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The Infinix Note 13 Pro: A Nonexistent Fake Phone Flooding the Kenyan Market

The Infinix Note series, produced by Infinix Mobile, a brand under Transsion Holdings, is popular in Kenya for offering feature-rich smartphones at affordable prices. Models like the Infinix Note 12 and Note 40 series are known for large displays, powerful processors, and impressive cameras. However, a supposed “Infinix Note 13 Pro” has surfaced in the Kenyan market, marketed as a high-end addition to the Note series. As of May 2025, no official documentation from Infinix or its authorized partners confirms the existence of an Infinix Note 13 Pro, indicating that this model is a counterfeit. This article explains why the fake Infinix Note 13 Pro is flooding the Kenyan market, what makes it fake, compares it to the genuine Infinix Note 12 Pro (the closest equivalent in the Note series), provides pricing and purchasing details, and outlines why consumers should avoid fake phones.

Why the Fake Infinix Note 13 Pro Is Flooding the Kenyan Market

The Infinix Note 13 Pro is not an official product from Infinix, which currently offers models like the Note 12, Note 30, and Note 40 series in Kenya. The proliferation of fake Note 13 Pro devices is driven by several factors, as counterfeit phones account for an estimated 30–40% of the market, according to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).

1. Misleading Branding: The “Note 13 Pro” name suggests a next-generation, premium model in the popular Note series, capitalizing on Infinix’s reputation for delivering value. Counterfeiters use this to deceive buyers expecting advanced features at a lower price, leveraging the brand’s recognition in Kenya.
2. High Demand for Affordable Smartphones: The Infinix Note 12 Pro, priced at Ksh 25,000–35,000, offers a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, and a 108MP camera, appealing to budget-conscious consumers. Fake Note 13 Pro models, sold at Ksh 10,000–20,000, target those seeking similar specs at a fraction of the cost.
3. 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.
4. Sophisticated Counterfeiting: Advances in counterfeiting allow fakes to mimic the Note 12 Pro’s design, packaging, and software, often using modified Android OS to resemble Infinix’s XOS. Listings on platforms like AliExpress advertise “replica” Infinix phones, highlighting the scale of this issue.
5. Consumer Price Sensitivity: Kenya’s price-sensitive market makes consumers vulnerable to deals offering “Infinix” phones at steep discounts. Jiji.co.ke listings show “Infinix Note 13 Pro” models as low as Ksh 10,000, far below genuine prices, raising suspicion of counterfeits.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) reports 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 Infinix Note 13 Pro Fake?

The Infinix Note 13 Pro is not listed on Infinix’s official website or by authorized retailers, and speculative listings, such as one from Tripple K Communications, describe unverified specs like a 6.95-inch IPS LCD, MediaTek Helio G98 chipset, and 108MP camera, which are inconsistent with Infinix’s current lineup. The fake Note 13 Pro is likely a generic Android clone designed to resemble the Infinix Note 12 Pro, a popular model in Kenya. Here’s what makes it counterfeit, compared to the genuine Note 12 Pro:

