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The Apel iPhone 12 Ultra: 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), is increasingly inundated with counterfeit devices. Among these, the “Apel iPhone 12 Ultra” has surfaced as a notable fake phone, deceiving buyers seeking the premium quality and innovation of Apple’s iconic iPhone lineup. This article explores why the Apel iPhone 12 Ultra is considered counterfeit, what marks it as a fake, compares it to the legitimate Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max it likely attempts to emulate, provides pricing and purchase options, and highlights the risks of buying fake phones.

Why the Apel iPhone 12 Ultra Is a Fake Phone

The “Apel iPhone 12 Ultra” is not a genuine product from Apple, the U.S.-based tech giant renowned for its iPhone series. As of June 14, 2025, no “iPhone 12 Ultra” exists in Apple’s official lineup. The iPhone 12 series, launched in October 2020, includes the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max, with no “Ultra” variant ever released. Counterfeit manufacturers have fabricated the Apel iPhone 12 Ultra to exploit Apple’s brand prestige in Kenya, where demand for high-end smartphones drives sales. The misspelled “Apel” mimics Apple’s branding, and the “12 Ultra” falsely suggests a superior model, likely emulating the iPhone 12 Pro Max’s advanced camera system and large display. These fakes flood the market via informal channels—street vendors, unregulated online sellers, and social media marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace—luring consumers with low prices. The CA estimates that 30–40% of mobile phones in Kenya are counterfeit, with Apple products being prime targets due to their high demand and status.

What Makes the Apel iPhone 12 Ultra Fake?

Several telltale signs expose the Apel iPhone 12 Ultra as a counterfeit:

• Misspelled Branding: The name “Apel” drops a “p” from “Apple,” a deliberate trick to mimic Apple’s branding while evading trademark laws.
• Poor Build Quality: Unlike the iPhone 12 Pro Max’s premium construction with a stainless steel frame, Ceramic Shield glass, and IP68 water/dust resistance, the fake uses cheap plastic or low-grade metal, with uneven edges, loose buttons, and a flimsy finish. It lacks the 228g weight and solid feel of the genuine model.
• Substandard Display: The screen is often dim, pixelated, or uses an LCD panel, lacking the clarity of the iPhone 12 Pro Max’s 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 2778 x 1284 resolution, and 458 ppi.
• Unreliable Software: It typically runs a modified or outdated Android-based system disguised as iOS, with glitches, bloatware, or malware. It cannot access iCloud, the App Store, or Apple’s ecosystem features like Face ID or MagSafe, unlike the iPhone 12 Pro Max’s iOS 14.1, upgradable to iOS 18.
• 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, or checking Apple’s Check Coverage page (https://checkcoverage.apple.com) typically confirms it as fake.
• Shoddy Packaging: Counterfeit boxes feature blurry logos, misspellings, or poor-quality printing, with cheap, unbranded accessories lacking the “Designed by Apple” label, unlike Apple’s professional packaging with a 20W charger and Lightning cable.

These traits, as highlighted in discussions about fake iPhones in Nairobi, reveal the Apel iPhone 12 Ultra as a deceptive product exploiting Apple’s reputation.

Comparison: Apel iPhone 12 Ultra vs. Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

The Apel iPhone 12 Ultra likely attempts to emulate the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, a flagship smartphone launched in October 2020, known for its A14 Bionic chip, quad-camera system with LiDAR, and Super Retina XDR display. Here’s a comparison:

Key Differences

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with HDR10, an A14 Bionic chip, and a quad-camera system with a 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto (2.5x zoom), and TOF 3D LiDAR scanner for enhanced low-light performance and AR capabilities. It supports 4K video at 60fps, runs iOS 14.1 (upgradable to iOS 18), and includes Face ID, MagSafe, and 5G connectivity. Available in Silver, Graphite, Gold, and Pacific Blue, it offers durability with Ceramic Shield and IP68 resistance. In contrast, the Apel iPhone 12 Ultra is a shoddy knockoff, with inferior hardware, poor cameras, and no legitimate software or support, often running Android disguised as iOS, lacking features like Face ID, LiDAR, or MagSafe, as noted in reports of fake iPhones in Kenya.

