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The Nothing Phone (4): A Fake Phone Flooding the Kenyan Market

The Nothing Phone (4) has surfaced in the Kenyan market, marketed as a successor to the innovative Nothing Phone series by Nothing, a London-based tech company known for its transparent design and Glyph Interface. However, there is no official evidence from Nothing or reputable sources confirming the existence of a Nothing Phone (4) as of May 2025. Instead, this device appears to be a counterfeit, likely exploiting the popularity of the Nothing Phone (2), launched in July 2023, or the Nothing Phone (2a), released in March 2024. This article explains why the fake Nothing Phone (4) is flooding the Kenyan market, what makes it counterfeit, compares it to the genuine Nothing Phone (2) (the most likely model it emulates), provides pricing and purchasing details, and outlines why consumers should avoid fake phones.

Why the Fake Nothing Phone (4) Is Flooding the Kenyan Market

The Nothing Phone (4) is not an official product from Nothing, and its presence in Kenya is driven by the country’s high demand for stylish, affordable smartphones. The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) estimates that 30–40% of mobile phones in the country are counterfeit, with fake devices targeting popular brands. Several factors contribute to the proliferation of the fake Nothing Phone (4):

1. Exploitation of Nothing’s Brand Appeal: Nothing’s unique transparent design and Glyph Interface have gained traction in Kenya, particularly among tech-savvy youth. The fake Phone (4) capitalizes on this by mimicking the brand’s aesthetic, deceiving buyers expecting a premium experience at a lower price (Ksh 20,000–40,000 vs. Ksh 70,000–114,999 for genuine models).
2. Unregulated Market Channels: Informal markets, street vendors, and online platforms like Jiji.co.ke, AliExpress, and Temu lack oversight, enabling counterfeit sales. Social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace are also hotspots for fake phones, as noted in reports about counterfeit electronics in Kenya.
3. Misleading Naming: The “Nothing Phone (4)” name suggests a new model, confusing consumers familiar with the Nothing Phone (1) and (2). Counterfeiters use this tactic to pass off generic clones as legitimate successors, as seen with dubious listings claiming advanced specs like a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 4.
4. Sophisticated Counterfeiting: Advances in counterfeiting allow fakes to replicate the Nothing Phone’s transparent back, LED Glyph lights, and Nothing OS interface, often using modified Android OS to mimic the original. Listings on platforms like AliExpress advertise “replica” phones, indicating the scale of this issue.
5. Consumer Price Sensitivity: Kenya’s price-sensitive market makes consumers vulnerable to deals offering “Nothing” phones at steep discounts. Jiji.co.ke lists generic smartphones as low as Ksh 20,000, often mislabeled as branded models, raising suspicion of counterfeits.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) notes that counterfeit phones cost Kenya’s economy Ksh 30 billion annually in tax evasion, with mobile phones being the most counterfeited goods.

What Makes the Fake Nothing Phone (4) Fake?

The Nothing Phone (4) is not listed on Nothing’s official website or by authorized retailers, and claims of its existence, such as a Ksh 114,999 price on Digital Phones Kenya, appear speculative or fraudulent, with unverifiable specs like a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 4 chipset that doesn’t exist as of May 2025. It’s likely a generic Android clone designed to resemble the Nothing Phone (2), Nothing’s flagship model. Here’s what makes the Nothing Phone (4) counterfeit, compared to the Nothing Phone (2):

