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The Differences between iPhone 5S A1533, A1453, A1457 and A1530

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Now you can grab the new iPhone 5S at an Apple Store or on its online store, however, that’s not the end of the story. Probably you are choosing the wrong iPhone 5S.

I say that because this is the most complicated iPhone’s launch ever. If you choose the wrong iPhone 5S unit, you probably can’t use it on your network. Therefore, you will need to do some research before going to the store.

Apple is offering six iPhone 5S models at the moment. They have similar tech specs and you can’t distinguish them with your eyes. They all have the Retina display, fingerprint identity sensor, dual LED-flash and also include all three color options, which are Space Gray, Gold and Silver.

Real also: The Difference between Apple’s iPhone 5S A7 64-bit Processor and Other 32-bit Processors

The differences come from initial carrier distribution and network support because Apple designs them for different region and mobile operators.

iphone-5s-model-box

Let’s check out those models:

  • Model A1453: This model works on CDMA EV-DO Rev. A and Rev. B system (with 800, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz bands), it supports 13 LTE bands (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26); UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz) and GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz). This is the most universal model as it could work on major LTE networks in the U.S., however, it is sold locked on Sprint.
  • Model A1533 (GSM): This is the GSM version of model A1533 which is being sold locked and unlocked for AT&T and T-Mobile. This is also the SIM-free international version of iPhone 5S, which doesn’t include a nano-SIM card. It supports 11 LTE bands LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25), UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz) and GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz).
  • Model A1533 (CDMA): This is the CDMA version of A1533. It works on CDMA EV-DO Rev. A and Rev. B (800, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz) and is being sold for Verizon’s customers. It supports 11 LTE Bands (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25), UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz) and GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz).
  • Model A1457: This is the model for European markets. It supports 7 LTE bands (Bands 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20) which can work on EE, Vodafone and O2 in the U.K., it also supports UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz) and GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz).
  • Model A1530: The model is tailored for Asian markets. It supports the 3 TD-LTE bands 38, 39, 40 and 7 FDD-LTE bands 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, therefore, it can work well on TD-LTE network of China Mobile, the largest mobile operator in the world. It also supports UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz) and GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz).
  • Model A1528: This is the unlocked model being sold in China. It is just like the simplified GSM version of A1530 as it doesn’t have LTE bands. It only supports UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz) and GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz).

iphone-5s-model-number

The model numbers could be confusing but you must be extremely cautious. Make sure to check the model number printed outside the box before buying. Enjoy your iPhone 5S.

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Comments

  2. Hello,here in Europe the model number that being on sale is A1457, I checked LTE support on apple website, and the asian model A1530 includes all the channels being used on the A1457, If I purchase an asian model , it will be compatibil with the European LTE networks? Thanks

    Reply

    • Hi Awwad,
      If the LTE bands are compatible, there should be no problem.
      I purchased an European model and used it without any problem in Asia.

      Reply

        • Hi awwad
          dose your iPhone A 1430 work in Europe with LTE network???
          I bought A 1530 and next month i will move to France but i don’t know whether this model will support LTE in Europe or i have to buy A1457???!!!!

          Reply

    • A1530 is best among all the models, since it works with 3G/4G LTE and works with 2G network also.
      But works for GSM only not CDMA,
      But A1533 works for CDMA only.

      So if the network you are using is CDMA then go for A1533 and if network is GSM then go for A1530.

      Reply

      • I just spent hours trying to figure this all out. I do believe that the A1530 model will get AT&Ts 3G and 4G. Seems like the A1530 is the best bet for those of us who go back and forth. My conclusion is: AT&T (3G or maybe 4G), China Mobile TD-LTE (where it exists)…does that sounds correct to all of you?

        Reply

        • Yes, Nick.
          That’s correct. AT&T is using the 850/1900MHz bands for HSPA+, so the iPhone A1530 will work great except LTE.

          Reply

          • Do you possibly know which carriers LTE will work with this model? I’m currently using A1530 in the US with AT&T but I’m searching to see if other carriers would support LTE!

      • Can i purchase iPhone5s A1530 from apple online store or any apple retail store in Los Angeles, USA ?

        Reply

  6. Hello Tuan …..is there any major differences between A1530

    and A1457 ? if not then which model is using in best and feature wise ?

    Reply

    • Hi Hassi,
      They have the same features, there are just differences in network bands like I mentioned. Which one should you choose? It depends on your carrier.

      Reply

  7. Hi

    I need IPhone version which will work on Middle East and in UK.
    Please can you suggest me which version I need to get?

    Thank you

    Reply

    • I’d suggest iPhone A1457 in the U.K. I’m not really sure about Middle East.
      Someone here could help?

      Reply

      • Yes, it is working in the middle east region. I have A1457 working perfectly in Bahrain with LTE network.

        Reply

  9. Hi! i ve got the A1457, but im little bit confused. obviously its going to work without any problems in Europe. but what if i want to use it with mexican/cuban/morrocan/etc sim card? is it going to work? (i travel a lot in my job)
    as well, dont you know about some dual sim extention for 5S?

    thank you

    Reply

  10. So, if I buy the A1457 in the U.S. and use it with, say, Net10 while I am here, will I have LTE when I take it Italy (moving there this spring) and use a Vodafone SIM? This is my first time thinking of a smartphone and I want to get it right. Thanks in advance for your help.

    Reply

  11. Hi, i bought an iphone 5s A1533 (GSM) that after several blue screen errors is now freezed. Is there any solution? And if there is any need to change , which countries are reference in middle east?

