【Difference between the replacement and brand new phone? And what does A1429 mean?】

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【Difference between the replacement and brand new phone? And what does A1429 mean?】

Hey, guys!

1) I bought a iPhone 5 (UK Version, 16 GB, Black) from a private seller from Amazon a few weeks ago. The model is ND297B/A (in 'About'). Is it an official replacement phone? If so, what is the difference between it and brand new one? Can we understand it as "official furnished iPhone" OR they are just some unused new phones which were prepared for replacement only?

2) On the back of my iPhone 5, it says it is 'Model A1429'. On the link:http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3939 , it shows A1429 is a GSM&CDMA model. I am really really confused about it. I know there is no CDMA network in UK, but does it means that we will use the GSM network in UK and Europe but if we are roaming in China, Korea or US, we can use their CDMA network for internet?

If not, does A1429 in UK is GSM model and in US it is CDMA model?

3)* For iPhone 5 (UK), can I only use EE and Three's 4G LTE? Anyone else?

Thanks a lot, mates!😉

iPhone 5, iOS 6.1.4, UK Version 16GB BLACK

Posted on Dec 25, 2013 3:43 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 25, 2013 5:38 AM in response to WuhanBilby

Replacement phones can be new or refurbished at Apple's discretion. Generally, they will be refurbished. A refurbished phone is indistinguishable from new. It has been returned to factory spec, and, as I understand it, has a new battery and casing.

All iPhone 5's have both GSM and CDMA chips. However, in order to work on a given CDMA network, the phone needs to have been added to that providers database. What that means on the consumer end is, essentially, if you want a phone to work on a CDMA provider's network, you have to buy it from them (or someone who did).

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