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The Samssung Galaxy M83: 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 M83” has emerged as a notable fake phone, deceiving buyers seeking the affordability and reliability of the reputable Samsung brand. This article explores why the Samssung Galaxy M83 is considered counterfeit, what marks it as a fake, compares it to the legitimate Samsung Galaxy M34 5G it likely attempts to emulate, provides pricing and purchase options, and highlights the risks of buying fake phones.

Why the Samssung Galaxy M83 Is a Fake Phone

The “Samssung Galaxy M83” is not a genuine product from Samsung, a South Korean tech giant renowned for its Galaxy M-series budget and mid-range smartphones. As of June 14, 2025, no “Galaxy M83” exists in Samsung’s official lineup. The M-series includes models like the Samsung Galaxy M34 5G, launched in July 2023, but no M83 has been announced or released. Counterfeit manufacturers have fabricated the Samssung Galaxy M83 to exploit Samsung’s dominant 21.44% market share in Kenya as of March 2024. The misspelled “Samssung” mimics Samsung’s branding, and the “M83” falsely suggests a newer, advanced model, likely emulating the Galaxy M34 5G’s reputation for a large battery and vibrant display. These fakes flood the market via informal channels—street vendors, unregulated online sellers, and social media marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace—luring buyers with low prices. The CA and Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) estimate that counterfeit phones account for 30–40% of devices in circulation, posing significant risks to consumers and the economy.

What Makes the Samssung Galaxy M83 Fake?

Several telltale signs expose the Samssung Galaxy M83 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 the Samsung Galaxy M34 5G’s durable design with a glass front (Corning Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, and back, weighing 208g, the fake uses cheap, flimsy plastic with uneven edges, loose buttons, and a shoddy finish. It lacks the ergonomic grip and smudge-resistant back of the genuine model.
• Substandard Display: The screen is often dim, pixelated, or uses a low-quality LCD, lacking the clarity of the Galaxy M34 5G’s 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 1080 x 2340 resolution, and 1000 nits peak brightness.
• Unreliable Software: It typically runs a glitchy, modified, or outdated Android-based system (e.g., Android 10 or older), often with bloatware or malware, disguised as Samsung’s One UI 5.1 on Android 13. It lacks official updates, Samsung Knox security, or ecosystem features, unlike the M34 5G, which is upgradable to Android 14.
• 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 unbranded, low-quality accessories, unlike Samsung’s professional packaging with a 25W charger and USB-C cable.

These traits, as highlighted in discussions about fake Samsung phones, reveal the Samssung Galaxy M83 as a deceptive product exploiting Samsung’s reputation.

Comparison: Samssung Galaxy M83 vs. Samsung Galaxy M34 5G

The Samssung Galaxy M83 likely attempts to emulate the Samsung Galaxy M34 5G, a mid-range smartphone launched in July 2023, known for its 6000mAh battery, Super AMOLED display, and 50MP camera with optical image stabilization (OIS). Here’s a comparison:

Key Differences

The Samsung Galaxy M34 5G features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, an Exynos 1280 processor, and a triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro, supporting 4K video recording. It runs Android 13 with One UI 5.1, upgradable to Android 14, and has a 6000mAh battery with 25W fast charging, offering up to 48 hours of usage. It supports 5G, NFC, and expandable storage up to 1TB via microSDXC. Available in Midnight Blue, Prism Silver, and Waterfall Blue, it includes Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for durability. In contrast, the Samssung Galaxy M83 is a shoddy knockoff, with inferior hardware (e.g., generic chipsets, 1–2GB RAM), poor cameras, and no legitimate software or support, often lacking 5G, NFC, or fast charging, as noted in counterfeit phone reports.

Prices and Where to Buy

Samsung Galaxy M34 5G

• Price: Approximately KSh 21,800–28,999, depending on the retailer, storage variant (6GB/128GB, 8GB/128GB), and promotions. For example, Gadgets Leo lists it at KSh 21,800, Phones Store Kenya at KSh 23,500, Digital Phones Kenya at KSh 28,999, and Avechi at KSh 23,999.
• 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 M34 5G
  • Phone Place Kenya: Stocks authentic devices, fast delivery in Nairobi and beyond.
    • Link: Phone Place Kenya – Samsung Galaxy M34 5G
  • Gadgets Leo: Offers genuine Samsung phones, countrywide delivery.
    • Link: Gadgets Leo – Samsung Galaxy M34 5G
  • MobileHub Kenya: Reliable for original phones, often with warranties.
    • Link: MobileHub Kenya – Samsung Galaxy M34 5G
  • Avechi: Offers competitive pricing with a 1-year warranty.
    • Link: Avechi – Samsung Galaxy M34 5G
  • Phones Store Kenya: Provides countrywide delivery.
    • Link: Phones Store Kenya – Samsung Galaxy M34 5G

Samssung Galaxy M83

• 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, as seen with fake Samsung models 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 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 Samsung Galaxy M34 5G may vary based on stock, taxes, condition (new or used), and promotions. Always confirm with the retailer for the latest pricing and availability. Some retailers note that the M34 5G may not include a local warranty, so verify warranty terms before purchase.

Why People Should Avoid Fake Phones

Purchasing counterfeit devices like the Samssung Galaxy M83 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 fake Samsung models with inferior processors and limited storage.
• Safety Hazards: Low-quality batteries and components may overheat, leak, or explode, posing health risks to users and property. The CA warns that counterfeit phones may emit harmful radiation due to untested components.
• 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 Samsung devices with a one-year warranty from trusted retailers (though some M34 5G units may lack local warranty).
• 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 costly repairs or 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 critical. The CA offers a free IMEI verification service by texting the number to 1555 and plans to launch a web-based platform linked to the GSMA global device database to verify phone authenticity. Consumers should verify a phone’s IMEI, inspect its quality using apps like AIDA64 for hardware checks, and buy only from trusted sources to avoid scams, especially on platforms like Jiji.co.ke or Facebook Marketplace, where fake Samsung phones are rampant.

Conclusion

The Samssung Galaxy M83 is a counterfeit phone flooding the Kenyan market, exploiting Samsung’s trusted name with a misspelled brand and non-existent model to mislead buyers. Its shoddy build, substandard display, and dubious software set it apart from the genuine Samsung Galaxy M34 5G, a reliable mid-range smartphone with a vibrant AMOLED display, long-lasting battery, and solid camera performance. While the fake tempts with a low price (KSh 5,000–15,000), the authentic Samsung Galaxy M34 5G (KSh 21,800–28,999) offers value, safety, and performance, available at trusted retailers like Jumia, Phone Place Kenya, Gadgets Leo, and Avechi. Avoid fake phones to protect your safety, data, and wallet—stick to reputable retailers and verify authenticity before buying.

SANURA MAISHA MAGIC EAST FRIDAY 13TH JUNE 2025 SEASON 1 EPISODE 297