When your iPhone acts up and needs a part replacement — be it a cracked screen, a battery that won't hold a charge, or a camera that is just not working — the temptation to consider low-cost, non-genuine parts can be powerful. A few dollars saved? Sounds nice, right? But, it's not that simple. Read on, and you'll understand the importance of investing in genuine iPhone parts and learn several valuable tips to avoid being scammed by counterfeits.
The Risks of Using Non-Genuine iPhone Parts
Non-genuine iPhone parts can pose significant risks to both user experience and functionality.
Non-Genuine Phone Screens
Screens are one of the most common things we replace. But here's the deal with non-genuine ones: they can mess up with your iPhone big time. For example, features like Multi-Touch and Face ID might not function properly. This means you'll end up tapping an app icon multiple times before it opens, or struggling to type a text because the screen ignores half your taps. And in worst case scenarios, the ghost touch. All of a sudden, apps start opening and closing on their own, like your iPhone has a mind of its own. It's not just annoying. It can make basic tasks feel impossible.
Non-Genuine Speakers
If you swap in a cheap speaker, get ready for a major letdown. The sound quality will never be the same again. Bass? Forget it. It just won't have the same vibe if you're listening to your favorite playlist, watching a movie, or even using speakerphone for a call. And soon enough, you might be hearing crackling noises, or even worse, the speaker turns off completely. Not exactly the audio experience you paid for.
Non-Genuine Batteries
Batteries are crucial, and non-genuine iPhone batteries often lie about their power. They might claim to have a huge capacity, but in reality, your phone will die way faster than normal. You'll find yourself hunting for a charger or power bank constantly, and over time, these batteries degrade like crazy. They can even swell up inside your phone, which isn't just bad for your device — it's a sign something's seriously wrong.
Non-Genuine Cameras
For anyone who loves taking photos with an iPhone, non-genuine cameras can be a total buzzkill. The pictures they take look off: colors are all wrong, everything looks blurry, and details all disappear. Night shots? Good luck getting anything decent. What about cool features like Portrait mode? Chances are that you'll end up with photos that look amateurish at best.
Beyond Device Functionality
The problems with non-genuine iPhone parts don't stop at a bad user experience and reduced device functionality. There are actual safety risks. Take batteries, for example. Non-genuine ones can overheat and catch fire. This isn't some rare horror story — there have been tons of reports of phones with fake batteries bursting into flames, ruining furniture and even hurting people. Faulty chargers that come with cheap charging kits can also shock you. And if a non-genuine part fails and causes a short circuit inside your iPhone? That could fry other components beyond repair, turning your pricey phone into a useless brick.
Practical Tips for Buying Genuine iPhone Parts
Buy from Trusted Sources
When it comes to purchasing genuine Apple parts, where you shop is crucial. First, the Apple Store is the best option. Every part you can find there is guaranteed genuine. Whether you need a new screen, battery, or camera, they've got you covered. And if you have any questions, their customer support is ready to help. Next, look for authorized wholesale iPhone parts suppliers and repair shops. These places source their parts straight from Apple's supply chain. Therefore, when you buy from them, you get the same quality part as if you ordered from Apple directly.
Pisen is a trusted name when it comes to iPhone repair. Whether you need a new screen, battery, or camera for your phone, Pisen offers you the ultimate solution.
Check the Packaging
The packaging of an iPhone part can tell you a lot before you even open the box. The box should feel sturdy in your hands, not flimsy like it's going to fall apart. And the Apple logo on the front should be sharp and clear, with no blurry edges or smudges. The colors should be vibrant, just like you'd expect from Apple's branding.
Next, flip the box over and read the product description carefully. It should be well-written, with proper spelling and grammar. If the part is a genuine one, all the details about it — what it's for, which iPhone model it fits — should be easy to find. If there are any barcodes or serial numbers listed on the packaging, remember to make a note of them for later.
Now, compare that to what counterfeit parts usually look like. Their packaging often feels cheap. The logo might be pixelated or the wrong shade of silver. You might spot spelling mistakes in the product name. What's more, the print is often of poor quality. So, if the packaging gives you any of these red flags, chances are the part inside isn't genuine.
Examine the Part Itself
Once you’ve opened the box, it’s time to take a close look at the part.
Let's say you are buying a screen. A genuine Apple screen has smooth edges that feel nice against your fingers. The cutouts for buttons and sensors are perfect, like they were laser-cut on the manufacturing line. What's more, there's no tiny scratches or uneven spots on the glass. And when you turn the screen on, the colors are bright and accurate, and the touch response is lightning-fast.
Then, what about a fake screen? You’ll notice rough edges right away. The cutouts might be a little off, so the buttons don’t line up properly. Take a closer look, you can see globs of glue around the edges, or the glass might have a dull look to it. And you can tell by the touch response that it will be terrible. You have to tap icons many times to get them to open!
And the same applies to other parts. A genuine iPhone battery will have clean, crisp marking standards for capacity, voltage, etc. It should be solid, and made evenly throughout the battery casing. A non-genuine battery, in contrast, may have smudged marking, look and feel lighter than it should.
Verify Identification Information
Most genuine iPhone parts come with some kind of identification.
Serial numbers are the key. If you can find one on the packaging, you can use it to verify the authenticity of the part. Head over to Apple’s official website or use their support app. There’s usually a spot where you can enter the serial number and see if it’s registered as a genuine Apple part. If it comes back as “not found” or “invalid,” that’s a huge warning sign.
Some parts also have certifications. For example, a charger might have a safety certification logo on it. These certifications mean the part meets certain standards set by Apple and safety organizations. Counterfeit parts, however, rarely have these certifications. So, if you can’t find any official-looking logos or labels, be skeptical.
Watch Out for Too-Good-to-Be-True Prices
Here's a rule of thumb: if a price seems crazy low, it probably is.
Apple sets a general range for its parts, and there's a reason for that. High-quality materials and strict manufacturing and testing standards cost money. So, if someone's selling a brand-new iPhone battery or screen for half the price you'd pay at an official repair store, it's almost definitely a fake one.
Think about it like buying a designer handbag. If it's going for a fraction of the normal cost, you know it's not the real deal. The same goes for Apple parts. Sure, you might find a small discount during a sale at an authorized retailer, but anything way below the market average should make you pause.
Conclusion
Sure, non-genuine Apple parts may look like a better deal at the time, but it is a risk. You may end up with an iPhone that creates greater headaches than benefits. Your phone might not work as anticipated, and, more seriously, there could be safety issues.
At the end of the day, taking the time to follow these practical tips can save you a lot of headaches. But from stores you know and trust, check the packaging, take a close look at the part itself, verify the serial numbers, and finally, be wary of too-good-to-be-true prices.
Buying genuine iPhone parts might cost a bit more upfront, but it means your phone will work the way it's supposed to — no glitches, no safety risks, just smooth performance.
Related reading:How to Spot and Buy Genuine Mobile Spare Parts