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iPhone Q&A

Update Published December 7, 2022

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What are all the differences between the iPhone X? How many different versions are there?

Please note that the iPhone X has been discontinued. However, this Q&A has been updated with the latest on iOS compatibility and more. It can be quite helpful for anyone buying or selling one of these models on the used market.

If you clicked on this EveryiPhone.com Q&A with the anticipation of reading about color and capacity options for the iPhone X, you may be surprised to learn that there actually are three different iPhone X models. Each of these three models are available in two colors and two capacities.

To make differentiation easier, EveryiPhone.com more precisely refers to the three different iPhone X models as the iPhone X (Verizon/Sprint/China/India/A1865), iPhone X (AT&T/T-Mobile/Global/A1901), and iPhone X (Japan/A1902). These models largely are identical, but most notably network support is different and understanding these differences is critical. Understanding the similarities between the three models is worthwhile, too.

iPhone X
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPhone X)

External Similarities & Differences

All three iPhone X models use the same external case design forged primarily from "surgical-grade stainless steel" with a glass front and back. It is splash, water, and dust-resistant to the IP67 standard, but it is not fully waterproof.

The iPhone X also has "wireless" -- or really inductive -- charging capability, as well as stereo speakers, a Lightning port, and a side-mounted Nano SIM access panel on the right side. For the first time on the iPhone, the iPhone X drops the Home button altogether in favor of full fledged "gesture control" and replaces "Touch ID" fingerprint identification with "Face ID" authentication.

The iPhone X models all have three cameras. On the front -- concealed in the rather awkward "notch" at the top of the display -- is a new "TrueDepth" camera that in addition to supporting the "Face ID" functionality, takes 7 megapixel photos, shoots 1080p video, and has software support for Portrait mode, Portrait lighting, and more. The two rear cameras -- one wide angle (f/1.8 aperture) and one telephoto (f/2.4 aperture) -- each have 12 megapixel sensors, support dual optical image stabilization, and shoot 4K photos and video. The cameras support motion tracking and offer augmented reality support, too.

Additionally, the iPhone X also is the first iPhone with an OLED screen. Specifically, it has a beautiful 3D-touch capable 5.8" (diagonal) OLED HDR "Super Retina" display (2436x1125, 458 ppi, 1 million:1 contrast ratio).

iPhone X Colors
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPhone X Color Options)

All models are available in two color options -- silver and a dark "Space Gray." Both color options have a black colored front to de-emphasize the "notch" at the top of the display.

Identification Differences

It is easy to differentiate between the iPhone X and earlier models, but more challenging to differentiate it from later models as subsequent devices also lack a Home button. It is not possible to identify specific iPhone X models this way, either.

Unfortunately, unlike previous iPhone models, the iPhone X cannot be uniquely identified by a Model Number on its back. However, the model number is listed on the cardboard shipping box and within the iOS.

Consequently, for the purpose of this Q&A, it is sufficient to note that the following model numbers refer to these iPhone X models:

iPhone Model

Model No

iPhone X (Verizon/Sprint/China/India)

A1865

iPhone X (AT&T/T-Mobile/Global)

A1901

iPhone X (Japan)

A1902

EveryiPhone.com's Ultimate iLookup feature also can precisely identify these iPhone models by Order Number (referred to as "Model" within the iOS "Settings" app under General > About), and their Serial Numbers, as well.

Wireless Connectivity & Data Differences

All three iPhone X models, regardless of other network connectivity, support GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) and UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz) as well as 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO and Bluetooth 5.

However, other supported cellular networks are quite different:

iPhone X Model
Number
LTE CDMA
EV-DO
TD-SCDMA
Verizon/Sprint A1865 FDD-LTE: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 66; TD-LTE: 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 800, 1900, 2100 MHz 1900 (F), 2000 (A)
AT&T/T-Mobile A1901 FDD-LTE: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 66;
TD-LTE: 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
None None
Japan A1902 FDD-LTE: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 66; TD-LTE: 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 800, 1900, 2100 MHz 1900 (F), 2000 (A)

In particular, note that the A1901 iPhone X model -- sold in the United States for AT&T and T-Mobile as well as many other carriers around the world -- does not support CDMA EV-DO Rev. A (800, 1900, 2100 MHz) and TD-SCDMA 1900 (F), 2000 (A) connectivity whereas the other two models do.

