UHONDO!!!

The Noting Phone (7a): A Fake Phone Flooding the Kenyan Market

The Kenyan smartphone market, a critical 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 “Noting Phone (7a)” has surfaced as a notable fake phone, deceiving buyers seeking affordable, stylish smartphones. This article explores why the Noting Phone (7a) is considered counterfeit, what marks it as a fake, compares it to the legitimate Nothing Phone (2a) it likely attempts to emulate, provides pricing and purchase options, and highlights the risks of buying fake phones.

Why the Noting Phone (7a) Is a Fake Phone

The “Noting Phone (7a)” is not a genuine product from Nothing, a London-based tech company founded in 2020, known for its minimalist design and transparent aesthetic. As of June 11, 2025, no “Noting Phone (7a)” exists in Nothing’s official lineup, which includes models like the Nothing Phone (1), Phone (2), and Phone (2a), with the Phone (3) expected later in 2025. Counterfeit manufacturers have fabricated the Noting Phone (7a) to exploit Nothing’s growing popularity in Kenya, where the brand appeals to tech-savvy consumers seeking unique, budget-friendly devices. The name “Noting” mimics Nothing’s branding, and the “(7a)” falsely suggests a newer model, capitalizing on the success of the Phone (2a). 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 Noting Phone (7a) Fake?

Several telltale signs expose the Noting Phone (7a) as a counterfeit:

• Misspelled Branding: The name “Noting” drops an “h” from “Nothing,” a deliberate trick to mimic the legitimate brand while evading trademark laws.
• Poor Build Quality: Unlike Nothing’s premium designs with transparent glass backs and sturdy frames, the fake uses cheap, flimsy plastic, with uneven edges, loose buttons, and a shoddy finish. Genuine Nothing phones, like the Phone (2a), feature a distinctive Glyph Interface with LED lights, which fakes often lack or poorly replicate.
• Substandard Display: The screen is often dim, pixelated, or unevenly lit, lacking the clarity of the Nothing Phone (2a)’s 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1300 nits peak brightness.
• Unreliable Software: It typically runs a glitchy, modified, or outdated Android-based system, often loaded with bloatware or malware, disguised to resemble Nothing OS 2.5. It lacks access to official app stores or updates, unlike the clean, customizable Nothing OS on genuine devices.
• 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 Nothing’s branding or certification marks, unlike the professional packaging of genuine Nothing phones.

These traits reveal the Noting Phone (7a) as a deceptive product, preying on consumers’ interest in Nothing’s unique design and affordability.

Comparison: Noting Phone (7a) vs. Nothing Phone (2a)

The Noting Phone (7a) likely attempts to emulate the Nothing Phone (2a), a budget-friendly smartphone launched by Nothing in March 2024, known for its transparent design, Glyph Interface, and solid performance. Here’s a comparison:

Key Differences

The Nothing Phone (2a) features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro processor, a dual 50MP camera system with optical image stabilization, and a 5000mAh battery with 45W fast charging, running Nothing OS 2.5 on Android 14. Its transparent design and Glyph Interface with customizable LED lights set it apart, offering three years of OS updates and four years of security updates. Available in Black, White, and Milk, it balances style and performance for budget-conscious buyers. In contrast, the Noting Phone (7a) is a shoddy knockoff, with inferior hardware, poor performance, and no legitimate software or support, often lacking the Glyph Interface and running a generic Android interface that fails to mimic Nothing OS, as seen in reports of counterfeit devices.

Prices and Where to Buy

Nothing Phone (2a)

• Price: Approximately KSh 35,000–45,000, depending on the retailer, region, and storage variant (e.g., 8GB/128GB, 12GB/256GB). For example, pricing trends for similar Nothing models suggest this range in Kenya, though exact prices may vary.
• 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 – Nothing Phone (2a)
  • Phone Place Kenya: Stocks authentic devices, fast delivery in Nairobi and beyond.
    • Link: Phone Place Kenya – Nothing Phone (2a)
  • Avechi: A reliable shop for original phones, often with warranties.
    • Link: Avechi – Nothing Phone (2a)
  • Price in Kenya: Offers genuine Nothing phones, countrywide delivery.
    • Link: Price in Kenya – Nothing Phone (2a)

Noting Phone (7a)

• Price: Often sold for KSh 5,000–15,000, a suspiciously low price that attracts budget buyers, far below the cost of genuine mid-range smartphones.
• Where to Buy: These fakes are not available from reputable retailers but are commonly found in informal markets (e.g., downtown Nairobi’s Mfangano Street, Tom Mboya Street), 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 Nothing Phone (2a) may vary based on stock, taxes, condition (new or used), and promotions. Always confirm with the retailer for the latest pricing and availability.

Why People Should Avoid Fake Phones

Purchasing counterfeit devices like the Noting Phone (7a) carries significant risks:

• Poor Performance: Fake phones deliver sluggish operation, with laggy apps, poor call quality, and unreliable features, frustrating daily use, as seen in reports of counterfeit devices with inferior displays and slow chipsets.
• Safety Hazards: Low-quality batteries and components may overheat, leak, or explode, posing health risks to users and property, a concern highlighted by the CA regarding counterfeit phones’ potential harmful radiation.
• 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, unlike genuine Nothing devices with a one-year warranty from trusted retailers.
• Economic Impact: Buying counterfeits fuels illegal trade, costing Kenya an estimated KSh 30 billion annually in tax evasion and harming legitimate businesses, with mobile phones accounting for 51.8% of ACA seizures.
• Short Lifespan: Fake phones degrade quickly, negating initial savings as users must replace them sooner, as noted in personal accounts of counterfeit purchases.

The Communications Authority of Kenya and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority actively seize fake goods, such as the KSh 10 million worth of counterfeit phones confiscated in Nairobi in 2019, but consumer vigilance is crucial. The CA offers a free IMEI verification service by texting the number to 1555 and plans to establish an online platform linked to the GSMA global device database to verify phone authenticity. Consumers should inspect device quality, avoid suspiciously cheap deals, and buy only from trusted sources to mitigate these risks.

Conclusion

The Noting Phone (7a) is a counterfeit phone flooding the Kenyan market, exploiting Nothing’s unique brand appeal. Its misspelled branding, shoddy build, and dubious software set it apart from the genuine Nothing Phone (2a), a reliable, stylish mid-range smartphone. While the fake tempts with a low price (KSh 5,000–15,000), the authentic Nothing Phone (2a) (KSh 35,000–45,000) 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.

NEEMA CITIZEN TV 13TH JUNE 2025 FRIDAY PART 1 AND PART 2 FULL EPISODE COMBINED