HUBA MAISHA MAGIC BONGO 17TH JUNE 2025 JUMANNE LEO USIKU SEASON 14 EPISODE 41

The Inffinx Zero 70: 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), is increasingly plagued by counterfeit devices. Among these, the “Inffinx Zero 70” has surfaced as a notable fake phone, deceiving buyers seeking the affordability and modern features of the reputable Infinix brand. This article explores why the Inffinx Zero 70 is considered counterfeit, what marks it as a fake, compares it to the legitimate Infinix Zero 40 it likely attempts to emulate, provides pricing and purchase options, and highlights the risks of buying fake phones.

Why the Inffinx Zero 70 Is a Fake Phone

The “Inffinx Zero 70” is not a genuine product from Infinix Mobile, a brand under Transsion Holdings, established in 2013 and known for its Zero, Hot, and Note series. As of June 16, 2025, no “Inffinx Zero 70” exists in Infinix’s official lineup; the Zero series includes models like the Infinix Zero 40, launched in August 2024, but no Zero 70 has been released or announced. Counterfeit manufacturers have fabricated the Inffinx Zero 70 to exploit Infinix’s 10.1% market share in Kenya, capitalizing on the Zero series’ reputation for high-resolution cameras and sleek designs. The misspelled “Inffinx” adds an extra “f” to “Infinix,” and the “Zero 70” falsely suggests a newer, advanced model, likely emulating the Infinix Zero 40’s 6.78-inch AMOLED display and 108MP camera. 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 Inffinx Zero 70 Fake?

Several telltale signs expose the Inffinx Zero 70 as a counterfeit, consistent with warnings about fake Infinix phones in markets like the Philippines:

  • Misspelled Branding: The name “Inffinx” adds an extra “f” to “Infinix,” a deliberate trick to mimic the legitimate brand while evading trademark laws, similar to fake “Infinix Smart 8” devices noted in the Philippines.
  • Poor Build Quality: Unlike the Infinix Zero 40’s premium design with Corning Gorilla Glass 5, a plastic frame, IP54 dust/splash resistance, and 190g weight, the fake uses cheap, flimsy plastic with uneven edges, loose buttons, and a shoddy finish. It lacks the solid feel of the genuine model’s 164.1 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm build.
  • Substandard Display: The screen is often dim, pixelated, or uses a low-quality LCD, lacking the vibrancy of the Zero 40’s 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 1440 x 2436 resolution, and 1300 nits peak brightness.
  • Unreliable Software: It typically runs a glitchy, modified, or outdated Android-based system with bloatware or malware, disguised as Infinix’s XOS 14.5 on Android 14. It lacks official app store access, updates, or features like the Zero 40’s AI Vlog Mode, as noted in reviews of Infinix 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, a critical step for verifying phone authenticity in Kenya.
  • Shoddy Packaging: Counterfeit boxes feature blurry logos, misspellings, or poor-quality printing, with cheap, unbranded accessories, unlike Infinix’s professional packaging with a 45W charger, as described for the Zero 40. The fake’s packaging may use different colors or fonts, as seen in counterfeit Smart 8 boxes.

These traits reveal the Inffinx Zero 70 as a deceptive product, preying on consumers’ trust in Infinix’s reputation for value.

Comparison: Inffinx Zero 70 vs. Infinix Zero 40

The Inffinx Zero 70 likely attempts to emulate the Infinix Zero 40, a mid-range smartphone launched in August 2024, known for its 108MP triple-camera system, Dimensity 8200 Ultimate chipset, and 120Hz AMOLED display. Here’s a comparison:

FeatureInfinix Zero 40Inffinx Zero 70
ManufacturerInfinix Mobile (China, Transsion Holdings)Unknown, counterfeit producers
Build QualityGorilla Glass 5 front/back, plastic frame, IP54 rated, 190gCheap plastic, flimsy, poor fit and finish
Display6.78-inch AMOLED, 1440 x 2436 pixels, 120Hz, 1300 nits, ~393 ppiLow-quality LCD, dim, pixelated, no high refresh rate
ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate (4nm), octa-core, Mali-G610 MC6 GPUUnderpowered, generic chip, laggy performance
Camera108MP (wide, OIS) + 50MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (depth), 50MP front, 4K@30fps videoPoor cameras, low resolution, grainy or blurry output
SoftwareAndroid 14, XOS 14.5, AI Vlog Mode, 2 OS upgrades, 3 years security updatesGlitchy, Android-based, potential malware, no updates
Battery5000mAh, 45W wired, 20W wireless charging, reliable and safeSmaller or unreliable battery, potential safety risks
Connectivity5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, infraredLimited or no 5G, unstable connectivity, no NFC
AuthenticityGenuine IMEI, verifiable via CA’s SMS to 1555Invalid or duplicated IMEI, fails authenticity checks
Warranty1-year warranty from Infinix, reliable after-sales supportNo warranty, no support, high risk of failure

