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The Infinix Smart 6: Beware of Fakes Flooding the Kenyan Market

The Infinix Smart 6, launched in October 2021 by Infinix Mobility, a Hong Kong-based smartphone brand under Transsion Holdings, is an affordable entry-level smartphone popular in Kenya for its 6.6-inch HD+ display, 5000mAh battery, and budget-friendly price. However, the Kenyan market has seen a surge in counterfeit versions of this device, capitalizing on its popularity among cost-conscious consumers. These fake phones mimic the Smart 6’s appearance but fall short in quality, performance, and security. This article explores why fake Infinix Smart 6 phones are flooding the Kenyan market, what makes them fake, how they compare to the genuine model, their respective prices, where they can be purchased, and why consumers should avoid these counterfeits.

Why Fake Infinix Smart 6 Phones Are Flooding the Kenyan Market

The Infinix Smart 6’s appeal as a low-cost smartphone with decent features has made it a prime target for counterfeiters in Kenya. Several factors contribute to the proliferation of fake versions:

1. High Demand for Budget Smartphones: The Smart 6, priced between Ksh 11,799 and Ksh 14,999, offers features like a large display and long-lasting battery, appealing to students, first-time smartphone users, and rural consumers. Counterfeiters exploit this by offering fakes at even lower prices, often Ksh 5,000–8,000, to lure price-sensitive buyers.
2. Unregulated Market Channels: Informal markets, street vendors, and online platforms like Jiji.co.ke, AliExpress, and Temu often lack strict oversight, enabling the sale of counterfeit phones. Social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace are also common avenues for these fakes, as noted in reports about counterfeit electronics in Kenya.
3. Infinix’s Growing Popularity: Infinix is the fourth-largest smartphone vendor in Kenya, trailing Tecno and Samsung, due to its affordable yet feature-rich devices. This brand recognition makes models like the Smart 6 attractive for counterfeiters, as consumers are less likely to suspect fakes bearing the Infinix logo.
4. Sophisticated Counterfeiting Techniques: Advances in counterfeiting allow fakes to closely resemble the original in design, packaging, and software, with modified Android OS mimicking Infinix’s XOS, deceiving buyers at first glance. Infinix Philippines reported similar issues with fake Smart 8 phones, highlighting differences in packaging and branding, a problem likely mirrored in Kenya.
5. Consumer Price Sensitivity: Many Kenyan consumers prioritize affordability, making them vulnerable to scams offering “Infinix” phones at unrealistically low prices, especially on platforms like Jiji, where phones are listed as low as Ksh 5,000.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) in Kenya has emphasized the prevalence of counterfeit electronics, seizing significant quantities of fake phones, underscoring the scale of this issue.

What Makes the Fake Infinix Smart 6 Fake?

Fake Infinix Smart 6 phones are designed to imitate the original’s appearance and basic functionality, but they lack the quality and performance of the genuine device. Infinix has provided guidelines for identifying fakes, such as checking IMEI and serial numbers. Here’s what distinguishes a fake Smart 6 from the original:

