UHONDO!!!

The Opopo A98s: A Fake Phone Flooding the Kenyan Market

The Kenyan smartphone market, a key driver of digital connectivity with over 64 million mobile subscriptions as of 2023 per the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), has become a prime target for counterfeit devices. Among these, the “Opopo A98s” has emerged as a notable fake phone, deceiving buyers seeking the quality and innovation of the reputable OPPO brand. This article explores why the Opopo A98s is considered counterfeit, what marks it as a fake, compares it to the legitimate Infinix Zero Ultra 5G it likely attempts to emulate, provides pricing and purchase options, and highlights the risks of buying fake phones.

Why the Opopo A98s Is a Fake Phone

The “Opopo A98s” is not a genuine product from OPPO, a Chinese tech company founded in 2004, known for its stylish, feature-rich smartphones like the A-series, Reno series, and Find series. As of June 10, 2025, no “Opopo A98s” exists in OPPO’s official lineup; the closest OPPO model is the OPPO A98 5G, launched in 2023, but the “Opopo A98s” is a fabricated name. Counterfeit manufacturers have created this fake to exploit the popularity of brands like OPPO in Kenya, where demand for affordable, high-performance phones drives sales. These fakes flood the market via informal channels—street vendors, unregulated online sellers, and social media marketplaces—luring consumers with low prices. The CA and Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) estimate that counterfeit phones may account for 30-40% of devices in circulation, posing risks to consumers and the economy.

The choice of the name “Opopo A98s” and its likely emulation of the Infinix Zero Ultra 5G suggests counterfeiters are targeting buyers interested in premium-looking, budget-friendly 5G phones. The similarity in branding and design may confuse consumers, especially given Infinix’s strong presence in Kenya, where it competes with Samsung and Tecno.

What Makes the Opopo A98s Fake?

Several telltale signs expose the Opopo A98s as a counterfeit:

• Misspelled Branding: The name “Opopo” repeats the “o” instead of “OPPO,” a deliberate trick to mimic the legitimate brand while evading trademark laws.
• Poor Build Quality: Unlike OPPO’s premium designs with glass backs and sturdy frames, or Infinix’s sleek builds, the fake uses cheap, flimsy plastic, with uneven edges, loose buttons, and a shoddy finish.
• Substandard Display: The screen is often dim, pixelated, or unevenly lit, lacking the vibrancy of OPPO’s AMOLED displays or the Infinix Zero Ultra’s 6.8-inch AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate.
• Unreliable Software: It may run a glitchy, modified, or outdated Android-based system, often loaded with bloatware or malware, unlike OPPO’s ColorOS or Infinix’s XOS 12 on Android 12, which are optimized and secure.
• 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 lacking proper branding or certification marks.

These traits reveal the Opopo A98s as a deceptive product, preying on consumers’ trust in established brands like OPPO and Infinix.

Comparison: Opopo A98s vs. Infinix Zero Ultra 5G

The Opopo A98s likely attempts to emulate the Infinix Zero Ultra 5G, a flagship smartphone launched by Infinix in October 2022, known for its 200MP camera and 180W fast charging. The choice of emulation may stem from Infinix’s premium Zero series’ popularity in Kenya, where its high-end features at a mid-range price appeal to consumers. Here’s a comparison:

Key Differences

The Infinix Zero Ultra 5G, launched in October 2022, features a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 920 processor, a groundbreaking 200MP triple-camera system with optical image stabilization, and a 4500mAh battery with 180W fast charging, running XOS 12 on Android 12. It’s available in Coslight Silver and Genesis Noir, offering a premium experience at a mid-range price. In contrast, the Opopo A98s is a shoddy knockoff, with inferior hardware, poor performance, and no legitimate software or support, lacking the innovation and reliability of the genuine model.

Prices and Where to Buy

Infinix Zero Ultra 5G

• Price: Approximately KSh 35,999–69,999, depending on the retailer and availability. Prices vary due to stock fluctuations and promotions, with some sources listing it as low as KSh 35,999 at SMATIKA or as high as KSh 69,999 at Avechi in 2022.
• Where to Buy: Available from reputable online and physical stores in Kenya, including:
  • Jumia Kenya: A trusted platform for electronics with fast delivery.
    • Link: Jumia Kenya – Infinix Zero Ultra 5G
  • Phone Place Kenya: Stocks authentic devices, fast delivery in Nairobi and beyond.
    • Link: Phone Place Kenya – Infinix Zero Ultra 5G
  • Avechi: A reliable shop for original phones, often with warranties.
    • Link: Avechi – Infinix Zero Ultra 5G
  • SMATIKA: Offers competitive pricing for Infinix phones.
    • Link: SMATIKA – Infinix Zero Ultra 5G

Opopo A98s

• Price: Often sold for KSh 5,000–15,000, a suspiciously low price that attracts budget buyers, far below the cost of genuine 5G smartphones.
• 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 for the Infinix Zero Ultra 5G may vary based on stock, taxes, and promotions. As an older model, it may be harder to find new units in 2025, with prices reflecting remaining or refurbished stock. Always confirm with the retailer for the latest pricing and availability.

Why People Should Avoid Fake Phones

Purchasing counterfeit devices like the Opopo A98s 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. Over 150 million counterfeit smartphones are sold annually with compromised security features.
• 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 an estimated KSh 30 billion annually in tax evasion and harming legitimate businesses.
• Short Lifespan: Fake phones degrade quickly, negating initial savings as users must replace them sooner.

The Communications Authority of Kenya and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority actively seize fake goods, such as the Sh8 million worth of counterfeit phones confiscated in Nairobi in 2019, but consumer vigilance 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 Opopo A98s is a counterfeit phone flooding the Kenyan market, exploiting the popularity of brands like OPPO and Infinix. Its misspelled branding, shoddy build, and dubious software set it apart from the genuine Infinix Zero Ultra 5G, a reliable, feature-rich flagship. While the fake tempts with a low price (KSh 5,000–15,000), the authentic Infinix Zero Ultra 5G (KSh 35,999–69,999) 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.

LULU MAISHA MAGIC PLUS SEASON 1 EPISODE 27 TUESDAY JUNE 10TH 2025 FULL EPISODE