How To Find Out The IPhone Model Externally? Differences Between Each IPhone

2023 Author: Gordon Kinson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-06-04 23:58

Actually, for an experienced user or a geek interested in technological innovations, this question is irrelevant. At the same time, people far from the IT world sometimes wonder - how can you accurately determine the model of a device just by looking at it?

So, how do you know which iPhone you found, noticed in the hand of the interlocutor or saw in the picture in the ad? Below we will deal with the visual distinctive features of Apple smartphones of one model or another, starting with the flagship ones.

How to visually identify each iPhone model?

iPhone 11 Pro (review)

Year of issue: 2019
Diagonal: 5.8 inches
Model number: A2160 (for Canada and the US), A2217 (for China), A2215 (for other countries and regions)
Glass case (front and back) with medical steel frame
The ON button is located on the right side of the device.
There is a black rectangle at the top of the display that houses the True Depth sensors
Home button and Touch ID sensor missing
Storage capacity : 64GB, 256GB, 512GB
Colors: Gold: Silver, Space Gray, Dark Green
Triple main camera on the back
SIM type: nano-SIM, dual-SIM support
IMEI is listed on the SIM card tray
3.5mm audio jack is missing

iPhone 11 Pro Max (review)

Year of issue: 2019
Diagonal: 6.5 inches
Model number: A2161 (for Canada and USA), A2220 (for China), A2218 (for other countries and regions)
Glass case (front and back) with medical steel frame
The ON button is located on the right side of the device.
There is a black rectangle at the top of the display that houses the True Depth sensors
Home button and Touch ID sensor missing
Storage capacity : 64GB, 256GB, 512GB
Colors: Gold: Silver, Space Gray, Dark Green
Triple main camera on the back
SIM type: nano-SIM, dual-SIM support
IMEI is listed on the SIM card tray
3.5mm audio jack is missing

The main external differences between the 2019 flagships (iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max) from the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are: dark green colors and the presence of a triple main camera on the back.

iPhone 11 (review)

Year of issue: 2019
Diagonal: 6.1 inches
Model number: A2111 (for Canada and the US), A2223 (for China), A2221 (for other countries and regions)
Glass body (front and back) with anodized aluminum frame
The "ON" button is located on the right side of the device
There is a black rectangle at the top of the display that houses the True Depth sensors
Home button and Touch ID sensor missing
Storage capacity : 64, 128, 256 GB
Colors: black, green, purple, white, yellow (PRODUCT) RED
Dual main cameras on the back
SIM type: nano-SIM, dual-SIM support
IMEI is listed on the SIM card tray
3.5mm audio jack is missing

The front of the iPhone 11 is identical to the iPhone XR, while the back features a dual camera.

iPhone XS (review)

Year of issue: 2018
Diagonal: 5.8 inches
Model number: A1920, A2097, A2098 (for Japan) and A2100 (for China)
Glass case (front and back) with medical steel frame
The ON button is located on the right side of the device.
There is a black rectangle at the top of the display that houses the True Depth sensors
Home button and Touch ID sensor missing
Storage capacity : 64GB, 256GB, 512GB
Colors: Gold: Silver, Space Gray
Dual vertically oriented main camera on the back
SIM type: nano-SIM, dual-SIM support
IMEI is listed on the SIM card tray
3.5mm audio jack is missing

iPhone XS Max (review)

Year of issue: 2018
Diagonal: 6.5 inches
Model number: A1921, A2101, A2102 (for Japan) and A2104 (for China)
Glass case (front and back) with medical steel frame
The "ON" button is located on the right side of the device
There is a black rectangle at the top of the display that houses the True Depth sensors
Home button and Touch ID sensor missing
Storage capacity : 64GB, 256GB, 512GB
Colors: Gold: Silver, Space Gray
Dual vertically oriented main camera on the back
SIM type: nano-SIM, dual-SIM support
IMEI is listed on the SIM card tray
3.5mm audio jack is missing

The main external differences between the flagships of 2018 (iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max) from the iPhone X are: the gold color and the larger size of the iPhone XS Max.

iPhone XR (review)

