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The Huawai P35 Lite: A Counterfeit Threat Flooding Kenya’s Smartphone Market

Kenya’s smartphone market is a thriving hub for affordable, feature-rich devices, but it is also a prime target for counterfeit products like the “Huawai P35 Lite.” This fake phone, with its deliberately misspelled brand name, mimics the genuine Huawei P30 Lite, a mid-range smartphone launched in March 2019 by the reputable Chinese manufacturer Huawei. By exploiting Huawei’s reputation for quality and accessibility, the Huawai P35 Lite deceives budget-conscious consumers with its low price and superficial resemblance to the real device. This article examines why the Huawai P35 Lite is a counterfeit flooding the Kenyan market, what makes it fake, how it compares to the authentic Huawei P30 Lite, their respective prices and purchase locations, and why consumers should avoid fake phones.

Why the Huawai P35 Lite Is a Fake Phone

The Huawai P35 Lite is not an official product from Huawei, a global leader in smartphone manufacturing known for its Pura, Mate, and nova series. The misspelling of “Huawei” as “Huawai” is a deliberate tactic by counterfeiters to mimic the brand while evading legal scrutiny, a strategy seen in other fakes like “Sammsong” or “Aple.” Kenya’s smartphone market is particularly vulnerable to counterfeits, with the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) estimating that up to 40% of phones in circulation may be fake, contributing to an estimated KSh 30 billion in annual tax evasion. The Huawai P35 Lite targets price-sensitive consumers, flooding online marketplaces and informal retail channels with cheap knockoffs that promise mid-range features at a fraction of the cost. No official Huawei P35 Lite exists in Huawei’s lineup, as the P-series includes models like the P30 Lite, P40 Lite, and Pura 70, confirming its counterfeit nature.

What Makes the Huawai P35 Lite Fake?

Several characteristics expose the Huawai P35 Lite as a counterfeit:

1. Misleading Branding: The name “Huawai” closely resembles Huawei’s logo and font, but the extra “a” is a clear indicator of fraud. The “P35 Lite” designation is fabricated, as Huawei’s P-series naming skips from P30 to P40, with no P35 model. Packaging often features low-quality printing, misspellings, or incorrect fonts, unlike Huawei’s professional packaging.
2. Nonexistent Model: Huawei released the P30 Lite in March 2019, but no “P35 Lite” has ever been produced. Counterfeiters invent model names to capitalize on the P30 Lite’s popularity, creating confusion among buyers. The P30 Lite is a well-documented device, while the P35 Lite has no official backing.
3. Inferior Build Quality: The fake phone mimics the P30 Lite’s 6.15-inch display and 3D curved glass design but uses cheap plastic instead of the genuine model’s plastic frame, glass front, and iridescent gradient finish. It lacks the P30 Lite’s sturdy build and may have misaligned ports or flimsy buttons.
4. Substandard Hardware: The Huawai P35 Lite typically uses low-end processors (e.g., outdated MediaTek MT6580), low-resolution LCD displays, and poor-quality cameras, unlike the P30 Lite’s HiSilicon Kirin 710 chipset, 48MP + 8MP + 2MP triple-camera system, and LTPS IPS LCD display with 415 PPI.
5. Software Issues: The counterfeit runs a modified Android version, often Android 8 or 9, disguised to resemble Huawei’s EMUI, and may include bloatware or malware, posing security risks. The genuine P30 Lite runs Android 9.0 (Pie) with EMUI 9.0.1, upgradable to Android 10, and supports Google Play Services, unlike later Huawei models affected by the US ban.
6. 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, a free CA service. An invalid IMEI confirms the device is fake.
7. Poor Accessories: The fake phone comes with low-quality, unbranded chargers and cables, unlike Huawei’s reliable accessories supporting 18W fast charging.

Comparison with the Huawei P30 Lite

The Huawai P35 Lite attempts to emulate the Huawei P30 Lite, a mid-range smartphone launched in March 2019. Below is a comparison based on available specifications:

The Huawei P30 Lite offers a vibrant LTPS IPS LCD display, reliable performance for daily tasks and casual gaming, and a capable triple-camera system with AI-enhanced photography, making it a solid mid-range option. Its 3,340mAh battery supports 18W fast charging, and it includes Google Play Services, a key advantage over newer Huawei models affected by the US ban. The Huawai P35 Lite, in contrast, delivers sluggish performance, poor camera quality, and no long-term reliability, failing to match the P30 Lite’s functionality or value.

Prices and Purchase Locations

• Huawai P35 Lite: Priced between KSh 5,000–10,000, this counterfeit is sold at a significantly lower cost than the genuine phone, appealing to budget buyers. It is commonly found on online marketplaces like Jiji.co.ke, Kilimall, and unverified sellers on Jumia Kenya, as well as in informal markets like Luthuli Avenue and Gikomba in Nairobi, notorious for counterfeit goods. Listings on platforms like Banggood advertise “Huawei P35 Lite” products, but these are likely fakes given the model’s nonexistence.
  • Purchase Link: Jiji.co.ke – Mobile Phones (Note: Specific listings for the Huawai P35 Lite may not be explicitly labeled but appear under suspiciously cheap smartphone categories.)
  • Purchase Link: Kilimall – Smartphones (Buyers should verify seller credibility due to the prevalence of fakes.)
• Huawei P30 Lite: Priced at approximately KSh 23,000–25,000 (4GB/128GB or 6GB/128GB) in Kenya, it is available from authorized retailers like Phones Store Kenya, Phone Place Kenya, and Jumia Kenya, ensuring genuine products with warranties. Prices may vary for refurbished units, starting as low as $77.23 (~KSh 10,000) internationally, but local retail prices remain higher.
  • Purchase Link: Phones Store Kenya – Huawei P30 Lite
  • Purchase Link: Phone Place Kenya – Huawei P30 Lite
  • Purchase Link: Jumia Kenya – Huawei P30 Lite

Why People Should Avoid Fake Phones Like the Huawai P35 Lite

Purchasing counterfeit phones like the Huawai P35 Lite 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 like fires or explosions. The Huawei P30 Lite’s Kirin 710 chipset ensures smooth performance, while the counterfeit’s hardware is unreliable.
2. Security Risks: Counterfeit devices frequently come with pre-installed malware or lack proper security protocols, risking personal data like bank details, critical in Kenya where mobile banking is prevalent. Over 150 million counterfeit smartphones are sold annually with the intent to compromise user information.
3. No Warranty or Support: Unlike the Huawei P30 Lite, which includes warranties from authorized retailers and software updates, fakes offer no support, leaving users stranded if issues arise. Retailers like Phones Store Kenya provide reliable after-sales service.
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 fail quickly, requiring replacements that negate initial savings. Genuine Huawei phones, like the P30 Lite, retain value and functionality over time, with durable builds and access to Google Play Services.

Conclusion

The Huawai P35 Lite is a counterfeit device exploiting Huawei’s reputation in Kenya’s price-sensitive market. By mimicking the Huawei P30 Lite with inferior materials, outdated software, and fake branding, it deceives buyers seeking affordable, reliable tech. Consumers can protect themselves by verifying IMEI numbers through the CA’s service (text to 1555) and purchasing from reputable retailers like Phones Store Kenya, Phone Place Kenya, or Jumia Kenya. Investing in a genuine Huawei P30 Lite ensures superior performance, security, and long-term value, making it a smarter choice for Kenya’s tech-savvy consumers.

SANURA MAISHA MAGIC EAST SEASON 1 EPISODE 273