A phone is one of the most expensive everyday purchases, which is exactly why scammers target it: well-made fakes, refurbished units sold as new, or devices with no real warranty. The good news: checking a phone takes no expertise. Follow these eight steps before you pay.

1. Match the IMEI on the phone with the box

Dial **‎*#06#‎ — the IMEI appears (two on dual-SIM phones). It must match the number printed on the box label exactly**. Any difference means the device or the box is not the original.

2. Confirm the model in Settings

Open Settings → About phone and make sure the model name, storage and RAM match the box and the listing. Fakes often display made-up specs.

3. Inspect the box and accessories

  • An original box is tightly sealed with sharp, typo-free printing.
  • Accessories match the manufacturer's quality.
  • Labels are not stuck over older labels.

4. Beware of prices that are too low

A price far below the market means something: refurbished, a region version with no local warranty, or a fake.

5. Test performance, camera and screen

  1. 1Take photos and zoom — fake cameras are obviously weak.
  2. 2Check the screen for spots or dead pixels.
  3. 3Test calls, data, Bluetooth and fingerprint or face unlock.

6. Check battery health

A new phone should show battery health near 100% and almost zero charge cycles.

7. Ask for a written dealer warranty

A real warranty has a clear period and a known service provider. Every phone page at Al Bab Al Aaly states the warranty type and length before you order.

8. Pay on delivery, after checking

With cash on delivery you run these checks in front of the courier — if it doesn't match, don't accept it.

Tip: keep photos of the box, the IMEI and the invoice — you'll need them for warranty claims.

Browse smartphones at Al Bab Al Aaly — all genuine, from authorised dealers, delivered across Iraq.