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

The Infinix Hot 13 Pro is being marketed as a high-performance, budget-friendly smartphone in Kenya, purportedly part of Infinix Mobile’s popular Hot series, known for delivering feature-packed devices at affordable prices. However, the Infinix Hot 13 Pro is not a legitimate model in Infinix’s official lineup, which includes models like the Infinix Hot 12, Hot 30, and Hot 40 series, but no Hot 13 or Hot 13 Pro as of May 2025. Instead, it is a counterfeit device designed to exploit Infinix’s growing popularity and deceive consumers seeking value-driven smartphones. These fake phones, often misspelled as “Infinnix Hot 13 Pro” in listings, are flooding Kenya’s unregulated markets, capitalizing on the demand for Infinix’s stylish designs and competitive pricing. This article explains why the Infinix Hot 13 Pro is a fake phone, what makes it counterfeit, compares it to the genuine Infinix Hot 40 Pro (a likely emulated model due to its recent release and similar market positioning), provides pricing and purchasing details for the genuine device, and outlines why consumers should avoid fake phones.

Why the Infinix Hot 13 Pro Is a Fake Phone Flooding the Kenyan Market

The Infinix Hot 13 Pro does not exist in Infinix Mobile’s official product catalog. Infinix, a subsidiary of Transsion Holdings, is a leading smartphone brand in Kenya, known for models like the Hot 30, Hot 40, Note 40, and Zero series. The absence of the Hot 13 Pro on Infinix’s official website and authorized retailers confirms its status as a counterfeit. The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) estimates that 30–40% of mobile phones in Kenya are counterfeit, with popular brands like Infinix being prime targets due to their market dominance. Several factors contribute to the proliferation of fake Infinix Hot 13 Pro phones:

1. Non-Existent Model Exploiting Brand Popularity: The “Hot 13 Pro” name mimics Infinix’s Hot series, which includes models like the Hot 12 and Hot 40, known for their vibrant displays and budget-friendly prices. Counterfeiters invent names to deceive buyers, as noted in a 2016 Infinix Authority article on verifying Infinix authenticity. Misspellings like “Infinnix” in listings are a common giveaway.
2. Unregulated Market Channels: Informal markets, street vendors, and online platforms like Jiji.co.ke, AliExpress, and Temu lack oversight, enabling counterfeit sales. Nairobi’s Tom Mboya Street and Luthuli Avenue are notorious hubs for fake phones, with a 2019 Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) raid seizing Ksh 10 million in counterfeit Samsung phones. Social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace also facilitate scams, as highlighted in a 2020 Techish Kenya article.
3. Infinix’s Market Dominance: Infinix’s focus on affordability and youth-oriented features, as outlined in a 2023 PigiaMe article, has made it a top brand in Kenya. This trust makes fictitious models like the Hot 13 Pro attractive to counterfeiters, as consumers are less likely to suspect fakes bearing the Infinix logo.
4. Sophisticated Counterfeiting Techniques: Advances in counterfeiting allow fakes to replicate the design of recent Infinix models like the Hot 40 Pro, including its 6.78-inch display, plastic frame, and XOS interface, often using modified Android OS. Listings on platforms like Alibaba.com describe fake phones mimicking Infinix designs, a tactic likely used for Hot series clones.
5. Consumer Price Sensitivity: Kenya’s price-sensitive market makes consumers vulnerable to deals offering “Infinix” phones at steep discounts. Fake Hot 13 Pro models are sold for Ksh 8,000–15,000, far below the genuine Hot 40 Pro’s price of Ksh 25,999–31,999, as reported by Avechi Kenya. The ACA notes that 49.6% of consumers buy counterfeits due to affordability.

The ACA estimates that counterfeits cost Kenya’s economy Ksh 30 billion annually, with mobile phones accounting for 51.8% of counterfeit goods.

What Makes the Infinix Hot 13 Pro Fake?

