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The iPhonne 12 Pro: Genuine vs. Fake Phones Flooding the Kenyan Market

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro, released in October 2020, is a flagship smartphone renowned for its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, A14 Bionic chipset, triple 12 MP camera system with LiDAR, and 5G connectivity. Its premium design and advanced features have made it a sought-after device in Kenya, where smartphone adoption is high, with over 64.67 million mobile devices in use by September 2023, according to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA). However, the Kenyan market has been flooded with counterfeit versions, often branded as the “iPhonne 12 Pro” or similar misspellings, designed to deceive buyers by mimicking the original’s appearance. These fakes exploit the iPhone’s status and Apple’s brand trust. This article explores why fake iPhonne 12 Pro phones are flooding Kenya, what distinguishes them from the genuine Apple iPhone 12 Pro, how they compare, their respective prices and purchase options, and why consumers should avoid counterfeit devices.

Why Fake iPhonne 12 Pro Phones Are Flooding the Kenyan Market

The proliferation of counterfeit iPhones in Kenya is a significant issue, with the CA estimating that 30–40% of mobile phones in the country are fake. Several factors contribute to the flood of fake iPhonne 12 Pro devices:

1. High Demand for Premium iPhones: The genuine iPhone 12 Pro, retailing at around KSh 56,500–160,000, offers flagship performance, a sleek design, and advanced camera capabilities, making it desirable among tech enthusiasts and status-conscious consumers. Counterfeiters exploit this by offering fakes at significantly lower prices (e.g., KSh 28,000–40,000), as seen in suspicious listings on platforms like Jiji.co.ke, targeting budget-conscious buyers.
2. Unregulated Marketplaces: Informal channels like street vendors, unlicensed retailers, and online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, or Jiji.co.ke lack strict oversight, enabling scammers to sell fakes. Listings with misspellings like “iPhonne” or “iPhonee” are common, often accompanied by convincing photos, as noted in scam alerts.
3. Sophisticated Counterfeiting: Modern fakes closely resemble genuine iPhones, featuring cloned packaging, fake serial numbers, and Android-based software skinned to mimic iOS 14.1 (upgradable to iOS 18). Scammers manipulate Android to replicate iOS interfaces, though these fakes fail under scrutiny, as reported in scam alerts. Misspellings like “iPhonne” are used to evade legal scrutiny while appearing legitimate.
4. Limited Official Apple Presence: Apple has no direct retail stores in Kenya, forcing consumers to rely on third-party retailers or online platforms, many of which lack proper vetting. This creates opportunities for scammers to distribute fakes, as seen in the widespread availability of counterfeit iPhone 12 models on platforms like Jiji.co.ke.

What Makes a Fake iPhonne 12 Pro Fake?

Fake iPhonne 12 Pro phones are designed to deceive but are plagued by inferior components and deceptive features. Based on patterns in counterfeit iPhones in Kenya and insights from sources like Back Market and Apple’s official specifications, here are the key characteristics:

