Did you know that you can cut your monthly cell phone bill in half with an unlocked iPhone? A little-known secret in the wireless industry is that unlocked phones can lower your monthly bill by giving you the freedom to switch carriers whenever you find a better deal. Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy to find out which carriers are supported by your unlocked iPhone. But don’t worry; Swappa’s here to help. Keep reading to find out more about all the different iPhone 11 unlocked models and their compatible networks.
This post is part of our Unlocked iPhone Buyers Guide, which covers everything you need to know when buying an unlocked iPhone.
Three different iPhone 11 models
There are three iPhone 11 models: A2111, A2221, and A2223. iPhone 11 Model A2111 is the North American variant and the one you’re most likely to encounter in the US and Canada. A2221 is the Global Version, making it the most common model internationally. Finally, there’s the A2223 model, which is only available in China and Hong Kong. All models offer Dual SIM support, but only the A2111 and A2221 support eSIM technology.
iPhone model A2111 carrier compatibility
iPhone 11 unlocked model A2111 is the North American version. The A2111 supports all the network bands and protocols used by carriers in the US and Canada. Since the A2111 is the only iPhone 11 model that was ever sold through North American Apple Stores and wireless carriers, it is also the most common version that you’ll find on Swappa. It features Dual SIM support with one physical SIM card and one eSIM.
The A2111 fully supports all North American LTE, GSM, and CDMA carriers including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. It also supports prepaid MVNO carriers that operate using the aforementioned host networks. If you are looking to use your iPhone 11 in the US and Canada, the A2111 is the model for you.
iPhone model A2221 carrier compatibility
The iPhone 11 model A2221 is commonly referred to as the GSM-Only or Global Version. Outside the US and Canada, the A2221 is the most common variant. Since the A2221 lacks support for legacy 3G CDMA networks and FDD-LTE Bands 14 and 71, it only partially supports US carriers. If you’re primarily using your phone in the US and Canada, you’ll want the A2111 instead.
iPhone model A2223 carrier compatibility
The iPhone 11 model A2223 was specifically designed for China and Hong Kong. As a result, the A2223 is not compatible with many North American network bands, and is not recommended for use in the US. The A2223 is the only iPhone 11 variant to support Dual SIM with two physical SIM cards.
iPhone 11 (A2111) | iPhone 11 (A2221) |
---|---|
|
|
iPhone 11 (A2111) – United States and Canada
- FDD‑LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 66, 71)
- TD‑LTE (Bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48)
- CDMA EV‑DO Rev. A (800, 1900 MHz)
- UMTS/HSPA+/DC‑HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
- GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
*Found on the A2221, but not on the A2111 – FDD-LTE (Bands 11, 21, 28, 32)
iPhone 11 (A2221) – Global / International
- FDD‑LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 66)
- TD‑LTE (Bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48)
- UMTS/HSPA+/DC‑HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
- GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
*Found on the A2111, but not on the A2221 – FDD-LTE (Bands 14, 71), CDMA EV‑DO Rev. A (800, 1900 MHz)
If you mainly plan on using your iPhone 11 in North America, A2111 is the iPhone for you. The A2111 offers full support for all North American frequencies and protocols, making it perfect for use with any wireless carrier — as long as it’s unlocked.
No matter which model you end up choosing, make sure to buy on Swappa. Our safe and easy-to-use marketplace cuts out the middleman, meaning you’re bound to get the best deals. And thanks to our expert moderation team, the Swappa marketplace is free from scams and junk devices. Check out our Unlocked iPhone Compatibility Guide to learn more about unlocked iPhones, and click the button below to pick up an iPhone 11 today!
Snag the best deals on used iPhones wherever you go. Download the Swappa App today!