The Sammsong Galaxy A37: A Counterfeit Threat Flooding Kenya’s Smartphone Market
Kenya’s smartphone market is a bustling hub for innovative devices, but it is also a prime target for counterfeit products like the “Sammsong Galaxy A37.” This fake phone, with its deliberately misspelled brand name, mimics the genuine Samsung Galaxy A35 5G, a mid-range smartphone launched in March 2024 by Samsung, a leading South Korean manufacturer renowned for its Galaxy series. By exploiting the popularity of Samsung’s A-series, known for offering premium features at affordable prices, the Sammsong Galaxy A37 deceives budget-conscious consumers with its low cost and superficial resemblance to the real device. This article examines why the Sammsong Galaxy A37 is a counterfeit flooding the Kenyan market, what makes it fake, how it compares to the authentic Samsung Galaxy A35 5G, their respective prices and purchase locations, compares it to the Nothing Phone (2), and explains why consumers should avoid fake phones.
Why the Sammsong Galaxy A37 Is a Fake Phone
The Sammsong Galaxy A37 is not an official product from Samsung, a global leader in smartphone manufacturing. The misspelling of “Samsung” as “Sammsong” is a deliberate tactic by counterfeiters to mimic the brand while evading legal scrutiny, similar to fakes like “Nothinng” or “iPhon.” 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 Sammsong Galaxy A37 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. As of May 2025, no “Samsung Galaxy A37” exists in Samsung’s lineup, which includes the Galaxy A35 5G and A55 5G, confirming the Sammsong Galaxy A37’s counterfeit nature. Notably, some outdated or unreliable sources, such as a 2021 listing from Digital Phones Kenya, falsely advertise a “Galaxy A37 5G,” further indicating confusion or fraudulent claims surrounding this model.
What Makes the Sammsong Galaxy A37 Fake?
Several characteristics expose the Sammsong Galaxy A37 as a counterfeit:
- Misleading Branding: The name “Sammsong” closely resembles Samsung’s logo and font, but the extra “m” is a clear indicator of fraud. The “Galaxy A37” designation is fabricated, as Samsung’s A-series includes the Galaxy A35 5G, not an A37. Packaging often features low-quality printing, misspellings, or incorrect fonts, unlike Samsung’s premium packaging seen on platforms like Phone Place Kenya.
- Nonexistent Model: Samsung has not released a Galaxy A37. The Galaxy A35 5G, launched in March 2024, is the current mid-range model, succeeding the A34 5G. While some sources speculate about a future A37 5G with a possible January 2025 launch in India, no such device is available in Kenya as of May 2025, and the “Sammsong” branding confirms its counterfeit status.
- Inferior Build Quality: The fake phone mimics the A35 5G’s 6.6-inch display and modern design but uses cheap plastic instead of the genuine model’s Gorilla Glass Victus+ front/back, plastic frame, and IP67 water and dust resistance. It lacks the A35 5G’s robust 209g build and may have misaligned ports or flimsy buttons.
- Substandard Hardware: The Sammsong Galaxy A37 typically uses low-end processors (e.g., outdated MediaTek MT6580), low-resolution LCD displays, and poor-quality cameras, unlike the A35 5G’s Exynos 1380 chipset, 50MP + 8MP + 5MP triple-camera system with OIS, and 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Software Issues: The counterfeit runs a modified Android version, often Android 10 or 11, disguised to resemble Samsung’s One UI 6.1, and may include bloatware or malware, posing security risks. The genuine A35 5G runs Android 14 with One UI 6.1, offering four OS upgrades and five years of security updates.
- 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.
- Poor Accessories: The fake phone comes with low-quality, unbranded chargers and cables, unlike Samsung’s reliable USB-C accessories supporting 25W fast charging for the A35 5G’s 5000mAh battery.
Comparison with the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
The Sammsong Galaxy A37 attempts to emulate the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G, a mid-range smartphone launched in March 2024. Below is a comparison based on available specifications:
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A35 5G | Sammsong Galaxy A37 |
---|---|---|
Display | 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080×2340, 1000 nits | 6.5-inch low-quality LCD, 60Hz, lower resolution |
Processor | Exynos 1380 (5nm, octa-core) | Generic MediaTek (e.g., MT6580) |
Camera | 50MP + 8MP + 5MP, 13MP selfie, 4K video | 5–13MP, poor quality, limited functionality |
Operating System | Android 14, One UI 6.1, 4 OS upgrades | Modified Android 10/11, potential malware |
Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus+, plastic frame, IP67, 209g | Cheap plastic, no water/dust resistance |
Battery | 5000mAh, 25W fast charging | 3,000–4,000mAh, unreliable, slow charging |
Performance | Smooth gaming, multitasking, 5G support | Lagging, freezing, limited compatibility |
Security | Under-display fingerprint, Knox Vault, updates | No updates, potential vulnerabilities |
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G offers a premium mid-range experience with a vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display, robust performance for gaming and multitasking, and a 50MP camera with OIS for sharp photos and 4K video. Its IP67 rating, Gorilla Glass Victus+, and long-term software support make it a durable and reliable choice. Available in Iceblue, Lilac, and Navy, it’s a popular option in Kenya. The Sammsong Galaxy A37, in contrast, delivers sluggish performance, poor camera quality, and no 5G or premium features, failing to match the A35 5G’s functionality or value.