1. Build Quality and Materials:
   • Original: The Infinix Smart 6 features a plastic body with a textured back, weighing 191g, and a 6.6-inch IPS LCD with an 89% screen-to-body ratio. It has a sturdy build designed for daily use, available in colors like Ocean Blue, Light Sea Green, Polar Black, and Heart of Night.
   • Fake: Counterfeits use cheaper plastic that feels flimsy or overly lightweight. The Infinix logo may be misaligned, poorly printed, or peel off. The display may not fit properly, and buttons may feel loose. The color shades may differ slightly, as noted in Infinix’s comparison of fake Smart 8 phones with darker packaging hues.
2. Display:
   • Original: Equipped with a 6.6-inch IPS LCD, 720×1600 resolution, 266 PPI, and 500 nits brightness, offering decent clarity and visibility for its price range.
   • Fake: Fakes typically use lower-quality LCDs with reduced resolution, washed-out colors, or visible pixelation. The display may lack the brightness or have backlight bleeding.
3. Hardware and Performance:
   • Original: Powered by a Unisoc SC9863A chipset (28nm), with 2GB/3GB RAM and 32GB/64GB storage (expandable via microSDXC up to 512GB). It supports 4G LTE and runs Android 11 (Go Edition) with XOS 7.6, suitable for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light apps.
   • Fake: Counterfeits often use outdated chipsets like MediaTek MT6580, with 1GB RAM and 8–16GB storage. Performance is sluggish, with frequent lags, and expandable storage may be absent. They may lack 4G support, limiting connectivity to 3G or 2G.
4. Camera Quality:
   • Original: Features a dual 8MP main camera (f/2.0) with a depth sensor and LED flash, plus a 5MP front camera. It supports 1080p video recording and produces decent photos for its price range.
   • Fake: Fakes typically have a single low-resolution camera (e.g., 2–5MP) with non-functional secondary lenses for show. Photos are grainy, lack detail, and video recording is limited to low resolutions like 720p or below.
5. Software:
   • Original: Runs Android 11 (Go Edition) with XOS 7.6, optimized for low-spec devices, offering a smooth and customizable interface with access to Google Play Store (lite apps) and regular updates.
   • Fake: Uses a modified Android OS (often older versions like Android 6) with a skin mimicking XOS. The interface is buggy, lacks Google Play Store access, and may include pre-installed malware or non-standard apps. Software updates are nonexistent.
6. Battery and Charging:
   • Original: Has a 5000mAh non-removable battery with 10W charging, offering up to two days of usage on a single charge for basic tasks.
   • Fake: Often equipped with a smaller battery (e.g., 2000–3000mAh) and slower charging (5W). Battery life is significantly shorter, and chargers may be unsafe.
7. Packaging and Accessories:
   • Original: Comes in official Infinix packaging with clear branding, matching IMEI and serial numbers, and includes a 10W charger and USB cable. The IMEI and serial number can be verified on Infinix’s website (https://www.infinixmobility.com/sn) by entering the numbers found via *#06# or on the device.
   • Fake: Packaging may have spelling errors, blurry logos, or mismatched IMEI numbers. The box may be smaller or use different color shades, as seen with fake Smart 8 phones. Accessories are low-quality and may pose safety risks. The IMEI may be invalid or belong to another device.

Comparison: Fake vs. Original Infinix Smart 6

Prices and Where to Buy

Original Infinix Smart 6

• Price in Kenya: Ksh 11,799–14,999, depending on RAM/storage (2GB/32GB at Ksh 11,799; 3GB/64GB at Ksh 14,999) and retailer.
• Where to Buy:
  • Phone Place Kenya: Offers the Smart 6 for Ksh 12,500 (2GB/32GB). Link
  • Jumia Kenya: Sells it for Ksh 12,999–14,999. Link
  • Avechi Kenya: Prices start at Ksh 11,799 (2GB/32GB). Link
  • Phones & Tablets Kenya: Offers it for Ksh 13,000 (2GB/32GB). Link
  • Gadgets Leo: Sells for Ksh 14,500 (3GB/64GB). Link

These retailers are authorized or reputable vendors offering genuine Infinix phones with warranties (typically 1 year).

Fake Infinix Smart 6

• Price in Kenya: Ksh 5,000–8,000, often found on unregulated platforms like Jiji.co.ke, AliExpress, Temu, or through street vendors and Facebook Marketplace. Jiji lists Infinix phones as low as Ksh 5,000, but authenticity is not guaranteed.
• Where to Buy: Specific links are not provided due to the unregulated nature of these sources and the risk of fraud. Buyers should avoid platforms like Jiji or AliExpress for Infinix phones unless the seller is verifiable.