1. Inferior Hardware:
   • Processor: The genuine iPhone 12 Pro uses the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) chipset with a 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, delivering top-tier performance. Fakes typically run on low-end Android chipsets like the MediaTek MT6580, resulting in sluggish performance, app incompatibility, and no 5G support.
   • Camera: The authentic model features a 12 MP (wide, f/1.6, OIS) + 12 MP (ultra-wide, f/2.4) + 12 MP (telephoto, f/2.0, 2x optical zoom) + TOF 3D LiDAR rear camera system and a 12 MP selfie camera with SL 3D for Face ID, capable of 4K@60fps video and Night Mode. Counterfeits often have low-resolution cameras (5–12 MP) with poor image quality, lacking LiDAR, Night Mode, Deep Fusion, or optical zoom, producing blurry or washed-out photos.
   • Display: The genuine phone has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 1170×2532 resolution (~460 ppi), HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Ceramic Shield protection. Fakes use cheaper LCD screens with lower resolution, thicker bezels, a yellowish tint, and no HDR or Ceramic Shield, making them prone to scratches.
   • Build Quality: The original has a glass front/back (Ceramic Shield), stainless steel frame, IP68 water/dust resistance (up to 6m for 30 minutes), and weighs 189g. Fakes use low-grade plastic or thin metal, are often lighter (under 170g), lack water resistance, and have uneven seams, rough edges, or non-standard ports (e.g., micro-USB instead of Lightning). The buttons on fakes may feel loose, and the Apple logo may not be smooth or flush, as noted in counterfeit detection guides.
2. Software Deception:
   • Fake iPhones run Android with a custom launcher mimicking iOS 14.1, but they lack core Apple features like the App Store, iCloud, Face ID, or AirDrop. Pre-installed apps like Google Play Store or non-Apple apps reveal their Android core. Attempting to activate Siri (long-press side button) often yields Google Assistant or no response, and AirDrop workarounds between Android and Mac devices can mislead buyers.
   • Settings may prompt for a Google account instead of an Apple ID or display outdated Android versions (e.g., Android 9). Counterfeits fail to access Apple’s recovery mode or show incorrect system information, such as missing NVMe storage details. They also lack integration with Apple’s ecosystem, like Quick Start setup or CarPlay functionality.
3. Packaging and Branding:
   • Counterfeit boxes feature misspellings (e.g., “iPhonne” or “iPhonee”), incorrect fonts, pixelated logos, or missing UV-reactive Apple logos. The seal may have text like “DO NOT ACCEPT IF SEAL IS BROKEN,” unlike genuine Apple packaging’s clean, tamper-evident seal. Fake packaging may also lack the high-quality images and precise text Apple is known for.
   • Fake serial numbers may appear valid on Apple’s Check Coverage page (checkcoverage.apple.com) but belong to other devices, show as “activated” for supposedly new phones, or display “This phone has not been activated” with mismatched details. The IMEI on the box, phone settings, and SIM tray (accessible on the iPhone 12 Pro) may not match, a critical red flag. Accessories like Lightning cables or chargers are low-quality, often using micro-USB/USB-A ports instead of Apple’s Lightning connector, and lack the premium feel of genuine Apple cables.
4. Connectivity and Features:
   • Fakes often lack 5G support, eSIM functionality, Wi-Fi 6, or NFC (for Apple Pay), unlike the genuine model’s robust connectivity. They may reject Apple ID logins, exposing their Android core, and fail to support features like Deep Fusion, Night Mode portraits, or Dolby Vision video recording.
   • The Face ID sensor on fakes is often non-functional or replaced with a basic PIN lock, unlike the genuine model’s secure facial recognition. The LiDAR scanner, used for enhanced AR and low-light autofocus, is absent or decorative on fakes, impacting camera performance.

Comparison: Genuine Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs. Fake iPhonne 12 Pro

Prices and Where to Buy

Genuine Apple iPhone 12 Pro

• Price: Approximately $435–$1230 USD (~KSh 56,500–KSh 160,000), depending on storage (128GB, 256GB, or 512GB) and condition (new or refurbished). Prices in Kenya vary due to taxes, import duties, and retailer promotions, with listings starting at KSh 56,500 at Phone Place Kenya, KSh 57,000 at Phones Store Kenya, KSh 79,000 at Jumia, KSh 95,000 at Gadgets Leo, and up to KSh 160,000 for new 128GB models at Saruk Digital Solutions. Refurbished models are available from KSh 56,500 at Phone Place Kenya.
• Where to Buy:
  • Jumia Kenya: Offers genuine iPhones with buyer protection, priced around KSh 79,000–100,000. https://www.jumia.co.ke/apple-iphone-12-pro/
  • Phone Place Kenya: Lists refurbished 128GB models for KSh 56,500 and new models for KSh 90,000–100,000. https://www.phoneplacekenya.com/product/apple-iphone-12-pro/
  • Phones Store Kenya: Sells refurbished 256GB models for KSh 57,000 with no warranty. https://phonesstorekenya.com/product/apple-iphone-12-pro/
  • Avechi Kenya: Offers new and refurbished models for KSh 80,000–100,000 with a 1-year warranty. https://avechi.co.ke/product/apple-iphone-12-pro/
  • Zuricart Kenya: Lists the 128GB model for KSh 90,000–110,000. https://zuricart.co.ke/product/apple-iphone-12-pro/
  • Gadgets Leo: Sells new models for KSh 95,000 with payment on delivery in Nairobi. https://gadgetsleo.com/product/apple-iphone-12-pro/
  • Saruk Digital Solutions: Offers new 128GB models for up to KSh 160,000 with a 6-month warranty. https://saruk.co.ke/product/iphone-12-pro/

