Indian consumers are being targeted by claims of a new Samsung Galaxy M35 Ultra 5G smartphone boasting a 200MP camera and a Snapdragon chipset, offered at dramatically reduced prices on various websites. However, Samsung Electronics has not released any official statements or product details to support these claims, which casts serious doubt on the legitimacy of these offers.
The rumored launch and supposed “flash sale” events have spread rapidly across platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and via WhatsApp forwards. Multiple unverified sellers are advertising prices significantly lower than the current retail price of the standard Galaxy M35 5G.
Table of Contents
- Conflicting Reports on Samsung Galaxy M35 Ultra 5G Specifications
- How Viral Discount Offers Spread Quickly
- Samsung’s Position and Consumer Advisory
- Why “Ultra” Rumours Gained Traction
- The M-Series Legacy
- The Power of Buzzwords
- The Truth About 200MP Cameras and Snapdragon Chips
- Rising Smartphone Scam Cases in India
- How Consumers Can Protect Themselves
- Global Perspective: Not Just an Indian Problem
- What to Watch for Next
- Conclusion
Conflicting Reports on Samsung Galaxy M35 Ultra 5G Specifications
The official Samsung Galaxy M35 5G, according to Samsung’s official product page and technical documents, is powered by an Exynos 1380 chipset and features a 50MP triple camera configuration. Official sources, including the company’s official website and press announcements, make no mention of a 200MP camera or a Snapdragon chipset.
In contrast, various promotional materials assert that the alleged “Ultra” model includes a Snapdragon 8 Gen series processor, a 200MP camera, and a substantial 8000mAh battery. Samsung, or any regulatory body, has not confirmed any of these claims.
“This appears to be a classic case of third-party vendors utilizing trending keywords to drive traffic,” stated Dr. Raghav Bhatia, a senior analyst at TechInsights India. “These listings frequently turn out to be scams, refurbished imports, or completely unrelated devices.”
How Viral Discount Offers Spread Quickly
E-commerce analysts have noticed that numerous fake smartphone launches employ similar strategies: using inflated specifications, flash sale countdowns, and large discounts to induce a sense of urgency.
In this instance, many advertisements claimed the device was available for ₹14,999, almost half the price of the standard model. Most of these links led users to lesser-known online retailers with little or no buyer protection.
“Sophisticated deep fake product listings are becoming increasingly prevalent,” explained Aarti Menon, a cyber fraud expert at the Internet Freedom Foundation. “They capitalize on popular brand names like Samsung and use technical jargon such as ‘200MP’ and ‘Snapdragon’ to appear credible.”
Samsung’s Position and Consumer Advisory
As of Thursday, Samsung India has not released any official statement either confirming or denying the existence of the Samsung Galaxy M35 Ultra 5G. A customer service representative responding to media inquiries confirmed that only the standard M35 5G is officially available in India.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) urged consumers to verify the credentials of retailers. A ministry representative stated, “We advise citizens to only make purchases through authorized platforms or official brand outlets.”
Why “Ultra” Rumours Gained Traction
The M-Series Legacy
Samsung’s M-series, introduced in 2019, caters to budget-conscious Indian consumers. These phones, recognized for their large batteries and vibrant AMOLED displays, have gained popularity in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Notably, Samsung has never introduced an “Ultra” version within this series, making the Samsung Galaxy M35 Ultra 5G claims a notable deviation from their established product approach.
The Power of Buzzwords
Indian consumers have become familiar with Snapdragon chipsets
The Truth About 200MP Cameras and Snapdragon Chips
A 200MP camera sensor, as found in some top-tier devices, captures very detailed images but demands significant processing capabilities and substantial storage space. Snapdragon 8 Gen series processors are typically present in high-end smartphones that cost above ₹50,000.
“It’s virtually impossible to have a ₹15,000 phone with that combination given the current market conditions,” stated Anand Joshi, an independent reviewer of mobile hardware. “This is a significant warning sign.”
Rising Smartphone Scam Cases in India
According to Counterpoint Research, India’s smartphone market saw over 180 million units sold in 2024, making it the second largest in the world. Coinciding with this expansion, fraudulent listings have increased by 37% year-over-year, particularly during holiday sales periods.
Scammers frequently imitate genuine e-commerce layouts and display fake customer reviews or testimonials. Victims usually discover the scam only after they receive counterfeit or unrelated goods.
“We observe a recurring pattern during the Diwali and New Year sales periods,” said Sonal Raj, Director of E-Commerce Integrity at RedSeer Consulting. “Fraudsters are aware of when consumers are most susceptible to impulse buying.”
How Consumers Can Protect Themselves
Consumer rights advocates recommend a few key precautions:
- Verify the model number against official Samsung product listings.
- Avoid unfamiliar e-commerce websites that lack verified security certificates or transparent return policies.
- Prefer official payment gateways rather than direct bank transfers.
- Verify device specifications post-purchase through applications such as CPU-Z to confirm the chipset and camera specifics.
- Report deceptive listings to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or the helpline number 1930.
The Consumer Protection Act of 2019 allows consumers to register complaints and seek compensation for misleading advertising. “Even minor online scams can be reported,” said Kavita Nair, a consumer law specialist. “The important thing is to take action promptly.”
Global Perspective: Not Just an Indian Problem
Similar fake “ultra variant” scams have been documented in other markets, including Brazil, Indonesia, and parts of Eastern Europe. Many of these involve counterfeit devices designed to resemble well-known models, but which do not possess the promised hardware capabilities.
“This is a common global grey market occurrence,” explained Dr. Eva Lunde, a researcher at the Norwegian Consumer Council. “It flourishes in areas with high smartphone demand and varying levels of confidence in online advertising.”
What to Watch for Next
While there is currently no official indication of a Samsung Galaxy M35 Ultra 5G
- A Samsung newsroom press release
- Regulatory filings on India’s BIS database
- Listings on authorised e-commerce partners like Amazon India and Flipkart
“If Samsung ever does launch an Ultra variant, it certainly won’t surface first on a random website,” Dr. Bhatia emphasized.
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Conclusion
Currently, the appears to be a tactic employed in fraudulent discount advertisements. Experts caution that these types of scams are becoming more advanced, leveraging reputable brand names to target shoppers looking for good deals. Indian consumers are encouraged to confirm the validity of sellers, double-check product details, and promptly report any questionable activities.
