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The iPone 12S: 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 “iPone 12S” 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 iPone 12S is considered counterfeit, what marks it as a fake, compares it to the legitimate Apple iPhone 12 it likely attempts to emulate, provides pricing and purchase options, and highlights the risks of buying fake phones.

Why the iPone 12S Is a Fake Phone

The “iPone 12S” is not a genuine product from Apple, the U.S.-based tech giant renowned for its iPhone series. As of June 16, 2025, no “iPone 12S” 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, but no “12S” variant was ever released, as Apple typically skips “S” models in favor of numerical increments or Pro/Max designations. Counterfeit manufacturers have fabricated the iPone 12S to exploit Apple’s brand prestige in Kenya, where iPhones are coveted for their status and performance. The misspelled “iPone” capitalizes the “P” instead of using “iPhone,” and the “12S” falsely suggests an updated model, likely emulating the iPhone 12’s flat-edge design, A14 Bionic chip, 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 iPone 12S Fake?

Several telltale signs expose the iPone 12S as a counterfeit, consistent with guides for identifying fake iPhones in Kenya and posts on X warning about counterfeit Apple products:

• Misspelled Branding: The name “iPone” capitalizes the “P” instead of “iPhone,” a deliberate trick to mimic the legitimate brand while evading trademark laws, similar to fake “Apel” or “iPone” devices noted in Kenyan markets.
• Poor Build Quality: Unlike the iPhone 12’s premium construction with a glass front/back (Ceramic Shield), aerospace-grade aluminum frame, and IP68 water/dust resistance (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes), weighing 164g, the fake uses cheap plastic or low-grade metal, with uneven edges, loose buttons, and a flimsy finish. It lacks the solid feel of the genuine model’s 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm build.
• Substandard Display: The screen is often dim, pixelated, or uses an LCD panel, lacking the clarity of the iPhone 12’s 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a 1170 x 2532 resolution, 460 ppi, HDR10, and 1200 nits peak brightness. It may have a visible “chin” or thicker bezels, unlike the genuine edge-to-edge OLED.
• Unreliable Software: It typically runs a modified Android-based system disguised as iOS, with glitches, bloatware, or malware, often pre-installed with apps like TikTok or YouTube, which new iPhones never include. It cannot access iCloud, the App Store, or features like Siri, Face ID, or MagSafe, unlike the iPhone 12’s iOS 14 (upgradable to iOS 18). Attempts to open iCloud may redirect to Google Drive, a common trait of Android clones noted in X posts.
• Invalid IMEI: The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, viewable by dialing *#06#, is often invalid, duplicated, or mismatched. Texting it to 1555, a free CA service, or checking Apple’s Check Coverage page (https://checkcoverage.apple.com) typically confirms it as fake. Some fakes use a genuine iPhone’s serial number, but this fails verification as it belongs to another device.
• Shoddy Packaging: Counterfeit boxes feature blurry logos, misspellings, poor-quality printing, or tampered seals, with cheap accessories lacking the “Designed by Apple” label. Genuine iPhone 12 boxes are sleek with high-quality images, precise text, and include a Lightning to USB-C cable but no charger. Fakes may include screen protectors or adapters, which Apple does not ship.

These traits reveal the iPone 12S as a deceptive product, exploiting Apple’s reputation for premium smartphones.

Comparison: iPone 12S vs. Apple iPhone 12

The iPone 12S likely attempts to emulate the Apple iPhone 12, a flagship smartphone launched in October 2020, known for its A14 Bionic chip, dual-camera system, and 5G connectivity. Here’s a comparison:

Key Differences

The Apple iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, an A14 Bionic chip for exceptional performance, and a dual-camera system with 12MP wide and ultrawide lenses, supporting 4K@60fps video with Night Mode. It runs iOS 14 (upgradable to iOS 18), includes Face ID, MagSafe, and 5G connectivity. Its 2815mAh battery supports 20W fast charging and 15W wireless charging via MagSafe. Available in Black, White, Red, Green, Blue, and Purple, it offers IP68 resistance and Ceramic Shield durability. In contrast, the iPone 12S is a shoddy knockoff, typically running Android with an iOS skin, lacking genuine iOS features, 5G, or MagSafe, and often featuring pre-installed third-party apps or malware, as noted in X posts about fake iPhones.

Prices and Where to Buy

Apple iPhone 12

• Price: Approximately KSh 45,000–65,000, depending on the retailer, storage variant (64GB, 128GB, 256GB), and condition (new, refurbished, or used). For example, MobileHub Kenya lists refurbished 64GB models at KSh 45,000, Gadgets Leo at KSh 47,000–55,000 for 128GB, and Spenny Technologies at KSh 50,000–65,000 for new units.
• 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
  • Phone Place Kenya: Stocks authentic devices, fast delivery in Nairobi.
    • Link: Phone Place Kenya – Apple iPhone 12
  • Gadgets Leo: Offers genuine iPhones with countrywide delivery.
    • Link: Gadgets Leo – Apple iPhone 12
  • MobileHub Kenya: Reliable for original phones, often with warranties.
    • Link: MobileHub Kenya – Apple iPhone 12
  • Spenny Technologies: Specializes in Apple products with competitive pricing.
    • Link: Spenny Technologies – Apple iPhone 12
  • Price in Kenya: Offers refurbished units with in-store pickup in Nairobi.
    • Link: Price in Kenya – Apple iPhone 12

iPone 12S

• Price: Often sold for KSh 10,000–25,000, a suspiciously low price that attracts budget buyers, far below the cost of genuine iPhones, as noted in listings for fake iPhones on Jiji.co.ke starting at KSh 12,000 for clones.
• 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 may vary based on stock, taxes, condition (new or refurbished), and promotions. Always confirm with the retailer for the latest pricing and availability. Refurbished units may lack a local warranty, so verify terms before purchase.

Why People Should Avoid Fake Phones

Purchasing counterfeit devices like the iPone 12S 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 running Android clones.
• Safety Hazards: Low-quality batteries and components may overheat, leak, or explode, endangering 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, as noted in global reports.
• No Warranty or Support: Fakes lack manufacturer backing, leaving buyers without recourse if the device fails, unlike genuine Apple products with a one-year warranty from trusted retailers like Spenny Technologies.
• 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 Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) seizures.
• Short Lifespan: Fake phones degrade quickly, requiring frequent replacements, negating initial savings, as noted in accounts of counterfeit iPhones failing shortly after purchase on platforms like X.

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, test features like Siri or Face ID, and buy only from trusted sources like Jumia or Gadgets Leo to avoid scams, especially on platforms like Jiji.co.ke or Facebook Marketplace, where fake phones are rampant.

Conclusion

The iPone 12S 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 Android-based software set it apart from the genuine Apple iPhone 12, a flagship smartphone with a Super Retina XDR OLED display, A14 Bionic chip, and iOS ecosystem. While the fake tempts with a low price (KSh 10,000–25,000), the authentic iPhone 12 (KSh 45,000–65,000) offers value, safety, and performance, available at trusted retailers like Jumia, Phone Place Kenya, and Spenny Technologies. Avoid fake phones to protect your safety, data, and wallet—stick to reputable retailers and verify authenticity before buying.

LULU MAISHA MAGIC PLUS SEASON 1 EPISODE 32 TUESDAY JUNE 17TH 2025 FULL EPISODE