Apple has announced three new iPhone models at the September event 2018, we have the new XS, XS Max, and XR. The iPhone XS is the direct replacement for the iPhone X released last year. It has all the best hardware and features in a manageable size, so this becomes an ideal choice for most high-end users.
There is almost no difference between the iPhone XS and iPhone X, except the new gold color. The two phones have exactly the same design with a stainless steel body, a glass back panel, and a notched OLED screen. All three dimensions are also exactly the same; The XS is just slightly weightier but the difference is just 0.1 ounce.
Although there is no change in design, there are a lot of important upgrades on both hardware and software to make the iPhone XS the most advanced iPhone ever. Specifically, it features the powerful A12 Bionic chip with next-generation Neural Engine, new Core ML engine for gaming, better battery life, IP68 for splash and water resistance, and enhanced cameras with capabilities like Smart HDR, advanced bokeh quality, and dynamic depth of field.
Another interesting feature is dual-SIM support so that we can use two different phone numbers on the same device. The Dual SIM Dual Standby technology allows us to make and receive phone calls and send and receive SMS and MMS on both SIM cards. Phone calls and data can be used only on one SIM card at a time. In the United States and some other countries, Apple uses the eSIM technology as a digital SIM along with a physical nano-SIM card. You can only use one number if you use cellular networks in countries that are not supporting eSIM. This sounds simple but if you really want to use dual SIM cards without any restriction, you should purchase an unlocked version instead of the carrier ones.
Read also: iPhone XS Max Model Number A1921, A2101, A2102, A2104 Differences
The state of iPhone XS model numbers is more complicated as there are 4 iPhone XS model numbers this year. In the United States, Hong Kong, and Canada, we have only one model which is the A1920, however, there are three more for the rest of the world, which are A2097, A2098, and A2100. Let’s check out their differences.
Buy iPhone XS Factory-Unlocked on Amazon
iPhone XS A1920
| Description | The iPhone XS A1920 is the US version and it works on both GSM and CDMA networks. This phone is also available as a SIM-free factory-unlocked version at Apple Store. Apart from the US, it is also available in other countries like Canada, Hong Kong, and Puerto Rico. | |
| Countries & Carriers |
United States
Canada
|
Puerto Rico
U.S. Virgin Islands
Hong Kong
|
| Cellular Bands |
|
|
| Part Numbers |
United States – Unlocked SIM-free
United States – AT&T
United States – T-Mobile
|
United States – Verizon Wireless
United States – Sprint
Hong Kong
|
iPhone XS A2097
| Description | The A2097 is the global version made for the European and Asian markets. You can find it in countries like the United Kingdom, Spain, Russia, Italy, France, Singapore, Taiwan, etc. The model doesn’t support CDMA networks. | |
| Countries & Carriers |
Andorra Armenia Australia
Austria Bahrain Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Georgia Germany
Greece Greenland Hungary Iceland India
Ireland Isle of Man Italy
Jersey Kazakhstan Kuwait Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Mexico
|
Monaco Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway Oman Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russia
Saudi Arabia Singapore
Slovakia Slovenia South Africa Spain
Sweden Switzerland Taiwan United Arab Emirates United Kingdom
|
| Cellular Bands |
|
|
| Part Numbers |
United Kingdom
|
|
iPhone XS A2098
| Description |
The iPhone XS A2098 is the exclusive version for the Japanese market. It features some LTE bands only used by Japanese carriers, specifically, band 11 for au and SoftBank, band 21 for Docomo, and band 42 for all of those carriers. The only problem is that the phone has a mandatory shutter sound when taking pictures. This is to discourage covert photography and ensure privacy in the country. |
| Countries & Carriers |
Japan
|
| Cellular Bands |
|
| Part Numbers |
Japan
|
iPhone XS A2100
| Description | The A2100 is the model for the Chinese market. Notice that the model doesn’t support dual-SIM cards (either physical or eSIM); It has only one nano-SIM card slot. |
| Countries & Carriers |
China
|
| Cellular Bands |
|
| Part Numbers |
China
|
Leave a comment below if you have any question regarding the model numbers.
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Rm says
Great job for being single authentic source for iPhones.
Eduardo says
Hola tengo el A1920 y lo uso en Movistar en Peru y ay veces que en algunos lugares cerrados solo acepta 3g, y en la calle acepta 4g, quisiera saber si se puede hacer algo para q siempre acepte 4g en todo lado, o si se puede liberar alguna banda?, o cuál sería la solución.gracias
Walter says
Thanks for the information. I am just wondering if the A2097 model, which does not support CDMA, means that the modem is not the XMM7560, which is supposed to support CDMA ? Or is it just a tweaking of the modem, but it is still the Intel XMM7560 ?
Thank you.
Tuan Do says
I heard that all iPhone models use the same Intel XMM7560 modem, so they might have disabled the CDMA bands for the A2097.
