Xiaomi 1S: How to distinguish the original from the fake – a complete guide with photos and videos

Buy Xiaomi 1S At an attractive price, it is a dream of many, but the risk of running into a fake makes this dream a nightmare. According to the Consumer Protection Association, in 2026, the share of counterfeit Xiaomi gadgets in the Russian market reached 28% - one in four smartphones of the brand is fake. At the same time, fakes become so swinging that even experienced users can be deceived: they copy not only the design, but also firmware, packaging, and sometimes even serial numbers.

In this article, we will discuss 10 working methods of verification that will help to detect a fake before buying or to return money if the fraud has already been committed. 1S, We studied their weaknesses and made a checklist that will save you from losing thousands of rubles, IMEI), which cannot be faked without a trace.

1. Packaging check: 5 parts that give out a fake

The box is the first thing to catch the eye, but also the first thing to be forged by scammers. - Xiaomi's original packaging 1S It has 7 layers of protection that are hard to replicate in the artisanal environment:

  • πŸ“¦ Box material: the original is made of thick, matte-coated cardboard (not shiny!).Fakes often use glossy paper or thin cardboard that bends when pressed.
  • πŸ” Barcode and serial number: at the bottom of the box must be a 20-digit SN (Serial number and barcode with country code 6901443 (China) check it through the official Mi Verify service.
  • 🎨 Color palette: the Mi logo on the original is strictly orange (Pantone 1585 C), without shades of red.
  • πŸ”§ Adhesive tapes: The original factory seals have the microtext "Xiaomi" that you can see under the magnifying glass.
  • πŸ“ Box sizes: original β€” 16.5 Γ— 8.5 Γ— 3.5 see the deviation more than 2 mm is a sign of forgery.

⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters often use replicas of packages from other Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 11) by gluing stickers.Always check the article on the box (M2204129SG for 1S) formalized.

πŸ“Š You’ve already seen fake Xiaomi?
Yeah, I bought a fake.
No, but I'm afraid to.
I only buy in official shops.
I don't know how to check.

Serial number and IMEI: how to check through official services

Even if the packaging is perfect, the serial number (SN) and IMEI β€” These are digital fingerprints of devices that you can't fake without a trace:

  1. Find it. SN and IMEI: On the box (bottom or side sticker) Under the battery (if removable) or on the slot SIM-In the phone settings: Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ General information.
  2. Check it out through Mi Verify: Go to the official website. Enter SN, IMEI The original will show the model Xiaomi 1S, date of production and status of guarantee.

Convert. IMEI base-wise GSMA

  • Send. SMS *#06# - will appear on the screen IMEI.
  • Check it out on IMEI.info. The original model must match the 2204129SG.
ParameterOriginal Xiaomi 1SFake (example)
IMEI (first 8 digits)8637xxxx or 8695xxxx8609xxxx (forge)
Serial number (SN)Starts with L7N or M22A random set or begins with S/N:
Date of productionCoincides with the date on the box (Β±1 month)Missing or not matching
Status of guarantee"Valid" or "In warranty"Invalid or verification error

⚠️ Attention: If during inspection SN The website is a Redmi model or POCO Xiaomi 1S β€” This is a re-labeled device, which is often assembled from parts from other Xiaomi models.

Find it. SN on the box and in the phone settings|Confirm SN via Mi Verify|Check it out. IMEI via *#06#|Make sure the model is in the database GSMA β€” 2204129SG|Verify the production date on the box and in the service-->

3. External inspection: 8 visual differences of the original

Xiaomi fakes 1S They often copy designs, but they miss the little things that give them away. x5) and check:

  • πŸ”¦ Logo on the back: the original Xiaomi has a relief texture (feels with your fingers.
  • πŸ“± Screen and oleophobic coating: swipe across the original display, there's a barely noticeable trace.
  • πŸ”Œ Connector. USB-C: The original connector is symmetrical (includes from either side). Counterfeiters often use a regular microUSB disguised as Type-C.
  • πŸ”Š Dynamics: The original speaker grid has 16 holes in a row, and on clones, the number varies (often 12 or 20).
  • πŸ“‘ Antenna lines: originals are intermittent (with tears) and fakes make solid lines or paint them in paint.
  • 🎯 Camera: the original lenses are recessed in the body by 0.5 mm. on fakes they protrude or are level with the surface.
  • πŸ”‹ Charging indicator: original white (orange when charging) fakes use blue or green LED.
  • πŸ”§ Rear cover screws: original has 5 screws (for service centers) counterfeits often use 4 or 6 screws.

