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The Applle iPhone 11: Genuine vs. Fake Phones Flooding the Kenyan Market

The Apple iPhone 11, released in September 2019, is a flagship smartphone celebrated for its 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display, A13 Bionic chipset, dual 12 MP camera system, and robust iOS ecosystem. Its balance of performance, camera quality, and relatively affordable price for an iPhone has made it a popular choice 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 inundated with counterfeit versions, often branded as the “Applle iPhone 11” or similar misspellings, designed to deceive buyers by mimicking the original’s appearance. These fakes exploit the iPhone’s reputation and Apple’s brand trust. This article explores why fake Applle iPhone 11 phones are flooding Kenya, what distinguishes them from the genuine Apple iPhone 11, how they compare, their respective prices and purchase options, and why consumers should avoid counterfeit devices.

Why Fake Applle iPhone 11 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 Applle iPhone 11 devices:

1. High Demand for Affordable iPhones: The genuine iPhone 11, retailing at around KSh 44,000–85,000 depending on storage and condition, offers flagship performance at a lower price than newer models, making it highly desirable for budget-conscious consumers seeking Apple’s premium experience. Counterfeiters exploit this by offering fakes at significantly lower prices (e.g., KSh 21,000–40,000), as seen in suspicious listings on platforms like Jiji.co.ke, targeting cost-sensitive 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 “Applle” or “iPhonee” are common, often accompanied by convincing photos, as noted in discussions on counterfeit detection.
3. Sophisticated Counterfeiting: Modern fakes closely resemble genuine iPhones, featuring cloned packaging, fake serial numbers, and Android-based software skinned to mimic iOS 13 (upgradable to iOS 18). Scammers manipulate Android to replicate iOS interfaces, though these fakes fail under scrutiny, as reported in scam alerts. Misspellings like “Applle” 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 11 models on platforms like Jiji.co.ke, where prices as low as KSh 21,000 raise red flags.

What Makes a Fake Applle iPhone 11 Fake?

Fake Applle iPhone 11 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 Community discussions, here are the key characteristics:

1. Inferior Hardware:
   • Processor: The genuine iPhone 11 uses the Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm) chipset with a 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and 8-core Neural Engine, delivering top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and video editing. Fakes typically run on low-end Android chipsets like the MediaTek MT6580, resulting in sluggish performance, app incompatibility, and no 4G LTE support, as noted in counterfeit detection guides.
   • Camera: The authentic model features a dual 12 MP (wide, f/1.8, OIS) + 12 MP (ultra-wide, f/2.4) rear camera system with Night Mode, Deep Fusion, and 4K@60fps video, plus a 12 MP selfie camera with SL 3D for Face ID. Counterfeits often have low-resolution cameras (5–12 MP) with poor image quality, lacking Night Mode, Deep Fusion, or ultra-wide capabilities, producing blurry or grainy photos, especially in low light.
   • Display: The genuine phone has a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD IPS LCD display with 828×1792 resolution (~326 ppi), True Tone, and a glass front/back with an aluminum frame. Fakes use cheaper LCD screens with lower resolution, thicker bezels, a yellowish tint, and no True Tone, lacking the premium feel of the genuine model’s display, as noted in reviews.
   • Build Quality: The original has a glass front/back, an aerospace-grade aluminum frame, IP68 water/dust resistance (up to 2m for 30 minutes), and weighs 194g. 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 highlighted in counterfeit detection guides.
2. Software Deception:
   • Fake iPhones run Android with a custom launcher mimicking iOS 13, 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 functionality is absent, unlike the genuine model’s seamless integration with other Apple devices.
   • 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 Apple Pay, which are standard on the genuine iPhone 11.
3. Packaging and Branding:
   • Counterfeit boxes feature misspellings (e.g., “Applle” 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, as noted in Back Market’s guide.
   • 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 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 4G LTE 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, or 4K video recording, as noted in user reports of counterfeit iPhones.
   • 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 genuine iPhone 11’s U1 chip for ultra-wideband spatial awareness is absent in fakes, impacting features like precise AirDrop functionality.