Walter says
Thanks for your input. But I did ask Apple for a call back and asked for clarification. I think it is a policy thing but they are choosing to just say that Apple will always make the best products for their customers. Lol. So reassuring.
Ludvik says
If the A2100 model for China does not support dual-Sim cards, where is the model for China that does support it? According to Apple announcement, there should be such a support for two physical nano sim cards, like the XS Max A2104 model.
Tuan Do says
None of the iPhone XS models supports physical dual SIM cards. At the moment, only the XS Max and XR have that feature.
Moe Mady says
Can some one tell us which model “Xr or Xs or Xs Max” will be with dual SIM and which will be with e-Sim and which will be single only.
and if so, which will be in which region!?
I’m really confused from that unclear apple announcements that every web site got its own say in that :(
Tuan Do says
I had a post on buying the physical dual-SIM versions, check this out https://www.techwalls.com/buy-iphone-xs-max-xr-physical-dual-sim-card-support/
George says
Hi all,
will the A1920 work in Europe as well ?
I mean if i buy it in the US and use in Europe will it work with Vodafone ?
Tuan Do says
Yes, it works great in Europe.
Alex Bolk says
Will it work on full speeds on the LTE network?
Hasan says
Hey,
Will the model A1920 work with China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom for LTE/3G/2G?
Tuan Do says
Yes, but it has a lot of limitations. You should only buy the iPhone XS in China if you want to use it in the country.
John says
What kind of limitations?
Tuan Do says
It doesn’t have TD-SCDMA bands and physical dual SIM cards.
AnonoSH says
Hi everyone,
The A2100 being the iPhone XS for the Chinese market… does it mean that it is mono SIM and then do not have any e-SIM installed inside? Making it “THE MODEL” to avoid !!!???!!!
Tuan Do says
Yes, you’re correct. It supports 1 SIM card only and doesn’t support eSIM.
Felix says
Chinese models so far did not support Facetime audio (only video). Is this still the same with the XS?
Tuan Do says
Facetime Audio is not supported in China (source: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203982)
So you’d better buy the XS version in Hong Kong.
Mark says
Thanks for the informative site.
What I heard is that European A2097 has less carrier choice if used in US! Is that right?
Also, iPhone 7 US version had better modem compared to International version. Does it the same on iPhone XS?
Tuan Do says
Yes, the A2097 has less LTE bands.
All iPhone XS versions use the same modem from Intel, so there is no difference.
Juan Carlos says
Buenos días
Quiero comprar un IPhone X S 512 Gb para utilizar en Argentina que es mi país y donde resido en forma permanente. Ahora estoy de paseo en Manhattan y fui al local de APPLE ubicado en 5 Ave y me dicen que no lo tienen.. Creo que los modelos A2097 y A2101 son los que funcionan bien en Argentina. Quedo a la espera de vuestros comentarios
Pablo says
Hi. I want to buy an iPhone Xs in USA but I need the model A2097 because it has the LTE bands that work in Argentina.
In the Apple store, the unlocked, sim-free model is A1920.
Is there any chance to get the A2097 in USA?
If anyone can help I will appreciate it.
Thanks.
Tuan Do says
You will have to look for the imported version on eBay or Amazon. It’s not available at Apple Store.
Ankit says
Hey,
Will the model A 1920 purchased in usa work in india?
Tuan Do says
Yes, it works well.
Faiz Ahmad says
Is e-sim compatible in India for USA bought iPhone XS?
Jinendra says
You bought it from USA?? Is it work properly?? I m.planning to buy so can u tell me
John says
I asked this from at Apple Genius; their response was – “Would NOT work on LTE, 4G; may work on 3G”.
Jinendra says
You bought from USA?if yes then Is it working properly?
Dan Baggett says
Does the A1920 modem give full LTE speeds on CDMA networks like Sprint and Verizon as well as GSM networks (ATT/T-Mobile), since I understand that my current A1910 on my iPhone X only does 4G on CDMA networks
Micke says
Will the Japanese model work in Europe?
Alex Bolk says
Hi,
Will the A1920 version work on the lte (4g) network in europe? (bands 20:800, 7:2600) i know it has these bands listed in the specs but does anyone have experience? why wouldnt they list europe countries for this model when it does work, thats why im asking
Thanks.
NB says
I’m wondering to.. did you find out more?!
Tony says
I have a A2097 bought in UK. Will the e-Sim work in the USA. I’ve used SIM cards in the USA before with no problems. Thanks
carl harrison says
Hi – Will the A1920 (Hong Kong) model be ok to use in the UK on Giff Gaff?
Thank you in advance.
Jinendra says
If I buy iPhone xs A1920 model from USA, then is it work properly on Indian simcards?
Peter Juhl says
I recently bought the A1920 Version of the iPhone Xs but i live in Denmark, will this mean that I won´t be able to use/unlock it in Denmark or what will happen?
