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thehopscotch

macrumors regular
Original poster
Dec 7, 2009
207
1
US
My boyfriend's birthday is coming up and I'm considering buying him an iPhone SE. He has a VERY old Android that is in need of an upgrade. He has been considering switching to Verizon, but he is currently on Tmobile.

If I buy him a Verizon iPhone SE, will he be able to use it on his current Tmobile plan? I would assume so since the iPhone 5S and 6 were like this, but I wanted to confirm before I make the purchase! Would like to be able to get him a Verizon model that works on Tmobile, so that if he ever decides to switch to Verizon, it will work and not require a new phone.

Thanks in advance!
 

turbineseaplane

macrumors P6
Mar 19, 2008
16,524
37,275
The one to avoid is the Sprint model (unless of course you use them).

I never like to own an iPhone that is useful on one carrier only (in the US) personally.
SEVERELY limits resale value (if you care)

I remember back in the iPhone 5/5C gen my local Craigslist was like a fire sale for Sprint versions as nobody wanted them....lol
 
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gim

macrumors 6502
Jul 27, 2014
444
966
The one to avoid is the Sprint model (unless of course you use them).

I never like to own an iPhone that is useful on one carrier only (in the US) personally.
SEVERELY limits resale value (if you care)

I remember back in the iPhone 5/5C gen my local Craigslist was like a fire sale for Sprint versions as nobody wanted them....lol

The (unlocked) Sprint model (A1723) should work on every other US carrier except Verizon.
Model A1662 works on every carrier except Sprint.

So each model will work on 3 of your 4 major carriers, as far as the LTE bands go.

Also, the Sprint model is the one that's being sold internationally in many countries.
 
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turbineseaplane

macrumors P6
Mar 19, 2008
16,524
37,275
The (unlocked) Sprint model (A1723) should work on every other US carrier except Verizon.
Model A1662 works on every carrier except Sprint.

So each model will work on 3 of your 4 major carriers, as far as the LTE bands go.

Also, the Sprint model is the one that's sold internationally in many countries.

Right....but perception matters unfortunately.

When you go to sell an SE and have to use the correct listing info from an eBay or Swappa for A1723, you will get dragged down in exposure by the "Sprint model" moniker, no matter the reality of the tech specs sadly.
 
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Channan

macrumors 68030
Mar 7, 2012
2,889
3,118
New Orleans
You can buy either the Verizon or T-Mobile iPhone SE. It doesn't matter. Either one will work on either carrier.
 
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