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The Opopo A68s: A Fake Phone Flooding the Kenyan Market

Kenya’s smartphone market is a dynamic and growing sector, offering consumers a wide range of devices from trusted brands like OPPO, Samsung, and Infinix. However, this vibrant market is also a target for counterfeiters, with the Opopo A68s emerging as a prominent fake phone. This article explores why the Opopo A68s is a counterfeit device infiltrating Kenya, what characteristics mark it as fake, how it compares to the phone it attempts to emulate, pricing and purchase details for both, and why consumers should avoid fake phones.

Why the Opopo A68s Is a Fake Phone

The Opopo A68s is not a legitimate product from OPPO, a reputable Chinese smartphone brand known for its A, Reno, and Find series. The misspelling of “OPPO” as “Opopo” is a deliberate tactic used by counterfeiters to mimic the brand while evading legal scrutiny. As of June 17, 2025, OPPO’s A-series includes models like the A78, A5 Pro 5G, and A60, but there is no official record of an A68s on OPPO’s global or Kenyan websites (www.oppo.com) (www.oppo.com), GSMArena, or trusted Kenyan retailers like Jumia Kenya or FoneXpress.

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) estimates that up to 40% of mobile phones in Kenya are counterfeit, with mobile devices being the most faked goods, accounting for over 50% of counterfeit products. The Opopo A68s fits this pattern, appearing in informal markets, street stalls, and unverified online platforms, exploiting the popularity of OPPO’s budget-friendly A-series to deceive cost-conscious consumers.

What Makes the Opopo A68s Fake?

Several characteristics identify the Opopo A68s as a counterfeit device:

1. Misspelled Branding and Lack of Official Documentation:
   • The use of “Opopo” instead of “OPPO” is a clear indicator of fraud. Genuine OPPO phones carry consistent branding across packaging, software, and hardware.
   • The A68s lacks official documentation, such as a verifiable serial number or International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) that can be checked via OPPO’s support or the CA’s SMS service (send IMEI to 1555). Counterfeit phones often use cloned or invalid IMEIs.
2. Substandard Hardware:
   • Fake phones like the Opopo A68s advertise specs similar to genuine OPPO models (e.g., 8GB RAM, 50MP camera, or 5000mAh battery) but use cheap components, such as low-end processors (e.g., Unisoc SC9863A or outdated MediaTek chips), low-resolution IPS LCD screens, and poor-quality cameras that produce blurry images.
   • The build quality is often flimsy, using low-grade plastic instead of OPPO’s premium materials like reinforced glass or textured finishes.
3. Unreliable Software:
   • Counterfeit phones run modified Android versions disguised as OPPO’s ColorOS, often outdated (e.g., Android 10 or 11) and laden with malware or bloatware. The Opopo A68s may mimic ColorOS but lacks official updates, Google Play Store optimization, or security features, posing risks like data theft.
   • Users on platforms like X report fake OPPO phones with generic UIs, slow performance, and no software support, unlike OPPO’s optimized ColorOS.
4. Suspiciously Low Pricing:
   • The Opopo A68s is sold at prices far below genuine OPPO models, typically around KSh 7,000–12,000, compared to authentic mid-range OPPO phones costing KSh 20,000–40,000. This reflects the use of low-cost components.
5. Unregulated Sales Channels:
   • Counterfeit phones are distributed through informal markets, street vendors, or unverified online platforms, unlike genuine OPPO phones available at trusted retailers like Jumia Kenya, FoneXpress, or Mobile Hub Kenya. The Opopo A68s’s presence in such channels is a clear sign of its illegitimacy.

Comparison with the Phone It Emulates: OPPO A78

The Opopo A68s likely attempts to emulate the OPPO A78, a popular 4G mid-range smartphone known for its sleek design, Snapdragon 680 processor, and fast charging capabilities. Below is a comparison based on the OPPO A78’s specifications and typical traits of counterfeit devices like the Opopo A68s.

