If you are buying an iPhone 13 or newer, the “variant” usually means the region and hardware configuration, like SIM setup, 5G bands, and sometimes small physical differences. Knowing the variant helps you avoid network surprises, confirm warranty expectations, and pay the right price for the exact unit in front of you.
In this post, you will learn how to check iphone variant using quick, reliable checks that work on any iPhone 13 or newer.
I have spent years reviewing listings and in-hand devices, and these are the same checks I use to avoid wrong-region units, carrier locks, and mismatched boxes.
How To Check Iphone Variant
This guide on how to check iphone variant is written for real buyers, especially if you are checking a phone in a shop or meeting a seller. You will use built-in iOS menus first, then confirm with the box and IMEI.
Step 1: Find the Model Number in Settings (A####)
- Open Settings → General → About
- Tap Model Number once to switch from a part-like code to the Apple model code that looks like A#### (example: A2484)
- Copy that A-number and keep it for cross-checking
Why it matters: the A-number is one of the cleanest ways to identify the exact hardware family across iPhone 13, 14, 15, and later.
Step 2: Read the Part Number (the code that ends with /A)
On the same About page, look for Part Number (it ends with /A). A typical example looks like MQ9T3LL/A.
Quick decoding:
- First letter tells the sales type
- M = new retail unit
- N = Apple service replacement unit
- F = refurbished unit
- P = personalized unit (engraved)
- Two-letter region code appears right before /A
Examples you may see: LL/A (USA), J/A (Japan), ZP/A (Hong Kong), CH/A (China mainland)
If your goal is how to check iphone variant by region, the part number is usually the fastest clue.
Step 3: Match the numbers with the box and IMEI
- Compare the Model Number (A####) and Part Number between:
- Settings → About
- The original box label (if available)
- Check IMEI in Settings → About and compare it with the box label
A mismatch can mean the box is not original to the phone, or the device has been swapped.
Step 4: Confirm SIM setup (important for iPhone 13 and above)
Variant differences are most obvious here.
What to check:
- Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data)
- Look for Add eSIM
- Count how many IMEI entries appear in Settings → About
- Physical SIM tray
- Some regions support dual physical SIM
- Others support one physical SIM + eSIM, or eSIM-only
For buyers, how to check iphone variant often comes down to this step, because it affects resale value and everyday usability.
Practical notes for iPhone 13+
- iPhone 13 series: commonly supports one physical SIM plus eSIM, and can store multiple eSIMs
- iPhone 14 series: in the USA, models are commonly eSIM-only, while many other regions still have a SIM tray
- iPhone 15 series and newer: the same pattern often continues, so always verify in Settings
If you are shopping used, do not assume based on the seller’s claim. Use the SIM checks above as your proof of how to check iphone variant for that exact device.
Step 5: Check Carrier Lock status (fast deal-breaker)
Go to Settings → General → About and look for Carrier Lock (wording can vary by iOS version).
- No SIM restrictions means the phone is unlocked
- Anything else means it is locked to a carrier
In Bangladesh, locked units can be risky unless you fully understand the unlock status.
Step 6: Look for region-specific hardware hints (optional but helpful)
These are not perfect, but they can support your conclusion:
- mmWave 5G window: some USA models have a small antenna window on the side
- Camera shutter behavior: some Japan units may enforce shutter sound due to local rules
Use this only as a secondary check, not as the main method.
Common mistakes people make
- Relying only on “USA” or “Japan” claims without checking Settings
- Confusing storage (128GB vs 256GB) with a region variant
- Skipping the carrier lock check
- Not matching IMEI between phone and box
Quick checklist you can screenshot
- Settings → General → About → tap Model Number to get A####
- Note Part Number and region code before /A
- Match A####, Part Number, and IMEI with the box label
- Confirm SIM setup in Cellular and count IMEIs
- Check Carrier Lock status
This checklist is the simplest way to remember how to check iphone variant when you are standing in front of a seller.
Variants are not just a label. They can change SIM support, network performance, and resale value. Once you learn how to check iphone variant using the A-number, part number, IMEI, and SIM menu, you will buy with more confidence.
FAQs
1) What does “LL/A” mean on an iPhone part number?
It commonly indicates a USA region code.
2) Where do I find the A-number (A####)?
Settings → General → About, tap Model Number once.
3) Can two iPhones with the same storage be different variants?
Yes. Region, SIM setup, and supported bands can differ.
4) Is eSIM-only a variant issue?
Yes. Some regions sell eSIM-only models while others include a SIM tray.
5) Does the box guarantee the variant?
Only if the A-number, part number, and IMEI match the phone.
6) How do I know if an iPhone is carrier locked?
Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock or SIM restrictions.
7) Does variant affect warranty?
It can. Confirm Apple coverage using the phone’s serial number.
8) What should I verify before buying used?
Match numbers, check carrier lock, confirm iCloud is signed out, then test calls and mobile data.