Prices and Where to Buy

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

• Price: Approximately KSh 65,000–140,000, depending on the retailer, storage variant (128GB, 256GB, 512GB), and condition (new, refurbished, or used). For example, Phone Place Kenya lists refurbished 256GB models at KSh 65,000, Apple Price Kenya at KSh 129,000–140,000 for new units, and Price in Kenya at KSh 67,000 for certified refurbished 256GB models.
• 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 – Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • Phone Place Kenya: Stocks authentic devices, fast delivery in Nairobi and beyond.
    • Link: Phone Place Kenya – Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • Gadgets Leo: Offers genuine iPhones with payment on delivery.
    • Link: Gadgets Leo – Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • Apple Price Kenya: Specializes in Apple products with nationwide shipping.
    • Link: Apple Price Kenya – Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • MobileHub Kenya: Reliable for original phones, often with warranties.
    • Link: MobileHub Kenya – Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

Apel iPhone 12 Ultra

• Price: Often sold for KSh 15,000–50,000, a suspiciously low price that attracts budget buyers, far below the cost of genuine iPhones, as noted in discussions about fake iPhones on platforms like Jiji.co.ke.
• Where to Buy: These fakes are not available from reputable retailers but are commonly found in informal markets (e.g., Nairobi’s Tom Mboya Street, Luthuli Avenue), 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 Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max may vary based on stock, taxes, condition (new, refurbished, or used), and promotions. Always confirm with the retailer for the latest pricing and availability. Refurbished units may not include a local warranty, so verify terms before purchase.

Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

To provide further context, since the user mentioned a comparison with a Samsung phone, here’s a brief comparison between the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (the legitimate phone the fake is emulating) and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, a competing flagship launched in January 2021:

The iPhone 12 Pro Max excels in iOS ecosystem integration, video recording (Dolby Vision HDR), and night photography with LiDAR, while the Galaxy S21 Ultra offers a higher-resolution display, larger battery, and superior zoom capabilities (10x periscope). Both are premium flagships, but the iPhone’s ecosystem and software longevity appeal to Apple fans, while the Samsung’s versatility suits Android users. The Apel iPhone 12 Ultra mimics the iPhone’s premium look but fails to deliver its performance or features.

Prices and Where to Buy: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

• Price: Approximately KSh 80,000–120,000, depending on the retailer, storage variant (12GB/128GB, 12GB/256GB, 16GB/512GB), and condition. For example, Phones Store Kenya lists used units at KSh 80,000, and MobileHub Kenya quotes KSh 100,000–120,000 for refurbished models.
• 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 S21 Ultra
  • Phone Place Kenya: Stocks authentic devices, fast delivery in Nairobi and beyond.
    • Link: Phone Place Kenya – Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
  • MobileHub Kenya: Reliable for original phones, often with warranties.
    • Link: MobileHub Kenya – Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
  • Phones Store Kenya: Provides countrywide delivery.
    • Link: Phones Store Kenya – Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

Why People Should Avoid Fake Phones

Purchasing counterfeit devices like the Apel iPhone 12 Ultra carries significant risks:

• Poor Performance: Fake phones deliver sluggish operation, with laggy apps, poor call quality, and unreliable features (e.g., low-resolution cameras producing blurry images), frustrating daily use, as seen in reports of fake iPhones in Kenya.
• Safety Hazards: Low-quality batteries and components may overheat, leak, or explode, endangering 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 Apple or Samsung products 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, requiring frequent replacements, negating initial savings, 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 verify a phone’s IMEI by texting to 1555 or checking Apple’s Check Coverage page, inspect its quality, and buy only from trusted sources to avoid these dangers.

Conclusion

The Apel iPhone 12 Ultra is a counterfeit phone flooding the Kenyan market, exploiting Apple’s trusted name with a misspelled brand and non-existent model to mislead buyers. Its shoddy build, substandard display, and dubious Android-based software set it apart from the genuine Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, a flagship smartphone with advanced cameras and iOS ecosystem integration, which competes closely with the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra in Kenya’s premium segment. While the fake tempts with a low price (KSh 15,000–50,000), the authentic iPhone 12 Pro Max (KSh 65,000–140,000) and Galaxy S21 Ultra (KSh 80,000–120,000) offer value, safety, and performance, available at trusted outlets like Jumia, Phone Place Kenya, and MobileHub Kenya. Avoid fake phones to protect your safety, data, and wallet—stick to reputable retailers and verify authenticity before buying.

KINA MAISHA MAGIC EAST FRIDAY 13TH JUNE 2025 SEASON 5 EPISODE 30