Comparison: Genuine Apple iPhone 11 vs. Fake Applle iPhone 11

Prices and Where to Buy

Genuine Apple iPhone 11

• Price: Approximately $340–$655 USD (~KSh 44,000–KSh 85,000), depending on storage (64GB, 128GB, or 256GB) and condition (new or refurbished). Prices in Kenya vary due to taxes, import duties, and retailer promotions, with listings starting at KSh 44,000 at Phone Place Kenya, KSh 47,000 at Phones Store Kenya, KSh 58,000 at FancyTech Kenya, KSh 79,000 at Jumia, and up to KSh 85,000 at Avechi for new models. Refurbished models are available from KSh 44,000 at Phone Place Kenya.
• Where to Buy:
  • Jumia Kenya: Offers genuine iPhones with buyer protection, priced around KSh 58,000–79,000. https://www.jumia.co.ke/apple-iphone-11/
  • Phone Place Kenya: Lists refurbished 64GB models for KSh 44,000 and new 128GB models for KSh 55,000 with warranties. https://www.phoneplacekenya.com/product/apple-iphone-11/
  • Phones Store Kenya: Sells new and refurbished 64GB/128GB models for KSh 47,000–58,000. https://phonesstorekenya.com/product/apple-iphone-11/
  • Avechi Kenya: Offers new 64GB models for KSh 85,000 with a 1-year warranty. https://avechi.co.ke/product/apple-iphone-11/
  • FancyTech Kenya: Lists the 64GB model for KSh 58,000 with delivery options. https://fancytech.co.ke/product/apple-iphone-11/
  • Apple Center Kenya: Sells new 64GB models for KSh 87,000 with Apple warranty. https://applecenter.co.ke/product/iphone-11/
  • PigiaMe: Offers genuine iPhones from trusted sellers, priced around KSh 50,000–80,000. https://www.pigiame.co.ke/apple-mobile-phones

Fake Applle iPhone 11

• Price: Approximately $160–$310 USD (~KSh 21,000–KSh 40,000), sold through unregulated channels or dubious listings, such as suspiciously low-priced offers on Jiji.co.ke starting at KSh 21,000 for “iPhone 11” 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 “Applle.” 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 11 models at prices as low as KSh 21,000, which are likely counterfeit. https://jiji.co.ke/mobile-phones/apple-iphone-11
  • 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 44,000 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 Applle iPhone 11 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 11’s durable glass front/back, aluminum frame, and IP68 rating, which ensures resistance to water and dust.
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 iPhone 11’s iOS with end-to-end encryption for iMessage and robust privacy features like Mail Privacy Protection, fakes lack such safeguards, 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 and FancyTech Kenya. Fakes lack warranties, software updates, or service centers, leaving buyers stranded if issues arise, unlike the support provided by Apple Authorized Service Providers or certified retailers.
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 11’s 4G LTE, 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, as warned by the CA. They lack certification from regulatory bodies, increasing risks to users, unlike the genuine iPhone 11’s certified 3110 mAh battery with 18W fast charging and wireless charging capabilities, 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, a brand known for its premium quality and innovation since the first iPhone in 2007. It also contributes to unfair trade practices, impacting the local economy. The CA emphasizes that fake devices may be used for illegal activities or pose health risks due to uncertified technology, making genuine purchases critical for consumer safety and economic integrity.

How to Avoid Buying a Fake Applle iPhone 11

To ensure you purchase a genuine Apple iPhone 11, follow these steps recommended by the CA, Back Market, and Apple Community discussions:

• Buy from Authorized Retailers: Stick to trusted platforms like Jumia, Phone Place Kenya, Phones Store Kenya, Avechi, FancyTech Kenya, Apple Center Kenya, or PigiaMe, which source directly from Apple or authorized distributors. Avoid unregulated marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, or Jiji.co.ke unless the seller is verified, as listings as low as KSh 21,000 are likely fake. Retailers like Phone Place Kenya and Apple Center Kenya ensure authenticity through direct partnerships with Apple.
• 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, as cloned serial numbers are common in fakes and may belong to another device. 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 Liquid Retina HD display with True Tone, a functional dual 12 MP camera with Night Mode, and a smooth iOS 13 interface. Test Siri (long-press side button), Face ID, App Store access, AirDrop with another Apple device, and 4G LTE connectivity. Use apps like Aida64 to confirm the A13 Bionic chipset, as misreported SoCs indicate fakes. Look for misspellings, poor build quality, non-Lightning ports (e.g., micro-USB instead of Lightning), or lack of glass front/back 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, as noted in Back Market’s guide.
• Avoid Unrealistic Deals: Prices below KSh 44,000 for a new or refurbished iPhone 11 are suspicious, as seen in Jiji.co.ke listings starting at KSh 21,000. Scammers often claim the phone is imported or a gift, a tactic to justify low prices, as warned in Apple Community discussions. Be wary of “ex-UK” or “sealed” phones that cannot be verified in person.
• Meet at Safe Locations: If buying from a marketplace, meet at an Apple-authorized retailer (e.g., Mac & More Solutions or FoneXpress, Nairobi) or police station for verification, as scammers often refuse such meetups, knowing their devices won’t pass scrutiny. Avoid rushed transactions or meeting in public plazas, as recommended by Apple Community users.
• 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 from Apple and M-Pesa’s traceability offer added security, ensuring you can dispute transactions if the device is fake.

Conclusion

The Apple iPhone 11 remains a compelling smartphone, offering a powerful A13 Bionic chipset, a versatile dual-camera system, and a durable design, making it a top choice for Kenyan consumers seeking premium quality at a reasonable price. However, its popularity has led to a flood of counterfeits like the “Applle iPhone 11” in the market. These fakes, with their inferior hardware, Android-based software, and significant security risks, fail to deliver the quality, performance, and longevity 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 Apple Center Kenya, consumers can avoid being scammed. Investing in a genuine iPhone 11 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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