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The Oppppo A38: A Counterfeit Smartphone Flooding the Kenyan Market

Kenya’s smartphone market is a thriving hub, driven by demand for affordable, feature-rich devices from brands like Oppo. However, this popularity has made it a target for counterfeiters, with the “Oppppo A38” emerging as a notable fake phone. This device, with its deliberate misspelling of the Oppo brand, is designed to deceive consumers by mimicking the legitimate Oppo A38, a budget-friendly smartphone launched in September 2023. This article explores why the Oppppo A38 is a counterfeit flooding the Kenyan market, what makes it fake, how it compares to the authentic Oppo A38, their respective prices and purchase locations, and why consumers should avoid fake phones.

The Oppppo A38: A Counterfeit Impostor

The Oppppo A38 is not a product of Oppo, a reputable Chinese brand known for its A, F, and Reno series. Instead, it is a knockoff sold through unverified online marketplaces, street vendors, and informal retail channels in Kenya. The name “Oppppo,” with an extra “p,” is a deliberate attempt to mimic Oppo’s branding while evading legal scrutiny. Listings on platforms like Jiji Kenya advertise these phones at prices significantly below those of genuine Oppo devices, often between KSh 4,000–7,000, compared to the authentic device’s pricing. This counterfeit is part of a broader issue in Kenya, where up to 40% of mobile phones are fake, costing the economy KSh 30 billion annually, according to a 2024 Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) report.

Why the Oppppo A38 Is Fake and Flooding the Kenyan Market

Kenya’s status as East Africa’s largest market for counterfeit goods makes it a prime target for fake phones like the Oppppo A38. High demand for budget smartphones, lax regulatory enforcement, and the proliferation of unregulated online and informal vendors fuel this issue. The CA estimates that 18.87 million to 25.16 million of the 64.67 million mobile devices in Kenya as of September 2023 are counterfeit. The Oppppo A38 exploits the popularity of the Oppo A38, a device praised for its 50MP camera, 5000mAh battery, and 90Hz display, by mimicking its design and advertised specifications. The low price and superficial resemblance to the original lure budget-conscious buyers, particularly in urban centers like Nairobi and Mombasa.

What Makes the Oppppo A38 Fake?

The Oppppo A38 exhibits several hallmarks of a counterfeit device:

1. Fraudulent Branding: The name “Oppppo” is a deliberate misspelling of Oppo, a tactic used by counterfeiters to confuse consumers. Oppo is a registered brand with an official website (oppo.com), while “Oppppo” has no corporate backing or verifiable identity. Packaging may have misspellings or low-quality printing.
2. Substandard Hardware: Despite advertising specs like 4GB RAM, 128GB storage, and a 50MP dual-camera system, the fake device uses low-end components, such as outdated MediaTek MT6580 or Unisoc SC7731 processors and low-resolution LCD displays (e.g., 480p instead of 720p), resulting in sluggish performance and poor visuals.
3. Modified Software: The fake phone typically runs a modified Android operating system (e.g., Android 7 or 9) disguised to resemble Oppo’s ColorOS 13.1 on Android 13. These systems are buggy, lack security updates, and may include pre-installed malware, posing significant security risks. They fail to support Oppo’s software features like Ultra-Volume Mode or 36-month fluency.
4. Inferior Build Quality: Unlike the Oppo A38’s glass front, plastic frame, and IP54 dust/splash-resistant design, measuring 163.7 x 75 x 8.2 mm and weighing 190g, the fake version uses cheap plastic with poor finishing, misaligned ports, and flimsy buttons. Its camera modules are often decorative, with only one functional low-quality lens.
5. False Specifications: Advertised features, such as a 5000mAh battery or 33W SUPERVOOC charging, are exaggerated. The actual battery may be smaller (e.g., 3000–4000mAh), and charging speeds may be limited to 5–10W, with no fast-charging support.
6. Suspiciously Low Prices: The Oppppo A38 is sold at prices far below the legitimate Oppo A38, often between KSh 4,000–7,000, compared to the authentic device’s KSh 17,500–24,000, luring buyers into scams.

These counterfeit devices are typically produced in China and imported or assembled locally, exploiting Kenya’s high demand for budget smartphones. Platforms like Alibaba have been noted for offering “fake phones” for display purposes, highlighting the global scale of this issue.

Comparison: Oppppo A38 vs. Oppo A38

The Oppppo A38 attempts to emulate the Oppo A38, a budget smartphone designed for everyday tasks, photography, and long battery life. Below is a comparison based on available data:

The Oppo A38, as noted by Phone Place Kenya, offers a vibrant 6.56-inch 90Hz IPS LCD, decent performance for light gaming and multitasking with its MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, and a 50MP camera that performs well in good lighting. Its 5000mAh battery with 33W SUPERVOOC charging lasts up to two days and recharges to 50% in 30 minutes. In contrast, the Oppppo A38 delivers a substandard experience, with sluggish performance, poor camera quality, and no software support, making it unreliable for daily use.

