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The Apel iPhone 8 Plus: A Fake Phone Flooding the Kenyan Market

The Kenyan smartphone market is a vibrant ecosystem, with brands like Apple, Samsung, and Tecno offering a range of devices to suit various budgets and preferences. However, this popularity has made Kenya a target for counterfeit smartphones, including the so-called Apel iPhone 8 Plus. This article examines why the Apel iPhone 8 Plus is a fake phone infiltrating the Kenyan market, what characteristics mark it as counterfeit, how it compares to the phone it attempts to emulate, pricing and purchase details for both, and why consumers should steer clear of fake phones.

Why the Apel iPhone 8 Plus Is a Fake Phone

The Apel iPhone 8 Plus is not a legitimate product from Apple, the renowned technology company known for its iPhone series. The deliberate misspelling of “Apple” as “Apel” is a common tactic used by counterfeiters to mimic the brand while avoiding legal repercussions. As of June 17, 2025, Apple’s iPhone lineup includes models like the iPhone 8 Plus (released in 2017), iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and their Pro variants, but no device branded as “Apel” exists on Apple’s official website (www.apple.com) (www.apple.com) or trusted tech platforms like GSMArena or TechRadar.

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 Apel iPhone 8 Plus fits this trend, appearing in informal markets, street stalls, and unverified online platforms. Its low price and deceptive branding exploit the popularity of the iPhone 8 Plus, targeting budget-conscious consumers unaware of the risks. Apple is the second most counterfeited brand globally after Nike, making iPhones particularly vulnerable to fakes in markets like Kenya.

What Makes the Apel iPhone 8 Plus Fake?

Several characteristics distinguish the Apel iPhone 8 Plus as a counterfeit device:

1. Misspelled Branding and No Official Documentation:
   • The use of “Apel” instead of “Apple” is a clear indicator of fraud. Genuine iPhones carry consistent Apple branding across packaging, software, and hardware.
   • The Apel iPhone 8 Plus lacks official documentation, such as a verifiable serial number or International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) that can be checked via Apple’s website or the CA’s SMS service (send IMEI to 1555). Counterfeit phones often use cloned or invalid IMEIs.
2. Inferior Hardware:
   • Fake phones like the Apel iPhone 8 Plus advertise specs similar to the iPhone 8 Plus (e.g., dual 12MP cameras, 3GB RAM, or 5.5-inch display) but use cheap components. These may include low-end processors (e.g., Unisoc or outdated MediaTek chips), low-resolution IPS LCD screens, and poor-quality cameras that produce blurry images.
   • The build quality is substandard, often using plastic instead of the iPhone 8 Plus’s ion-strengthened glass and aluminum frame. The fake may lack features like 3D Touch or True Tone display.
3. Unreliable Software:
   • Counterfeit phones run modified Android versions disguised as iOS, often outdated (e.g., Android 9 or 10 mimicking iOS 11). These lack Apple’s secure iOS ecosystem, including features like iCloud, FaceTime, or App Store access, and may include malware or bloatware that compromises user data.
   • Social media discussions, such as on Reddit, highlight fake iPhones running generic UIs with poor performance and no software updates, unlike the iPhone 8 Plus’s upgradable iOS (up to iOS 16).
4. Suspiciously Low Pricing:
   • The Apel iPhone 8 Plus is sold at prices far below genuine iPhones, typically around KSh 7,000–12,000, compared to the iPhone 8 Plus’s market price of KSh 28,000–49,500 for refurbished or pre-owned units. 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 iPhones available at trusted retailers like Jumia Kenya, Phoneplace Kenya, or Spenny Technologies. The Apel iPhone 8 Plus’s presence in such channels is a red flag.

Comparison with the Phone It Emulates: Apple iPhone 8 Plus

The Apel iPhone 8 Plus attempts to emulate the Apple iPhone 8 Plus, a mid-range smartphone released in 2017, known for its premium design, powerful A11 Bionic chip, and dual-camera system. Below is a comparison based on the iPhone 8 Plus’s specifications and typical traits of counterfeit devices like the Apel iPhone 8 Plus.

Key Differences:

• The iPhone 8 Plus offers a premium experience with a Retina HD display, a powerful A11 Bionic chip, and a dual-camera system optimized for photography and augmented reality. Its iOS ecosystem ensures security, updates, and seamless integration with Apple services.
• The Apel iPhone 8 Plus is a low-cost imitation with inferior hardware, a subpar display, and insecure software, failing to deliver the performance, durability, or security of the iPhone 8 Plus.

Pricing and Where to Buy

Apple iPhone 8 Plus (Authentic):

• Price: In Kenya, refurbished or pre-owned iPhone 8 Plus models retail for approximately KSh 28,000–49,500, depending on storage (64GB or 256GB) and condition. Prices vary by retailer and availability.
• Where to Buy:
  • Jumia Kenya: A trusted platform with secure payments and returns. Jumia iPhones
  • Phoneplace Kenya: Offers genuine and refurbished iPhones with warranties. Phoneplace iPhone 8 Plus
  • Spenny Technologies: Specializes in original iPhones with competitive pricing. Spenny iPhone 8 Plus
  • Phones Store Kenya: Stocks refurbished iPhones with reliable delivery. Phones Store iPhone 8 Plus
  • Note: Prices and stock may vary, so check these retailers for the latest offers.

Apel iPhone 8 Plus (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 Apel iPhone 8 Plus 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 iPhone 8 Plus’s A11 Bionic chip optimized for AR and gaming.
2. Security Vulnerabilities:
   • Counterfeit devices often contain pre-installed malware or lack security protocols, risking personal data like bank details or passwords. Without iOS updates or Apple’s security features like iCloud Keychain, they are vulnerable to hacking, unlike the iPhone 8 Plus’s secure ecosystem.
3. No Warranty or Support:
   • Genuine iPhones offer a 12-month warranty and access to Apple 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 refurbished iPhone 8 Plus 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 iPhone 8 Plus’s IP67-rated, 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 Apple, stifling innovation. Buying fakes supports illegal trade and undermines the economy.

Conclusion

The Apel iPhone 8 Plus is a counterfeit phone flooding the Kenyan market, exploiting the Apple iPhone 8 Plus’s reputation 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 iPhone 8 Plus, priced at KSh 28,000–49,500, which offers a premium experience with a Retina HD display, A11 Bionic chip, and secure iOS ecosystem. Consumers should avoid fake phones due to their poor performance, security risks, lack of warranty, and potential health hazards. Instead, purchase genuine or refurbished iPhones from trusted retailers like Jumia Kenya, Phoneplace Kenya, Spenny Technologies, or Phones Store 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 dynamic market.

Sources:

• Communications Authority of Kenya
• Citizen Digital
• Phoneplace Kenya
• Spenny Technologies
• Phones Store Kenya
• Digital Phones Kenya
• GSMArena
• Reddit r/iphone

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