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Why the SoWhat Pulse 11 Is a Fake Phone Flooding the Kenyan Market

Kenya’s burgeoning smartphone market, fueled by demand for affordable and feature-rich devices, has become a prime target for counterfeit products, with the “SoWhat Pulse 11” emerging as a notable fake phone. This article explains why the SoWhat Pulse 11 is a counterfeit device, identifies the original phone it likely emulates, and provides practical guidance for consumers to avoid purchasing fake phones. Additionally, we highlight trusted retailers in Kenya where genuine smartphones can be purchased.

The SoWhat Pulse 11: A Counterfeit Device

The SoWhat Pulse 11 is not a legitimate product from any recognized smartphone manufacturer. The brand name “SoWhat” is not associated with established companies like Samsung, Tecno, Infinix, or Xiaomi, nor is it a known regional or niche brand. The term “Pulse” appears to be a fabricated name designed to sound modern and appealing, mimicking the naming conventions of popular smartphone series. As of July 2025, no reputable manufacturer has released a phone named the SoWhat Pulse 11, and its presence in Kenya is likely tied to the proliferation of counterfeit devices. A 2020 Business Daily report estimated that 24.6% of handsets in Kenya are fake or “unknown” brands, with some sources suggesting this figure could be as high as 40% in 2024.

The SoWhat Pulse 11 is flooding Kenya through informal markets, street vendors, and unregulated online platforms like Jiji.co.ke and Facebook Marketplace. Listings on platforms like Jumia Kenya under “Sowhat” (a similar misspelling) indicate the presence of such dubious brands, often sold at suspiciously low prices. The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has conducted raids, seizing millions of shillings worth of counterfeit phones, yet smuggling from regions like China continues to fuel the problem, as noted in a 2019 ACA report.

The Original Phone: Likely Emulating Infinix Hot 50i

The SoWhat Pulse 11 appears to emulate smartphones from Infinix’s Hot series, particularly the Infinix Hot 50i, a budget-friendly model popular in Kenya for its vibrant design and reliable performance. The use of “Pulse” may be an attempt to mimic the energetic and youthful branding of the Hot series. Below are the key specifications of the genuine Infinix Hot 50i, as listed by retailers like Phone Place Kenya and Phones Store Kenya:

• Display: 6.7-inch IPS LCD, 720 x 1600 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals and vibrant colors.
• Processor: MediaTek Helio G81, octa-core, with Mali-G52 MC2 GPU, suitable for everyday tasks and light gaming.
• RAM and Storage: 4GB/6GB RAM with 128GB storage, expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB.
• Camera: 48MP dual rear camera with LED flash and 8MP front camera for decent photography.
• Battery: 5000mAh with 18W fast charging, providing up to two days of moderate use.
• Operating System: Android 14 with XOS 14, offering a customizable and user-friendly interface.
• Additional Features: IP54 splash resistance, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, dual SIM, 4G LTE support.
• Price in Kenya: KSh 13,000–KSh 16,000, depending on the variant and retailer.
• Colors: Sleek Black, Titanium Grey, Lime Green, Coral Haze.

Counterfeit phones like the SoWhat Pulse 11 typically use inferior components, such as low-resolution displays, outdated processors (e.g., MediaTek MT6582), and fake cameras with non-functional lenses. They often run modified Android versions with fake interfaces that mimic XOS, include bloatware or malware, and lack official updates, posing risks to user data and safety.

Why the SoWhat Pulse 11 Is Flooding the Kenyan Market

Several factors contribute to the proliferation of fake phones like the SoWhat Pulse 11 in Kenya:

1. Popularity of Infinix’s Hot Series: The Infinix Hot series, including the Hot 50i, is highly popular for its affordability and stylish design, making it a prime target for counterfeiters who mimic its branding. Infinix holds an 11.2% market share in Kenya, as noted in 2020.
2. 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 13,000 for the Hot 50i, attracting cost-conscious buyers.
3. 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. Listings for “Sowhat” phones on Jumia suggest similar issues with fake brands.
4. Weak Regulatory Enforcement: Despite efforts by the CA and ACA, counterfeit phones continue to enter through smuggling, often from China, as reported by the ACA in 2019.
5. 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 SoWhat Pulse 11, follow these steps recommended by the CA, Infinix, and tech experts:

1. Verify the IMEI Number:

• Dial *#06# to display the phone’s IMEI number, or check it on the box or under Settings > About Phone.
• 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.

1. Inspect the Phone Physically:

• Check for misspellings or incorrect logos (e.g., “SoWhat” instead of “Infinix”). Genuine Infinix phones have high-quality builds with precise branding.
• Examine the screen for pixelation or poor color quality. The Hot 50i’s 120Hz 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.

1. Test the Operating System and Performance:

• Genuine Infinix phones run XOS (e.g., XOS 14 on Android 14 for the Hot 50i) 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 Hot 50i’s 48MP camera produces clear images, while fakes often yield blurry photos. Check EXIF data to confirm camera specs.
• Verify XOS-specific features like Magic Ring or Dark Theme, which are absent in fakes.

1. Be Cautious of Unrealistic Prices:

• If a phone is priced significantly below the market rate (e.g., KSh 5,000 for a “Pulse 11” when the Hot 50i costs KSh 13,000), it’s likely fake. Compare prices with trusted retailers.

1. 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, which list dubious brands like “Sowhat.”
• Check seller ratings and reviews on online platforms to confirm credibility.

1. 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 Hot 50i, shop at these trusted retailers, which offer genuine devices with warranties and reliable after-sales support:

1. Phone Place Kenya

• Website: www.phoneplacekenya.com
• Stocks the Infinix Hot 50i (KSh 13,000–KSh 16,000) and other models like the Note 50 Pro and Smart 8. Offers same-day delivery in Nairobi and nationwide shipping.

1. Gadgets Leo

• Website: www.gadgetsleo.com
• Offers the Infinix Hot 50i (KSh 13,000–KSh 15,000) and models like the Hot 60i and Zero 5G. Provides fast delivery and payment on delivery in Nairobi.

1. Jumia Kenya

• Website: www.jumia.co.ke
• Features the Infinix Hot 50i and other models like the Note 12 and Smart 8 from verified sellers. Offers pay-on-delivery and discounts. Ensure you buy from authorized vendors to avoid fakes.

1. Avechi Kenya

• Website: www.avechi.co.ke
• Stocks the Infinix Hot 50i, Note 30 Pro, and Smart 8 (KSh 13,000–KSh 30,000). Provides fast delivery and warranty commitments.

1. Phones Store Kenya

• Website: phonesstorekenya.com
• Offers the Infinix Hot 50i (KSh 13,000–KSh 16,000) with nationwide delivery and warranties.

1. Badili Kenya

• Website: www.badili.ke
• Specializes in certified refurbished smartphones, including Infinix models like the Hot 50i, with a 12-month warranty and easy payment plans.

Conclusion

The SoWhat Pulse 11 is a counterfeit smartphone exploiting the popularity of Infinix’s Hot series, particularly the Infinix Hot 50i, to deceive Kenyan consumers. Its presence reflects 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 Badili 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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