Claims of a new Samsung Galaxy M35 Ultra 5G smartphone featuring a 200MP camera and a Snapdragon chipset — offered at a steep discount on several websites — have captured the attention of Indian consumers. Yet, no official statement or product listing from Samsung Electronics supports these claims, raising serious concerns over the authenticity of such offers.
The rumoured launch and “flash sale” promotions have spread rapidly through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp forwards, with several unofficial sellers advertising prices far below the current Galaxy M35 5G retail price.
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Conflicting Reports on Samsung Galaxy M35 Ultra 5G Specifications
According to Samsung’s official product page and technical documentation, the real Samsung Galaxy M35 5G, launched in July 2024, uses an Exynos 1380 chipset and features a 50MP triple camera setup. There is no reference to a 200MP camera or Snapdragon chipset on any official platform, including the company’s verified website and press releases.
By contrast, several promotional posts claim that the rumoured “Ultra” version comes with a Snapdragon 8 Gen series processor, a 200MP camera, and a massive 8000mAh battery. None of these claims have been verified by Samsung or any regulatory filing.
“This looks like a classic case of third-party sellers leveraging trending keywords to boost traffic,” said Dr. Raghav Bhatia, senior analyst at TechInsights India. “Such listings often turn out to be scams, refurbished imports, or unrelated devices entirely.”
How Viral Discount Offers Spread Quickly
E-commerce researchers note that many fake smartphone launches use the same tactic: combining exaggerated specifications, flash sale countdowns, and deep discounts to create a sense of urgency.
In this case, many ads claimed that the device was available for ₹14,999, nearly half the price of the standard model. Most of these links directed consumers to little-known online stores with minimal or no buyer protection.
“Deep fake product listings are increasingly sophisticated,” said Aarti Menon, cyber fraud specialist at the Internet Freedom Foundation. “They exploit well-known brand names like Samsung and use tech buzzwords like ‘200MP’ and ‘Snapdragon’ to appear legitimate.”
Samsung’s Position and Consumer Advisory
As of Thursday, Samsung India has not issued any formal statement confirming or denying the existence of the Samsung Galaxy M35 Ultra 5G. A customer service representative responding to media queries reiterated that only the standard M35 5G is officially available in India.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) urged consumers to verify retailer credentials. “We advise citizens to purchase only through authorised platforms or official brand stores,” said a ministry spokesperson.
Why “Ultra” Rumours Gained Traction
The M-Series Legacy
Since its introduction in 2019, Samsung’s M-series has targeted value-conscious Indian consumers. Known for big batteries and bright AMOLED displays, these phones have grown popular in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. However, Samsung has never launched an “Ultra” variant in this line. This makes the Samsung Galaxy M35 Ultra 5G claims a significant departure from its usual product strategy.
The Power of Buzzwords
Indian consumers have become familiar with Snapdragon chipsets and high-megapixel cameras thanks to aggressive marketing by smartphone brands. A “200MP” tagline sounds premium and future-ready, even though most users may not use or notice the difference in practical photography.
The Truth About 200MP Cameras and Snapdragon Chips
A 200MP camera sensor, like those used in some flagship devices, captures high-resolution images but also requires strong processing power and large file storage. Snapdragon 8 Gen series processors are typically found in high-end smartphones costing upwards of ₹50,000.
“A ₹15,000 phone with that combination is practically impossible with current market economics,” said Anand Joshi, an independent mobile hardware reviewer. “That’s a clear red flag.”
Rising Smartphone Scam Cases in India
India’s smartphone market sold over 180 million units in 2024, making it the world’s second largest, according to Counterpoint Research. Alongside this growth, fraudulent listings have risen 37% year-on-year, particularly during festive sales.
Scammers often mimic legitimate e-commerce interfaces and display fake reviews or testimonials. Victims usually realise the scam only after receiving counterfeit or unrelated products.
“We see a pattern every year during Diwali and New Year sales,” said Sonal Raj, Director of E-Commerce Integrity at RedSeer Consulting. “Fraudsters know when consumers are most impulsive.”
How Consumers Can Protect Themselves
Consumer rights experts recommend a few essential steps:
- Check the model number against official Samsung listings.
- Avoid unfamiliar e-commerce sites without verified security certificates or clear return policies.
- Use official payment gateways rather than direct bank transfers.
- Check device specifications after purchase through apps like CPU-Z to verify the chipset and camera.
- Report fraudulent listings to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or the helpline 1930.
The Consumer Protection Act 2019 allows buyers to file complaints and claim damages for deceptive advertising. “Even small online scams can be reported,” said Kavita Nair, a consumer law expert. “The key is to act quickly.”
Global Perspective: Not Just an Indian Problem
Similar fake “ultra variant” scams have been reported in markets such as Brazil, Indonesia, and parts of Eastern Europe. Many involve cloned devices made to resemble popular models but lacking the promised hardware.
“This is a global grey market phenomenon,” explained Dr. Eva Lunde, a researcher at the Norwegian Consumer Council. “It thrives where smartphone demand is high and trust in online advertising is uneven.”
What to Watch for Next
While there is currently no official sign of a Samsung Galaxy M35 Ultra 5G, industry watchers say Samsung may unveil future M-series updates with improved specifications. Any legitimate product launch would include:
- 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 releases an Ultra variant, it won’t appear first on a random website,” said Dr. Bhatia.
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Conclusion
At present, the Samsung Galaxy M35 Ultra 5G appears to be a non-existent product used in fake discount listings. Experts warn that such scams are becoming more sophisticated, using trusted brand names to target value-conscious buyers. Indian consumers are urged to verify sellers, cross-check specifications, and report suspicious activity promptly.
