Why the Inffiniix Smart 11 Is a Fake Phone Flooding the Kenyan Market
Kenya’s thriving smartphone market, known for its demand for affordable and feature-rich devices, has become a prime target for counterfeit products, with the “Inffiniix Smart 11” emerging as a significant fake phone. This article explains why the Inffiniix Smart 11 is a counterfeit device, identifies the original Infinix phone it likely emulates, and provides practical guidance for consumers to avoid purchasing fake phones. Additionally, we highlight trusted retailers in Kenya where genuine Infinix smartphones can be purchased.
The Inffiniix Smart 11: A Counterfeit Device
The Inffiniix Smart 11 is not a legitimate product from Infinix, a reputable Chinese smartphone brand under Transsion Holdings, popular in Kenya for its budget-friendly devices. The misspelling of the brand name (“Inffiniix” instead of “Infinix”) is a clear indicator of its counterfeit nature, a common tactic used by forgers to deceive buyers. As of July 2025, Infinix’s Smart series includes models like the Smart 8 and Smart 8 Plus, with no official record of a Smart 11, as confirmed by Infinix’s official website (ke.infinixmobility.com) and reputable Kenyan retailers. The Smart series is designed for entry-level users, offering reliable performance at low prices, making it a prime target for counterfeiters.
The Inffiniix Smart 11 is likely flooding Kenya through informal markets, street vendors, and unregulated online platforms like Jiji.co.ke or social media marketplaces. A 2020 Business Daily report estimated that 24.6% of handsets in Kenya are fake or “unknown” brands, and a 2024 report suggested this figure could be as high as 40%. These counterfeit devices are sold at significantly lower prices, exploiting Kenya’s price-sensitive market. The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has conducted raids to seize fake phones, but smuggling from regions like China continues to fuel the problem.
The Original Phone: Infinix Smart 8
The Inffiniix Smart 11 is most likely designed to emulate the Infinix Smart 8, a popular budget smartphone launched in November 2023, known for its affordability, modern design, and reliable features. The similar naming (“Smart 11” vs. “Smart 8”) suggests counterfeiters are capitalizing on the Smart series’ popularity. Below are the key specifications of the genuine Infinix Smart 8, as listed by retailers like Phone Place Kenya and Gadgets Leo:
- Display: 6.6-inch IPS LCD, 720 x 1612 pixels, 90Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant visuals and smooth scrolling.
- Processor: Unisoc T606 (12nm), octa-core, with Mali-G57 MP1 GPU, suitable for everyday tasks and light gaming.
- RAM and Storage: 3GB/4GB RAM (with up to 4GB extended RAM) and 64GB/128GB storage, expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB.
- Camera: 13MP dual rear camera with LED flash and 8MP front camera for decent photos and selfies.
- Battery: 5000mAh with 10W charging, providing up to two days of moderate use.
- Operating System: Android 13 (Go edition) with XOS 13, offering a lightweight and user-friendly interface.
- Additional Features: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, dual SIM, 4G LTE support, Magic Ring (similar to Dynamic Island).
- Price in Kenya: KSh 11,000–KSh 13,500, depending on the variant and retailer.
- Colors: Timber Black, Shiny Gold, Crystal Green, Galaxy White.
Counterfeit phones like the Inffiniix Smart 11 typically use inferior hardware, such as low-resolution displays, outdated processors (e.g., MediaTek MT6582), and fake cameras with non-functional lenses. They often run modified Android versions that mimic XOS but include glitches, bloatware, or malware, posing risks to user data and safety.
Why the Inffiniix Smart 11 Is Flooding the Kenyan Market
Several factors contribute to the proliferation of fake phones like the Inffiniix Smart 11 in Kenya:
- Popularity of Infinix’s Smart Series: The Smart series, including the Smart 8, is highly popular for its affordability and reliable features, making it a prime target for counterfeiters who mimic its design and branding.
- Price-Sensitive Market: Kenya’s demand for budget smartphones allows counterfeiters to sell fake phones at prices as low as KSh 5,000, compared to KSh 11,000 for the Smart 8, attracting cost-conscious buyers.
- Unregulated Sales Channels: Informal markets, street vendors, and online platforms like Jiji.co.ke or social media marketplaces lack stringent seller verification, serving as hubs for counterfeit phones. Platforms like Alibaba and DHgate are known for listing fake Infinix clones.
- Weak Regulatory Enforcement: Despite efforts by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and the ACA, counterfeit phones continue to enter through smuggling, often from China.
- Consumer Unawareness: Many buyers, particularly in rural areas, are unaware of how to verify a phone’s authenticity, falling prey to scams involving convincing packaging and fake logos.