1. Nonexistent Model:
   • Original (Nothing Phone (2)): A legitimate smartphone launched in July 2023, featuring a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, and dual 50MP cameras. It’s sold by authorized retailers like Phone Place Kenya and Avechi.
   • Fake (Nothing Phone (4)): Not recognized by Nothing or reputable vendors. Claims of advanced features like a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED with a fictional Snapdragon 8+ Gen 4 are unverified and implausible, as Nothing’s current lineup includes the Phone (2), (2a), and CMF Phone 1.
2. Build Quality and Materials:
   • Original: Glass front and back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame, IP54 splash/dust resistance, weighing 201g. Features a transparent back with 900 LED Glyph lights for notifications. Measures 162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm.
   • Fake: Cheap plastic body mimicking transparency, often flimsy or lightweight. Lacks IP54 rating, and fake Glyph lights may be non-functional or poorly implemented. Buttons and ports are misaligned, and materials feel cheap, as noted in counterfeit phone inspections.
3. Display:
   • Original: 6.7-inch LTPO OLED, 1080 x 2412 resolution, 394 PPI, 120Hz refresh rate, 1600 nits peak brightness, HDR10+, protected by Gorilla Glass.
   • Fake: Low-quality LCD with lower resolution (e.g., 720p), washed-out colors, and no 120Hz or HDR support. Lacks Gorilla Glass and may show pixelation or uneven backlighting, common in counterfeits.
4. Hardware and Performance:
   • Original: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm), octa-core CPU, Adreno 730 GPU, with 8GB/12GB RAM and 128GB/256GB/512GB storage (UFS 3.1, non-expandable). Scores ~1,100,000 on AnTuTu, excelling in gaming and multitasking. Supports 5G.
   • Fake: Outdated chipsets like MediaTek MT6580, with 1–2GB RAM and 8–16GB storage. Sluggish performance, frequent crashes, and often limited to 2G/3G. Claims of “12GB RAM” or “Snapdragon 8+ Gen 4” are false, as performance doesn’t match.
5. Camera Quality:
   • Original: Dual rear camera: 50MP wide (f/1.9, OIS), 50MP ultrawide (f/2.2). Supports 4K@60fps video. 32MP front camera for 1080p video. Features HDR and Night Mode.
   • Fake: Single 5–8MP camera with decorative lenses, producing grainy photos and low-resolution video (e.g., 720p). Lacks OIS, HDR, or 4K recording. Counterfeit cameras often show poor quality in varied lighting.
6. Software:
   • Original: Android 13 with Nothing OS 2, upgradable to Android 15, offering a clean interface, Glyph customization, and 3 years of OS updates plus 4 years of security patches. Supports Google Play Store.
   • Fake: Modified Android OS (e.g., Android 6–8) with a skin mimicking Nothing OS. Lacks Google Play Store, includes malware or bloatware, and offers no updates. Suspicious pre-installed apps are common in counterfeits.
7. Battery and Charging:
   • Original: 4700mAh battery, 45W wired charging (0–100% in 55 minutes), 15W wireless, 5W reverse wireless charging. Uses USB-C.
   • Fake: Smaller battery (e.g., 2000–3000mAh), 5W charging via microUSB or poor USB-C. Short battery life and unsafe chargers. Lacks wireless charging. Counterfeit batteries pose safety risks like overheating.
8. Packaging and Accessories:
   • Original: Premium packaging with clear Nothing branding, matching IMEI/serial numbers, and includes a 45W-compatible USB-C cable (no charger). IMEI verifiable on Nothing’s website or retailer channels.
   • Fake: Packaging with spelling errors, blurry logos, or mismatched IMEI numbers. Accessories are low-quality, and the IMEI may be invalid or cloned. Counterfeit packaging often uses flimsy materials or recycled boxes.

Comparison: Fake Nothing Phone (4) vs. Original Nothing Phone (2)

Key Differences: The Nothing Phone (2) is a premium smartphone with a high-quality OLED display, powerful chipset, and unique Glyph Interface, backed by Nothing’s warranty and software support. The fake Nothing Phone (4) is a non-existent model, likely a low-quality clone with inferior hardware, a fake OS, and security risks, lacking the durability and functionality of the original.

Prices and Where to Buy

Original Nothing Phone (2)

• Price in Kenya: Ksh 70,000–114,999, depending on the retailer and configuration (8GB/256GB at Ksh 70,000; 12GB/256GB at Ksh 114,999).
• Where to Buy:
  • Phone Place Kenya: Ksh 70,000 (12GB/256GB). Link
  • Phones Store Kenya: Ksh 73,000 (12GB/256GB). Link
  • Avechi Kenya: Ksh 71,999 (12GB/256GB). Link
  • Masoko: Ksh 70,000–75,000 (varies by vendor). Link
  • Digital Phones Kenya: Ksh 114,999 (12GB/256GB, listed as “Nothing Phone 4” but likely a mislabeling of Phone (2)). Link
• Availability: Available at authorized retailers and e-commerce platforms like Phone Place Kenya, Avechi, and Masoko. Includes a 1-year warranty. Note that Digital Phones Kenya’s listing for “Nothing Phone (4)” is suspicious and should be verified, as it may refer to the Phone (2).

These retailers ensure genuine Nothing phones with verified authenticity and after-sales support.

Fake Nothing Phone (4)

• Price in Kenya: Ksh 20,000–40,000, often sold on unregulated platforms like Jiji.co.ke, AliExpress, Temu, or through street vendors and Facebook Marketplace. Jiji lists generic “Nothing” phones as low as Ksh 20,000, likely fakes.
• Where to Buy: Specific links are not provided due to the unregulated nature of these sources and the risk of fraud. The ACA warns against buying from street vendors or unverified online sellers, particularly in Nairobi’s Tom Mboya Street, a hub for counterfeit phones.
• Availability: Found in informal markets or online platforms with poor oversight. Listings claiming “Nothing Phone (4)” with unrealistic specs or prices are red flags.