Key Differences

The Infinix Zero 40 features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate processor for robust performance, and a triple-camera system with a 108MP main sensor, 50MP ultrawide, and 2MP depth lens, supporting 4K video with ProStable stabilization. It runs Android 14 with XOS 14.5, offering AI Vlog Mode, dual speakers with JBL tuning, and two OS upgrades. Its 5000mAh battery supports 45W wired and 20W wireless charging, and it includes 5G, NFC, and infrared. Available in Misty Aqua, Blossom Glow, and Rock Black, it offers IP54 resistance and a premium design. In contrast, the Inffinx Zero 70 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, as seen in fake Infinix devices.

Comparison: Infinix Zero 40 vs. Huawei Pura 70 Ultra

To provide further context, since the user requested a comparison with a Huawei phone, here’s a brief comparison between the Infinix Zero 40 (the legitimate phone the fake is emulating) and the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra, a flagship smartphone launched in April 2024:

FeatureInfinix Zero 40Huawei Pura 70 Ultra
Display6.78-inch AMOLED, 1440 x 2436 pixels, 120Hz, 1300 nits6.8-inch OLED, 1260 x 2844 pixels, 120Hz, 2500 nits
ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate (4nm), octa-coreKirin 9010 (7nm), octa-core
Camera108MP (wide, OIS) + 50MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (depth), 50MP front50MP (wide, retractable, OIS) + 40MP (ultrawide) + 50MP (telephoto, 3.5x), 13MP front
SoftwareAndroid 14, XOS 14.5HarmonyOS 4.2 (no Google services)
Battery5000mAh, 45W wired, 20W wireless5200mAh, 100W wired, 80W wireless
Connectivity5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, infrared5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, infrared
BuildGorilla Glass 5, plastic frame, IP54 rated, 190gGlass front/back, aluminum frame, IP68 rated, 226g
Price (Kenya)KSh 45,000–50,000KSh 130,000–150,000

The Infinix Zero 40 offers a high-resolution AMOLED display, a capable processor, and a competitive camera system at a mid-range price, while the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra provides a premium retractable camera, faster charging, and HarmonyOS 4.2, but lacks Google services and comes at a significantly higher cost. The Zero 40 is ideal for budget-conscious buyers, while the Pura 70 Ultra targets premium users.

Prices and Where to Buy

Infinix Zero 40

  • Price: Approximately KSh 45,000–50,000, depending on the retailer and storage variant (8GB/256GB, 12GB/512GB). For example, Jumia Kenya lists Infinix Zero series models at competitive prices, and Gadgets Leo estimates KSh 45,000–50,000 based on global pricing (~$349).
  • Where to Buy: Available from reputable online and physical stores in Kenya, including:

Huawei Pura 70 Ultra

  • Price: Approximately KSh 130,000–150,000, depending on the retailer and storage variant (12GB/512GB, 16GB/1TB). For example, global pricing starts at $1001 (KSh 130,000), and local retailers like MobileHub Kenya estimate KSh 140,000.
  • Where to Buy: Available from reputable online and physical stores in Kenya, including:

Inffinx Zero 70

  • Price: Often sold for KSh 10,000–20,000, a suspiciously low price that attracts budget buyers, far below the cost of genuine mid-range smartphones, as noted in listings for questionable Infinix phones on Jiji.co.ke starting at KSh 7,800 for older 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 Infinix Zero 40 and Huawei Pura 70 Ultra may vary based on stock, taxes, condition (new or refurbished), and promotions. Always confirm with the retailer for the latest pricing and availability.

Why People Should Avoid Fake Phones

Purchasing counterfeit devices like the Inffinx Zero 70 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 Infinix devices in the Philippines.
  • 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 Infinix or Huawei 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, requiring frequent replacements, negating initial savings, as noted in accounts of counterfeit purchases in Kenya.

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, inspect its quality, and buy only from trusted sources to mitigate these risks.

Conclusion

The Inffinx Zero 70 is a counterfeit phone flooding the Kenyan market, exploiting Infinix’s trusted name with a misspelled brand and fabricated model name. Its shoddy build, substandard display, and dubious software set it apart from the genuine Infinix Zero 40, a mid-range smartphone with a 120Hz AMOLED display and 108MP camera, which competes with premium devices like the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra. While the fake tempts with a low price (KSh 10,000–20,000), the authentic Infinix Zero 40 (KSh 45,000–50,000) and Huawei Pura 70 Ultra (KSh 130,000–150,000) offer value, safety, and performance, available at trusted retailers 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.

HUBA MAISHA MAGIC BONGO 17TH JUNE 2025 JUMANNE LEO USIKU SEASON 14 EPISODE 41


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