NOMA NTV THURSDAY 22ND APRIL 2025 FULL EPISODE

The Sammsong Galaxy S24 Plus: A Counterfeit Menace in Kenya’s Smartphone Market

Kenya’s smartphone market is thriving, driven by demand for affordable, high-quality devices. However, this demand has attracted counterfeit phones like the Sammsong Galaxy S24 Plus, a fake device mimicking the popular Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus. This article explores why the Sammsong Galaxy S24 Plus is a counterfeit flooding the Kenyan market, what distinguishes it as fake, how it compares to the genuine Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, their respective prices and purchase locations, and why consumers should avoid fake phones.

Why the Sammsong Galaxy S24 Plus Is a Fake Phone

The Sammsong Galaxy S24 Plus is not a legitimate product from Samsung, a leading global smartphone manufacturer. The deliberate misspelling of “Samsung” as “Sammsong” is a clear indicator of its counterfeit nature. Kenya’s market has long been a target for fake phones, with up to 40% of devices in circulation potentially counterfeit, costing the economy billions in tax evasion and lost revenue. The Sammsong Galaxy S24 Plus exploits the popularity of Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series, deceiving buyers with its low price and superficial resemblance to the real device, particularly in informal markets and online platforms.

What Makes the Sammsong Galaxy S24 Plus Fake?

Several characteristics mark the Sammsong Galaxy S24 Plus as a counterfeit:

  1. Misleading Branding: The name “Sammsong” mimics Samsung’s branding, often using similar logos and fonts to confuse buyers. The packaging may include misspellings or low-quality printing, unlike Samsung’s professional packaging.
  2. Inferior Build Quality: The fake phone copies the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus’s design, such as its flat frame and triple-camera layout, but uses cheap plastic instead of Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and aluminum. It lacks the IP68 water and dust resistance of the genuine model.
  3. Substandard Hardware: The Sammsong Galaxy S24 Plus typically features low-end components, such as outdated MediaTek processors (e.g., MT6580), low-resolution LCD displays, and poor-quality cameras that produce blurry images, unlike the high-performance Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Exynos 2400 in the real device.
  4. Software Issues: The counterfeit runs a modified or outdated Android version, often Android 10 or 11, with a poorly replicated One UI skin. It may include bloatware or malware, posing security risks. The genuine Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus runs Android 14 with One UI 6.1, supported by seven years of updates.
  5. Invalid IMEI: Counterfeit phones often have invalid or mismatched IMEI numbers. In Kenya, consumers can verify authenticity by texting the IMEI (obtained by dialing *#06#) to 1555, as provided by the Communications Authority (CA). An invalid IMEI confirms the device is fake.
  6. Poor Accessories: The Sammsong Galaxy S24 Plus comes with low-quality chargers and cables, often missing Samsung’s branding, and lacks the durability of genuine accessories.

Comparison with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus

The Sammsong Galaxy S24 Plus attempts to emulate the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, a premium smartphone launched in January 2024. Below is a comparison:

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S24 PlusSammsong Galaxy S24 Plus
Display6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, QHD+ (3120×1440)6.7-inch LCD or low-quality AMOLED, 60Hz
ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3 / Exynos 2400 (4nm)Generic MediaTek (e.g., MT6580)
Camera50MP main + 12MP ultra-wide + 10MP telephoto, 8K video13–32MP, poor quality, limited functionality
Operating SystemAndroid 14, One UI 6.1, 7 years of updatesModified Android 10/11, potential malware
Build QualityGorilla Glass Victus 2, aluminum frame, IP68 ratingCheap plastic, no water/dust resistance
Battery4,900mAh, 45W fast charging, wireless charging4,000–5,000mAh, unreliable, slow charging
PerformanceSmooth multitasking, AI features, 5G supportLagging, freezing, limited app compatibility
SecuritySamsung Knox, ultrasonic fingerprint sensorNo security updates, potential vulnerabilities

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus offers a vibrant display, powerful performance, and advanced AI features like Live Translate and Circle to Search, backed by Samsung’s Knox security. The Sammsong Galaxy S24 Plus, however, delivers a subpar experience with unreliable hardware and software.

Prices and Purchase Locations

  • Sammsong Galaxy S24 Plus: Priced between KSh 10,000–20,000, this counterfeit is sold at a fraction of the genuine phone’s cost, targeting budget-conscious buyers. It is commonly found on online marketplaces like Jiji.co.ke, Kilimall, and occasionally Jumia Kenya, as well as in informal markets like Luthuli Avenue and Tom Mboya Street in Nairobi, known for counterfeit goods.
    • Purchase Link: Jiji.co.ke – Mobile Phones (Note: Specific listings for the Sammsong Galaxy S24 Plus may not be explicitly labeled but appear under suspiciously cheap smartphone categories.)
    • Purchase Link: Kilimall – Smartphones (Buyers should verify seller credibility due to the risk of fakes.)
  • Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus: Priced at KSh 88,000–100,500 for the 256GB model and up to KSh 160,700 for the 512GB model, it is available from authorized retailers like Phone Place Kenya, Price in Kenya, and Samsung’s official partners, ensuring genuine products with warranties.

Why People Should Avoid Fake Phones Like the Sammsong Galaxy S24 Plus

Purchasing counterfeit phones like the Sammsong Galaxy S24 Plus carries significant risks:

  1. Poor Performance and Durability: Fake phones often lag, freeze, or fail during basic tasks. Their low-quality components, such as batteries, may overheat or degrade quickly, posing safety hazards.
  2. Security Risks: Counterfeit devices frequently come with pre-installed malware or lack proper security, risking personal data like bank details, especially critical in Kenya, where mobile banking is prevalent.
  3. No Warranty or Support: Unlike the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, which includes a one-year warranty and seven years of software updates, fakes offer no support, leaving users stranded if issues arise.
  4. Economic Impact: Counterfeit phones contribute to an estimated KSh 30 billion in annual tax evasion in Kenya and undermine legitimate manufacturers, stifling innovation and economic growth.
  5. Environmental Harm: Fake phones use substandard components, such as low-quality batteries, which are disposed of at higher rates, contributing to environmental pollution.
  6. No Long-Term Value: While cheaper upfront, counterfeit phones like the Sammsong Galaxy S24 Plus fail quickly, requiring replacements that negate initial savings. Genuine phones offer better longevity and resale value.

Conclusion

The Sammsong Galaxy S24 Plus is a counterfeit device exploiting Samsung’s brand reputation in Kenya’s price-sensitive market. By mimicking the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus with inferior materials, outdated software, and fake branding, it deceives buyers seeking affordable tech. Consumers can protect themselves by verifying IMEI numbers through the CA’s service (text to 1555) and purchasing from reputable retailers like Phone Place Kenya or Price in Kenya. Investing in a genuine Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus ensures superior performance, security, and long-term value, making it a smarter choice for Kenya’s tech-savvy consumers.

NOMA NTV THURSDAY 22ND APRIL 2025 FULL EPISODE


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