1. Nonexistent Model:
   • Original (Infinix Note 12 Pro): A legitimate smartphone launched in 2022, featuring a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, and a triple 108MP camera system. It runs Android 12 with XOS 10.6 and is available through authorized retailers like Jumia Kenya and Mobile Hub Kenya.
   • Fake (Infinix Note 13 Pro): Not recognized by Infinix or its partners. It’s often a rebranded clone from obscure manufacturers, sold as a premium Infinix model. Claims of features like a Helio G98 or 512GB storage are unverified and implausible, as Infinix’s Note series has not progressed to a “13 Pro.”
2. Build Quality and Materials:
   • Original: Glass front, plastic back and frame, weighing 192g, with a premium design for its price range. Measures 164.4 x 76.5 x 7.9 mm, with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
   • Fake: Cheap plastic body that feels flimsy or lightweight. The Infinix logo may be misaligned or peel off, and the camera module may be poorly fitted. Lacks the sturdy build of the original, with uneven buttons or ports (often microUSB instead of USB-C).
3. Display:
   • Original: 6.7-inch AMOLED, 1080 x 2400 resolution, ~393 PPI, 60Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks.
   • Fake: Low-quality LCD with lower resolution (e.g., 720p), washed-out colors, and no AMOLED technology. May have visible pixelation or uneven backlighting, a common trait in counterfeits.
4. Hardware and Performance:
   • Original: MediaTek Helio G99 (6nm), octa-core CPU (2×2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 + 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55), Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, with 8GB RAM and 128GB/256GB storage (UFS 2.2, expandable via microSD up to 2TB). Scores ~370,000 on AnTuTu, supporting moderate gaming and multitasking.
   • Fake: Outdated chipsets like MediaTek MT6580, with 1–2GB RAM and 8–16GB storage. Sluggish performance, frequent crashes, and often limited to 2G/3G. Expandable storage is typically absent or non-functional.
5. Camera Quality:
   • Original: Triple rear camera: 108MP wide (f/1.8, PDAF), 2MP macro (f/2.4), 2MP depth (f/2.4). Supports 1440p@30fps video. 16MP front camera for 1080p video. Features Night Mode and AI enhancements.
   • Fake: Single 5–8MP camera with decorative lenses, producing grainy photos and low-resolution video (e.g., 720p). Lacks PDAF, Night Mode, or high-resolution capabilities. Front camera is low quality, often 2–5MP.
6. Software:
   • Original: Android 12 with XOS 10.6, offering a user-friendly interface, Dar-link 2.0 for gaming optimization, and Huawei AppGallery-like alternatives due to limited Google Play Services in some regions. Receives periodic updates.
   • Fake: Modified Android OS (e.g., Android 6–8) with a skin mimicking XOS. Lacks Google Play Store or Infinix’s app ecosystem, includes malware or bloatware, and offers no updates. Pre-installed apps may pose security risks, as noted in user complaints about fake Infinix devices.
7. Battery and Charging:
   • Original: 5000mAh battery, 33W fast charging (0–100% in ~70 minutes), USB-C with OTG support. Offers 1–2 days of moderate use.
   • Fake: Smaller battery (e.g., 2000–3000mAh), 5W charging via microUSB or poor USB-C. Short battery life and unsafe chargers. Counterfeit batteries pose safety risks like overheating, as warned by the ACA.
8. Packaging and Accessories:
   • Original: Official Infinix packaging with clear branding, matching IMEI/serial numbers, and includes a 33W charger, USB-C cable, and case. IMEI verifiable on Infinix’s verification platform (https://www.infinixmobility.com/verify) by entering the IMEI and VC number.
   • Fake: Packaging with spelling errors, blurry logos, or mismatched IMEI numbers. Accessories are low-quality, and the IMEI may be invalid or cloned, failing verification. Some fakes use recycled Infinix boxes to appear authentic.

Comparison: Fake Infinix Note 13 Pro vs. Original Infinix Note 12 Pro

Key Differences: The Infinix Note 12 Pro is a legitimate mid-range smartphone with a high-quality AMOLED display, powerful chipset, and versatile camera system, backed by Infinix’s warranty and software support. The fake Infinix Note 13 Pro is a non-existent model, typically a low-quality Android clone with inferior hardware, a fake OS, and security risks, lacking the durability and functionality of the original.

Prices and Where to Buy

Original Infinix Note 12 Pro

• Price in Kenya: Ksh 25,000–35,000, depending on RAM/storage and retailer.
  • Phone Place Kenya: Ksh 29,999 (8GB/256GB).
  • Jumia Kenya: Ksh 28,999–32,000.
  • Mobile Hub Kenya: Ksh 30,500 (8GB/256GB).
  • Gadgets Leo Kenya: Ksh 27,999 (8GB/128GB).
  • Phone Price Kenya: Ksh 25,000–30,000.
• Where to Buy:
  • Phone Place Kenya
  • Jumia Kenya
  • Mobile Hub Kenya
  • Gadgets Leo Kenya
  • Phone Price Kenya
• Availability: Available at authorized Infinix retailers, Safaricom shops, and reputable e-commerce platforms like Jumia and Mobile Hub Kenya. Includes a 1-year warranty.

Fake Infinix Note 13 Pro

• Price in Kenya: Ksh 10,000–20,000, often sold on unregulated platforms like Jiji.co.ke, AliExpress, Temu, or through street vendors and Facebook Marketplace. Jiji lists “Infinix Note 13 Pro” models as low as Ksh 10,000, but these are 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. Buyers should avoid these sources, as authenticity cannot be guaranteed.

