The Aple iPhone 11S: A Fake Phone Flooding the Kenyan Market
The Kenyan smartphone market, a vital gateway to digital connectivity with over 64 million mobile subscriptions as of 2023 per the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), has become a hotspot for counterfeit devices. Among these, the “Aple iPhone 11S” has emerged as a notable fake phone flooding local markets, deceiving buyers who seek the premium quality of Apple’s iconic iPhone lineup. This article explores why the Aple iPhone 11S is considered counterfeit, what marks it as a fake, compares it to the legitimate Apple iPhone 11 it attempts to emulate, provides pricing and purchase options, and highlights the risks of buying fake phones.
Why the Aple iPhone 11S Is a Fake Phone
The “Aple iPhone 11S” is not a genuine product from Apple, the renowned tech giant known for its iPhone series. No such model as the “iPhone 11S” exists in Apple’s official lineup, which includes the iPhone 11, released in September 2019, and subsequent models like the iPhone 12, 13, 14, and 15. Counterfeit manufacturers have fabricated the Aple iPhone 11S to exploit Apple’s brand popularity in Kenya, where demand for affordable smartphones drives sales. These fakes infiltrate the market via informal channels—street vendors, unregulated online sellers, and social media marketplaces—luring buyers with low prices, contributing to the estimated 30-40% of counterfeit phones in circulation, a persistent issue noted by the CA and Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA).
What Makes the Aple iPhone 11S Fake?
Several telltale signs expose the Aple iPhone 11S as a counterfeit:
- Misspelled Branding: The name “Aple” drops an “p” from “Apple,” a deliberate trick to mimic the legitimate brand while evading trademark laws.
- Poor Build Quality: Unlike Apple’s premium construction with Gorilla Glass and an aluminum frame, the fake uses cheap plastic, with uneven edges, flimsy buttons, and a shoddy finish.
- Substandard Display: The screen is often dim, pixelated, or unevenly lit, lacking the clarity and vibrancy of Apple’s Liquid Retina HD display.
- Unreliable Software: It may run a modified or outdated Android-based system disguised as iOS, with glitches, bloatware, or potential malware, unlike Apple’s secure, optimized iOS.
- Invalid IMEI: The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, viewable by dialing *#06#, is often invalid or duplicated. Texting it to 1555, a free CA service, typically confirms it as fake.
- Shoddy Packaging: Counterfeit boxes feature blurry logos, misspellings, or poor-quality printing, with cheap, unbranded accessories like chargers or cables.
These traits reveal the Aple iPhone 11S as a deceptive product, preying on consumers’ trust in Apple’s reputation for quality and innovation.
Comparison: Aple iPhone 11S vs. Apple iPhone 11
The Aple iPhone 11S attempts to emulate the Apple iPhone 11, a legitimate model launched by Apple in September 2019, known for its performance, camera, and durability. Here’s a comparison:
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 | Aple iPhone 11S |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Apple (USA) | Unknown, counterfeit producers |
| Build Quality | Glass front and back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame, durable and sleek | Cheap plastic, flimsy, poor fit and finish |
| Display | 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD (LCD), 828 x 1792 pixels, vibrant, scratch-resistant | Low-quality screen, dim, pixelated, uneven lighting |
| Processor | A13 Bionic chip, hexa-core, fast, efficient for multitasking and gaming | Underpowered, generic chip, laggy performance |
| Camera | 12MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide), Night Mode, 4K video, 12MP front camera | Poor cameras, low resolution, grainy or blurry output |
| Software | iOS 13, upgradable to iOS 18, smooth, secure, regular updates | Glitchy, often Android-based, potential malware, no updates |
| Battery | 3110mAh, fast charging (18W), wireless charging, reliable and safe | Smaller or unreliable battery, potential safety risks |
| Authenticity | Genuine IMEI, verifiable via CA’s SMS to 1555 | Invalid or duplicated IMEI, fails authenticity checks |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty from Apple, reliable after-sales support | No warranty, no support, high risk of failure |
Key Differences
The Apple iPhone 11 delivers a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display, a powerful A13 Bionic chip, a dual 12MP camera system with Night Mode, and a 3110mAh battery with fast and wireless charging, all running on iOS with years of updates, backed by Apple’s quality and support. In contrast, the Aple iPhone 11S is a shoddy knockoff, with inferior hardware, poor performance, and no legitimate software or support, lacking the reliability and innovation of the genuine model.
Prices and Where to Buy
Apple iPhone 11
- Price: Approximately KSh 36,000–55,999, depending on the retailer, condition (new or refurbished), and storage variant (e.g., 64GB, 128GB, 256GB).
- Where to Buy: Available from reputable online and physical stores in Kenya, including:
- Jumia Kenya: A trusted platform for electronics with fast delivery.
- Phone Place Kenya: Offers genuine Apple phones, fast delivery in Nairobi and beyond.
- Avechi: A reliable shop for authentic devices, with a 1-year warranty.
- Link: Avechi – Apple iPhone 11
- Phones Store Kenya: Stocks new and refurbished iPhones, countrywide delivery.
Aple iPhone 11S
- Price: Often sold for KSh 5,000–15,000, a suspiciously low price that attracts budget buyers.
- Where to Buy: These fakes are not available from reputable retailers but are commonly found in informal markets (e.g., downtown Nairobi, street vendors), unverified online sellers, or dubious platforms like social media marketplaces (e.g., Facebook Marketplace) and classifieds sites like Jiji.co.ke. No legitimate links exist, as these are counterfeit products not endorsed by trusted stores.
Note: Prices may vary based on stock, taxes, condition, and promotions. Always confirm with the retailer for the latest pricing and availability.
Why People Should Avoid Fake Phones
Purchasing counterfeit devices like the Aple iPhone 11S carries significant risks:
- Poor Performance: Fake phones deliver sluggish operation, with laggy apps, poor call quality, and unreliable features, frustrating daily use.
- Safety Hazards: Low-quality batteries and components may overheat, leak, or explode, endangering users and property.
- Security Threats: Counterfeit software often harbors malware, risking theft of personal data—contacts, photos, bank details—exposing users to fraud.
- No Warranty or Support: Fakes lack manufacturer backing, leaving buyers without recourse if the device fails.
- Economic Impact: Buying counterfeits fuels illegal trade, costing Kenya billions in tax revenue (e.g., KSh 30 billion annually, per estimates) and harming legitimate businesses.
- Short Lifespan: Fake phones wear out quickly, negating initial savings as users must replace them sooner.
The Communications Authority of Kenya and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority work to seize fake goods, but consumer caution is crucial. Verify a phone’s IMEI by texting to 1555, inspect its quality, and buy only from trusted sources to avoid these dangers.
Conclusion
The Aple iPhone 11S is a counterfeit phone flooding the Kenyan market, exploiting Apple’s trusted name. Its misspelled branding, shoddy build, and dubious software set it apart from the genuine Apple iPhone 11, a reliable, feature-rich smartphone. While the fake tempts with a low price (KSh 5,000–15,000), the authentic iPhone 11 (KSh 36,000–55,999) offers value, safety, and performance, available at trusted outlets like Jumia, Phone Place Kenya, and Avechi. Avoid fake phones to protect your safety, data, and wallet—stick to reputable retailers and verify authenticity before buying.
KINA MAISHA MAGIC EAST SEASON 5 EPISODE 17