Comparison with the Nothing Phone (2)
The Sammsong Galaxy A37 may also target buyers considering other mid-range smartphones like the Nothing Phone (2), launched in July 2023 by Nothing. Below is a brief comparison of the genuine Samsung Galaxy A35 5G and Nothing Phone (2):
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A35 5G | Nothing Phone (2) |
---|---|---|
Display | 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080×2340 | 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080×2412 |
Processor | Exynos 1380 (5nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) |
Camera | 50MP + 8MP + 5MP, 13MP selfie | 50MP + 50MP, 32MP selfie |
Operating System | Android 14, One UI 6.1 | Android 13, Nothing OS 2.5 |
Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus+, plastic frame, IP67 | Gorilla Glass 5, aluminum, IP54 |
Battery | 5000mAh, 25W fast charging | 4700mAh, 45W wired, 15W wireless |
Price (Kenya) | ~KSh 34,500–55,000 | ~KSh 59,999–69,999 |
The Nothing Phone (2), priced at approximately KSh 59,999–69,999 (8GB/128GB or 12GB/256GB), offers a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display, a powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, and a unique transparent design with Glyph Interface LED lights. Its dual 50MP cameras and wireless charging make it a premium mid-range option. It’s available from retailers like Gadgets Leo and Phones Store Kenya. The Galaxy A35 5G is more affordable with a larger battery and IP67 rating, while the Nothing Phone (2) excels in performance and design. The Sammsong Galaxy A37 fails to compete with either, offering inferior hardware and no real value.
- Purchase Links for Nothing Phone (2):
Prices and Purchase Locations
- Sammsong Galaxy A37: 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 Jiji.co.ke advertise suspiciously cheap smartphones starting at KSh 800.
- Purchase Link: Jiji.co.ke – Mobile Phones (Note: Specific listings for the Sammsong Galaxy A37 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.)
- Samsung Galaxy A35 5G: Priced at approximately KSh 34,500–55,000 (6GB/128GB or 8GB/256GB) in Kenya, depending on the retailer and storage variant. It is available from authorized retailers like Phone Place Kenya, Gadgets Leo, and Zuricart, ensuring genuine products with warranties (e.g., one-year warranty at Phone Place Kenya).
- Purchase Link: Phone Place Kenya – Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
- Purchase Link: Gadgets Leo – Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
- Purchase Link: Zuricart – Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Why People Should Avoid Fake Phones Like the Sammsong Galaxy A37
Purchasing counterfeit phones like the Sammsong Galaxy A37 carries significant risks:
- 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 Galaxy A35 5G’s Exynos 1380 and IP67 rating ensure reliable performance, unlike the counterfeit’s hardware.
- 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 Galaxy A35 5G includes Samsung Knox Vault and under-display fingerprint scanning, unlike the vulnerable Sammsong Galaxy A37.
- No Warranty or Support: Unlike the Galaxy A35 5G and Nothing Phone (2), which include warranties from authorized retailers like Zuricart, fakes offer no support, leaving users stranded if issues arise.
- Economic Impact: Counterfeit phones contribute to an estimated KSh 30 billion in annual tax evasion in Kenya, undermining legitimate manufacturers and stifling economic growth.
- Environmental Harm: Fake phones use substandard components, such as low-quality batteries, which are disposed of at higher rates, contributing to environmental pollution.
- No Long-Term Value: While cheaper upfront, counterfeit phones fail quickly, requiring replacements that negate initial savings. Genuine devices like the Galaxy A35 5G and Nothing Phone (2) retain value and functionality with durable builds and long-term software support (four OS upgrades for the A35 5G).
Conclusion
The Sammsong Galaxy A37 is a counterfeit device exploiting Samsung’s reputation in Kenya’s price-sensitive market. By mimicking the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G with inferior materials, outdated software, and fake branding, it deceives buyers seeking reliable mid-range smartphones. Compared to genuine devices like the Galaxy A35 5G and Nothing Phone (2), it offers no real value. 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, Gadgets Leo, or Zuricart for the Galaxy A35 5G, or Gadgets Leo and Phones Store Kenya for the Nothing Phone (2). 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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