Year of issue: 2018
Diagonal: 6.1 inches
Model number: A1984, A2105, A2106 (for Japan) and A2107 (for China)
Glass body (front and back) with anodized aluminum frame
The "ON" button is located on the right side of the device
There is a black rectangle at the top of the display that houses the True Depth sensors
Home button and Touch ID sensor missing
Storage capacity : 64, 128, 256 GB
Colors: Black, Blue, White, Coral, Yellow, (PRODUCT) RED
SIM type: nano-SIM, dual-SIM support
IMEI is listed on the SIM card tray
3.5mm audio jack is missing

The front of the iPhone XR looks like a slightly larger iPhone X or iPhone XS, while the sides and back are like the iPhone 8.

ON THIS TOPIC:

IPhone XS vs iPhone XS Max: is there a difference other than size?
8 reasons to buy an iPhone 7 over an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, or iPhone XR.
Why is it better to buy an iPhone XR than an iPhone XS: 9 reasons.
Comparison between iPhone X and iPhone XS: what is the difference and is there any point in overpaying?
Comparison between iPhone XS and iPhone XR: is the difference significant?

iPhone X (review)

Year of issue: 2017
Diagonal: 5.8 inches
Model number: A1865, A1901, A1902 (Japan)
Glass case (front and back) with medical steel frame
The "ON" button is located on the right side of the device
There is a black rectangle at the top of the display that houses the True Depth sensors
Home button and Touch ID sensor missing
Storage capacity : 64GB, 256GB
Colors: silver, space gray
Dual vertically oriented main camera on the back
SIM type: nano-SIM
IMEI is listed on the SIM card tray
3.5mm audio jack is missing

It is very easy to distinguish a freshly baked Apple flagship smartphone from its brethren. It is the only device with a 5.8-inch screen diagonal, and its dimensions are larger than the 4.7-inch, but smaller than the 5.5-inch models.

In addition, it stands out with a bezel-less display with a missing Home button and vertically positioned main camera lenses.

When compared to other bezel-less smartphones, the iPhone X is easily distinguished by the black rectangle at the top of the screen, which houses the sensors needed for True Depth technology, an earpiece and a front camera.

iPhone 8 Plus (review)

Year of issue: 2017
Diagonal: 5.5 inches
Model number: A1864, A1897, A1898 (Japan)
Glass body (front and back) with aluminum frame
The "ON" button is located on the right side of the device
Touch ID built into the Home button
Storage capacity : 64GB, 256GB
Colors: gold, silver, space gray
Dual main cameras on the back
SIM type: nano-SIM
IMEI is listed on the SIM card tray
3.5mm audio jack is missing

When viewed from the front, the device can be rather easily confused with previous 5.5-inch models. However, by turning the smartphone in your hands, you can accurately identify it by the new form factor - the components of the iPhone 8 Plus (like the iPhone X) are "sandwiched" between two glass panels and a metal frame connecting them.

The use of glass instead of the usual aluminum "wall" made it possible to realize wireless charging, as well as to get rid of the longitudinal plastic inserts running along the lower and upper ends of the previous model (only small "lines" remained on the side edges).

iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 8:

iPhone 8 (review)

Year of issue: 2017
Diagonal: 4.7 inches
Model number: A1863, A1905, A1906 (Japan)
Glass body (front and back) with aluminum frame
The "ON" button is located on the right side of the device
Touch ID built into the Home button
Storage capacity : 64GB, 256GB
Colors: gold, silver, space gray
SIM type: nano-SIM
IMEI is listed on the SIM card tray
3.5mm audio jack is missing

ON THIS TOPIC:

Does it make sense to change iPhone 6s to iPhone 8 just because of the camera? Comparison of photo quality.
iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 7 Plus: what are the similarities and differences?

How to visually distinguish iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus from iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus

The main distinguishing feature of the "eights" from the iPhone 7 is the glass back panel and the absence of plastic stripes.

Design iphone 6 iphone 6s iphone 7 iphone 8

It is very difficult to distinguish smartphones from the front:

In addition, three colors disappeared from the color palette at once (black, black onyx, rose gold), but “space gray” was added.

IPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus Colors:

To detect differences in size, you will have to use accurate measuring instruments. The iPhone 8 is a tenth of a millimeter longer, two tenths wider and thicker than its predecessor, and weighs 10 grams more.

ON THIS TOPIC:

IPhone 8 Plus camera: features, photo examples, and how it differs from the iPhone 7 Plus camera.
How the cameras of the iPhone X, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone 7 Plus differ.
Comparison between iPhone 7 and iPhone 8: what's the difference and should you pay extra?

iPhone 7 Plus

Year of issue: 2016
Diagonal: 5.5 inches
Model number on the back: A1661, A1784, A1785
The "ON" button is located on the right side of the device
Touch ID built into the Home button
Storage capacity : 32 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB
Colors: Black, Onyx Black, Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, (PRODUCT) RED
Dual main cameras on the back
SIM type: nano-SIM
IMEI is listed on the SIM card tray
3.5mm audio jack is missing

iPhone 7 Plus has almost the same features as the regular "seven", except, of course, a larger size. However, this model is unlikely to be confused with others due to its main dual camera, thanks to which users can shoot portrait photos with blur (bokeh effect) and 2x optical zoom.

ON THIS TOPIC:

Why is the iPhone 7 Plus better than the iPhone 7? 7 main differences.
Comparison of iPhone 7/7 Plus, iPhone 6s / 6s Plus and iPhone SE (table).

iPhone 7

Year of issue: 2016
Diagonal: 4.7 inches
Model number on the back: A1660, A1778, A1779
The "ON" button is located on the right side of the device
Touch ID built into the Home button
Storage capacity : 32 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB
Colors: Black, Onyx Black, Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, (PRODUCT) RED
SIM type: nano-SIM
IMEI is listed on the SIM card tray
3.5mm audio jack is missing

How to externally distinguish iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus from iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus

The main external difference between this model and its predecessors is the absence of a 3.5 mm audio jack for headphones.

How to tell the difference between iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus from iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus

Also, in the iPhone 7, Apple got rid of the large straight antenna bands on the body that were hated by many, leaving only thin graceful stripes enveloping the body at the top and bottom.

In addition, the Space Gray color was replaced by two fundamentally new ones: Jet Black (black onyx), which is glossy and Black (black), which is matte.

In March 2017, Apple also released the new red iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.

iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus

iPhone 6s Plus

Year of issue: 2015
Diagonal: 5.5 inches
Model number on the back: A1634, A1687, A1699
The "ON" button is located on the right side of the device
Touch ID built into the Home button
Storage capacity : 16 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB
Colors: space gray, silver, gold, rose gold
Distinguishing mark "S" on the rear panel
SIM type: nano-SIM
IMEI is listed on the SIM card tray
3.5mm audio jack present

iPhone 6s

Year of issue: 2015
Diagonal: 4.7 inches
Model number on the back: A1633, A1688, A1700
The "ON" button is located on the right side of the device
Touch ID built into the Home button
Storage capacity : 32 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB
Colors: space gray, silver, gold, rose gold
Distinguishing mark "S" on the rear panel
SIM type: nano-SIM
IMEI is listed on the SIM card tray
3.5mm audio jack present

iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus

iPhone 6 Plus

Year of issue: 2014
Diagonal: 5.5 inches
Model number on the back: A1522, A1524, A1593
The "ON" button is located on the right side of the device
Touch ID built into the Home button
Storage capacity : 16 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB
Colors: space gray, silver, gold
SIM type: nano-SIM
IMEI is listed on the back of the device
3.5mm audio jack present

iPhone 6

Year of issue: 2014
Diagonal: 4.7 inches
Model number on the back: A1549, A1586, A1589
The "ON" button is located on the right side of the device
Touch ID built into the Home button
Storage capacity : 16 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB
Colors: space gray, silver, gold
SIM type: nano-SIM
IMEI is listed on the back of the device
3.5mm audio jack present

How the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus look different from the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus

The iPhone 6s and iPhone 6 (as well as the iPhone 6s Plus with the iPhone 6 Plus) are visually almost identical - both devices are wrapped in a body that has remained largely unchanged since 2014, when Apple designers decided to increase the display diagonal from 4 to 4.7 inches.

