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The Huawai Mate 35: A Counterfeit Threat Flooding Kenya’s Smartphone Market

Kenya’s smartphone market is a thriving hub for innovative devices, but it is also a prime target for counterfeit products like the “Huawai Mate 35.” This fake phone, with its deliberately misspelled brand name, mimics the genuine Huawei Mate 30, a flagship smartphone launched in September 2019 by the reputable Chinese manufacturer Huawei. By exploiting Huawei’s reputation for high-end technology, the Huawai Mate 35 deceives budget-conscious consumers with its low price and superficial resemblance to the real device. This article examines why the Huawai Mate 35 is a counterfeit flooding the Kenyan market, what makes it fake, how it compares to the authentic Huawei Mate 30, their respective prices and purchase locations, compares it to the Apple iPhone 13, and explains why consumers should avoid fake phones.

Why the Huawai Mate 35 Is a Fake Phone

The Huawai Mate 35 is not an official product from Huawei, a global leader in smartphone manufacturing known for its Mate, Pura, and nova series. The misspelling of “Huawei” as “Huawai” is a deliberate tactic by counterfeiters to mimic the brand while evading legal scrutiny, similar to fakes like “Aple” or “Sammsong.” 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 Mate 35 targets price-sensitive consumers, flooding online marketplaces and informal retail channels with cheap knockoffs that promise flagship features at a fraction of the cost. No official “Huawei Mate 35” exists in Huawei’s lineup, which includes the Mate 30 and more recent models like the Mate 60 series, confirming its counterfeit nature.

What Makes the Huawai Mate 35 Fake?

Several characteristics expose the Huawai Mate 35 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 “Mate 35” designation is fabricated, as Huawei’s Mate series includes the Mate 30, not a Mate 35. Packaging often features low-quality printing, misspellings, or incorrect fonts, unlike Huawei’s professional packaging seen on platforms like Jumia Kenya.
2. Nonexistent Model: Huawei released the Mate 30 in September 2019, but no “Mate 35” has been produced as of May 2025. Counterfeiters invent model names to exploit anticipation for Huawei’s flagship series, creating confusion among buyers.
3. Inferior Build Quality: The fake phone mimics the Mate 30’s 6.62-inch display and sleek design but uses cheap plastic instead of the genuine model’s Gorilla Glass 6 front, glass back, and aluminum frame with IP53 dust and water resistance. It may have a flimsy build or misaligned ports, unlike the Mate 30’s premium 196g construction.
4. Substandard Hardware: The Huawai Mate 35 typically uses low-end processors (e.g., outdated MediaTek MT6580), low-resolution LCD displays, and poor-quality cameras, unlike the Mate 30’s Kirin 990 chipset, 40MP + 16MP + 8MP triple-camera system with Leica optics, and 6.62-inch OLED display with 1080×2340 resolution.
5. Software Issues: The counterfeit runs a modified Android version, often Android 8 or 9, disguised to resemble Huawei’s EMUI 10, and may include bloatware or malware, posing security risks. The genuine Mate 30 runs Android 10 with EMUI 10, without Google Play Services due to US sanctions, but still offers Huawei’s AppGallery and a secure interface. Knock-off software often has strange home screens or missing features.
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 USB-C accessories supporting 40W fast charging and 27W wireless charging for the Mate 30’s 4200mAh battery.

Comparison with the Huawei Mate 30

The Huawai Mate 35 attempts to emulate the Huawei Mate 30, a flagship smartphone launched in September 2019. Below is a comparison based on available specifications:

The Huawei Mate 30 offers a premium experience with a vibrant OLED display, powerful Kirin 990 processor, and a Leica-co-engineered triple-camera system for high-quality photos and 4K video. Its IP53 rating, fast charging, and EMUI 10 make it a robust flagship despite lacking Google Play Services. Available in Black, Space Silver, Cosmic Purple, and Emerald Green, it was a popular choice in Kenya upon release. The Huawai Mate 35, in contrast, delivers sluggish performance, poor camera quality, and no premium features, failing to match the Mate 30’s functionality or value.

Comparison with the Apple iPhone 13

The Huawai Mate 35 may also target buyers considering other flagship smartphones like the Apple iPhone 13, launched in September 2021. Below is a brief comparison of the genuine Huawei Mate 30 and Apple iPhone 13:

The Apple iPhone 13, priced at approximately KSh 47,000–71,000 (4GB/128GB or 256GB), offers a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, a powerful A15 Bionic chip, and a dual-camera system with Cinematic Mode. Its IP68 durability and iOS ecosystem make it a premium choice. It’s available from retailers like Gadgets Leo and BackMarket Kenya. The Mate 30 provides a larger display and faster charging, while the iPhone 13 excels in software optimization and camera versatility. The Huawai Mate 35 fails to compete with either, offering inferior hardware and no real value.

• Purchase Links for Apple iPhone 13:
  • Gadgets Leo – Apple iPhone 13
  • BackMarket Kenya – Apple iPhone 13

Prices and Purchase Locations

• Huawai Mate 35: Priced between KSh 8,000–20,000, 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 Jiji.co.ke advertise suspiciously cheap Huawei phones starting at KSh 4,000.
  • Purchase Link: Jiji.co.ke – Mobile Phones (Note: Specific listings for the Huawai Mate 35 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 Mate 30: Priced at approximately KSh 81,000–95,300 (6GB/128GB) in Kenya, depending on the retailer, though availability is limited due to its age and US sanctions affecting Huawei’s market presence. It is available from authorized retailers like Phone Place Kenya, Phones Store Kenya, and Price in Kenya, ensuring genuine products with warranties (e.g., one-year warranty at Phone Place Kenya).
  • Purchase Link: Phone Place Kenya – Huawei Mate 30
  • Purchase Link: Phones Store Kenya – Huawei Mate 30
  • Purchase Link: Price in Kenya – Huawei Mate 30

Why People Should Avoid Fake Phones Like the Huawai Mate 35

Purchasing counterfeit phones like the Huawai Mate 35 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 genuine Mate 30’s Kirin 990 and 4200mAh battery ensure reliable performance, while the counterfeit’s hardware is substandard.
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 180 million counterfeit smartphones are sold annually with the intent to compromise user information. The Mate 30 and iPhone 13 include secure software updates and biometric authentication, unlike the vulnerable Huawai Mate 35.
3. No Warranty or Support: Unlike the Mate 30 and iPhone 13, which include warranties from authorized retailers, 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 devices like the Mate 30 and iPhone 13 retain value and functionality with durable builds and long-term software support.

Conclusion

The Huawai Mate 35 is a counterfeit device exploiting Huawei’s reputation in Kenya’s price-sensitive market. By mimicking the Huawei Mate 30 with inferior materials, outdated software, and fake branding, it deceives buyers seeking premium smartphones. Compared to genuine devices like the Huawei Mate 30 and Apple iPhone 13, it offers no real value. Consumers can protect themselves by verifying IMEI numbers through the CA’s service (text to 1555) or Huawei’s support channels and purchasing from reputable retailers like Phone Place Kenya, Phones Store Kenya, or Price in Kenya for the Mate 30, or Gadgets Leo and BackMarket Kenya for the iPhone 13. Investing in genuine devices ensures superior performance, security, and long-term value, making them smarter choices for Kenya’s tech-savvy consumers.

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