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The Samssung Galaxy M73: A Fake Phone Flooding the Kenyan Market

The Kenyan smartphone market, a vital hub for 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 “Samssung Galaxy M73” has emerged as a notable fake phone, deceiving buyers seeking the reliability and quality of the reputable Samsung brand. This article explores why the Samssung Galaxy M73 is considered counterfeit, what marks it as a fake, compares it to the legitimate Samsung Galaxy M53 5G it likely attempts to emulate, provides pricing and purchase options, and highlights the risks of buying fake phones.

Why the Samssung Galaxy M73 Is a Fake Phone

The “Samssung Galaxy M73” is not a genuine product from Samsung, a South Korean tech giant founded in 1969, renowned for its Galaxy series of smartphones. As of June 10, 2025, no “Galaxy M73” exists in Samsung’s official lineup; the M-series includes models like the Galaxy M53 5G, launched in April 2022, and others such as the M33 and M13, but no M73 has been announced or released. Counterfeit manufacturers have fabricated the Samssung Galaxy M73 to exploit Samsung’s popularity in Kenya, where the brand holds a 21.44% market share as of March 2024. 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.

What Makes the Samssung Galaxy M73 Fake?

Several telltale signs expose the Samssung Galaxy M73 as a counterfeit:

• Misspelled Branding: The name “Samssung” adds an extra “s” to “Samsung,” a deliberate trick to mimic the legitimate brand while evading trademark laws.
• Poor Build Quality: Unlike Samsung’s durable designs with glass fronts, plastic frames, and Gorilla Glass protection, the fake uses cheap, flimsy materials, featuring uneven edges, loose buttons, and a shoddy finish.
• Substandard Display: The screen is often dim, pixelated, or unevenly lit, lacking the vibrancy and clarity of Samsung’s Super AMOLED Plus displays.
• Unreliable Software: It may run a glitchy, modified, or outdated Android-based system, often loaded with bloatware or malware, unlike Samsung’s optimized One UI on Android.
• 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 Samsung branding or certification marks.

These traits reveal the Samssung Galaxy M73 as a deceptive product, preying on consumers’ trust in Samsung’s reputation for quality and innovation.

Comparison: Samssung Galaxy M73 vs. Samsung Galaxy M53 5G

The Samssung Galaxy M73 likely attempts to emulate the Samsung Galaxy M53 5G, a legitimate mid-range smartphone launched by Samsung in April 2022, known for its robust performance and camera capabilities. Here’s a comparison:

Key Differences

The Samsung Galaxy M53 5G, released in April 2022, features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 900 processor, a 108MP quad-camera system, and a 5000mAh battery with 25W fast charging, running One UI on Android with updates, backed by Samsung’s quality and support. It offers a minimalist design with soft, rounded edges and vibrant colors (Green, Blue, Brown). In contrast, the Samssung Galaxy M73 is a shoddy knockoff, with inferior hardware, poor performance, and no legitimate software or support, lacking the reliability and value of the genuine model.

Prices and Where to Buy

Samsung Galaxy M53 5G

• Price: Approximately KSh 40,500–50,000, depending on the retailer, region, and storage variant (e.g., 6GB/128GB, 8GB/128GB). Prices may vary due to stock availability, as the model is older and sometimes out of stock.
• 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 – Samsung Galaxy M53 5G
  • Phone Place Kenya: Stocks authentic devices, fast delivery in Nairobi and beyond.
    • Link: Phone Place Kenya – Samsung Galaxy M53 5G
  • Gadgets Leo: Offers genuine Samsung phones with delivery options.
    • Link: Gadgets Leo – Samsung Galaxy M53 5G
  • Phones Store Kenya: Provides genuine Samsung phones, countrywide delivery.
    • Link: Phones Store Kenya – Samsung Galaxy M53 5G

Samssung Galaxy M73

• Price: Often sold for KSh 5,000–12,000, 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 (new or used), and promotions. The Galaxy M53 5G may be harder to find new in 2025 due to its 2022 release, 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 Samssung Galaxy M73 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 Samssung Galaxy M73 is a counterfeit phone flooding the Kenyan market, exploiting Samsung’s trusted name. Its misspelled branding, shoddy build, and dubious software set it apart from the genuine Samsung Galaxy M53 5G, a reliable, feature-rich mid-range smartphone. While the fake tempts with a low price (KSh 5,000–12,000), the authentic Galaxy M53 5G (KSh 40,500–50,000) offers value, safety, and performance, available at trusted outlets like Jumia, Phone Place Kenya, and Gadgets Leo. Avoid fake phones to protect your safety, data, and wallet—stick to reputable retailers and verify authenticity before buying.

SHANGA MAISHA MAGIC PLUS SEASON 2 EPISODE 34 TUESDAY JUNE 10TH 2025 FULL EPISODE