Thanks for your reply.
I understand that there are 3 models of iPhone:
• GSM model A1428*: UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz); LTE** (Bands 4 and 17)
• CDMA model A1429*: CDMA EV-DO Rev. A and Rev. B (800, 1900, 2100 MHz); UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz); LTE** (Bands 1, 3, 5, 13, 25)
• GSM model A1429*: UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz); LTE** (Bands 1, 3, 5)
The network I am thinking of using whilst in Chile is Entel which uses GSM 1900 mhz frequency which is apparently different to Europe.
In general, Chile's networks use
2G: GSM 850, GSM 1900
3G: UMTS 850, UMTS 1700, UMTS 1900, UMTS 2100
so the network will only be using 2G. Any of the models will work with Entel in Chile as all support GSM 1900.
In the UK I've found that the frequencies are:
2G: GSM 900, GSM 1800
3G: UMTS 900, UMTS 2100
4G: LTE1800 (Band 3)
For the UK I will be using GiffGaff via O2. O2’s frequencies are:
Frequencies used on the O2 UK network
Frequency
| Protocol
| Class
|
900 MHz
| GSM/GPRS/EDGE
| 2G - all
|
1,800 MHz
| GSM/GPRS/EDGE
| 2G - all
|
900 MHz
| UMTS/HSDPA/HSPA+
| 3G - all
|
2,100 MHz
| UMTS/HSDPA/HSPA+
| 3G – not A1428
|
800 MHz
| LTE (Planned)
| 4G
|
|
|
|
So in the UK on O2 only the A1429 models will work, not the A1428 (as it doesn’t support 3G on 2,100 MHz).
So as long as I get a A1429 model I should be OK. Is my thinking right?
Good point about the unlocking too. I’m buying a phone from a department store with an Entel prepay SIM, I’ll doublecheck about the unlocking. Thanks for your help!