TIA
Ian Kelley says
Hi
I live in Mexico but am a US citizen travel to US a couple times a year and have a home there. I am ready to buy a new Iphone XS Max 256 but was a little disappointed at the price difference from the Mexico vs. USA model.
Mexico: 30,699 pesos around $1600. USD A2097
USA: $1250. USD A1920
I was about to purchase the US model to use in Mexico but Apple Customer service told me I would have limited LTE with this model in Mexico. so I canceled the order. I read online that the Mexico/Euro model also does not support CDMA which is used in US.
My question is is it true that my USA phone version will not work as well in Mexico or is this just Apple trying to get me to buy the correct version for trade/tax reasons?
This question was actually blocked on the Apple Forum so I am a bit suspicious…
Tuan Do says
Hi,
The only difference is the band 28 by ALTAN Redes. If you’re on other carriers, the US model is perfectly fine. Don’t waste your money.
Anna says
I bought the A2097 version in England. Will this work on AT&T (GSM) in US?
Faiz says
Hi, is e-sim compatible in India for iPhone XS bought from USA?? As I can read from Specs A1920 is compatible to all LTE bands in India…
Khong Minh says
[QUOTE]
The A2100 is the model for the Chinese market. Notice that the model doesn’t support dual-SIM cards (either physical or eSIM); It has only one nano-SIM card slot.
[/QUOTE]
Stupid!
Look here: support.apple.com/kb/SP779?locale=en_US (the “Sim Card” description – no.11)
[QUOTE]
SIM Card
Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM)11
iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are not compatible with existing micro‑SIM cards
[/QUOTE]
and here: everymac.com/systems/apple/iphone/specs/apple-iphone-xs-china-a2100-specs.html
[QUOTE]
Please note that this A2100 iPhone Xs is sold only in mainland China. It is compatible with FDD LTE bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 32, 66, and 71 as well as TD LTE bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, and 46. It also uniquely supports dual hardware nano SIM cards (rather than one nano SIM and a software-based eSIM like models sold outside mainland China).
[/QUOTE]
Dont know how many people can trusted in techwalls with these poor knowledges.
Tuan Do says
Hi,
The first source above is for iPhone XS in general, the 2nd source is totally incorrect. We got a confirmation from Apple saying the Chinese iPhone XS doesn’t have the dual nano-SIM card feature.
You can check full specs of the A2100 here apple.com/cn/iphone-xs/specs/
Alejandro says
Does anyone know the model for Colombia?
Roberto Rizzo says
Hi there,
in Europe circulates the rumor that model A2100 (only for China) has two physical slots for nano SIM and no eSIM. According to your info instead, it just seems to have only one SIM tray for nano SIM. Do you know something about this rumor?
Thanx and regards,
Roberto
Paulgopher says
Will my brand new Apple iPhone XS 256 model A1920 work in Moscow on Tele2?
ZW says
Does a SIM-free factory-unlocked version XS 256 A1920 work well in Mainland China? Many thanks!
Sean Kim says
Hi, I have to use my phone in both South Korea and Russia, but the price for the iPhone Xs is too expensive here so I am thinking of buying the phone in the states, then using it in S.Korea and the states, would it not work because of the model number?
Jason says
Will a iPhone xs model a2100 work in the untied states does anyone know this answer?
valeed says
Model Number: MT9H2AH/A. will work in india?
Vadim says
Will the A1920 work in Ukraine?
Arun says
Can I use an iPhone XS bought from Singapore in India. Does it work with dual sim ?
Michael Pickel says
Wanting to get a new iPhone XS (model A1920/1921), which has the latest T-Moblie frequency (LTE band 71), but does not support LTE band 28, popular in Europe. I stick with TMO because of their excellent and generous roaming rates for American customers in Europe. As I going to miss access to band 28 when in Europe with this model? How important is band 28 anyway? Thanks!
Anshu patel says
I phone xs 256gb gold
MT9K2KH/A part no model no a2097
Is this phone from korea? It has shutter sound while click photo?
T D Bhatia says
Will it work in India for Airtel,Vodofone,Jio,etc networks ?
Adela says
Please Help does Iphone Xs Model A1920 work in Colombia ?
Joe B says
Great summary and still relevant.
Viral Parikh says
Is the version that is sold in Dubai, UAE enabled for Facetime?
Murilo Valadares says
Para mim que moro no BRASIL, até então pelo que vi o HOMOLOGADO pela Anatel é o modelo A2097, correto???
Qual a diferença para o BRASILO nos modelos A2097 e A1920????
shoaib says
i have A2097 but i have issue of call dropped in pakistan my network carrier told me that our frequency not match with this model..
FABIAN MANTILLA says
I bought A2097; I use it in Ecuador. Up to now I found out that in app FInd my, Persons tab does not appear. Is there a way to do something about it? And is there any other inconvenient that could appear?