Xiaomi Poco F3 is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones, but its high demand has led to a lot of fakes. According to analysts, up to 15% of devices in the secondary market can be unoriginal. How to avoid becoming a victim of fraud and make sure that your Poco F3 is real? In this article, we will analyze all available methods of verification, from visual inspection to deep analysis of hardware.
The Poco F3 is often faked not only in full copies, but also in replica format with replaced components, for example, the device can have an original body, but a non-original screen or battery. So it's important to check not only the external features, but also the internal components. We have collected 7 proven methods that will help to identify even the highest quality fakes.
Verification of packaging and configuration
The first thing to look out for is the box and the contents.The original Xiaomi Poco F3 packaging has a few key features that are hard to fake:
- 📦 Print quality: logo POCO The box should be clear, blurless, and the colors should be saturated. Counterfeit products often have dull hues and sloppy seams.
- 🔖 Serial number: the sticker at the back of the box must be indicated S/N (serial), IMEI And the barcode. All of this data should match the information in the phone settings.
- 🔌 Set: in the original set necessarily present branded cable USB-C, power adapter 33W, paperclip SIM-Cards and protective film (already pasted on the screen).
Notice the factory film: the original Poco F3 has a light bluish hue and is perfectly trimmed around the edges. Counterfeit films are often equipped with cheap yellow film with uneven edges.
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If the seller claims that the box is "damaged during transportation," but the phone is "new," that's a reason to be wary. The original devices always come in a complete package.
Visual inspection of the body and screen
Even if the box looks original, the phone itself could be a fake.
- 📱 Logo. POCO: It should be convex on the back, with a glossy surface. For fakes, the logo is often flat or too shiny.
- 🔍 Camera: The original Poco F3 The main camera module has a metal ring, not a plastic one. Also make sure that all three lenses are symmetrically positioned.
Another test is to check the sensors, so you can use your finger to cover the top of the screen (where the proximity and light sensors are located) during the call, and the original Poco F3 should go out right away, and if you don't, you're looking at a fake or a device with faulty sensors.
What does the original tray look like for SIM-map?
Verification of IMEI and serial number
The most reliable way to verify originality is to verify IMEI and serial number through official Xiaomi services.
- Dial on the phone keyboard *#06# - will appear on the screen IMEI (There must be two numbers if the phone supports two. SIM-map).
- Compare these numbers to those on the box and under the battery (if available).
- Go to the official Xiaomi checkout site and enter the serial number (S/N) or IMEI.
If the site is in error or the data is not matching, it is 100% fake, and you can also check the IMEI through the service IMEI.info, where the model Xiaomi Poco F3 (M2012K11AG) should be displayed.
| Parameter | The original Poco F3 | Fake. |
|---|---|---|
| IMEI on the box and on the phone | Coinciding completely. | Not matched or absent |
| Serial number (S/N) | 14-16 characters, starting with letters | Short, only numbers or random set |
| Checkup result on mi.com | "The device is original." | Error or other model |
| Date of production | Coincides with the date on the box. | Absent or illogical (e.g. next year) |
4. Software analysis
The original Poco F3 runs on MIUI for POCO with branded wallpaper and animations.
- 📱 Version. MIUI: Go to Settings. → The original must have a version. MIUI for POCO (for example, MIUI 14.0.6.0.TKHMIXM). Fakes often use custom firmware or older versions MIUI other-model.
- 🔧 Hidden settings: enter in the engineering menu ##4636##. The original will display the model information M2012K11AG. If you see another model, it's a fake.
- 🔒 Bootloader: Original Xiaomi devices have a locked bootloader.Try to turn on OEM Unlock in Settings → If the option is missing or already unlocked, it's a cause for suspicion.
Another test is to check for updates. Go to Settings → System Update. The original Poco F3 should offer official updates via MIUI Updater. Fakes are either not updated or offer to download firmware from third-party sites.
☑️ What to check in the settings POCO F3
5. Testing of hardware components
Even if the phone looks original, the stuffing can be fake.
- 🔋 Battery: The original Poco F3 It has a 4,520 mAh battery. Check the settings. → Battery or through the application AIDA64. Counterfeit batteries are often equipped with 4000-4300 mAh batteries.
- 📡 Network 5G: POCO F3 supportive 5G (Snapdragon 870 modem. Check in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network type. If options. 5G No, it's a fake.
- 🎮 Performance: run the test in AnTuTu or Geekbench. The original Snapdragon 870 should show 650,000 to 700,000 points in AnTuTu. Helio fakes G95 or other chips are issued 300-400 thousand..
A critical sign of counterfeiting is the lack of support for fast charging 33W. Connect the original adapter and check the charging speed in Ampere. If the current does not exceed 1.5-2A, it is a non-original battery or controller.
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If the phone warms more than 45°C in normal use, it's a sign of a non-original processor or thermal paste. The original Snapdragon 870 heats up to 40-43°C under load.
6. Check through Xiaomi service centers
If you still doubt it, the most reliable way is to contact the official service center Xiaomi.
- 🔧 Check it out. IMEI and serial number in the manufacturer's database.
- 🔍 Diagnose hardware components (screen, battery, motherboard).
- 📋 Issue an official conclusion on the authenticity of the device.
The checkout service is usually free and takes no more than 30 minutes. The service center addresses can be found on Xiaomi's official website. Don't trust informal workshops - they can be associated with counterfeit sellers.
⚠️ Warning: If the seller refuses to provide the phone for inspection at the service center, this is a clear sign of fraud.
7. Check the price and place of purchase
One of the most obvious signs of counterfeiting is the suspiciously low price.Poco's release F3 It cost about 30,000 to 35,000. ₽, And now (2026) its price on the secondary market is 18 000-25,000 ₽ If you're offered a device that's less than 15,000. ₽ — It's almost certainly a fake.
Also, pay attention to the place of purchase:
- ✅ Official sources: Mi Store, Svyaznoy, M. Video, Wildberries (official sellers).
- ⚠️ Risky sources: Avito, Yula, Facebook Marketplace (high chance of running into a fake).
- ❌ Knownly fraudulent: sites with suspicious domains (for example, poco-official-shop.ru), sellers without reviews.
Before buying, be sure to check the reviews of the seller and ask for video showing the phone’s performance (including IMEI check and charging).