When we talk about a GPS clone, we mean a device whose design was copied from a trademark. In other words, it is a GPS tracker that is not original.
Today GPS replicas abound on the market. Almost 98% are made in China, while 2% are made in other countries such as Taiwan and Korea.
The most cloned GPS brands include Coban, Xexun, and Concox. While some of the most cloned models are the TK-103, 303F or 303G and the GT-06N.
Although there are GPS clones that have their own communication protocol, there are others that have even copied that of the original trackers, so they are compatible.
On the other hand, GPS clones can be homologated, since both hardware and software designs are functional.
Tips to recognize a GPS clone
Although the GPS clones are physically supposed to be identical to the originals, there are always small differences that can alert us that it is a knockoff.
Among them, the quality of the plastic of the housings, the aesthetic finishes, the perfection of the placement of the electronic elements, among others.
Because at first glance the GPS clones seem original, companies like Xexun have made available a web portal where you can check the IMEI of the purchased device, directly in their manufacturing database.
This way you can know if it was manufactured by them, or if it is a GP replica. However, this page seems not to be available at the moment.
Another way to recognize a fake GPS is through the IMEI identification number. This is because the original GPS starts with certain digits and the clones have different numbers.
In relation to the sale price, we must be wary of those devices whose price is well below the average. In some cases, a GPS clone can cost up to 50% less than an original one.
Risks of buying a GPS clone
The main risk of buying GPS clones is that they do not go through quality controls.
Therefore, there is nothing that guarantees an optimal life time, nor the quality of the electronic components they contain. In addition to this, they can stop working at any time and are not supported. Also, the probability of reestablishing them either remotely or physically, is a bit low.
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Main failures of GPS clones
Among the main failures that these devices can present, we have the following: that one of its components breaks down easily; stop positioning; or the battery inflates, among others.
In addition, if the lower mid-range equipment has a short life time, some GPS clones have programmed obsolescence. That is, after a certain time they stop working and become useless.
When a GPS clone is new, it may not have a significant difference in performance compared to an original one.
However, as the months go by, the clone will surely start to lose signal, it will not respond to the commands sent, which will cause problems.
Preventive measures to avoid acquiring GPS knockoffs
The main measure that should be taken to avoid acquiring GPS clones is to directly contact the manufacturers and / or authorized distributors, depending on each country.
It is important to note that buying from online resellers can be risky.
The places where there is the greatest risk of acquiring GPS clones are mass distribution virtual stores, such as: eBay, Aliexpress, Alibaba, etc. Since in these places, the identity of the seller cannot be specifically validated on a regular basis.
That is why it is advisable to buy with companies that have been in the market for several years, where the reviews of their products can be validated, on the distribution pages.
Therefore, if you do not have much experience distinguishing a GPS clone from an original one, we recommend taking note of these tips, and if even knowing that it is an imitation, you decide to purchase it, consider all the risks involved.
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