If the Apple Watch’s steep mark-up doesn’t gel with your bank balance, a cheap Chinese knock-off could be the answer.
In the Chinese city of Shenzen, market traders are flogging phoney versions of Apple’s fledgling wearable for pocket change.
IBTimes UK reports that retailers in the city are selling the faux wearables for as little as £37 – although that’s not factoring in a return flight from the UK.
Surprisingly, the dodgy Apple Watch units appear to offer a respectable range of features, with one even rocking a FaceTime-style camera.
The watches also offer messaging, phone calls, video, and included popular Chinese apps like WeChat and QQ. It’s worth noting that unlike the genuine Apple Watch however, new apps can’t be downloaded to these devices.
Related: From smartwatch sceptic to Apple Watch convert in 15 minutes
The actual Apple Watch became available for pre-order on last Friday, with the first units set to begin shipping on April 24.
One of the biggest sticking points for many prospective Apple Watch customers will be the price. In the UK, the cheapest Apple Watch costs £299, with the most expensive setting you back £13,500.
“For some people, yes, people who are not making a lot of money they definitely might go for the fake one,” said Zhang Chaoren, a sales person for an Apple retailer, as quoted in the report.
“But I think generally if you want an Apple product you would definitely buy the real one.”
If you’re keen to snap up an Apple Watch, check out our buying guide right here on TrustedReviews.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