Why People Should Avoid Fake Phones

Purchasing a fake Infinix Smart 6 may seem like a budget-friendly option, but it comes with significant risks that outweigh the savings. Infinix’s advisory in the Philippines about fake phones emphasizes these dangers, which apply to Kenya as well. Here’s why consumers should avoid counterfeit phones:

1. Poor Performance and Reliability:
   • Fake phones use low-end hardware, resulting in slow performance, frequent crashes, and an inability to handle basic tasks like browsing or messaging. The original Smart 6’s Unisoc chipset ensures smooth operation for its price range.
2. Security Vulnerabilities:
   • Counterfeits often come with pre-installed malware or spyware that can steal personal data, such as contacts or banking details. The lack of software updates leaves them exposed to security threats, unlike the original’s XOS updates.
3. Short Lifespan:
   • Fakes are built with inferior materials, leading to issues like cracked screens, failing buttons, or battery degradation within weeks. The original Smart 6 is designed for durability, with a 5000mAh battery lasting up to two days.
4. No Warranty or Support:
   • Genuine Infinix phones come with a 1-year warranty and support from authorized service centers. Fakes offer no warranty, and repairs are often impossible due to non-standard components.
5. Financial Loss:
   • Spending Ksh 5,000–8,000 on a fake phone that fails quickly is a poor investment compared to the genuine Smart 6, which offers long-term value for Ksh 11,799–14,999.
6. Lack of Ecosystem Benefits:
   • Fake phones cannot fully utilize Infinix’s XOS features or access reliable app stores, limiting functionality. The original Smart 6 supports Google Play Store’s lite apps, optimized for low-spec devices.
7. Ethical and Legal Concerns:
   • Buying counterfeit goods supports illegal activities and undermines legitimate businesses. In Kenya, the Anti-Counterfeit Act imposes penalties for trading in counterfeits, including fines or imprisonment. The ACA’s efforts to curb counterfeits highlight the legal risks.

How to Avoid Buying a Fake Infinix Smart 6

To ensure you’re purchasing a genuine Infinix Smart 6, follow these tips, as recommended by Infinix’s guidelines for verifying authenticity:

• Buy from Authorized Retailers: Purchase from trusted vendors like Phone Place Kenya, Jumia Kenya, Avechi, or Gadgets Leo, which are authorized or reputable.
• Verify the IMEI and Serial Number: Check the IMEI (via *#06#) and serial number on the box, device, and Infinix’s website (https://www.infinixmobility.com/sn). All numbers should match, and a confirmation message will verify authenticity. Kenya’s Communications Authority offers free IMEI verification by texting the IMEI to 1555.
• Inspect the Device: Look for a high-quality build, 6.6-inch HD+ display, and functional features like the dual-camera and fingerprint sensor. Test the XOS 7.6 interface and Google Play Store access. Check the packaging for correct branding and color, avoiding darker or smaller boxes as seen in fakes.
• Avoid Unrealistic Deals: Prices below Ksh 11,799 are suspicious, especially on Jiji or AliExpress. Be cautious of sellers refusing to meet at official stores or provide verifiable details.
• Check Seller Reputation: Research the seller’s reviews and ensure they are an authorized Infinix reseller. Avoid unverified sellers on social media or marketplaces.

Conclusion

The Infinix Smart 6 is a reliable entry-level smartphone, offering a 6.6-inch display, 5000mAh battery, and Android 11 (Go Edition) at an affordable price, making it a top choice for Kenyan consumers. However, the market is flooded with counterfeit versions that mimic its design but deliver poor performance, security risks, and a short lifespan. These fakes, priced between Ksh 5,000 and Ksh 8,000, are sold through unregulated channels like Jiji and AliExpress, while the genuine Smart 6 costs Ksh 11,799–14,999 and is available from trusted retailers like Phone Place Kenya, Jumia Kenya, and Avechi. Consumers should avoid fake phones due to their inferior quality, security vulnerabilities, lack of warranty, and ethical concerns. By purchasing from authorized sellers and verifying the device’s authenticity via IMEI and serial numbers, buyers can enjoy the true Infinix Smart 6 experience and protect their investment.

For a genuine Infinix Smart 6, visit:

• Phone Place Kenya
• Jumia Kenya
• Avechi Kenya
• Phones & Tablets Kenya
• Gadgets Leo

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