Why People Should Avoid Fake Phones

Purchasing a fake Infinix Note 13 Pro is risky and offers little value compared to the genuine Infinix Note 12 Pro. The CA, ACA, and user reports highlight the dangers of counterfeits, with Infinix itself warning about fake models like the GT 20 Pro. Here’s why consumers should avoid fake phones:

1. Nonexistent Model and Deception:
   • The Infinix Note 13 Pro doesn’t exist, meaning buyers receive a low-quality clone unrelated to Infinix’s standards. False claims of premium features like a 108MP camera or 512GB storage mislead consumers.
2. Poor Performance and Reliability:
   • Fake phones use outdated hardware, resulting in slow performance, crashes, and inability to handle tasks like browsing or gaming. The Note 12 Pro’s Helio G99 ensures smooth multitasking and moderate gaming, unmatched by clones. User complaints about slow Infinix phones often point to fakes.
3. Security Vulnerabilities:
   • Counterfeits often include malware or spyware, compromising personal data like banking details or contacts. The CA warns that untested fakes pose security risks by accessing personal information. The Note 12 Pro’s XOS, while occasionally bloated, is secure with 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 Note 12 Pro’s robust build ensures durability.
5. No Warranty or Support:
   • Genuine Infinix phones come with a 1-year warranty and support from authorized centers, as offered by retailers like Jumia Kenya. Fakes offer no warranty, and repairs are impossible due to non-standard parts, as noted by Kenyan repair shops.
6. Financial Loss:
   • Spending Ksh 10,000–20,000 on a fake that fails quickly is a poor investment compared to the Note 12 Pro’s long-term value at Ksh 25,000–35,000, which offers reliable performance and durability.
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, costing Ksh 30 billion in tax evasion.
8. Lack of Ecosystem Benefits:
   • Fake phones cannot access Infinix’s XOS features like Dar-link 2.0 or the brand’s app ecosystem, limiting functionality. The Note 12 Pro supports Infinix’s optimized software and expandable storage up to 2TB.

How to Avoid Buying a Fake Infinix Note 13 Pro

To ensure you’re purchasing a genuine Infinix Note 12 Pro (not a fake Note 13 Pro), follow these tips, as recommended by Infinix, the CA, and the ACA:

• Buy from Authorized Retailers: Purchase from trusted vendors like Phone Place Kenya, Jumia Kenya, Mobile Hub Kenya, Gadgets Leo, or Phone Price Kenya. Avoid unregulated platforms like Jiji.co.ke or AliExpress, where fakes are prevalent. Infinix lists authorized resellers at https://www.infinixmobility.com/.[](https://www.jumia.co.ke/infinix/)[](https://www.mobilehub.co.ke/phones-in-kenya/infinix-smartphones-price-kenya/)[](https://www.mobilehub.co.ke/product-brands/infinix-phones-for-sale-in-kenya/)
• Verify the IMEI and VC Number: Check the IMEI (via *#06# or the box) and VC number (on the battery or phone) on Infinix’s verification platform (https://www.infinixmobility.com/verify). The CA offers free IMEI verification by texting the IMEI to 1555. Invalid or mismatched details indicate fakes. Sophisticated counterfeiters may duplicate IMEIs, so test Infinix-specific features like XOS.
• Inspect the Device: Look for a glass front, 6.7-inch AMOLED display, and features like the 108MP triple-camera, 4G connectivity, and XOS 10.6. Test Google Play Store (or Huawei AppGallery in some regions), the fingerprint sensor, and 33W charging. Fake phones may have LCD screens, microUSB ports, or non-functional features like fake camera lenses.
• Avoid Unrealistic Deals: Prices below Ksh 25,000 for a Note 12 Pro 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’re an authorized Infinix reseller. Avoid unverified sellers on social media or marketplaces, as Tom Mboya Street is a known hub for counterfeits in Nairobi. PigiaMe advises checking seller reputation and warranty details.

Conclusion

The Infinix Note 13 Pro is a nonexistent phone, a counterfeit creation exploiting the popularity of Infinix’s Note series, particularly the genuine Infinix Note 12 Pro, a mid-range smartphone known for its AMOLED display and 108MP camera. These fakes, priced at Ksh 10,000–20,000, flood Kenya’s unregulated markets and platforms like Jiji.co.ke, deceiving consumers with low-quality Android clones that offer poor performance, security risks, and no Infinix support. The genuine Note 12 Pro, priced at Ksh 25,000–35,000, delivers reliable performance and durability, available from trusted retailers like Phone Place Kenya, Jumia Kenya, and Mobile Hub Kenya. 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, VC number, and Infinix-specific features, buyers can secure the true Infinix Note 12 Pro experience and protect their investment.

For a genuine Infinix Note 12 Pro, visit:

• Phone Place Kenya
• Jumia Kenya
• Mobile Hub Kenya
• Gadgets Leo Kenya
• Phone Price Kenya

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