You may not be able to recognize the authenticity of the Samsung J7 just through photos. If it can't be held directly and compared to the original J7, check the IMEI number on the internet. The IMEI number will tell the original manufacturer of the device. You can prevent buying fakes by learning how to compare Samsung J7s, run J7 tests, and practice safe online shopping.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Observing Details
Step 1. View device colors
The 2016 Samsung J7 was released in four colors: black, white, gold and rose gold. The 2015 model year consists of only black, white and gold. If the phone color is not one of these colors, your device is fake.
Step 2. Check the Samsung logo
The Samsung J7 has two Samsung logos: one on the front (above the screen) and one on the back (in the middle, but slightly upwards). This logo is not a sticker, and does not peel off when rubbed.
Step 3. Compare the phone with J7
Counterfeit phone manufacturers are good at making their products as close to the real thing as possible, but one of the best ways to check is to compare them directly to other models. Try doing the following short test:
- Find and press the button on the phone. Is it exactly the same? Do the buttons on both phones feel the same when pressed?
- Stack the phones on each other. Are the two sizes exactly the same? Pay attention to the edges; Fake Samsung J7s are usually thicker than the real ones.
- Turn on the brightness on both phones to maximum. Is the color lighter than the others?
Step 4. Try entering the Samsung code into the phone
Samsung has several “secret codes” that can be used for troubleshooting. This code only works on Samsung phones.
- *#7353#: A menu will appear, containing several options (Melody, Vibration, Speaker, Dimming, etc). If your Samsung J7 phone is genuine, this menu will appear.
- *#12580*369#: You will see the “Main version” screen, which shows some random numbers on the phone. If your Samsung phone is genuine, this “Main version” screen will appear.
- *#0*#: You will see some gray square buttons (Red, Green, Blue, Receiver, Vibration, etc) on a white background. Again, if nothing happens, your phone is fake.
Method 2 of 3: Verifying IMEI Number
Step 1. Find the 15-digit IMEI number
The fastest way to do this is to check the authenticity of the Samsung J7 is to check the IMEI on the IMEI checking site. There are several ways to find this number:
- Dial *#06# on J7. Immediately after pressing the last # key, the IMEI will appear on the screen (it will say “IMEI” just above the number).
- Look for the IMEI number on the packaging or on the back of the battery. You need to remove the Samsung back cover to remove the battery.
- If you bought a J7 over the internet, ask the seller for the numbers.
Step 2. Enter the IMEI number at
You do not need a user account or password to use this tool. Just type IMEI into an empty box.
Step 3. Click “Check” to display the results
Now you will see a lot of pertinent phone information. If the phone is genuine, you will see the word “Samsung” next to “Brand”. Otherwise, it means your J7 is fake.
Method 3 of 3: Buying Samsung J7 Safely
Step 1. Check the price
Since October 2016, the price of the new Samsung J7 phones has been around IDR 4,000,000. The price offered by each seller varies because the desired profit is different, but the difference is not much. If you find a seller who claims to sell a new J7 for IDR 2,000,000, it's likely that the email is fake.
Step 2. Shop at an authorized Samsung dealer
The Samsung website has a list of all authorized dealers selling its products. Visit https://www.samsung.com/us/peaceofmind/authorized_resellers.html for the latest list.
Step 3. Ask the seller for IMEI
If you're buying your phone online from an individual on a site like eBay or Craigslist, always check the IMEI number first. If the seller doesn't want to give it, don't believe it.
Tips
- You can find refurbished Samsung J7 models for much less than new phones. You should still only buy refurbished models from authorized dealers.
- If you accidentally buy a fake J7, return it. It is possible that the seller does not know that the goods are counterfeit.
