In a strange turn of events, Huaqiangbei in China has once again managed to produce a copycat version of a high-end tech product even before its official release. This time, it is the Apple Vision Pro that has fallen victim to the knock-off market. The Vision Pro, which is priced at over NT$100,000, has now been replicated as the Vision SE and is being sold for just over NT$4,000.
The Vision SE, which has hit the shelves in Huaqiangbei, looks eerily similar to the Vision Pro, despite being priced significantly lower. It seems that the price is not fixed as reports claim that the knock-off version is being sold for different prices. According to unboxing videos, it was initially priced at 2,399 yuan (approximately NT$10,500) but it is now being marketed for more than 1,000 yuan, which is a mere fraction of the original product’s cost.
Even though the two versions may look similar, the Vision SE is apparently made of all plastic, as opposed to the more premium materials used in the Vision Pro. Additionally, the hardware specifications of the copycat version are nowhere near as impressive as the original. With a Qualcomm SXR1130 chip and Adreno 615 GPU, the Vision SE is a far cry from its high-end counterpart. The 5.5-inch 3664×1920 LCD also falls short compared to the display on the original product.
Despite the lower price, reviews of the Vision SE have not been favorable. Users have reported poor picture quality and resolution, along with a dizzying experience during use. The camera quality has been described as abysmal, and the overall functionality is disappointing. Despite the seemingly tempting price, it seems that the copycat version does not come close to reaching the standards set by the Vision Pro.
As the market for copycat technology continues to thrive in Huaqiangbei, consumers are reminded to exercise caution and avoid falling for what may seem like a good deal. The old adage “you get what you pay for” certainly applies in this case, as the knock-off version has proven to be a far cry from the original. With such disparities in quality and performance, it’s clear that investing in the real deal is still the best choice.