Genuine ESP32 chips power most unofficial modules and development boards

Counterfeit ESP32 devices technically exist, but the core chip is almost always genuine, with issues arising from unofficial modules and boards. Most "counterfeits" are actually unofficial modules or development boards that misrepresent themselves, often using cheaper components or misleading branding, though the central ESP32 chip itself is typically authentic. While the ESP32 chip is rarely faked due to complexity and cost, unofficial boards can suffer from reduced performance, component failures, or flashing difficulties, though many clones still function adequately for hobbyist projects.