The Sumsang Galaxy A39: 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 “Sumsang Galaxy A39” has surfaced as a notable fake phone, deceiving buyers seeking the affordability and quality of the reputable Samsung brand. This article explores why the Sumsang Galaxy A39 is considered counterfeit, what marks it as a fake, compares it to the legitimate Samsung Galaxy A35 5G it likely attempts to emulate, provides pricing and purchase options, and highlights the risks of buying fake phones.
Why the Sumsang Galaxy A39 Is a Fake Phone
The “Sumsang Galaxy A39” is not a genuine product from Samsung, a South Korean tech giant renowned for its Galaxy A-series mid-range smartphones. As of June 15, 2025, no “Galaxy A39” exists in Samsung’s official lineup. The A-series includes models like the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G, launched in March 2024, but no A39 has been announced or released. Counterfeit manufacturers have fabricated the Sumsang Galaxy A39 to exploit Samsung’s dominant 21.44% market share in Kenya as of March 2024. The misspelled “Sumsang” adds an extra “s” to “Samsung,” and the “A39” falsely suggests a newer model, likely emulating the Galaxy A35 5G’s modern design, vibrant AMOLED display, and 5G capabilities. 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, posing significant risks to consumers and the economy.
What Makes the Sumsang Galaxy A39 Fake?
Several telltale signs expose the Sumsang Galaxy A39 as a counterfeit, as noted in discussions about fake Samsung phones:
- Misspelled Branding: The name “Sumsang” adds an extra “s” to “Samsung,” a deliberate trick to mimic the legitimate brand while evading trademark laws, similar to a fake “Samsung Solar System” model flagged on Reddit.
- Poor Build Quality: Unlike the Galaxy A35 5G’s robust design with a glass front and back (Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+), plastic frame, IP67 dust/water resistance, and 209g weight, the fake uses cheap, flimsy plastic with uneven edges, loose buttons, and a shoddy finish. It lacks the premium feel and durability of the genuine model’s 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm build.
- Substandard Display: The screen is often dim, pixelated, or uses a low-quality LCD, lacking the clarity of the Galaxy A35 5G’s 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 1080 x 2340 resolution, 1000 nits brightness, and Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection.
- Unreliable Software: It typically runs a glitchy, modified, or outdated Android-based system, often with bloatware or malware, disguised as Samsung’s One UI 6.1 on Android 14. It lacks official app store access, updates, Samsung Knox security, or features like Nightography, unlike the A35 5G’s optimized software promising four OS upgrades and five years of security updates. Fakes may manipulate benchmarking apps to show false specs, a tactic noted in counterfeit devices.
- Invalid IMEI: The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, viewable by dialing *#06#, is often invalid, duplicated, or mismatched (e.g., not corresponding to an A35 5G). Texting it to 1555, a free CA service, typically confirms it as fake, as advised for verifying phone authenticity in Kenya. Some fakes use random serial numbers from genuine devices, but this model often lacks a valid number.
- Shoddy Packaging: Counterfeit boxes feature blurry logos, misspellings, or poor-quality printing, with cheap, unbranded accessories, unlike Samsung’s professional packaging with a 25W charger and USB-C cable.
These traits reveal the Sumsang Galaxy A39 as a deceptive product, exploiting Samsung’s reputation for mid-range excellence.
Comparison: Sumsang Galaxy A39 vs. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
The Sumsang Galaxy A39 likely attempts to emulate the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G, a mid-range smartphone launched in March 2024, known for its Super AMOLED display, 50MP camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), and 5000mAh battery. Here’s a comparison:
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A35 5G | Sumsang Galaxy A39 |
---|---|---|
Manufacturer | Samsung (South Korea) | Unknown, counterfeit producers |
Build Quality | Glass front/back (Gorilla Glass Victus+), plastic frame, IP67 rated, 209g | Cheap plastic, flimsy, poor fit and finish |
Display | 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 1080 x 2340 pixels, 120Hz, 1000 nits, ~390 ppi | Low-quality LCD, dim, pixelated, no high refresh rate |
Processor | Exynos 1380 (5nm), octa-core (4×2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 + 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Underpowered, generic chip, laggy performance |
Camera | 50MP (wide, OIS) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 5MP (macro), 13MP front, 4K@30fps video | Poor cameras, low resolution, grainy or blurry output |
Software | Android 14, One UI 6.1, 4 OS upgrades, 5 years security updates, Samsung Knox | Glitchy, Android-based, potential malware, no updates |
Battery | 5000mAh, 25W fast charging, reliable and safe | Smaller or unreliable battery, potential safety risks |
Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C 2.0, stereo speakers | Limited or no 5G, unstable connectivity, no NFC |
Authenticity | Genuine IMEI, verifiable via CA’s SMS to 1555 | Invalid or duplicated IMEI, fails authenticity checks |
Warranty | 1–2-year warranty from Samsung, reliable after-sales support | No warranty, no support, high risk of failure |
Key Differences
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, an Exynos 1380 processor, and a triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor (OIS), 8MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro, supporting 4K video. It runs Android 14 with One UI 6.1, offering four OS upgrades, five years of security updates, and features like Samsung Knox and Nightography for low-light photography. Its 5000mAh battery supports 25W fast charging, and it includes 5G, NFC, Wi-Fi 6, and IP67 resistance. Available in Iceblue, Lilac, and Navy, it balances performance and affordability. In contrast, the Sumsang Galaxy A39 is a shoddy knockoff, with inferior hardware, no advanced connectivity (e.g., 5G, NFC), and no legitimate software or support, often falsely displaying higher specs while delivering subpar performance, as seen in fake Samsung models discussed online.
Prices and Where to Buy
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
- Price: Approximately KSh 31,500–37,799, depending on the retailer, storage variant (6GB/128GB, 8GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB), and promotions. For example, Phones Store Kenya lists it at KSh 31,500–35,500, MobileHub Kenya at KSh 32,000–34,500, Hotspot Electronics at KSh 37,799, and Avechi at KSh 34,999 for the 8GB/256GB model.
- Where to Buy: Available from reputable online and physical stores in Kenya, including:
- Jumia Kenya: A trusted platform for electronics with fast delivery.
- Phone Place Kenya: Stocks authentic devices, fast delivery in Nairobi and beyond.
- Gadgets Leo: Offers genuine Samsung phones, countrywide delivery.
- MobileHub Kenya: Reliable for original phones, often with warranties.
- Avechi: Offers competitive pricing with a 1-year warranty.
- Phones Store Kenya: Provides countrywide delivery.
Sumsang Galaxy A39
- 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 noted in warnings about fake Samsung phones on platforms like Jiji.co.ke and Reddit discussions about suspiciously cheap A55 models.
- 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 A35 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 offer a 2-year warranty, enhancing value.
Why People Should Avoid Fake Phones
Purchasing counterfeit devices like the Sumsang Galaxy A39 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 Samsung phones with inferior processors and displays.
- 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 Samsung devices with a 1–2-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 costly repairs or replacements, negating initial savings, as noted in personal accounts of counterfeit purchases like fake Galaxy S21 Ultra models sold for $135.
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 or CPU-Z 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 Sumsang Galaxy A39 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 A35 5G, a reliable mid-range smartphone with a vibrant AMOLED display, 50MP camera, and 5G connectivity. While the fake tempts with a low price (KSh 5,000–15,000), the authentic Samsung Galaxy A35 5G (KSh 31,500–37,799) offers value, safety, and performance, available at trusted retailers 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.
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