The Infinix Hot 13 Pro is a counterfeit device that likely imitates the Infinix Hot 40 Pro, a legitimate mid-range smartphone launched in December 2023. Since no official specifications exist for the Hot 13 Pro, its characteristics are inferred from common traits of counterfeit phones mimicking budget models, as described in sources like Android Authority and Infinix Authority. Here’s what distinguishes the fake Hot 13 Pro from the genuine Hot 40 Pro:

1. Non-Existent Model:
   • Original Infinix Hot 40 Pro: A legitimate Infinix product with a 6.78-inch IPS LCD display (120Hz), MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, and 108MP dual-camera system, running Android 13 with XOS 13.5, available in colors like Palm Blue and Horizon Gold, as per Phone Place Kenya.
   • Fake Infinix Hot 13 Pro: No such model exists in Infinix’s lineup. Counterfeiters invent names like “Hot 13 Pro” to suggest a newer, premium model, as noted in a 2020 Techish Kenya article on fake phones altering naming schemes. Listings on Jiji.co.ke advertise “Infinnix Hot 13 Pro” with specs mimicking the Hot 40 Pro.
2. Build Quality and Materials:
   • Original: Features a glass front, plastic frame, and plastic back with a textured finish, weighing 199g and measuring 168.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm. Offers IP53 dust/splash resistance, as per Avechi Kenya.
   • Fake: Uses cheap, flimsy plastic with uneven seams or misaligned logos. Lacks IP53 rating, with loose buttons or poor-quality ports (e.g., microUSB instead of USB-C). A 2024 Android Authority article warns of counterfeit phones with substandard materials.
3. Display:
   • Original: 6.78-inch IPS LCD, 1080 x 2460 resolution, ~396 PPI, 120Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness, offering smooth visuals, as per Phone Place Kenya.
   • Fake: Low-quality LCD with lower resolution (e.g., 720p), washed-out colors, and no 120Hz support. Shows pixelation or uneven backlighting, as noted in a 2024 NSYS Group guide.
4. Hardware and Performance:
   • Original: Powered by 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 (expandable via microSDXC). Scores ~400,000 on AnTuTu, supporting 4G and gaming, as per Mobile Hub Kenya.
   • Fake: Uses outdated chipsets like MediaTek MT6580, with 1–2GB RAM and 8–16GB storage. Sluggish performance, frequent crashes, and limited to 2G/3G, lacking 4G. A 2025 XDA Forums post highlights fake phones with low-end hardware.
5. Camera Quality:
   • Original: Dual rear camera: 108MP wide (f/1.8, PDAF) + 2MP macro (f/2.4), with Quad-LED flash, supporting 1440p@30fps video. 32MP front camera for selfies, as per Phone Place Kenya.
   • Fake: Single 5–8MP camera with decorative lenses, producing grainy photos and 720p video. Lacks PDAF or macro capabilities, as noted in a 2024 Android Authority article.
6. Software:
   • Original: Runs Android 13 with XOS 13.5, offering a smooth interface, AI features, and pre-installed apps like XClub. Supports Google Play Store and periodic updates, as per GSMArena.
   • Fake: Modified Android OS (e.g., Android 6–8) with a skin mimicking XOS. Lacks Google Play Store, includes malware or bloatware, and offers no updates. A 2020 Techish Kenya article notes fake phones may send data to manufacturers.
7. Battery and Charging:
   • Original: 5000mAh battery, 33W fast charging, USB-C 2.0, offering 1–2 days of moderate use, as per Phone Place Kenya.
   • Fake: Smaller battery (e.g., 2000–3000mAh), 5W charging via microUSB or poor USB-C. Short battery life and unsafe chargers, often with unregistered batteries posing risks like overheating, as warned by the ACA.
8. Packaging and Accessories:
   • Original: Official Infinix packaging with clear branding, tamper-proof seals, matching IMEI/serial numbers, and includes a 33W charger, USB-C cable, and case. IMEI verifiable via Infinix’s verification platform (https://www.infinixmobility.com/warranty/), as per Infinix Authority.
   • Fake: Packaging may have spelling errors (e.g., “Infinnix”), blurry logos, or mismatched IMEI numbers. Accessories are low-quality, and the IMEI may be invalid or cloned, as noted in a 2024 NSYS Group article.

Comparison: Fake Infinix Hot 13 Pro vs. Original Infinix Hot 40 Pro and Xiaomi Redmi 12

The fake Infinix Hot 13 Pro likely imitates the Infinix Hot 40 Pro, a legitimate mid-range smartphone, but its specs may align with other budget 4G phones like the Xiaomi Redmi 12, which counterfeiters may emulate to create convincing clones. Below is a comparison of the fake Hot 13 Pro, the genuine Hot 40 Pro, and the Redmi 12 as a reference for a comparable device.

