UPI vs Digital Wallet: What’s the Difference?

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In today's digital age, people don't like to carry cash. Now everything has become online - whether it is shopping, paying bills or transferring money. The two most popular digital payment options in India are UPI (Unified Payments Interface) and Digital Wallet. Many people consider these two to be the same, but in reality their working method, features and benefits are different. In this blog, we will learn in detail what UPI and digital wallet are, how they work, and what are the main differences between them. What is UPI? The full form of UPI is Unified Payments Interface. It was launched by NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) in 2016. UPI is a system through which you can transfer money directly from your bank account to another person's bank account - that too without entering IFSC code, account number, just by mobile number or UPI ID. Main advantages of UPI: Send or receive money directly from your bank Real-time transactions Available 24x7 ...

How to identify fake gadgets before buying?

 


In today's digital age, gadgets like smartphones, earbuds, smartwatches, power banks have become a necessity for everyone. But just as the demand for original products has increased, the market has been flooded with fake gadgets. These fake gadgets look exactly like the original ones, but neither their performance is good nor is there any guarantee.

If you are going to buy a gadget from online or offline market, then you should be very cautious. In this blog we will tell you how you can identify fake gadgets and avoid getting cheated.

What are fake gadgets?

Fake gadgets are electronic devices that are a copy of a branded product. Their name, logo, packaging and design are copied exactly to make them look original.
Example: Fake AirPods instead of Apple AirPods Pro which look exactly like the same but the price is much less and the quality is very poor.

What are the disadvantages of buying fake gadgets?

  1. Poor performance – breaks down quickly

  2. There is no warranty

  3. Can damage your device (e.g. fake chargers can cause the phone to explode)

  4. Your money is wasted

  5. Risk of data theft (some fake gadgets contain malware)

Ways to identify fake gadgets before buying them

1. Be careful with the price
If you are getting a gadget at a very cheap price, then understand that there is something wrong with it.
Example: If a mobile worth ₹20,000 is available for ₹6,000, then it may be fake.

2. Check the packaging and box carefully
Fake gadgets often have typing mistakes, pale colours and poor printing in their packaging.
Branded products have strong and professional packaging.

3. Check the brand logo and name
In fake gadgets, the brand name is slightly changed.
Example: “SAMSANG” is written instead of “SAMSUNG”.

4. Check the serial number and barcode of the product
Every original gadget has a unique serial number.
It can be verified by entering it on the brand's website.
If the number is missing or is not showing on the website, then the product is fake.

5. Ask for a bill and warranty card
When buying any genuine gadget, you should get a GST bill and warranty card.
If the shopkeeper refuses to give the bill, then the product may be fake.

6. Check online reviews and ratings
If you are buying from an online shopping site, then definitely read the reviews and ratings of the product.
Fake products often have negative reviews, such as "Low quality", "Not original", "No sound quality" etc.

7. Compare with the official website of the brand.
Go to the brand's website and check the photos and features of the same model.
There is definitely some difference in details in fake gadgets.

8. Pay attention to the weight and build quality
Fake devices are often very light and made of plastic.
The finishing and build quality of real gadgets is strong and smooth.

9. Missing or extra features
Some fake devices have features that the original ones don’t have.
Example: A fake smartwatch says “5-day battery backup” while the original one only has 2 days.

10. Identify by sound and screen quality
The sound in gadgets like earphones, headphones, speakers clearly differentiates between real and fake.
Similarly, the brightness and touch response of the screen in mobile or smartwatch is also different.

How to avoid fake gadgets?

  1. Always buy from the official website or an authorized dealer

  2. Buy only from trusted sellers on online marketplaces

  3. Choose the Cash on Delivery option so that you can check first

  4. Record a video while unboxing – may be required for returns

  5. Do not get tempted by cheap offers or schemes

Which gadgets are found fake the most?

  1. Mobile chargers and cables

  2. Bluetooth Headphones & Earbuds

  3. Smartwatch

  4. Power Bank

  5. Copy of mobile phone (China made)

  6. memory cards and pen drives

  7. Camera and Laptop Battery

  8. Fake copies of big brands like Apple and Samsung

How to buy original and safe gadgets instead of buying fake ones?

  • Use big platforms like Flipkart, Amazon, Croma, Reliance Digital

  • Buy the product by visiting the official website of the brand

  • When buying from a local shop, make sure to take the bill, warranty card and GST number

  • Avoid deep discount websites whose names you have not heard before

Conclusion: Be alert and be a smart consumer

In 2025, the number of fake gadgets has increased a lot, but with a little information and caution, you can avoid them. Always check the original brand, beware of cheap deals and shop only from trusted places. If you accidentally buy a fake gadget even once, not only will your money be wasted, but your device may also get damaged.

So next time before buying any gadget remember this blog – and protect yourself and your money from fake products.

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