Abstract:

This video provides a detailed teardown and functional review of a cheap "mini GPS tracker" available online for under ten euros. The investigation aims to determine if the device is a genuine GPS tracker as advertised or a fake.

The teardown reveals a simple construction with a small battery, microphone, SIM and micro SD card slots, and a main circuit board featuring two completely unmarked controller chips. The absence of markings leads to the immediate suspicion that no dedicated GPS hardware is present. The device is controlled entirely via SMS commands from a pre-authorized "master" phone number. Key functions tested include location requests, status checks, and a sound-activated monitoring mode that calls the master number when ambient noise exceeds 40 decibels.

The conclusion is that the device is a "fake GPS" tracker. It does not use the Global Positioning System; instead, it relies on less accurate GSM/LBS (Location-Based Service) cell tower triangulation to estimate its position. Tests in an urban environment showed location inaccuracies between 100 and 500 meters, with the potential for much larger deviations in rural areas. While failing as a precise tracker, its sound-activated callback feature could allow it to be repurposed as a simple, low-cost alarm system.

A Closer Look at a "Mini GPS Tracker"

• 0:00 Initial Investigation: The video examines a mini tracker, sold for under €10, to verify if it is a true GPS device as advertised.
• 1:14 Teardown and Components: A teardown reveals the device's internal components: a 3.7V battery, a microphone, slots for a SIM and micro SD card, and a circuit board with two controller chips.
• 2:59 A Key Red Flag: The controller chips on the circuit board have no markings, strongly suggesting the absence of any specialized GPS hardware.
• 3:31 Setup and Operation: To use the tracker, a SIM card with its PIN protection deactivated must be inserted. The device is then controlled by sending specific SMS codes from a designated "master" phone number.
• 4:26 Non-functional SD Card Slot: The presenter was unable to get the device to recognize any micro SD cards, indicating that the data-saving feature may be faulty or non-functional.
• 6:28 Location Tracking Method: Location is requested by sending the SMS code 777. The device responds with a link to a map, but the positioning is based on the GSM mobile network (cell tower triangulation), not GPS.
• 7:53 Sound-Activated Monitoring: By sending the code 666, the user can activate a sound monitoring mode. The device will automatically call the master phone number if ambient noise exceeds 40 decibels, allowing the user to listen in.
• 9:32 Device Status Check: Sending the code 888 prompts the device to reply with its current status, including battery level and signal strength.
• 12:00 The Verdict: A "Fake" GPS Tracker: The device is confirmed to be a "fake" GPS tracker because it uses inaccurate GSM/LBS for location instead of actual GPS technology.
• 12:43 Accuracy Issues: In an urban setting, the location accuracy was found to have a deviation of 100 to 500 meters. This inaccuracy is expected to be significantly worse in rural areas with fewer cell towers.
• 13:34 Potential Alternative Use: Despite its shortcomings as a tracker, the device's sound-activated callback feature makes it a viable option for a simple, cheap, and remote alarm system.