Unlocked and T-Mobile versions the same?

[gravage]

Forgive me if this has been asked before.

On both the 5s and 5c page, they list the T-Mobile model and Unlocked model as separate devices. The T-Mobile model is still unlocked and comes with a T-Mobile card preinstalled (which doesn't have to be activated).

But I'm assuming that both are compatible with all LTE bands? Aren't they essentially the same phone? I ask because the T-Mobile version seems to ship right away, whereas the "Unlocked" version makes you wait 5 days. If they're the same, I don't see why I wouldn't just order the T-Mobile version and put my AT&T sim in.

 

[Eileen89]

Forgive me if this has been asked before.

On both the 5s and 5c page, they list the T-Mobile model and Unlocked model as separate devices. The T-Mobile model is still unlocked and comes with a T-Mobile card preinstalled (which doesn't have to be activated).

But I'm assuming that both are compatible with all LTE bands? Aren't they essentially the same phone? I ask because the T-Mobile version seems to ship right away, whereas the "Unlocked" version makes you wait 5 days. If they're the same, I don't see why I wouldn't just order the T-Mobile version and put my AT&T sim in.

Yes. The T-Mobile 5S is also the unlocked iPhone 5S. The T-Mobile unlocked version will work on AT&T's LTE network too. This is the one that I am getting as well. You can activate it with your AT&T SIM card without any issues.

 

[gravage]

Yes. The T-Mobile 5S is also the unlocked iPhone 5S. The T-Mobile unlocked version will work on AT&T's LTE network too. This is the one that I am getting as well. You can activate it with your AT&T SIM card without any issues.

Thanks. That's odd. I wonder why they differentiate them. Why punish people who just want a straight up unlocked device and pretend like the T-Mobile iPhone is different? So there are more stock for T-Mobile people? Seems like people who want the unlocked models always get shafted. At least we don't have to wait several weeks this year.

 

[Eileen89]

Thanks. That's odd. I wonder why they differentiate them. Why punish people who just want a straight up unlocked device and pretend like the T-Mobile iPhone is different? So there are more stock for T-Mobile people? Seems like people who want the unlocked models always get shafted. At least we don't have to wait several weeks this year.

I think the reason is that because T-Mobile does not actually have an iPhone of their own, the unlocked version is labeled as theirs too. I agree with you here, as it is a little confusing.