Investigation Finds High Prevalence of Counterfeit AirPods in Russian Market
Faking It: A Thousand Fake AirPods Uncovered, According to DamProdam's Study
In a scathing report by Hi-Tech Mail.ru, research carried out by DamProdam reveals a shocking 80% of returned AirPods were counterfeit. The question remains - are users knowingly swindling the service, or are they oblivious to the fakes they possess?
Service representatives point to the high price of authentic AirPods as the primary reason for their imitators. The basic AirPods model retails at 10,000 rubles, while AirPods Pro can set you back 15,000 rubles.
To avoid the disappointment of a shoddy imitation, DamProdam advises Russians to stick to trusted stores and official Apple partners. Even with a serial number, it can be tricky to discern fakes from the real deal.
Earlier reports by Profile hinted at a change in AirPods 3's design, with leaked images exhibiting a design resembling that of AirPods Pro, albeit with one notable distinction.
Spotting Fakes from the Real Deal
Identifying counterfeit AirPods can be a daunting task, especially when they mimic the design of genuine models like AirPods 3 or AirPods Pro. Here are some signs and differences to keep an eye out for:
- Packaging and Documentation: Check for high-quality packaging and documentation. If you spot misspelled words, blurry images, or flimsy boxes, it might be a fake. Ensure the serial number matches with Apple's official website for verification.
- Build Quality and Design: Genuine AirPods should feel well-balanced and solid, while counterfeits may be lighter or flimsier. Look out for rough edges or uneven surfaces, indicative of poor design precision.
- Audio and Performance: Authentic AirPods offer superior sound quality, unlike their counterfeit counterparts that may have poor bass response or tinny sound. Genuine AirPods pair seamlessly with Apple devices, while counterfeits might have connectivity issues or delayed responses.
- Charging Case: Check for the correct charging port type and ensure it fits snugly. Pay attention to the LED light on the charging case; this subtle light indicates charging status in genuine AirPods, while counterfeits might sport a brighter or differently colored light.
- Price and Seller: Be cautious of products sold at abnormally low prices, and always purchase from authorized Apple resellers or reputable retailers to sidestep counterfeits.
AirPods 3 vs. AirPods Pro
Despite the similar design, distinguishing AirPods 3 from AirPods Pro largely comes down to these key differences:- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): AirPods Pro come equipped with ANC, while AirPods 3 do not.- Price: AirPods Pro are typically more expensive than AirPods 3 ($249 vs. $179).- Design and Features: Apart from the absence of ANC, AirPods Pro feature shorter stems and a force sensor for control, akin to AirPods 3 but equipped with added features like ANC and Transparency mode.
Remember, diligent inspection is key to protection against deceitful counterfeits. Stay savvy, and enjoy your music unhindered.
When shopping for AirPods, always examine the packaging and documentation carefully, as genuine ones should feature high-quality materials and accurate information. Be aware that fake AirPods 3 might lack active noise cancellation (ANC) compared to the AirPods Pro, another key difference. Also, be cautious of bargain prices, and consider purchasing from official Apple partners or authorized resellers to ensure authenticity.
