The key issue with real vs counterfeit Hakko is getting the quality of true Hakko for the price you pay. The digital controls are annoying, but if that's the only game left in town, its better than a clone or counterfeit all analog Hakko. Just make sure its a true Hakko FX888D, not a clone FX888D! The cloners are very good and fast in copying Hakko's stations.
If you buy a counterfeit Hakko or a clone that is cheaper and you know its counterfeit, its just like buying any other Chinese brand clone like Aoyue, you know it has deficiencies but will live with it. If you pay full price for a Hakko and then find out later its counterfeit, then you are being misled.
The key differences were discussed in the archives [ including graphs and comparison photos] but the biggest are:
The materials in an original Hakko tip are patented and Hakko tips tend to last longer in use, relative to clone tips;
The Hakko heating element is better made.