Why People Should Avoid Fake Phones

Purchasing a fake Nothing Phone (4) is risky and offers little value compared to the genuine Nothing Phone (2). The CA and ACA highlight the dangers of counterfeits, and user reports confirm their unreliability. Here’s why consumers should avoid fake phones:

1. Nonexistent Model and Deception:
   • The Nothing Phone (4) doesn’t exist, meaning buyers receive a low-quality clone unrelated to Nothing’s standards. False claims of advanced features like a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 4 mislead consumers.
2. Poor Performance and Reliability:
   • Fake phones use outdated hardware, resulting in slow performance, frequent crashes, and inability to handle basic tasks like browsing or gaming. The Nothing Phone (2)’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 ensures smooth multitasking and 5G connectivity.
3. Security Vulnerabilities:
   • Counterfeits often include pre-installed malware or spyware, compromising personal data like banking details or contacts. The CA notes that untested fakes pose security risks by accessing personal information. The Nothing Phone (2)’s Nothing OS offers regular security updates.
4. Short Lifespan:
   • Fakes use inferior materials, leading to cracked screens, failing buttons, or battery degradation within weeks. The ACA warns of safety hazards like overheating batteries. The Nothing Phone (2)’s Gorilla Glass and IP54 rating ensure durability.
5. No Warranty or Support:
   • Genuine Nothing phones come with a 1-year warranty and support from authorized centers. Fakes offer no warranty, and repairs are impossible due to non-standard parts, as noted by Kenyan repair shops.
6. Financial Loss:
   • Spending Ksh 20,000–40,000 on a fake that fails quickly is a poor investment compared to the Nothing Phone (2)’s long-term value at Ksh 70,000–114,999.
7. Ethical and Legal Concerns:
   • Buying counterfeits supports illegal activities and undermines legitimate businesses. Kenya’s Anti-Counterfeit Act imposes fines or imprisonment for trading in fakes, with the ACA seizing millions in counterfeit phones annually.
8. Lack of Ecosystem Benefits:
   • Fake phones cannot access Nothing OS’s Glyph Interface, customization, or Google Play Store, limiting functionality. The Nothing Phone (2) offers a unique user experience with 3 years of OS updates.

How to Avoid Buying a Fake Nothing Phone (4)

To ensure you’re purchasing a genuine Nothing Phone (2) or other legitimate Nothing models, follow these tips, as recommended by the CA, ACA, and industry insights:

• Buy from Authorized Retailers: Purchase from trusted vendors like Phone Place Kenya, Phones Store Kenya, Avechi, or Masoko. Avoid unregulated platforms like Jiji.co.ke or AliExpress, where fakes are prevalent. Nothing lists authorized resellers at https://nothing.tech/.[](https://www.phoneplacekenya.com/product-category/smartphones/nothing-phones/)[](https://avechi.co.ke/product-category/nothing-phone/)
• Verify the IMEI: Check the IMEI (via *#06# or the box) with the retailer or Nothing’s support to confirm authenticity. It should match the device and identify as “Nothing Phone (2)” or similar, not “Phone (4).” The CA offers free IMEI verification by texting the IMEI to 1555. Invalid or mismatched IMEIs indicate fakes.
• Inspect the Device: Look for a glass front/back (Gorilla Glass), 6.7-inch LTPO OLED, and features like the 50MP dual-camera, Glyph Interface, and Nothing OS 2. Test Google Play Store access, the fingerprint sensor, and 45W charging. Fake phones may have LCD screens, microUSB ports, or non-functional Glyph lights.
• Avoid Unrealistic Deals: Prices below Ksh 70,000 for a Nothing Phone (2) are suspicious, especially on Jiji or AliExpress. Listings claiming “Nothing Phone (4)” with prices like Ksh 20,000–40,000 are red flags.
• Check Seller Reputation: Research the seller’s reviews and ensure they’re an authorized retailer. Avoid unverified sellers on social media or marketplaces, as Tom Mboya Street is a known hub for counterfeits. Be cautious of Digital Phones Kenya’s “Nothing Phone (4)” listing, as it may be a mislabeling or scam.

Conclusion

The Nothing Phone (4) is a fake phone, a counterfeit creation exploiting the popularity of Nothing’s innovative smartphones, particularly the Nothing Phone (2), in Kenya. Priced at Ksh 20,000–40,000, these fakes flood unregulated markets and platforms like Jiji.co.ke, deceiving consumers with low-quality clones that mimic the Phone (2)’s transparent design and Glyph Interface but offer poor performance, security risks, and no official support. The genuine Nothing Phone (2), priced at Ksh 70,000–114,999, delivers a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, and Nothing OS 2, available from trusted retailers like Phone Place Kenya, Avechi, and Masoko. Consumers should avoid fake phones due to their unreliability, malware risks, lack of warranty, and legal implications. By purchasing from authorized sellers and verifying authenticity via IMEI and device features, buyers can enjoy the true Nothing Phone experience and protect their investment.

For a genuine Nothing Phone (2), visit:

• Phone Place Kenya
• Phones Store Kenya
• Avechi Kenya
• Masoko

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