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The Opppo A77s: Genuine vs. Fake Phones Flooding the Kenyan Market

The Oppo A77s, launched in October 2022 by Oppo, a prominent Chinese smartphone manufacturer, is a mid-range smartphone celebrated for its 6.56-inch IPS LCD display with a 90 Hz refresh rate, Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset, 50 MP dual-camera system, and 5000 mAh battery with 33W fast charging. Its sleek design, vibrant colors (Sunset Orange, Starry Black), and affordable price have 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 flooded with counterfeit versions, often branded as the “Opppo A77s” or similar misspellings, designed to deceive buyers by mimicking the original’s appearance. These fakes exploit Oppo’s growing brand trust and the A77s’s appeal. This article explores why fake Opppo A77s phones are flooding Kenya, what distinguishes them from the genuine Oppo A77s, how they compare, their respective prices and purchase options, and why consumers should avoid counterfeit devices.

Why Fake Opppo A77s Phones Are Flooding the Kenyan Market

The proliferation of counterfeit phones 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 Opppo A77s devices:

1. High Demand for Affordable Mid-Range Phones: The genuine Oppo A77s, retailing at around KSh 27,500–33,500, offers a 90 Hz display, fast charging, and solid performance, making it highly desirable for budget-conscious consumers, especially young users and gamers. Counterfeiters exploit this by offering fakes at significantly lower prices (e.g., KSh 8,999–15,000), 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 “Opppo” or “Opo” are common, often accompanied by convincing photos and packaging, as noted in CA reports on counterfeit distribution channels.
3. Sophisticated Counterfeiting: Modern fakes mimic genuine phones with cloned packaging, fake IMEI numbers, and Android-based software skinned to resemble Oppo’s ColorOS 12.1. Misspellings like “Opppo” are used to evade legal scrutiny while appearing legitimate, a tactic common in counterfeit markets, as seen with other Oppo models like the Reno 8 Pro.
4. Oppo’s Market Growth: Oppo has gained significant traction in Kenya with its A and Reno series, known for stylish designs and camera quality, as evidenced by its marketing campaigns like the #A77sFootballMoments challenge with footballer David Ochieng. Scammers capitalize on this trust by producing fakes that mimic the A77s’s fiberglass-leather design, vibrant display, and camera module, deceiving even savvy buyers.

What Makes a Fake Opppo A77s Fake?

Fake Opppo A77s phones are designed to deceive but are plagued by inferior components and deceptive features. Based on patterns in counterfeit phones in Kenya and Oppo’s specifications, here are the key characteristics:

1. Inferior Hardware:
   • Processor: The genuine A77s uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) chipset with an Adreno 610 GPU, offering smooth performance for gaming and multitasking. Fakes typically use low-end chipsets like the MediaTek MT6580, resulting in sluggish performance, app crashes, and no 4G support, as reported by users of counterfeit Oppo phones misreporting SoC details.
   • Camera: The authentic model features a 50 MP (wide, f/1.8, PDAF) + 2 MP (depth, f/2.4) dual-camera system with dual-LED flash and an 8 MP selfie camera, capable of 1080p@30fps video with gyro-EIS stabilization. Counterfeits often have low-resolution cameras (5–8 MP) with poor image quality, lacking HDR, panorama, or stabilization, producing grainy or washed-out photos, as noted in reviews of budget fakes.
   • Display: The genuine phone has a 6.56-inch IPS LCD display with 720×1612 resolution (~269 ppi), a 90 Hz refresh rate, and 600 nits peak brightness, protected by Panda Glass with IP54 splash resistance. Fakes use cheaper LCD screens with lower resolution, thicker bezels, a yellowish tint, no 90 Hz refresh, and no protective glass, making them less vibrant and prone to scratches.
   • Build Quality: The original measures 163.8 x 75.1 x 8 mm, weighs 187–190g, and features a plastic frame, plastic back (or fiberglass-leather in some variants), and Panda Glass front with IP54 dust/splash resistance. Fakes use low-grade plastic, are often lighter (under 170g), have uneven seams, misaligned camera modules, and lack splash resistance, feeling flimsy and cheap.
2. Software Deception:
   • Fake Opppo A77s phones run a modified Android OS with a counterfeit ColorOS 12.1 skin mimicking Oppo’s interface. They lack features like 5GB virtual RAM expansion, Dirac audio optimization, or Oppo’s AI System Booster for smooth performance. Pre-installed apps that reinstall after deletion indicate malware, a common issue with counterfeits, as noted in scam alerts.
   • Settings may reveal outdated Android versions (e.g., Android 9) or non-standard options, unlike the genuine model’s Android 12 with ColorOS 12.1. Counterfeits often fail to access Oppo’s recovery mode or show incorrect system information, such as missing UFS 2.2 storage details, as reported by users of fake Oppo devices.
3. Packaging and Branding:
   • Counterfeit boxes feature misspellings (e.g., “Opppo” or “Opo”), incorrect fonts, pixelated logos, or missing certifications like IP54 or CE labels. The IMEI on the box may not match the phone’s or be invalid, failing checks on Oppo’s warranty portal (https://support.oppo.com/en/warranty/). Fake packaging may lack the premium feel or holographic seals of genuine Oppo boxes, as noted in unboxing reviews.
   • Fake devices have poorly printed logos, lack the “A77s” branding on the back, or feature misaligned camera setups. Accessories like chargers are low-quality, often using micro-USB instead of the genuine USB-C cable and 33W SUPERVOOC charger included in the box with a SIM ejector tool, protective case, and quick guide, as detailed in Oppo’s specifications.
4. Battery and Connectivity:
   • The genuine A77s has a 5000 mAh battery with 33W fast charging, achieving 100% in ~69 minutes, as advertised, and supports AI night charge protection to prevent overcharging. Fakes often have smaller batteries (e.g., 3000 mAh) that drain quickly, lack fast charging, and may use micro-USB ports, unlike the genuine model’s USB-C port.
   • Counterfeits typically support only 2G or 3G networks, unlike the original’s 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS capabilities. They have unreliable connectivity and lack features like microSD card support (up to 1TB on the genuine model) or side-mounted fingerprint and face unlock, as reported by users of fake Infinix and Oppo phones.
5. No Official Support:
   • Genuine Oppo phones come with a 1-year warranty and access to authorized service centers like Carlcare, as offered by retailers like Phone Place Kenya and Mobile Hub Kenya. Fakes lack warranties, software updates, or service networks, as “Opppo” is not a registered brand, leaving buyers without support, unlike the robust after-sales service from Oppo’s authorized partners.