The main external differences are: the distinctive "S" mark on the back, pink color and the presence of a 3D Touch display (recognizes the pressure) on the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, as well as the absence of an engraved IMEI number on their back. In addition, if you have an incredibly accurate eye or sense of weight, you may notice that the "simple sixes" are slightly lighter and thinner.

ON THEME: Which is better to buy, iPhone 6s or iPhone 7? Does it make sense to buy a "seven"? Honest post.

iPhone SE

Year of issue: 2016
Diagonal: 4.7 inches
Model number on the back: A1723, A1662, A1724
The "ON" button is located on the upper end of the device
Touch ID built into the Home button
Oval shaped flash
Storage capacity : 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB
Colors: space gray, silver, gold, rose gold
Distinctive mark "SE" on the rear panel
SIM type: nano-SIM
IMEI is listed on the back of the device
3.5mm audio jack present

BY THEME: How to distinguish iPhone SE from iPhone 5s when buying a smartphone from hands (used).

How the iPhone SE outwardly differs from the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s

In 2016, Apple introduced the iPhone SE smartphone, combining the design of the 4-inch iPhone 5s and the inside of the iPhone 6s. Externally, distinguishing the iPhone SE from the iPhone 5s is quite difficult. The main visual differences are: the distinctive 'SE' badge on the back, matte bevels on the edges of the iPhone SE (they seem sharper on the iPhone 5s), and the model in the case in Rose Gold. All of the aforementioned features are present only on the iPhone SE.

The iPhone 5 design is described below.

You can learn more about all the differences between the iPhone SE and other iPhone models from our following materials:

How the iPhone SE differs from the iPhone 6s: a detailed comparison.
How the iPhone SE differs from the iPhone 5s: a detailed comparison.

iPhone 5s

Year of issue: 2013
Diagonal: 4.7 inches
Model number on the back: A1453, A1457, A1518, A1528, A1530, A1533
The "ON" button is located on the upper end of the device
Touch ID built into the Home button
Oval shaped flash
Storage capacity : 16GB, 32GB, 64GB
Colors: space gray, silver, gold
SIM type: nano-SIM
IMEI is listed on the back of the device
3.5mm audio jack present

ON THIS TOPIC:

Differences between iPhone 6s and iPhone 6 and iPhone 5s. In detail.
How to distinguish iPhone SE from iPhone 5s when buying a smartphone from hand (used).

iPhone 5c

Year of issue: 2013
Diagonal: 4.7 inches
Model number on the back: A1456, A1507, A1516, A1529, A1532
The "ON" button is located on the upper end of the device
No Touch ID sensor
Round shape flash
Storage capacity : 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB
Colors: white, blue, pink, green and yellow
SIM type: nano-SIM
IMEI is listed on the back of the device
3.5mm audio jack present

iPhone 5

Year of issue: 2012
Diagonal: 4.7 inches
Model number on the back: A1428, A1429, A1442
The "ON" button is located on the upper end of the device
No Touch ID sensor
Round shape flash
Storage capacity : 16GB, 32GB, 64GB
Colors: black and white
SIM type: nano-SIM
IMEI is listed on the back of the device
3.5mm audio jack present

What is the difference between iPhone 5 and iPhone 5c

The main difference between the iPhone 5c and the usual five is the plastic case and the variety of colors (see photo above).

How the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s look different

In 2013, the iPhone 5s replaced the iconic "five", and the design of the smartphone has changed only slightly.

Externally, the iPhone 5 can be distinguished from the iPhone 5s by the Home button. On the iPhone 5, it is normal (see photo above), while on the iPhone 5s, the Home button is equipped with a biometric Touch ID sensor that reads fingerprints (see photo below).

Five main disadvantages of the iPhone 5s

Smartphones also differ in flash (see photo below): the flash window of the iPhone 5 is round, while the iPhone 5s received an oval TrueTone flash.

In addition, the black iPhone 5 has a technical flaw - paint peels off over time. This has been fixed in the iPhone 5s (the iPhone 5s Space Gray is different from the iPhone 5 Black).