πŸ’‘ Useful tip: Take a close-up photo of the back of your phone and compare it to the official photos. Even minor deviations in the location of the logo or inscriptions are a sign of forgery.

How to check the oleophobic coating without a magnifier?
Put a drop of water on the screen, and the original one will assemble into a ball and roll off when the phone is tilted 30.Β°. For a fake, the water will stain or stay in place.

4. Software verification: firmware and hidden menus

Even if the phone looks like the original, the firmware and system menus will give you a fake 99% chance.

  1. Check the version. MIUI: Go to Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI. Original Xiaomi 1S work MIUI 14 (or newer) with designation V14.0.1.0.TLCCNXM Fakes often use outdated versions (MIUI 12) or custom firmware such as Flyme or ColorOS.

Run a test of the equipment

  • Enter the dialer code ##4636##.
  • Choose Testing β†’ Single test.
  • The original will show all the sensors (gyroscope, compass, barometer) and fakes are often "lost" 1-2 sensor.
  • Check the model in ADB (Adb shell getprop ro.product.model Original will return 2204129SG. A fake can give off an unknown or a model of another brand.

⚠️ Note: If the phone settings do not have a section Additional β†’ Developer mode is a sure sign of fake. Xiaomi never removes this partition, even in global firmware.

πŸ’‘

The most reliable way to check is a combination of serial number (SN) + version MIUI + Test equipment (#4636##) If at least one item does not match, you are a fake.

5. Hardware check: chips, camera and battery

Xiaomi fakes 1S They're often equipped with cheap iron counterparts that give themselves away when you look at them in detail:

Processor and memory

  • 🧠 Chipset: the original is equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+. Check it out via AnTuTu Benchmark or CPU-Z. Fakes are using MediaTek Helio G85 or Snapdragon 660.
  • πŸ’Ύ Type of memory: the original has UFS Fakes - eMMC 5.1 (can be checked in the AIDA64).

5.2. Camera

  • πŸ“Έ The original has a Sony sensor. IMX582 (50 MP. Take the photo at maximum resolution and check it out. EXIF-data-driven EXIF Viewer: Fakes use OmniVision or Samsung sensors ISOCELL.
  • πŸ” Macro mode: the original minimum focal length β€” 3 See also: Counterfeiting is not focused closer 5-7 centimeter.

5.3. Battery.

  • πŸ”‹ Capacity: original 4500 mAh. Check through AccuBattery. Counterfeiters are often 4,000 mAh or less.
  • ⚑ Fast charging: the original supports 67W. Connect charging from Xiaomi – if the speed is lower 30W, it's a fake.

πŸ’‘ Useful tip: Run a performance test in Geekbench 6. Original Xiaomi 1S pick up 700-750 The fakes rarely exceed the scores in the single-core test. 500 score.

In 2026, several mass clones of Xiaomi appeared on the market 1S, And we've made a table of key differences that are hard to tell apart without a detailed check:

Model forgeryExternal differencesTechnical differencesPrice (compared to market)
Xiaomi 1S "Pro Max"Inscription "Pro Max" on the back, 4 cameras (original - 3)Helio G96, 8/256 GB, MIUI 1218 000 β€” 22 000 β‚½
Redmi Note 11S (remarked)Redmi logo painted over but visible under UV lampSnapdragon 680, 6/128 GB, no. NFC15 000 β€” 18 000 β‚½
POCO X4 Pro (clone)Design is like POCO, But Xiaomi sticker 1S boxedHelio G99, 120 Hz screen (original - 90 Hz)20 000 β€” 24 000 β‚½
NoName (Chinese clone)No logo on the back, rough body seamsUnisoc T618, 4/64 GB, Android Go10 000 β€” 14 000 β‚½

⚠️ Counterfeit products are often sold under the guise of β€œexclusive versions” (e.g. Xiaomi). 1S Ferrari Edition or Supreme Collaboration, officially, there is no such model - it is 100% a lie.

