I just saw Imbestigador, a local TV show, talking about fake cellphones from China.
People smuggled and continue smuggling cellphones from China to sell in the Philippines and I think, even to other countries. They said, these phones are what they call "disposable cellphones". They are disposable because after 3 months or so, it won't function well anymore.
While watching the show, I realized how to trace fake cellphones and its the following:
1. Fake cellphones are usually sold in stalls or "tiangge".
2. Their prices are way lower compare to the authentic ones
3. Poor camera display, resolution, etc. quality
4. No NTC (National Telecommunications Commission) logo or tamper-proof label at the back for Nokia phones
5. Poor memory
6. No 12-month limited warranty sticker on the box
7. Fake phones are lighter in weight than original ones
Since my last stupid cellphone from Metropolis Alabang, I swore I will never trust any cheaper phones again. I got my new Sony Ericsson 5501i last November in Robinsons Ortigas. I got it around $243. I was given a discount in paying cash. ^^
