The FAKE iPhone 16 Pro Max: Even Worse Than Before?
Every year, fake iPhone manufacturers seem to step up their game, creating replicas that become more convincing with each iteration. This year, the fake iPhone 16 Pro Max costs $135 USD, and its improvements—or lack thereof—left us with many questions. Let’s break down everything we found during this hands-on inspection.
This Years Came With Fake Receipts…
First Impressions: The Packaging
The box looks surprisingly legit, with no spelling or grammar mistakes, a serial number and IMEI that correspond to a real iPhone 16 Pro Max, and a QR code that redirects to Apple's actual website. However, subtle inconsistencies—like mismatched color descriptions (e.g., "Black" on the front but "Desert Titanium" on the back)—betray its authenticity.
Apple's real packaging has added anti-counterfeiting measures, such as UV-visible logos and QR codes. Unsurprisingly, the fake box failed this test, showing that counterfeits still haven’t caught up here.
On the right we have the real box and on the left we have the fake.
Inside the Box: Details That Miss the Mark
Unboxing the fake iPhone reveals a decent attempt at mimicking Apple’s layout. However:
The materials, like the plastic tray inside, don't match Apple's all-paper eco-friendly approach.
It does include an instruction manual, though this part of the experience feels more “cheap knockoff” than premium Apple.
The phone’s cameras and buttons tell a similar story. The lenses have mismatched tints, and while the phone boasts Apple’s new camera control button, the quality feels flimsy compared to the real deal.
Software: The Fake iOS Experience
The setup process mimics iOS convincingly until you dive deeper:
The pre-installed apps, including TikTok Lite and a Google Play Store, scream “Android masquerading as iOS.”
The bezels around the display are a dead giveaway, and while the screen looks decent, it doesn’t measure up to Apple’s display quality.
The Camera Control Button: Functional or Flawed?
This year’s surprise? The fake camera control button actually works—sort of. It activates the camera and supports zooming, but it’s clunky, overly sensitive, and lacks features like the double-press menu seen on real iPhones. Its novelty fades quickly in the face of poor usability.
Dual SIM: A Feature Apple Doesn’t Offer (in the U.S.)
One unexpected inclusion is the dual-SIM tray, which Apple doesn’t offer in U.S. models. This feature highlights how counterfeits try to outdo the original in ways that ultimately serve no practical purpose.
Conclusion: Avoid at All Costs
The fake iPhone 16 Pro Max is a remarkable example of counterfeit ingenuity—but it’s still garbage. These devices exist solely to scam people, and their performance, quality, and features fail to justify even their low price.
If you’ve ever considered purchasing one for the novelty, think twice. Instead, enjoy content like this that reveals just how far these counterfeits fall short.
Stay tuned for more teardown videos, including one that promises something you’ve never seen before!