How to Avoid Buying Fake Phones in Kenya
To avoid purchasing a counterfeit phone like the Inffiniix Smart 11, follow these steps recommended by the CA, Infinix, and tech experts:
- Verify the IMEI Number:
- Dial *#06# to display the phone’s IMEI number, or check it under Settings > About Phone or on the box.
- Send the IMEI via SMS to 1555, a free service by the CA, to confirm the phone’s make and model. If the IMEI is invalid or doesn’t match an Infinix model, the phone is likely fake.
- Verify the IMEI and VC number on Infinix’s official verification website (https://www.infinixmobility.com/warranty) to confirm authenticity.
- Inspect the Phone Physically:
- Check for misspellings or incorrect logos (e.g., “Inffiniix” instead of “Infinix”). Genuine Infinix phones have high-quality plastic builds with precise branding.
- Examine the screen for pixelation or poor color quality. The Smart 8’s 90Hz IPS LCD is vibrant, while fakes often have low-resolution displays.
- Test buttons, ports, and the fingerprint sensor. Counterfeit phones may have loose or misaligned components.
- Test the Operating System and Performance:
- Genuine Infinix phones run XOS (e.g., XOS 13 on Android 13 Go for the Smart 8) with access to Google Play Store and Infinix updates. Fake phones often use modified Android versions with glitches or apps like TikTok Lite pre-installed.
- Test the camera. The Smart 8’s 13MP rear camera produces clear images, while fakes often yield blurry photos. Check EXIF data in the gallery to confirm camera specs.
- Verify XOS-specific features like Magic Ring or Dark Theme, which are absent in fakes.
- Be Cautious of Unrealistic Prices:
- If a phone is priced significantly below the market rate (e.g., KSh 5,000 for a “Smart 11” when the Smart 8 costs KSh 11,000), it’s likely fake. Compare prices with trusted retailers.
- Buy from Reputable Retailers:
- Purchase from authorized Infinix dealers or trusted stores to ensure authenticity and warranty support. Avoid informal markets, street vendors, or unverified online sellers like those on Alibaba, Jiji.co.ke, or Facebook Marketplace.
- Check seller ratings and reviews on online platforms to confirm credibility.
- Examine Packaging and Accessories:
- Genuine Infinix boxes use high-quality printing with clear branding and no spelling errors. Accessories like chargers should have Infinix branding. Fake boxes often have low-resolution printing or fake seals.
- Ensure the box includes a warranty card and user manual from Infinix.
Where to Buy Genuine Infinix Phones in Kenya
To ensure you’re purchasing an authentic Infinix smartphone, such as the Infinix Smart 8, shop at these trusted retailers, which offer genuine devices with warranties and reliable after-sales support:
- Phone Place Kenya
- Website: www.phoneplacekenya.com
- Stocks the Infinix Smart 8 (KSh 11,000–KSh 13,500) and other models like the Note 50 Pro and Hot 50 Pro Plus. Offers same-day delivery in Nairobi and nationwide shipping.
- Gadgets Leo
- Website: www.gadgetsleo.com
- Offers the Infinix Smart 8 (KSh 11,000–KSh 13,000) and models like the Hot 60i and Zero 5G. Provides fast delivery and payment on delivery in Nairobi.
- Jumia Kenya
- Website: www.jumia.co.ke
- Features the Infinix Smart 8 and other models like the Note 12 and Hot 30i from verified sellers. Offers pay-on-delivery and discounts. Ensure you buy from authorized vendors.
- Avechi Kenya
- Website: www.avechi.co.ke
- Stocks the Infinix Smart 8, Note 30 Pro, and Hot 30i (KSh 11,000–KSh 30,000). Provides fast delivery and warranty commitments.
- Phones Store Kenya
- Website: phonesstorekenya.com
- Offers the Infinix Smart 8 (KSh 11,000–KSh 13,500) and other models with nationwide delivery and warranties.
- MobileHub Kenya
- Website: www.mobilehub.co.ke
- Stocks the Infinix Smart 8 and other models, with prices starting at KSh 11,000. Contact 0722 974 623 for inquiries and delivery.
Conclusion
The Inffiniix Smart 11 is a counterfeit smartphone exploiting the popularity of Infinix’s Smart series, particularly the Infinix Smart 8, to deceive Kenyan consumers. Its presence underscores the broader issue of fake phones, which account for up to 40% of the market and pose risks to performance, safety, and data security. By verifying the IMEI number, inspecting the device’s build and software, and purchasing from trusted retailers like Phone Place Kenya, Gadgets Leo, Jumia, Avechi, Phones Store Kenya, or MobileHub Kenya, consumers can avoid scams. Always prioritize authenticity over suspiciously low prices and use the Communications Authority of Kenya’s IMEI check (SMS to 1555) or Infinix’s verification website (https://www.infinixmobility.com/warranty) to confirm a phone’s legitimacy. Stay vigilant to enjoy the affordability and quality of a genuine Infinix smartphone.
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