How the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s look different from the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s

The transition from generation 4 / 4S to iPhone 5 (iPhone 5s) was marked, first of all, by an increase in the display from 3.5 inches to 4 inches and, as a result, the entire body of the device. The dimensions of the iPhone 5 reached 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm and weighs 112 grams. In addition, despite the external similarity, the design has changed dramatically - instead of a sandwich of two glass panels and a metal frame between them, Apple engineers used an all-metal back panel.

You can also distinguish the iPhone 5 / 5s from the iPhone 4 / 4s by such features as: a new 8-pin Lightning connector, a microphone hole between the main camera and the flash, the shape of the speakers at the bottom end, the transition from micro SIM (in iPhone 4s) to nano SIM (iPhone 5 and newer), etc.

BY THEME: How to speed up iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPad 2 and iPod Touch 6G.

iPhone 4S

Year of issue: 2011
Diagonal: 4 inches
Model number on the back: A1431, A1387, A1387
The "ON" button is located on the upper end of the device
No Touch ID sensor
Storage capacity : 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB
Colors: black and white
SIM card type: micro-SIM
3.5mm audio jack present

iPhone 4

Year of issue: 2010
Diagonal: 4 inches
Model number on the back: A1349, A1332
The "ON" button is located on the upper end of the device
No Touch ID sensor
Storage capacity : 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB
Colors: black and white
SIM card type: micro-SIM. CDMA model does not have a SIM tray
3.5mm audio jack present

What is the difference between iPhone 4s and iPhone 4

As mentioned above, the easiest way to recognize these models is the unique body design, which is not present in any other Apple smartphone. Visually distinguishing between the iPhone 4S and the iPhone 4 is quite difficult - 99% of the differences Apple developers laid in the software and hardware capabilities of the devices.

However, there are some nuances. For example, on the iPhone 4S, signal reception antennas are located symmetrically on the bottom and top of each edge, while the iPhone 4 has only three such elements, and one of them is on the top. Another cosmetic difference is that the sound / vibration switch on the iPhone 4 is located noticeably higher than on its counterpart (see photo below).

In addition, Siri cannot be launched on iPhone 4.

ON TOPIC: Why iPhone 4S is the most important smartphone in Apple history.

iPhone 3GS

Year of issue: 2009
Diagonal: 3.5 inches
Model number on the back: A1325, A1303
The "ON" button is located on the upper end of the device
No Touch ID sensor
Storage capacity : 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB
Colors: black and white
The serial number is located on the SIM card tray
SIM card type: mini-SIM
3.5mm audio jack present

iPhone 3G

Year of issue: 2008
Diagonal: 3.5 inches
Model number on the back: A1324, A1241
The "ON" button is located on the upper end of the device
No Touch ID sensor
Storage capacity : 8 GB, 16 GB
Colors: black and white
The serial number is located on the SIM card tray
SIM card type: mini-SIM
3.5mm audio jack present

What is the difference between iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G

The only thing that distinguishes these devices from each other in appearance is the type of paint, which is marked on the back of the case. The iPhone 3GS has a high-gloss paint finish, while the iPhone 3G has a matte gray finish.

Also, the Compass app is missing on iPhone 3G.

The location of the controls and connectors on the case is inherited from the original iPhone - on the top there is a SIM-card tray, a headphone jack and a Power button, on the left are volume buttons and a silent mode switch, on the bottom there is a 30-pin connector for charging and synchronization, as well as speakers … The devices were delivered in black and white.

What is the difference between iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G

iPhone 2G (First iPhone)

Year of issue: 2007
Diagonal: 3.5 inches
Model number on the back: A1203
The "ON" button is located on the upper end of the device
The SIM card tray is located on the top of the device
No Touch ID sensor
Storage capacity : 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB
The serial number is located on the back of the product
SIM card type: mini-SIM
3.5mm audio jack present

The very first Apple smartphone, presented back in 2007, which is difficult to confuse with any other iPhone. First of all, it can be identified by the rear panel - a metal silver cover with a black plastic insert at the bottom is recognizable from afar. Moreover, already in the first iPhone there are many design elements that can be noticed in subsequent models - an icon in the form of a square on the Home button, a logo on the back, etc.

ON TOPIC: iPhone 2G twelve years later. What the first Apple smartphone did.