How Can You Tell a Genuine Micro SD Card?

Laustraliasquare on 09/10/2015 - 11:24
Last edited 09/10/2015 - 11:31

I bought 2x Samsung EVO microSDXC class 10 UHS-I card from what OZB users would consider a reputable seller, through their eBay store.
Today I received the cards, and noticed that cards in 2 different packaging.

MB-MP64D/CN
- Simplified Chinese instructions at the back, says 韩国制造 (Meaning it is made in Korea)
- Paler shade of orange on the microSDXC card
- Front page's graphics looks more blended-in (looks more natural actually)
- has more creases around the card plastic packaging
- has a seller's sticker at the back saying 'Thank you for your purchase from ****. If there are any issues with your item, please do not hesitate to contact us prior to leaving negative feedback….."

MB-MP64D/KR
- Korean instructions at the back, says "Made in Korea" in English
- Darker shade of orange on the microSDXC card
- Front page's graphics shows pixels visible (not blended in)

What worries me is;
- Even though they are both made in Korea, but the packaging and the colour look different.
- On the front of the CN packaging I can see big impression of two letters 'RT' - as if someone wrote them on the envelope it was in, in the past.

I just got a reply from the seller, who said they only supply genuine parts and the packaging difference is due to supplier stocking different batches/stocks.

As the cards were purchased as gifts to family members, I am reluctant to cut it open and do a test beforehand.
Admittedly there are no obvious signs such as the cards having black side.

Are there anything else I can check from the appearance?

Mobile

Comments

  • ESEMCE on 09/10/2015 - 11:30

    From a visible check there is no way to tell.

  • Diji1 on 09/10/2015 - 11:52

    Well the model numbers are identical other than the last two characters which are the same as Korea and China country codes.

    Based on that the vendors story seems plausible. It is common for the same product to go out to different regions with differing packaging including what you are describing - paler colours and marginal but noticeable differences. No idea why … different printers? By design to appeal to different regional preferences etc, who knows.

    Try finding some kind of SD card diagnostics or reading application that tells you what the underlying NAND or whatever it is they use. Probably won't rule out fakes but if it's the same it's probably a good bet the vendor is telling he truth.

    Have you checked the manufacturer site for any tips on determining fakes?

  • nocure on 09/10/2015 - 12:31

    You should test them..only way to know.

  • australiasquare on 09/10/2015 - 12:48

    It sounds like I will have to run tests on the cards to be certain. Thanks for the replies.

  • bobbified on 09/10/2015 - 13:06

    sometimes the packaging differs between regions and timing..

    How much did you pay for it and how much are they normally sold at normal retail shop? The price itself is usually a good indicator.
    If it's way too cheap, it's likely to be a non-genuine product.

    • australiasquare on 09/10/2015 - 15:06

      Price was on par with the other reputable shop's going rates - $32.90 / card.

  • alz on 09/10/2015 - 14:10

    You give micro sd cards as gifts to family :-0 ?

    • australiasquare on 09/10/2015 - 15:07

      Why not? Although this time the card goes with a tablet.

    • blitz on 09/10/2015 - 15:24
      +1

      It's the little memories that matter most.

  • rompastompa on 09/10/2015 - 14:15

    Contact Samsung with serial numbers?

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