Fake iPhonne 12 Pro

• Price: Approximately $215–$310 USD (~KSh 28,000–KSh 40,000), sold through unregulated channels or dubious listings, such as suspiciously low-priced offers on Jiji.co.ke starting at KSh 28,000 for “iPhone 12 Pro” models, which are likely counterfeit due to their significant discount compared to reputable retailers.
• Where to Buy:
  • Alibaba: Lists unbranded or counterfeit iPhones with misspellings like “iPhonne.” https://www.alibaba.com/
  • Facebook Marketplace: Common in Kenya for fake phone sales, often under deceptive claims like “ex-UK stock.”
  • AliExpress: May sell clones with vague branding, sometimes not disclosing their counterfeit nature. https://www.aliexpress.com/
  • Jiji.co.ke: Lists iPhone 12 Pro models at prices as low as KSh 28,000, which are likely counterfeit. https://jiji.co.ke/mobile-phones/apple-iphone-12-pro
  • Unregulated Local Shops: Street vendors or unlicensed stores in areas like Luthuli Avenue may sell fakes, often without warranties.

Note: Prices in Kenya fluctuate due to exchange rates and seller markups. Listings on Jiji.co.ke or similar platforms with prices far below KSh 56,500 are highly suspicious and likely fake. Always verify the seller’s authenticity, as even some listings on reputable platforms may come from third-party sellers with questionable stock.

Why People Should Avoid Fake Phones

Purchasing a fake phone like the iPhonne 12 Pro carries significant risks, as highlighted by the CA and Back Market’s counterfeit detection guide:

1. Poor Performance and Durability:
   • Fake phones use low-quality components, leading to sluggish performance, app crashes, and unreliable functionality. Their cheap materials make them prone to damage, offering poor long-term value compared to the genuine iPhone 12 Pro’s Ceramic Shield, stainless steel frame, and IP68 rating, which ensure durability against drops and water exposure.
2. Security Risks:
   • Counterfeit devices often come with pre-installed malware or spyware, compromising sensitive data like M-Pesa transactions, bank details, or passwords. Suspicious apps that reinstall after deletion are a common issue, posing risks to personal information. Unlike the genuine model’s iOS with end-to-end encryption for iMessage and Mail Privacy Protection to hide IP addresses, fakes lack such security features, increasing vulnerability to data breaches.
3. No Warranty or Support:
   • Genuine iPhones come with a one-year Apple warranty and access to iOS updates for years, ensuring longevity, as offered by retailers like Phone Place Kenya or Gadgets Leo. Fakes lack warranties, software updates, or service centers, leaving buyers stranded if issues arise, unlike the support provided by certified retailers or Apple Authorized Service Providers.
4. Network and Connectivity Issues:
   • Fake phones may support only 2G or 3G networks, which are being phased out in Kenya, or have unreliable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS. Cloned serial numbers risk blacklisting, rendering the phone unusable, unlike the genuine iPhone 12 Pro’s 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and NFC support for Apple Pay, ensuring seamless connectivity.
5. Safety Concerns:
   • Counterfeit phones often use substandard batteries prone to overheating or failure, posing safety hazards like harmful radiation or electromagnetic emissions. They lack certification from regulatory bodies, increasing risks to users, unlike the genuine iPhone 12 Pro’s certified 2815 mAh battery with 20W fast charging and 15W MagSafe wireless charging, designed for safety and efficiency.
6. Ethical and Economic Impact:
   • Buying counterfeits supports illegal markets, costing Kenya an estimated KSh 30 billion annually in tax evasion and undermining legitimate manufacturers like Apple. It also contributes to unfair trade practices, impacting the local economy. The CA warns that fake devices may be used for illegal activities or pose health risks due to uncertified technology, emphasizing the importance of genuine purchases for consumer safety and economic integrity.

