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The Infinnix Smart 7 Plus: A Counterfeit Smartphone Flooding the Kenyan Market

Kenya’s smartphone market is a vibrant hub, driven by demand for affordable, feature-packed devices from brands like Infinix. However, this popularity has made it a target for counterfeiters, with the “Infinnix Smart 7 Plus” emerging as a notable fake phone. This device, with its deliberate misspelling of the Infinix brand, is designed to deceive consumers by mimicking the legitimate Infinix Smart 7 Plus, a budget-friendly smartphone launched in February 2023. This article explores why the Infinnix Smart 7 Plus is a counterfeit flooding the Kenyan market, what makes it fake, how it compares to the authentic Infinix Smart 7 Plus, their respective prices and purchase locations, and why consumers should avoid fake phones.

The Infinnix Smart 7 Plus: A Counterfeit Impostor

The Infinnix Smart 7 Plus is not a product of Infinix, a reputable Hong Kong-based brand known for its Hot, Note, and Smart series. Instead, it is a knockoff sold through unverified online marketplaces, street vendors, and informal retail channels in Kenya. The name “Infinnix,” with an extra “n,” is a deliberate attempt to mimic Infinix’s branding while evading legal scrutiny. Listings on platforms like Jiji Kenya advertise these phones at prices significantly below those of genuine Infinix 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. Infinix Philippines has issued warnings about fake phones, such as the Smart 8, noting their prevalence in physical and online stores, a trend mirrored in Kenya.

Why the Infinnix Smart 7 Plus 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 Infinnix Smart 7 Plus. 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 Infinnix Smart 7 Plus exploits the popularity of the Infinix Smart 7 Plus, a device praised for its 6000mAh battery, 6.6-inch display, and affordability, 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. Infinix has noted that fake versions of models like the Smart 8 lack proper branding on packaging and have smaller boxes, a tactic likely used for the Infinnix Smart 7 Plus.

What Makes the Infinnix Smart 7 Plus Fake?

The Infinnix Smart 7 Plus exhibits several hallmarks of a counterfeit device:

1. Fraudulent Branding: The name “Infinnix” is a deliberate misspelling of Infinix, a tactic used by counterfeiters to confuse consumers. Infinix is a registered brand with an official website (infinixmobility.com), while “Infinnix” has no corporate backing or verifiable identity. Packaging may lack the Infinix logo or have misspellings, as noted in Infinix’s advisory on fake Smart 8 phones.
2. Substandard Hardware: Despite advertising specs like 3GB RAM, 64GB storage, and a 13MP dual-camera system, the fake device uses low-end components, such as outdated MediaTek MT6580 or Unisoc SC7731 processors and low-resolution LCD displays, 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 Infinix’s XOS 12 on Android 12 Go Edition. These systems are buggy, lack security updates, and may include pre-installed malware, posing significant security risks. They fail to support Infinix’s software features like Dar-Link gaming optimization.
4. Inferior Build Quality: Unlike the Infinix Smart 7 Plus’s sturdy plastic body, glass front, and dimensions of 164.2 x 75.6 x 9.4 mm, 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 6000mAh battery or 10W charging, are exaggerated. The actual battery may be smaller (e.g., 3000–4000mAh), and charging speeds may be limited to 5W. The fake lacks features like the rear-mounted fingerprint scanner or Face Unlock.
6. Suspiciously Low Prices: The Infinnix Smart 7 Plus is sold at prices far below the legitimate Infinix Smart 7 Plus, often between KSh 4,000–7,000, compared to the authentic device’s KSh 11,799–14,900, 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. Infinix’s advisory emphasizes checking for authentic branding and packaging to avoid fakes, a critical step for consumers in Kenya.

Comparison: Infinnix Smart 7 Plus vs. Infinix Smart 7 Plus

The Infinnix Smart 7 Plus attempts to emulate the Infinix Smart 7 Plus, a budget smartphone designed for basic tasks, long battery life, and affordability. Below is a comparison based on available data:

The Infinix Smart 7 Plus, as noted by Phone Place Kenya, offers a reliable experience for basic tasks like browsing, messaging, and light multimedia, with a 6000mAh battery lasting up to two days and a 6.6-inch IPS LCD for decent viewing. Its Unisoc SC9863A1 processor handles daily tasks adequately, though it’s not suited for heavy gaming. In contrast, the Infinnix Smart 7 Plus 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

Infinix Smart 7 Plus (Original)

• Price in Kenya: KSh 11,799–14,900 (3GB RAM + 64GB storage), depending on the retailer and promotions. Avechi Kenya lists it at KSh 11,799, while Phone Place Kenya offers it for KSh 14,900.
• Where to Buy:
  • Jumia Kenya: Offers genuine Infinix phones with warranties and fast delivery. Jumia Infinix Smart 7 Plus
  • Phone Place Kenya: Specializes in authentic devices with same-day delivery in Nairobi. Phone Place Kenya
  • Gadgets Leo: Lists the Smart 7 Plus at KSh 13,499 with free delivery in Nairobi. Gadgets Leo
  • Avechi Kenya: Offers competitive prices and a one-year warranty. Avechi Kenya

Infinnix Smart 7 Plus (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 “Infinnix” phones, often from unverified sellers, starting at KSh 8,000. Jiji Infinix 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 Infinnix Smart 7 Plus

Purchasing a counterfeit phone like the Infinnix Smart 7 Plus 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 Infinnix Smart 7 Plus’s low-end hardware and buggy software lead to frequent lags, unlike the authentic model’s Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset, which handles daily tasks adequately.
2. Security Risks: Counterfeit devices often include pre-installed malware or lack security updates, exposing users to data theft, hacking, or financial fraud. The Infinnix Smart 7 Plus’s modified Android OS poses significant risks compared to Infinix’s XOS 12 with two years of security updates.
3. No Warranty or Support: Unlike the Infinix Smart 7 Plus, which comes with a one-year warranty and customer support from authorized retailers, 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 authentic Infinix Smart 7 Plus’s 6000mAh battery and sturdy build ensure longer durability, lasting up to two days on a single charge.
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 Infinix 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 Infinix, which invests in affordable, quality devices. 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 Infinix Smart 7 Plus, with its reliable performance and long battery life, offers better value over time, as noted by Gadgets Leo.

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 Infinix’s website (infinixmobility.com/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. Infinix’s advisory suggests checking for proper branding on the box and device, ensuring the Infinix logo is present and the packaging matches official designs.

Conclusion

The Infinnix Smart 7 Plus is a counterfeit smartphone flooding the Kenyan market, exploiting the popularity of the Infinix Smart 7 Plus 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 Infinix Smart 7 Plus (KSh 11,799–14,900), which offers a reliable 6.6-inch display, 6000mAh battery, and Unisoc SC9863A1 processor. Consumers can find authentic Infinix Smart 7 Plus devices at trusted retailers like Jumia, Phone Place, Gadgets Leo, and Avechi, while fake Infinnix 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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