7 Where to buy Xiaomi 1S, so you don't run into a fake

Even in official stores, there are cases of substitution, but the risk is minimal, and we have compiled a rating of reliable sources for purchase:

  • πŸ† Official website of Xiaomi Russia (mi.com/ru) β€” guarantee 100%, but the price is higher than the market 10-15%.
  • πŸ›’ SberMegaMarket - checks suppliers, but there are gray deliveries. Always demand a check with a stamp.
  • πŸ“¦ Wildberries/Ozon β€” Only for rated sellers 4.9+ and marked "Official Partner of Xiaomi".
  • 🌍 AliExpress - only in official Mi Global Store or Xiaomi Official Flagship Store. avoid sellers with zero reviews.

πŸ’‘ Useful advice: Before buying, ask the seller to take a photo:

  1. Boxes with serial number (SN It should be clear, without any traces of cleaning).
  2. Screen running test ##4636## (all sensors should be displayed)
  3. The inscriptions on the back panel (compare with the official photos).

If the seller refuses to provide a photo, this is a reason to be wary: 90% of fakes are sold through message boards (Avito, Yula) with wordings like β€œwithout a box”, β€œbrought from abroad” or β€œgift, not used”.

8 What to do if you have already bought a fake

If the test shows that your Xiaomi 1S β€” Fake, follow the algorithm:

  1. Collect evidence: Photo of the box, check, serial number, screenshots of tests (#4636##, AnTuTu), video of malfunction demonstration (if any).
  2. Contact the seller: Write a claim demanding the return of money (the sample is here). Mention article 18 of the Law on protection of consumer rights (return of goods of inadequate quality).

File a complaint.

  • To the site (Wildberries, Ozon - through support).
  • In Rospotrebnadzor (online through the portal).
  • In the police, if the seller refuses to return the money (Article 159 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation - fraud).

⚠️ Note: If you bought a counterfeit abroad (for example, on AliExpress), you can return the money through a dispute within 15 days of receipt. Attach proof (photos, videos, test screenshots) and specify the item "Not as described".

πŸ’‘ Useful tip: If a seller blocks you or doesn't respond, make a public post on social media with the hashtags #XiaomiFake and #Craudbuyers. Often this makes scammers contact you.

πŸ’‘

Even if a fake works "normally," it's dangerous to use: cheap batteries can explode, and uncertified chips can overheat. Don't risk your health to save money!

FAQ: Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Counterfeiting 1S

Can I send a fake to the original MIUI?
Technically, you can, but it won't make it original. The firmware won't change the hardware (processor, camera, battery), and the wrong firmware can brick the device, and you lose the warranty (if there was one) after the firmware.
A fake Xiaomi 1S health-threatening?
Cheap batteries without certification can swell or explode when charged, and fake batteries often fail to pass level testing. SAR (harmful radiation), which the original does not exceed 1.6 W/kg.
How to tell a fake by price?
The average price of the original Xiaomi 1S in Russia - 25,000 - 30,000 β‚½ (2026 if you are offered a device under 20,000 β‚½, Except for official sales (for example, on Black Friday).
Can fakes have original firmware?
Yeah, but very rarely, scammers sometimes install repackaged ones. MIUI Other Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12) can be checked through Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Model – if the model does not match 2204129SG, it's a fake.
What if the seller claims it is a β€œgray import”?
"The "Gray Import" is an original device imported unofficially (without paying fees), it can be distinguished by: No Russian in the firmware (but it is added after the update), the presence of Chinese applications (Mi Pay, Mi Video) that can be removed. The gray imports have no warranty, but the device is original. SN, Checking with Mi Verify is a fake.