How to Avoid Buying a Fake iPhonne 12 Pro

To ensure you purchase a genuine Apple iPhone 12 Pro, follow these steps recommended by the CA, Back Market, and Samsung’s counterfeit warnings:

• Buy from Authorized Retailers: Stick to trusted platforms like Jumia, Phone Place Kenya, Phones Store Kenya, Avechi, Zuricart, Gadgets Leo, or Saruk Digital Solutions. Avoid unregulated marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, or Jiji.co.ke unless the seller is verified, as listings as low as KSh 28,000 are likely fake. Retailers like Phone Place Kenya and Gadgets Leo source directly from Apple, ensuring authenticity.
• Verify Serial Number and IMEI: Dial *#06# to display the phone’s IMEI and send it to 1555 via SMS to check authenticity with the CA’s database. Check the serial number on Apple’s Check Coverage page (checkcoverage.apple.com). A message like “This phone has not been activated” for a new device, “activated” for a supposedly new phone, or mismatched details indicates a fake. Ensure the IMEI on the box, phone settings, and SIM tray match. If discrepancies arise, visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider for diagnostic tests to confirm authenticity.
• Inspect the Device: Check for a high-quality 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with HDR10, a functional 12 MP triple-camera with LiDAR, and a smooth iOS 14.1 interface. Test Siri (long-press side button), Face ID, App Store access, AirDrop with another Apple device, and 5G connectivity. Use apps like Aida64 to confirm the A14 Bionic chipset. Look for misspellings, poor build quality, non-Lightning ports (e.g., micro-USB instead of Lightning), or lack of Ceramic Shield texture. The buttons should click firmly, and the Apple logo should be smooth. Genuine packaging has clear Apple branding, a UV-reactive logo, a Lightning cable, and a matching IMEI (no charger included).
• Check Parts Authenticity: In Settings > General > About, check “Parts and Service History” to ensure components like the battery, camera, and display are labeled “Genuine Apple Part.” “Unknown Part” indicates a fake or non-genuine component.
• Avoid Unrealistic Deals: Prices below KSh 56,500 for a new or refurbished iPhone 12 Pro are suspicious, as seen in Jiji.co.ke listings starting at KSh 28,000. Scammers often claim the phone is imported or a gift, a tactic to justify low prices.
• Meet at Safe Locations: If buying from a marketplace, meet at an Apple-authorized retailer (e.g., Mac & More Solutions, Nairobi) or police station for verification, as scammers often refuse such meetups. Avoid rushed transactions.
• Use Secure Payments: Opt for platforms with buyer protection (e.g., Jumia, M-Pesa, PayPal) instead of cash or direct transfers to minimize scam risks. Jumia’s direct sourcing and M-Pesa’s traceability offer added security.

Conclusion

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is a premium smartphone that combines a stunning Super Retina XDR display, powerful A14 Bionic chipset, and advanced triple-camera system with LiDAR, making it a top choice for Kenyan consumers. However, its popularity has led to a flood of counterfeits like the “iPhonne 12 Pro” in the market. These fakes, with their inferior hardware, Android-based software, and significant security risks, fail to deliver the quality, durability, and performance of the genuine device. By recognizing signs of a fake—such as misspellings, poor build quality, or suspiciously low prices—and purchasing from reputable sources like Jumia, Phone Place Kenya, or Gadgets Leo, consumers can avoid being scammed. Investing in a genuine iPhone 12 Pro ensures superior performance, safety, and peace of mind, supporting Kenya’s economy and legitimate manufacturers like Apple, while avoiding the pitfalls of a deceptive knock-off.

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