Carrier Which Model if I'm buying Unlocked: GSM or CDMA

[mnsportsgeek]

I know this has been discussed before, but what model should I buy if I want to make sure my phone is compatible with Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile throughout its life? I thought I remember people suggesting you should buy the unlocked CDMA version because it's also compatible with the GSM bands?

Link to the 2 versions: https://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/

 

[iPhone Xcited]

This year its only one modem that supports both CDMA + GSM. There's only one model number (A1920 for Xs and A1921 for Xs Max) which validates this. Best to buy SIM-free, though, if you can purchase it outright.

 

[avanpelt]

As far as I can tell from looking at the specs page, both the iPhone XS and the iPhone XS Max support the exact same bands this year: https://www.apple.com/iphone-xs/specs/

It looks like the need to buy a specific iPhone based on network in the U.S. is over!

 

[OcramSagev]

As far as I can tell from looking at the specs page, both the iPhone XS and the iPhone XS Max support the exact same bands this year: https://www.apple.com/iphone-xs/specs/

It looks like the need to buy a specific iPhone based on network in the U.S. is over!

Only one model as other people have said.
I assume the new modem must be from Intel and bye bye to Qualcomm

 

[mnsportsgeek]

This year its only one modem that supports both CDMA + GSM. There's only one model number (A1920 for Xs and A1921 for Xs Max) which validates this. Best to buy SIM-free, though, if you can purchase it outright.

Excellent! I think I'll buy the T-Mobile version if their trade in deal accepts an iPhone 6. Otherwise go sim free. T-Mobile lets you unlock after 40 days if the phone is paid off so not a problem for me.

 

[gsusser]

Sorry for a dumb question... how is a SIM-free different? Fyi, I always buy my phones outright.

 

[avanpelt]

Sorry for a dumb question... how is a SIM-free different? Fyi, I always buy my phones outright.

SIM-free doesn't come with a SIM card. Otherwise, if you select a carrier when you place your iPhone order, a SIM card for that carrier will be included with the phone.