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The Huawai P70 Elite: A Counterfeit Smartphone Flooding the Kenyan Market

The Kenyan smartphone market, known for its rapid growth and accessibility, has become a prime target for counterfeit devices that exploit the reputation of trusted brands like Huawei. One such device is the “Huawai P70 Elite,” a fake phone posing as a premium offering from Huawei’s Pura series. This article examines why the Huawai P70 Elite is considered counterfeit, what makes it fake, compares it to the genuine phone it attempts to emulate, provides pricing and availability details, and explains why consumers should avoid fake phones.

Why the Huawai P70 Elite is Considered a Fake

The Huawai P70 Elite is not an officially recognized product from Huawei, a Chinese multinational technology company renowned for its innovative smartphones. Several factors confirm its status as a counterfeit device:

1. Non-Existent Model and Misspelled Branding: Huawei has not announced or released a phone named the “Huawai P70 Elite.” The misspelling of “Huawei” as “Huawai” is a blatant indicator of its counterfeit nature. Huawei’s official Pura 70 series, launched in 2024, includes models like the Pura 70, Pura 70 Pro, and Pura 70 Ultra, with no “Elite” variant listed on Huawei’s official website or trusted tech sources.
2. Inferior Build Quality: Counterfeit phones like the Huawai P70 Elite often mimic the sleek design of Huawei’s Pura series but use substandard materials, such as cheap plastic instead of Huawei’s premium glass and aluminum frames with Crystal Armour Kunlun Glass. These fakes typically feature low-resolution displays, uneven port cutouts, and flimsy construction, lacking the durability and polish of genuine Huawei devices.
3. Fake or Modified Software: The Huawai P70 Elite may run a modified version of Android designed to resemble Huawei’s EMUI 14.2 or HarmonyOS but lacks its seamless performance, security updates, and ecosystem integration. Such software is often unstable, may include pre-installed malware, and fails to support Huawei’s AppGallery or cloud services, posing significant security risks, as noted in reports of counterfeit phones in Kenya.
4. Misleading Specifications: Listings for the Huawai P70 Elite may claim high-end specs, such as a 50MP camera, 8GB RAM, or a Kirin processor, but these are typically exaggerated or false. The actual hardware often includes outdated chipsets, low-quality cameras, and minimal storage, failing to deliver the promised performance, unlike Huawei’s advanced camera systems and processors.
5. Unregulated Distribution Channels: Counterfeit phones are commonly sold through informal vendors, street markets, or unverified online platforms in Kenya, such as Jiji or street vendors in Nairobi’s Tom Mboya Street and Luthuli Avenue. The Huawai P70 Elite appears on such platforms at unrealistically low prices, a hallmark of counterfeit goods, with the CA estimating that 30–40% of phones in Kenya are fake.

Comparison with the Genuine Phone It Emulates

The Huawai P70 Elite likely attempts to emulate the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra, a flagship smartphone from Huawei’s Pura 70 series, launched in May 2024, known for its exceptional camera system, sleek design, and advanced technology. Below is a comparison of the two devices:

The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is a premium device lauded for its cutting-edge camera system, vibrant LTPO OLED display, and robust performance, making it a top choice for photography enthusiasts in Kenya. In contrast, the Huawai P70 Elite fails to deliver comparable quality, offering inferior hardware, unreliable software, and no official support, as is typical with counterfeit devices.

Prices and Where to Buy

• Huawei Pura 70 Ultra (Genuine):
  • Price in Kenya: Approximately Ksh 120,000–150,000, depending on the storage variant (512GB/1TB) and retailer. International pricing starts at $923.44 USD, with local tariffs potentially increasing costs.
  • Where to Buy:
    • Jumia Kenya: Lists genuine Huawei smartphones, including the Pura 70 series, through verified sellers, priced around Ksh 120,000–150,000. Link
    • Phone Place Kenya: Offers the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra with a warranty, starting at Ksh 125,000. Link
    • Avechi Kenya: Sells the Pura 70 Ultra with pay-on-delivery options, priced around Ksh 120,000–140,000. Link
    • PigiaMe: Features genuine Huawei phones from trusted sellers, with prices around Ksh 120,000–150,000. Link
    • Badili Kenya: Provides certified refurbished Huawei phones with a 12-month warranty, likely to include the Pura 70 Ultra. Link
  • Note: Always purchase from authorized retailers to ensure authenticity and warranty coverage. Verify the seller’s reputation to avoid counterfeit products, as recommended by Techish Kenya.
• Huawai P70 Elite (Counterfeit):
  • Price in Kenya: Typically sold for Ksh 5,000–20,000, significantly lower than genuine smartphones, making it attractive to budget-conscious buyers. Prices vary depending on the seller and claimed specifications.
  • Where to Buy: The Huawai P70 Elite is often found on unregulated platforms like Jiji, Alibaba, or with street vendors in Nairobi’s Tom Mboya Street or Luthuli Avenue, known conduits for counterfeit phones. Listings on platforms like eBay or Alibaba may advertise “fake Huawei phones” at prices as low as $30–$100 USD, a clear sign of inauthenticity. Specific links are avoided here due to the risk of promoting counterfeit goods.
  • Warning: Buyers should be cautious of deals on unverified platforms or from sellers offering steep discounts, as these are common tactics for distributing counterfeit phones, as noted by the CA.