Comparison: Genuine Oppo A77s vs. Fake Opppo A77s

Note: Some sources, like Phone Place Kenya, list the A77s with a MediaTek Dimensity 810 chipset and 48 MP camera, which may indicate regional variants or listing errors. The Snapdragon 680 and 50 MP camera are confirmed as standard for Kenya.

Prices and Where to Buy

Genuine Oppo A77s

• Price: Approximately $210–$260 USD (~KSh 27,500–KSh 33,500), typically for the 8GB/128GB configuration. Prices in Kenya vary due to taxes and retailer promotions, with listings starting at KSh 27,500 at FastDeal Kenya, KSh 29,199 at SmartTech Phones Kenya, KSh 29,200 at Phone Price Kenya, KSh 29,500 at Phones & Tablets Kenya, KSh 31,000 at Mobile Hub Kenya and Phones Store Kenya, KSh 31,500 at Phones Gallery Kenya, and KSh 33,500 at Phone Place Kenya.
• Where to Buy:
  • Jumia Kenya: Offers genuine Oppo phones with buyer protection, priced around KSh 29,000–33,500. https://www.jumia.co.ke/oppo-a77s/
  • Phone Place Kenya: Lists the 8GB/128GB model for KSh 33,500 with warranties. https://www.phoneplacekenya.com/product/oppo-a77s/
  • Phones Store Kenya: Sells the 8GB/128GB model for KSh 31,000 with delivery options. https://phonesstorekenya.com/product/oppo-a77s/
  • Mobile Hub Kenya: Offers the 8GB/128GB model for KSh 31,000 with countrywide delivery. https://www.mobilehub.co.ke/oppo-a77s/
  • Avechi Kenya: Lists the 8GB/128GB model for KSh 29,000–32,000 with a 1-year warranty. https://avechi.co.ke/product/oppo-a77s/
  • Smartphones Kenya: Offers the 8GB/128GB model for KSh 29,000–31,000 with fast delivery. https://smartphoneskenya.co.ke/product/oppo-a77s/
  • Phones & Tablets Kenya: Sells the 8GB/128GB model for KSh 29,500. https://www.phonestablets.co.ke/product/oppo-a77s/

Fake Opppo A77s

• Price: Approximately $70–$115 USD (~KSh 8,999–KSh 15,000), sold through unregulated channels or dubious listings, such as suspiciously low-priced offers on Jiji.co.ke starting at KSh 8,999 for “Oppo A77” or “A77s” models, which are likely counterfeit due to their significant discount compared to reputable retailers.
• Where to Buy:
  • Alibaba: Lists unbranded or counterfeit smartphones with misspellings like “Opppo.” https://www.alibaba.com/
  • Facebook Marketplace: Common in Kenya for fake phone sales, often under deceptive claims like “imported stock.”
  • AliExpress: May sell clones with vague branding, sometimes not disclosing their counterfeit nature. https://www.aliexpress.com/
  • Jiji.co.ke: Lists Oppo A77 or A77s models at prices as low as KSh 8,999, which are likely counterfeit. https://jiji.co.ke/mobile-phones/oppo-a77
  • 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 27,500 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 Opppo A77s carries significant risks, as highlighted by the CA and industry experts:

1. Poor Performance and Durability:
   • Fake phones use low-quality components, leading to sluggish performance, app crashes, and unreliable functionality, as seen in user reports of counterfeit Oppo devices misreporting specs. Their cheap materials make them prone to damage, offering poor long-term value compared to the genuine A77s’s Panda Glass, IP54 splash resistance, and premium fiberglass-leather option.
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, as noted in CA warnings about counterfeit phones’ security risks. Unlike the genuine A77s’s ColorOS 12.1 with privacy features, fakes lack security protections, increasing vulnerability to data breaches.
3. No Warranty or Support:
   • Genuine Oppo phones come with a 1-year warranty and access to Carlcare service centers, as offered by retailers like Phone Place Kenya and Mobile Hub Kenya, ensuring repairs and software updates. Fakes lack warranties, software updates, or service networks, leaving buyers stranded if issues arise, unlike the support provided by Oppo’s authorized partners, praised by users for reliable service.
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, as reported by users of counterfeit Oppo phones experiencing connectivity issues. Cloned IMEI numbers risk blacklisting, rendering the phone unusable, unlike the genuine A77s’s 4G LTE support for reliable internet access.
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 A77s’s certified 5000 mAh battery with 33W SUPERVOOC charging and AI night charge protection, 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 Oppo, a key player in Kenya’s smartphone market with campaigns like #A77sFootballMoments. 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 Opppo A77s

To ensure you purchase a genuine Oppo A77s, follow these steps recommended by the CA, Techish Kenya, and industry experts:

• Buy from Authorized Retailers: Stick to trusted platforms like Jumia, Phone Place Kenya, Phones Store Kenya, Mobile Hub Kenya, Avechi, Smartphones Kenya, or Phones & Tablets Kenya, which source directly from Oppo. Avoid unregulated marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, or Jiji.co.ke unless the seller is verified, as listings as low as KSh 8,999 are likely fake. Retailers like Jumia and Mobile Hub Kenya ensure authenticity through direct partnerships with Oppo, as evidenced by their sponsorship of events like the #A77sFootballMoments campaign.
• Verify IMEI: Dial *#06# to display the phone’s IMEI and send it to 1555 via SMS to check authenticity with the CA’s database, a process established to combat knock-off devices. Verify the IMEI on Oppo’s warranty portal (https://support.oppo.com/en/warranty/). Ensure the IMEI on the box, phone settings, and SIM tray match. An invalid or mismatched IMEI indicates a fake, as counterfeiters often clone numbers that fail detailed verification.
• Inspect the Device: Check for a high-quality 6.56-inch IPS LCD display with 90 Hz refresh and 720×1612 resolution, a functional 50 MP dual-camera with dual-LED flash, and a smooth ColorOS 12.1 interface. Test 4G connectivity, the side-mounted fingerprint sensor, face unlock, and 33W fast charging (100% in ~69 minutes). Use apps like CPU-Z or AnTuTu to confirm the Snapdragon 680 chipset, as misreported SoCs indicate fakes. Look for misspellings, blurry logos, micro-USB ports (genuine uses USB-C), or lack of Panda Glass or IP54 splash resistance. Genuine packaging includes clear Oppo branding, certifications, a USB-C cable, 33W charger, SIM ejector tool, protective case, and a matching IMEI, as noted in Oppo’s specifications.
• Check Accessories and Build: The genuine A77s has a plastic frame, plastic or fiberglass-leather back, and Panda Glass front, weighing 187–190g, with a premium finish in Sunset Orange or Starry Black. The box includes a USB-C cable, 33W SUPERVOOC charger, SIM ejector tool, protective case, and quick guide. Fakes often have low-quality micro-USB chargers or cables, a flimsy build with loose buttons or misaligned ports, and lack the fiberglass-leather texture or IP54 rating, as noted in unboxing reviews.
• Avoid Unrealistic Deals: Prices below KSh 27,500 for a new or refurbished A77s are suspicious, as seen in Jiji.co.ke listings starting at KSh 8,999. Scammers often claim the phone is imported or a gift, a tactic to justify low prices, as warned in discussions on counterfeit Oppo phones. Be wary of “sealed” phones that cannot be verified in person.
• Meet at Safe Locations: If buying from a marketplace, meet at an Oppo-authorized retailer (e.g., Carlcare Service Center, 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 user forums.
• 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 Oppo and M-Pesa’s traceability offer added security, ensuring you can dispute transactions if the device is fake, as praised by users on PigiaMe.

Conclusion

The Oppo A77s is a compelling mid-range smartphone offering a vibrant 6.56-inch 90 Hz display, a capable Snapdragon 680 chipset, and a long-lasting 5000 mAh battery with 33W fast charging, making it a popular choice for Kenyan consumers seeking value and performance. However, its popularity has led to a flood of counterfeits like the “Opppo A77s,” which deceive buyers with inferior hardware, deceptive software, and significant security risks. 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 Mobile Hub Kenya, consumers can avoid being scammed. Investing in a genuine Oppo A77s ensures superior performance, safety, and peace of mind, supporting Kenya’s economy and legitimate manufacturers like Oppo, a key player in the African market, while avoiding the pitfalls of a deceptive knock-off.

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