News & Reviews:   Xiaomi Redmi Note fake

It appears that even the RM509 Xiaomi Redmi Note is being pirated with fake Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones. This comes from a fellow Malaysian buyer who got ripped off from what appeared to be a third-party seller (scalper) who sold the fake Xiaomi Redmi Note he bought at RM639. When he got the fake phone he discovered that the tech specs and features didn't match, and the smartphone that he got could not take very good pictures (the original Xiaomi Redmi Note packs in a very good 13MP rear camera) and even could not upgrade to the latest version of Facebook. He went on to buy an original Xiaomi Redmi Note (again from a third-party seller at RM699) to make a video comparison between the two.

Most of the differences can't be tested for unless you download and run certain benchmark programs like AnTuTu X where the fake smartphone will score around 9000+ while the original will go for around 26000+. We'd recommend that you check out his detailed comparison (in Malay) but if you're faced with the actual device the easiest way to check would be to try out the camera and record 1080p full HD video, then play it back. If it is the real Xiaomi Redmi Note the playback should be smooth while the fake one will lag. Xiaomi Malaysia generally sell all of their products on their own website and do not have any authorized third-party sellers or distributors in Malaysia so buyers should beware of this when buying through other sources. In the meantime, do check out the comparison video.