Yes, Fake iPads Exist And They’re Good…

Fake electronics are becoming increasingly convincing, and one of the latest examples is a counterfeit iPad Pro 11-inch M4. This guide walks you through the unboxing, key differences, and internal teardown of this fake device, helping you avoid falling victim to these scams.

This Years Came With Fake Receipts…

The Box: First Line of Defense

The first step in identifying a fake iPad is examining the box. Here are the standout differences:

1. Plastic Wrapping: Real Apple products do not come with plastic wrapping around their boxes, as Apple has moved away from using plastic in its packaging. If the box is wrapped in plastic, it’s a red flag.

   ( Please note that there may be exceptions to this based on specific retailers and locations )

2. Text and Design: Genuine Apple boxes often have region-specific text and clean, precise fonts. While the fake box mimics this well, subtle inconsistencies, like an “F” that looks slightly off, can be giveaways.

3. Serial Numbers: Counterfeit products often include a valid serial number to pass initial scrutiny. However, discrepancies between the serial number on the box and the device itself are clear indicators of a fake.

Device Design: Almost Too Convincing

The fake iPad Pro looks shockingly real, with minor differences:

• Camera Placement: The front camera on the fake device is misplaced compared to the real one.

• Thickness: The fake iPad is noticeably thicker than the real model.

• Back Pins: While they look functional, they don’t work as intended, as confirmed through multimeter testing. The last image is testing a real iPad with the multimeter

Performance: A Deceptive Facade

Turning on the device reveals a surprisingly responsive system. However, closer inspection shows several quirks:

1. Setup Process: Missing region options (e.g., Canada) and mislabeled prompts like “Keep your iPhone up to date” betray its true nature.

2. CPU and Specs: Using tools like CPU-X revealed a Helio P22 chipset, far from the capabilities of an actual Apple processor. Storage and RAM specifications were spoofed, displaying false information.

3. Sensors: Many sensors, including the accelerometer and ambient light sensor, are faked or non-functional.

Also, we apologize for using the middle finger in this, my hands were kinda dry at the time due to the cold and it just felt more comfortable.

Camera and Audio Quality

The cameras on the fake iPad Pro are subpar, with grainy video and audio quality that pales compared to the real model. This reinforces that counterfeit devices prioritize aesthetics over functionality.

Gaming Performance

Surprisingly, the fake iPad handled games like Genshin Impact and Need for Speed to a playable degree, albeit with frame drops and reduced graphics quality. While impressive for a fake, it’s nowhere near the performance of a genuine iPad Pro.

Smooth? no, but playable.

Teardown: The Truth Inside

Opening the fake iPad revealed several anomalies:

• Battery: The battery was smaller than expected, with no labeling to indicate its capacity.

• Unused Space: Large portions of the internal layout were empty, unlike Apple’s efficient designs.

• Components: Subpar soldering and missing components, like a second loudspeaker, highlighted the device’s lack of quality control.

Key Takeaways

Here’s how to avoid being scammed:

• Inspect the Box: Look for plastic wrapping, text inconsistencies, and mismatched serial numbers.

• Check Accessories: Genuine devices come with region-specific accessories that match the product.

• Test Functionality: Use tools like CPU-X to verify specs and look for quirks in the setup process. And watch out for the play store app. Fakes also have TikTok and Facebook Preinstalled.

• Compare Cameras: Genuine Apple products have superior camera and audio quality.

• Be Skeptical of Deals: If the price seems too good to be true, it likely is.

By staying vigilant and informed, you can avoid purchasing a counterfeit device.