A viral online advertisement claiming that the Vivo Premium 5G Smartphone with a 300MP camera and a 7000mAh battery is available at ₹6,999 has triggered a wave of skepticism among Indian consumers and technology experts. With no official confirmation from Vivo or credible retailers, the offer is being widely scrutinised for potentially misleading or fraudulent intent.
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Unbelievable Offer Sparks Public Curiosity
The advertisement began circulating earlier this week on messaging platforms and social media networks, promising flagship specifications at an entry-level price. The claim — a 300MP camera and 7000mAh battery for just ₹6,999 — stands in stark contrast to the current market reality, where smartphones with even a 200MP camera typically retail well above ₹40,000.
“The pricing simply does not add up,” said Rajeev Mehra, senior analyst at TechInsight India. “No manufacturer can offer such high-end hardware at that cost without major subsidies or hidden catches. This is a classic example of how scammers exploit consumer trust.”
No Official Word from Vivo India
Vivo India has not issued any official statement confirming the existence of this model. The company’s verified website and authorized e-commerce listings show no device with these specifications or price range.
In an email response to journalists, a spokesperson for Vivo India said the brand “urges customers to rely on official sales channels and beware of fraudulent offers circulating online.” The company added that it is “monitoring the situation closely.”
The Tech Reality: A 300MP Camera Is Not a Budget Feature
While the idea of a 300MP camera may sound plausible, the technology is still in early development globally. The highest commercially available resolution in India as of October 2025 remains 200MP, primarily featured in top-tier models from Samsung and Xiaomi.
“Such a high-resolution sensor requires advanced image processing, storage capabilities, and a high-end chipset,” explained Dr. Kavita Rao, professor of electronics at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. “You cannot support a 300MP camera and 7000mAh battery in a ₹6,999 device without compromising quality or violating basic economic logic.”
Similarly, a 7000mAh battery is usually found in rugged or gaming phones priced between ₹20,000 and ₹50,000. Most budget and mid-range smartphones in India offer between 5000mAh and 6000mAh battery capacities.
Scam Playbook: How Fake Deals Trap Consumers
Cybersecurity analysts say the pattern of the viral advertisement matches past scam attempts. Fraudsters often create fake flash sales, ask users to pay small booking amounts, and disappear after collecting payments.
“This is a textbook phishing scheme,” said Dr. Nikhil Bansal, cybersecurity advisor at CERT-In. “Scammers dangle impossible discounts on popular brands to build urgency. Once the victim pays, the site goes offline or reroutes to a fake tracking page.”
A 2024 report by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) recorded over 20,000 complaints linked to fake e-commerce schemes, with electronics being one of the most targeted categories.
Legal Safeguards and Consumer Rights
Indian law provides multiple avenues for recourse in such cases. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and guidelines from the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) prohibit misleading advertisements. Platforms hosting fraudulent listings can face penalties for negligence.
“Consumers can file complaints with local cyber cells or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal,” said Anita D’Souza, consumer protection lawyer. “ASCI also provides a fast-track mechanism for investigating false advertising claims.”
Vivo’s Market History in India
Vivo has been a major player in India’s smartphone market since 2014. Known for its aggressive offline retail presence and camera-centric phones, the company typically prices its premium 5G models between ₹20,000 and ₹60,000. For example, the Vivo X100 Pro launched earlier this year with a 200MP camera at ₹56,999.
The company has also been a frequent target of scammers due to its strong brand recognition in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Industry analysts believe this makes “Vivo” an attractive name for fraudsters to exploit in fake ads.
Consumer Impact: Lessons from Past Incidents
Several past scams involving similar fake smartphone deals have led to financial losses. In 2023, the Delhi Police Cyber Cell reported dismantling a fake e-commerce network that duped over 15,000 customers by advertising flagship phones at prices below ₹10,000.
“These scams are rarely isolated,” said Inspector Sunil Malik, Delhi Cyber Cell. “They are well-coordinated operations using cloned websites and temporary UPI accounts. Recovery of funds is difficult once payments are made.”
Protecting Yourself: Key Red Flags
Experts advise consumers to stay alert to these warning signs:
- Unrealistically low prices or 90%+ discounts on premium products.
- Poorly designed or unofficial websites.
- Requests for advance payment with no cash-on-delivery option.
- No listing on major verified e-commerce platforms.
- Lack of verifiable product model numbers.
“If it looks too good to be true, it probably is,” said Bansal. “Always check the official brand site and customer reviews before making a payment.”
Larger Trend: India’s Booming Smartphone Market and Rising Scams
India’s 5G smartphone shipments grew by 43% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025, according to IDC. With over 600 million smartphone users, India has become one of the world’s largest digital marketplaces. However, this growth has also attracted fraud networks targeting inexperienced buyers.
Experts believe stronger collaboration between brands, regulators, and platforms is needed. “We must create a verification framework to protect consumers from malicious actors,” said Raghav Agarwal, policy director at the Internet Freedom Foundation. “This includes faster takedowns of scam listings and stricter KYC norms for online sellers.”
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Conclusion
As of now, no credible evidence supports the claim that a Vivo Premium 5G Smartphone with a 300MP camera and 7000mAh battery is available for ₹6,999. With Vivo India denying any involvement and experts warning against fraudulent tactics, consumers are urged to stay vigilant, verify deals, and report suspicious ads.