Also note that the Japan-specific A1902 iPhone X supports LTE bands 11 (1500 MHz), 21 (1500 MHz), and 42 (TD 3500), whereas the other models do not.

Internal & Battery Life Similarities

All three iPhone X models are powered by a 2.4 GHz six core "A11 Bionic chip with 64-bit architecture" as well as pack an "embedded M11 motion coprocessor," have 3 GB of RAM, and are equipped with either 64 GB or 256 GB of flash storage. Each have an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip with reader mode to allow digital payments in conjunction with "Apple Pay" software, too.

The Japan-specific A1902 iPhone X additionally is advertised with support for Sony's FeliCa for contactless payments on iD and QuicPay as well as Suica support on JR East.

iOS Support Similarities

All iPhone X models shipped with iOS 11 and are fully compatible with iOS 12. The iPhone X models also are compatible with iOS 13, iOS 14, and iOS 15, as well as the current version of the iOS, iOS 16.

Running iOS 13, the iPhone X does not support the Adjust Portrait Lighting and High-Key Mono photgraphy features, Dolby Atmos playback, and modest AR features (Motion Capture and People Occlusion).

Running iOS 14, the iPhone X does not support the minor Car Keys, Location Anchors, Exposure Compensation, Burst Photos, QuickTake Video, and On-Device Dictation features.

Running iOS 15, the iPhone X does not support a large number of advanced features including Spatial Audio, Portrait Mode, Immersive Walking Instructions, Live Text in Photos, Live Text Translation, Visual Look Up, 3D Landmarks, Home Keys, and more.

Finally, running iOS 16, the iPhone X does not support many advanced features including Live Text, expanded Siri capabilities, improved Dictation, Adding medications via camera, Accessibility Detection, Live Captions, improved Depth of Field, and Visual Look Up. It does not support Apple Music Sing (Karaoke), either.

iPhone X Comparison Chart

These differences -- identifiers, network support, and target countries -- along with pricing details are summarized below:

  Verizon/Sprint* AT&T/T-Mobile† Japan
Model No: A1865 A1901 A1902
LTE: FDD-LTE: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 66; TD-LTE: 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 FDD-LTE: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 66;
TD-LTE: 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
FDD-LTE: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 66; TD-LTE: 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
TD-SCDMA: Yes No Yes
EV-DO: Yes No Yes
FeliCa: No No Yes
Region: US/AU/CN/IN* US/Global† Japan
Intro Price: US$999§
US$1149§
US$999§
US$1149§
¥112,800§
¥129,800§


* This model was sold on Verizon and Sprint in the United States as well as on carriers in Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, and India.

† This model was sold on AT&T and T-Mobile in the United States as well as on carriers in Canada, the UK, the EU, and just about all other countries in the world with the major exceptions of Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, Japan, and India.

§ These prices are all unlocked and contract free. A variety of carrier subsidized plans and lease options also were available.

EveryiPhone.com's Ultimate iComparison feature, which makes it easy to dynamically compare any iPhone model to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad additionally may be of interest.

iPhone Purchase & Sale Options

There are no shortage of places to buy a used iPhone X. However, buying your iPhone from a well regarded business with an established track record -- and strong after sales support -- will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.

In the US, site sponsors Other World Computing and JemJem sell used and refurbished iPhone X models with free shipping. On the other hand, if you need to sell an iPhone, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPhone with an instant quote and prompt payment.

In Australia, site sponsor Mac City likewise has a variety of used iPhone models sold at low prices and available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.

Site sponsor OWC also sells high quality NuGuard KX cases for the iPhone X. Because these models are glass and expensive, a protective case is a particularly good idea.


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