Key Differences:

• The original Infinix Hot 40 Pro is a budget-friendly mid-range smartphone with a 6.78-inch 120Hz IPS LCD, Helio G99 chipset, and 108MP camera, offering reliable 4G performance and a premium design. It’s backed by Infinix’s warranty and XOS updates, as per Phone Place Kenya.
• The fake Infinix Hot 13 Pro is a non-existent model using low-quality components, a modified Android OS, and no Infinix support, posing security and performance risks. Its deceptive design mimics the Hot 40 Pro but fails to deliver, as noted in a 2016 Infinix Authority article.
• The Xiaomi Redmi 12, a legitimate budget 4G phone, offers a 50MP triple-camera, Helio G88 chipset, and 90Hz IPS LCD. It has a lower-resolution camera than the Hot 40 Pro but provides genuine performance, warranty, and MIUI updates, unlike the counterfeit, per Mobile Hub Kenya.

Prices and Where to Buy

To avoid counterfeits, buy from authorized retailers and verify IMEI via the CA’s 1555 service or Infinix’s verification platform (https://www.infinixmobility.com/warranty/). Fake Infinix phones are prevalent in Kenya, with a 2016 Infinix Authority article emphasizing the importance of verification to combat counterfeits.

Original Infinix Hot 40 Pro

• Price in Kenya: Ksh 25,999–31,999, depending on RAM/storage and retailer.
  • Phone Place Kenya: Ksh 25,999 (8GB/128GB). Link
  • Phones Store Kenya: Ksh 28,000 (8GB/256GB). Link
  • Jumia Kenya: Ksh 29,999 (8GB/256GB). Link
  • Avechi Kenya: Ksh 31,999 (8GB/256GB). Link
• Availability: Available at authorized Infinix retailers, Safaricom shops, and e-commerce platforms like Jumia and Avechi. Includes a 1-year warranty.

Xiaomi Redmi 12

• Price in Kenya: Ksh 18,000–22,000, depending on RAM/storage and retailer.
  • Mobile Hub Kenya: Ksh 18,000 (4GB/128GB). Link
  • Phones Store Kenya: Ksh 19,500 (8GB/128GB). Link
  • Jumia Kenya: Ksh 21,999 (8GB/256GB). Link
  • Avechi Kenya: Ksh 20,999 (8GB/256GB). Link
• Availability: Available at authorized Xiaomi retailers and e-commerce platforms like Mobile Hub and Jumia. Includes a 1-year warranty.

Fake Infinix Hot 13 Pro

• Price in Kenya: Ksh 8,000–15,000, often sold on unregulated platforms like Jiji.co.ke, AliExpress, Temu, or through street vendors and Facebook Marketplace. Jiji listings show “Infinnix Hot 13 Pro” models at suspiciously low prices, indicating 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 Tom Mboya Street or Luthuli Avenue.
• 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 Hot 13 Pro is risky and offers little value compared to the genuine Infinix Hot 40 Pro or alternatives like the Xiaomi Redmi 12. The CA, ACA, and industry reports highlight the dangers of counterfeits, with a 2020 Citizen Digital article noting mobile phones as the most counterfeited goods in Kenya. Here’s why consumers should avoid fake phones:

1. Poor Performance and Reliability:
   • Fake phones use low-end hardware (e.g., MediaTek MT6580 vs. Helio G99), resulting in slow performance, crashes, and inability to handle tasks like gaming or multitasking. The Hot 40 Pro’s 108MP camera and the Redmi 12’s Helio G88 deliver reliable performance, unmatched by clones, as per Phone Place Kenya.
2. Security Vulnerabilities:
   • Counterfeits often include malware or spyware, compromising personal data like banking details or contacts. A 2020 Techish Kenya article warns that fake phones may send data to manufacturers, posing security risks. Genuine devices use XOS or MIUI with security updates.
3. 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, which may emit harmful radiation. The Hot 40 Pro’s IP53 rating and the Redmi 12’s robust build ensure durability.
4. No Warranty or Support:
   • Genuine Infinix and Xiaomi phones come with a 1-year warranty and support from authorized retailers like Phones Store Kenya and Jumia. Fakes offer no warranty, and repairs are impossible due to non-standard parts, as noted in a 2016 Infinix Authority article.
5. Financial Loss:
   • Spending Ksh 8,000–15,000 on a fake that fails quickly is a poor investment compared to the Hot 40 Pro’s value at Ksh 25,999–31,999 or the Redmi 12’s at Ksh 18,000–22,000, which offer lasting performance.
6. Lack of Ecosystem Benefits:
   • Fake phones cannot utilize XOS features like AI enhancements or MIUI features like customizable interfaces. The Hot 40 Pro supports 1440p video and 4G, while the Redmi 12 offers a triple-camera and faster refresh rate, unavailable in fakes, as per Mobile Hub Kenya.
7. Ethical and Legal Concerns:
   • Buying counterfeits supports illegal activities and undermines legitimate businesses. Kenya’s Anti-Counterfeit Act imposes penalties, including up to 5 years imprisonment or fines three times the retail value of goods for first offenders. The ACA’s 2019 seizure of Ksh 10 million in fake Samsung phones underscores the scale of illicit trade.

