[Galaxy S I9000 General] Finaximus:
The other visible differences,.....possible clues...

Thank you for that wilvic. Very good detective work indeed. As xsenman mentioned, reading the comparison on pdadb.net site reveals the M110s has a stereo speaker compared to the mono on the I9000, probably why so many holes on the speaker mesh to begin with.

Here are a few more visible differences/tell tale signs I discovered, suspecting buyers can use quickly to determine "IF" they are getting the real deal,

1. Rear Cover - The rear cover WILL carry altered decals instead of the original "Anycall" logo which, will have been replaced. On mine, it became apparent they didn't get the screen printing right, the "with Google" and "SAMSUNG" silver prints were poorly printed, double shaded and looked pretty worn out/chipped off and best of all, the color on the original back cover is a distinct bluish black you can see the honey comb effect whereas mine had a dark grey black, with a shoddy honey comb pattern print.

2. Black Tape - Removing the rear cover reveals two leather material like PVC black tape strips around the top and right edges of the case above and next to the SIM card slot probably hiding the removed DMB-TV antenna on the right. The top strip starts right under the cover of the USB port, ends on edge of the port. One on the right begins at the speaker grill, ends after the metal SIM slot cover. If you notice in the pics posted by wilvic, on the I9000 there are no such tapes, its all solid black plastic without any indentations.

3. Copper Contacts - The area above and below the Micro SD card slot has two distinct copper contacts protruding out of the case, I9000 has none.

4. OLED Burn-in - Carefully observe the top notification bar area for any signs of the OLED screen burn-in, which will most likely be permanent and you should be able to view a ghost image of the clock, signal and other notifications against backgrounds like white, dark grey or bright blue. This is a sure shot indication, the device especially the screen is not new. It takes keeping an OLED screen on full brightness, for very long duration with static notification bar to get that level of burn-in. DO NOT fall for "Brand New Unlocked device" marketing from seller. It is most likely a refurbished, redressed, souped up M110s you may end up buying for the price of a I9000.

5.Camera Lens Cover - The plastic lens cover on the I9000 may not have the deformation/warp around the edges of the inserts into the metal chrome squared rim as found on my M110s. The edge of the camera chrome rim on my M110s is mighty sharp.

6. Shiny Metallic Plastic Bumper - The shiny metallic plastic bumper around the screen of the device has irregularities (nicks you would find on the inner ring of an aluminium can opened with a can opener) all around the inside, the part in contact with the screen where the edge tapers inwards.

Personally I've concluded, final fit and finish of the dressed M110s's depends on the quality of the fake I9000 covers they dressed the M110s in. Unsuspecting buyers would have to rely on more than just visuals and really get into the android system info if they have access to the handset before making the purchase. For online buyers like me or those who have no access to it prior, these clues are reason enough to smell something fishy. You CAN and SHOULD demand photos from the seller before you buy it and check on their return policy, which mostly will be "No returns accepted" or if they do accept it, they will shamelessly send you another fake I9000 claiming it is the real thing.

Like they say, if its too good to be true.......it mostly is......lessons learn't.

Finaximus