Why People Should Avoid Fake Phones

Purchasing a counterfeit phone like the Huawai P70 Elite carries significant risks that outweigh any initial cost savings. Here are compelling reasons to avoid fake phones:

1. Poor Performance and Durability: Counterfeit phones often suffer from sluggish performance, frequent crashes, and short lifespans due to low-quality components. For example, the Huawai P70 Elite may claim high-end specs but deliver poor camera quality and limited storage, disappointing users, as seen with other fakes in Kenya.
2. Security Vulnerabilities: Fake phones may come with pre-installed malware or lack proper security protocols, risking data theft or unauthorized access to sensitive information, such as mobile banking apps like M-Pesa, which is critical in Kenya. The CA notes that uncertified devices can access personal data and send it to manufacturers.
3. Safety Hazards: Counterfeit devices often use substandard batteries and components, increasing the risk of overheating, battery explosions, or exposure to harmful radiation. The CA has warned that fake phones are not certified for safety, posing health risks.
4. No Warranty or Support: Unlike genuine Huawei phones, which offer warranties and software updates, counterfeit phones like the Huawai P70 Elite lack after-sales support, leaving buyers stranded if the device fails. Huawei’s official devices come with robust customer support in Kenya.
5. Economic Consequences: The trade in counterfeit phones costs Kenya an estimated Ksh 30 billion annually in tax evasion and undermines legitimate retailers and manufacturers, affecting the economy and consumer confidence.
6. Consumer Deception: Fake phones are designed to deceive buyers by mimicking the branding and appearance of genuine devices. The misspelling “Huawai” and low prices are tactics to lure unsuspecting consumers, resulting in financial loss due to poor functionality and lack of longevity.

How to Avoid Buying a Fake Phone in Kenya

To ensure you purchase a genuine Huawei smartphone, follow these steps:

• Verify the IMEI: Dial *#06# to retrieve the phone’s IMEI number and send it via SMS to 1555, a free service by the CA. A response will confirm the phone’s make and model. If the details don’t match or indicate an unrecognized device, it’s likely fake. Alternatively, check the IMEI on Huawei’s official warranty page.
• Buy from Reputable Retailers: Purchase from trusted sources like Jumia, Phone Place Kenya, Avechi Kenya, PigiaMe, or Badili Kenya, which offer warranties and verified products. Avoid street vendors or unverified platforms like Jiji, Alibaba, or eBay.
• Inspect the Device: Check for premium materials (e.g., glass and aluminum), accurate branding (correct “Huawei” spelling), and official packaging. Counterfeit phones often have misspellings, low-quality displays, or loose parts. Test HarmonyOS/EMUI features like AppGallery access, which fakes cannot replicate.
• Check Seller Reputation: Review ratings and feedback on platforms like Jumia to ensure the seller is trustworthy. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, such as flagship phones priced below $100.
• Demand a Warranty and Receipt: Genuine sellers provide warranties and receipts. If a seller cannot offer these, it’s a red flag. Huawei offers excellent after-sales support in Kenya.

Conclusion

The Huawai P70 Elite is a counterfeit smartphone flooding the Kenyan market, falsely posing as a Huawei product with its misspelled branding and fabricated model name. Its inferior build quality, fake software, and lack of official support make it a risky purchase compared to the genuine Huawei Pura 70 Ultra, which offers exceptional camera performance and premium features for Ksh 120,000–150,000 at trusted retailers like Jumia, Phone Place Kenya, and Avechi Kenya. Consumers should avoid fake phones due to their poor performance, security risks, safety hazards, and economic impact. By verifying IMEI numbers, buying from authorized retailers, and staying vigilant, Kenyans can protect themselves from counterfeit scams and enjoy a reliable, high-quality smartphone experience.

Sources:

• Huawei Official Website
• Jumia Kenya
• Phone Place Kenya
• Avechi Kenya
• PigiaMe
• Badili Kenya
• Communications Authority of Kenya
• Techish Kenya
• Citizen Digital

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