How to Avoid Buying a Fake Infinix Hot 13 Pro

To ensure you’re purchasing a genuine Infinix Hot 40 Pro or Xiaomi Redmi 12, follow these tips, as recommended by Infinix, Xiaomi, the CA, and industry guides:

• Buy from Authorized Retailers: Purchase from trusted vendors like Phone Place Kenya, Phones Store Kenya, Jumia Kenya, or Avechi for Infinix, and Mobile Hub or Jumia for Xiaomi. Avoid unregulated platforms like Jiji.co.ke, Temu, or unverified AliExpress sellers, where fakes are prevalent, as warned in a 2024 Android Authority article. Infinix’s website and Xiaomi’s (https://www.mi.com/global/) list authorized resellers.
• Verify the IMEI: Check the IMEI (via *#06# or the box) through Infinix’s verification platform (https://www.infinixmobility.com/warranty/) or Xiaomi’s support portal. The CA offers free IMEI verification by texting the IMEI to 1555, confirming the make and model as “Infinix Hot 40 Pro” or “Xiaomi Redmi 12.” Invalid or cloned IMEIs indicate fakes, as per a 2016 Infinix Authority article.
• Inspect the Device: For the Hot 40 Pro, look for a glass front, 6.78-inch 120Hz IPS LCD, functional 108MP camera, and XOS 13.5 with Google Play Store. For the Redmi 12, check for a 6.79-inch 90Hz IPS LCD, 50MP camera, and MIUI 14. Test Google Play Store access, XOS AI features (Infinix), or MIUI customization (Xiaomi), and USB-C ports. Fake phones may have low-resolution LCDs, microUSB ports, or generic Android apps, as noted in a 2024 NSYS Group article.
• Check Packaging: Genuine Infinix packaging has tamper-proof seals and clear branding, while Xiaomi’s includes security codes. Fakes have flimsy boxes with misspellings (e.g., “Infinnix”) or blurry logos, as per a 2024 NSYS Group article.
• Avoid Unrealistic Deals: Prices below Ksh 25,999 for the Hot 40 Pro or Ksh 18,000 for the Redmi 12 are suspicious, especially on Jiji or AliExpress. A 2023 Phone Place Kenya listing confirms the Hot 40 Pro’s price at Ksh 25,999.
• Check Seller Reputation: Research the seller’s reviews and ensure they’re an authorized reseller. Avoid unverified sellers on social media or marketplaces, as Tom Mboya Street is a known hub for counterfeits, per a 2020 Afritechmedia article.

Conclusion

The Infinix Hot 13 Pro is a fictitious phone flooding Kenya’s unregulated markets, masquerading as a legitimate Infinix device to exploit the brand’s popularity in the budget smartphone segment. These counterfeit devices, sold for Ksh 8,000–15,000, use low-quality components, modified Android OS, and deceptive designs to mimic genuine models like the Infinix Hot 40 Pro, priced at Ksh 25,999–31,999, or comparable alternatives like the Xiaomi Redmi 12, priced at Ksh 18,000–22,000. Fakes deliver poor performance, security risks, and a short lifespan, unlike genuine devices available from trusted retailers like Phone Place Kenya, Jumia Kenya, and Avechi Kenya. Consumers should avoid fake phones due to their unreliability, malware risks, lack of warranty, and legal implications, as highlighted by the CA and ACA. By purchasing from authorized sellers and verifying authenticity via IMEI and device features, buyers can enjoy the true Infinix Hot 40 Pro or Redmi 12 experience and protect their investment.

For a genuine Infinix Hot 40 Pro, visit:

• Phone Place Kenya
• Phones Store Kenya
• Jumia Kenya
• Avechi Kenya

For a genuine Xiaomi Redmi 12, visit:

• Mobile Hub Kenya
• Phones Store Kenya
• Jumia Kenya
• Avechi Kenya

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