Prices and Where to Buy

Oppo A38 (Original)

• Price in Kenya: KSh 17,500–24,000, depending on the variant (4GB RAM + 128GB or 6GB RAM + 128GB) and retailer. Phone Place Kenya lists it at KSh 18,500, Avechi Kenya at KSh 19,699–23,499, and Gadgets Leo at KSh 19,499.
• Where to Buy:
  • Jumia Kenya: Offers genuine Oppo phones with warranties and fast delivery. Jumia Oppo Phones
  • Phone Place Kenya: Specializes in authentic devices with same-day delivery in Nairobi. Phone Place Kenya
  • Gadgets Leo: Provides competitive prices and two-year warranties. Gadgets Leo
  • Avechi Kenya: Offers the Oppo A38 with a one-year warranty. Avechi Kenya

Oppppo A38 (Fake)

• Price in Kenya: KSh 4,000–7,000, reflecting its low quality and lack of authenticity.
• Where to Buy: Found on unverified platforms and informal markets, such as:
  • Jiji Kenya: Lists suspiciously cheap “Oppppo” phones, often from unverified sellers. Jiji Oppo Phones
  • Unverified Jumia Sellers: Some listings for fake devices appear, requiring caution. Jumia Search
  • Street Vendors and Social Media Marketplaces: Common sources for counterfeits, often without warranties or return policies.

Why People Should Avoid Fake Phones Like the Oppppo A38

Purchasing a counterfeit phone like the Oppppo A38 may seem like a cost-saving option, but it comes with significant risks that outweigh the savings:

1. Poor Performance: Fake phones deliver sluggish performance, struggling with basic tasks like browsing or messaging. The Oppppo A38’s low-end hardware and buggy software lead to frequent lags, unlike the Oppo A38’s reliable MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, which handles light gaming and multitasking well.
2. Security Risks: Counterfeit devices often include pre-installed malware or lack security updates, exposing users to data theft, hacking, or financial fraud. The Oppppo A38’s modified Android OS poses significant risks compared to Oppo’s ColorOS 13.1 with 2.5 years of security updates.
3. No Warranty or Support: Unlike the Oppo A38, which comes with a one-year warranty (or two years from some retailers like Gadgets Leo) and customer support, the fake version offers no recourse for malfunctions, leaving buyers with a useless device.
4. Short Lifespan: Fake phones use low-quality components that fail quickly, such as batteries that degrade or screens that crack easily. The Oppo A38’s IP54 dust/splash resistance and sturdy build ensure longer durability, while fakes lack these protections.
5. Safety Hazards: Counterfeit batteries and chargers can overheat, catch fire, or explode, posing health risks. The CA warns that counterfeit phones may expose users to harmful radiation. Authentic Oppo phones undergo rigorous safety testing, which fakes lack.
6. Economic and Ethical Concerns: Buying counterfeits supports illegal trade, costing Kenya KSh 30 billion annually in tax revenue and undermining legitimate manufacturers like Oppo. It also erodes consumer trust in the market.
7. Wasted Investment: The low cost of a fake phone is offset by its poor durability and performance, forcing buyers to replace it sooner. The Oppo A38, with its 5000mAh battery and 33W fast charging, offers better value over time, as noted by ToptrMobile.

To avoid fakes, consumers should:

• Purchase from authorized retailers like Jumia, Phone Place, Gadgets Leo, or Avechi.
• Verify the phone’s IMEI by texting it to 1555, a free CA service, or checking it on Oppo’s website (oppo.com/en/support). A fake device will return no details or mismatched information.
• Be wary of deals from unverified sellers or platforms like Jiji, where fake devices are common. Check for correct branding, original packaging, and ColorOS boot animation to confirm authenticity.

Conclusion

The Oppppo A38 is a counterfeit smartphone flooding the Kenyan market, exploiting the popularity of the Oppo A38 with its fraudulent branding and deceptively low price (KSh 4,000–7,000). Its inferior hardware, modified software, and poor build quality make it a risky purchase compared to the genuine Oppo A38 (KSh 17,500–24,000), which offers a vibrant 90Hz display, reliable MediaTek Helio G85 performance, and a 50MP camera with 33W fast charging. Consumers can find authentic Oppo A38 devices at trusted retailers like Jumia, Phone Place, Gadgets Leo, and Avechi, while fake Oppppo phones are sold through dubious channels like Jiji and street vendors. Avoiding counterfeit phones is crucial to protect personal data, ensure safety, and support legitimate businesses. In Kenya’s dynamic smartphone market, choosing authenticity over deception is the wisest investment for savvy buyers.

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