Key Differences:

• The OPPO A78 offers a premium mid-range experience with a vibrant AMOLED display, a reliable Snapdragon 680 processor, and 67W fast charging, making it ideal for budget-conscious users seeking performance and style.
• The Opopo A68s is a cheap imitation with inferior hardware, a low-quality display, and insecure software, failing to deliver the performance, durability, or security of the OPPO A78.

Pricing and Where to Buy

OPPO A78 (Authentic):

• Price: In Kenya, the OPPO A78 retails for approximately KSh 27,000–35,000, depending on storage variants (128GB or 256GB) and retailer pricing. This aligns with OPPO’s mid-range pricing for the A-series.
• Where to Buy:
  • Jumia Kenya: A trusted platform with secure payments and returns. Jumia OPPO Smartphones
  • FoneXpress: Specializes in OPPO devices with same-day delivery in Nairobi. FoneXpress OPPO A78
  • Phoneplace Kenya: Offers genuine OPPO phones with warranties. Phoneplace OPPO A78
  • Mobile Hub Kenya: Reliable for OPPO phones with fast delivery. Mobile Hub OPPO
  • Note: Prices and availability may vary, so check these retailers for the latest offers.

Opopo A68s (Fake):

• Price: Sold for KSh 7,000–12,000 in local markets, street stalls, or unverified online platforms, reflecting its low-quality components.
• Where to Buy: Found in informal markets or dubious online sellers. Avoid these sources, as they lack authenticity guarantees. Consumers can verify a phone’s IMEI by dialing *#06# and sending it to 1555 via SMS to confirm legitimacy.

Why People Should Avoid Fake Phones

Purchasing a counterfeit phone like the Opopo A68s poses significant risks:

1. Poor Performance and Durability:
   • Fake phones use low-quality components, leading to slow performance, frequent crashes, and short lifespans. They cannot handle modern apps or multitasking effectively, unlike the OPPO A78’s Snapdragon 680 chipset optimized for efficiency.
2. Security Vulnerabilities:
   • Counterfeit devices often contain pre-installed malware or lack security protocols, risking personal data like bank details or passwords. Without OPPO’s ColorOS updates, they are vulnerable to hacking, unlike the A78’s secure ecosystem.
3. No Warranty or Support:
   • Genuine OPPO phones offer a 12-month warranty and access to service centers. Fake phones lack support, making repairs costly or impossible due to non-standard parts.
4. Financial Loss:
   • While fake phones appear cheaper, their poor quality necessitates frequent replacements, negating savings. A genuine OPPO phone provides better long-term value.
5. Health and Safety Hazards:
   • Counterfeit batteries and chargers may overheat, posing fire risks or injury. The CA warns that fake phones may expose users to harmful radiation or electromagnetic emissions, unlike the A78’s rigorously tested build.
6. Economic and Ethical Harm:
   • Counterfeiting costs Kenya an estimated KSh 30 billion annually in tax evasion and harms legitimate brands like OPPO, stifling innovation. Buying fakes supports illegal trade and undermines the economy.

Conclusion

The Opopo A68s is a counterfeit phone flooding the Kenyan market, exploiting the OPPO A78’s popularity with its misspelled branding and low price of KSh 7,000–12,000. Its inferior hardware, insecure software, and lack of official support contrast sharply with the authentic OPPO A78, priced at KSh 27,000–35,000, which offers a premium mid-range experience with an AMOLED display, Snapdragon 680 processor, and secure ColorOS. Consumers should avoid fake phones due to their poor performance, security risks, lack of warranty, and potential health hazards. Instead, purchase genuine OPPO devices from trusted retailers like Jumia Kenya, FoneXpress, Phoneplace Kenya, or Mobile Hub Kenya, and verify authenticity using the CA’s IMEI check (send to 1555). Choosing a legitimate smartphone ensures safety, reliability, and value in Kenya’s competitive market.

Sources:

• Communications Authority of Kenya
• OPPO Official Website
• Jumia Kenya
• FoneXpress
• Phoneplace Kenya
• Mobile Hub Kenya
• Citizen Digital
• Carisinyal
• Android Authority
• Cell Phone Repair

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