using the IMEI/serial — if the warranty "started" weeks ago, it's been activated before (a sign of a refurbished or returned unit).
- Battery cycle / health: On iPhone, Settings → Battery → Battery Health should read close to 100% on a new device. On Android, large pre-existing battery wear is a red flag.
- Screen and body: Inspect for fine scratches, dust under the glass, or uneven gaps — signs of a refurbished or opened unit.
- Accessories: Genuine cable, charger (where included), and pin should look factory-fresh, not generic replacements.
- Display test: Open a plain white and a plain black image full-screen to check for dead pixels or discoloration.
- All ports and buttons: Test charging, both speakers, the mic (record a voice note), every camera, fingerprint and face unlock, and SIM detection.
Buying refurbished on purpose? That's fine — just buy right
Refurbished isn't a dirty word — it can be great value. The rule is to buy certified refurbished from a reputable seller that states the grade (the cosmetic condition) and gives a warranty and a return window. Avoid "like new" listings from unknown sellers with no warranty.
Red flags to walk away from
- A price that's dramatically below every other seller. If it's too cheap, there's a reason.
- Seller refusing to let you run *#06# or check the IMEI.
- No proper GST bill. Always get an invoice — you need it for warranty.
Spend ten minutes on these checks and you'll catch almost any problem while you can still return the phone. Once you're confident it's genuine, here's which phone to buy in each budget.