    Reply

  12. Hi can you tell me which model will work on straight talk in Unity Maine? We run off Verizon and US Cellular towers. T Mobile, Sprint and ATT don’t work here.

    Reply

  14. Hi Tuan Do..

    Thank you… Great info..

    Living in China I would need to get the A1530 to use China Mobile’s TD-LTE 4G network.

    As I read your informative thread this phone will not be able to support 4G in Europe, as my A1457 does now. Correct?

    My question is therefore if this phone would support normal 3G usage in Europe using my European sim, since both of them supports the same DC-HSDPA frequencies? (Carrier is “Telenor”, Denmark)

    Thanks.

    / Palle

    Reply

  15. hi Tuan Do..

    Thank you for this great info..

    Obviously I will have to get the A1530 to get access to China Mobile’s TD-LTE 4G New work..

    I currently have a A1457 bought in Europe.. My question is, will the A1530 be able to run 3G in Europe since they share the same DC-HSDPA frequencies.?

    Thanks again.

    Btw.. I found this: apple.com/iphone/LTE/

    This will answer a lot of people’s questions I guess..

    / Palle

    Reply

  16. I live in India and spend summers in USA. Which model should I purchase? In India I use Airtel and in US i could use T-Mobile or ATT.

    Reply

  18. Hello Tuan
    I bought A 1530 and next month i will move to France but i don’t know whether this model will support LTE in Europe or i have to buy A1457???!!!!

    Reply

    • Don’t worry, your iPhone A1530 is perfectly compatible, at least in UK. I’m not sure about LTE in France.

      Reply

      • Hi, have you personally tested A1530 in the UK? I am planning to get a Malaysian version of A1530 to use it on Three mobile which is rolling out 4G in the UK. I just want to be absolutely sure to prevent any inconveniences in the future.

        Reply

  20. Hi Tuan Do,

    Reading your thread and it clarifies a lot, however I still have a question that I can’t seem to figure out

    Will the 5s unlocked model A1435 work on 4G in Europe as well as on China Mobile in China?

    Thanks for your advice!!

    Reply

    • Hi Lena,
      Theoretically the A1533 should be compatible with LTE in UK, however, many people reported that it is not. I contacted Vodafone but they haven’t had any comment.

      Reply

  22. Hello!
    I am a Greek citizen, i am interested in buying an iphone 5s.
    i was wondering if a friend of mine buy it from a apple.com(american) or apple.ca(canadian)
    and choose the free-sim model- will it be functional for europian use?
    i read your article and this:

    model A1533 (GSM): This is the GSM version of model A1533 which is being sold locked and unlocked for AT&T and T-Mobile. This is also the SIM-free international version of iPhone 5S, which doesn’t include a nano-SIM card. It supports 11 LTE bands LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25), UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz) and GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz).

    …has pretty much everything a european use model has and maybe even more! since it says sim free the common logic is to go to a local greek carrier and buy a sim card right?
    so if a sim free international is bought will it be fully operational???

    Reply

  24. How do I distinguish which A1533 iPhone I have?
    It’s unlocked but I feel like it could be verizon?

    Reply

  25. Will a A1453 model work in India provided it is unlocked by Sprint for International Use/Turbo sim unlock?

    My Indian carriers are Airtel and Vodafone.

    Reply

    • Hi Rishabh,
      According to my quick research, there should be no problem if you can unlock the CDMA A1453. However, 4G LTE network won’t work on this phone. You will need to get the A1530 then.

      Reply

      • Hello,

        I was wondering if the A1533 or A1530 is the appropriated to use in Brazil, could you tell me please ? Or there other specific model ?

        Reply

  27. Hi all,

    Iam at this moment at the USA for a bussinestrip. During my visit i want to buy an iphone 5s which i want to use in the Netherlands. I know the A1457 model is the one you need for Netherlands (Europe) however that one is not be sold at the US.
    The closest one is the :
    model A1533 (GSM): This is the GSM version of model A1533 which is being sold locked and unlocked for AT&T and T-Mobile. This is also the SIM-free international version of iPhone 5S, which doesn’t include a nano-SIM card. It supports 11 LTE bands LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25), UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz) and GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz).

    When i compare and look to the delta’s (A1533 vs A1457) then the A1533 is only missing the Band: 7 (2600Mhz). But that band is only used by 1 provider (Tele2) at the Netherlands which is not the common one. Cause i will more operate with the following dutch providers :
    KPN
    Telfort
    T-Mobile
    Vodafone

    So my question is: Will the A1533 work fine for me at the Netherlands?

    Thanks in Advance

    Reply

  28. Hi All,

    Found another type which is also prefered and thats the A1453 model. Does someone have expierience with this model bu using it in Europe?. According to local information this model should also replace the A1457 with only missing of band 7 (2600Mhz)

    Reply

  30. Hi, I’ve just received an IPhone 5s model A1533 (ME296LL/A). I am currently on uk 3 network. I’m asking if this phone I have will def work on my network? and will it still work later this year when they go 4g?
    Thanks

    Reply

  31. Hi,
    I just received from my cousin in America an iPhone 5s model A1453, locked with Sprint. He told me to proceed with the factory unlock via the web (cost about 100€) and then I can use it in Europe. It ‘s true?

    Reply

    • Yes Ruben.
      After unlocking your A1453, you can’t use it on GSM carriers in the US, but it is totally fine overseas.

      Reply

  32. Hi, thanks for your great review. it seems the best iphone 5s model is Model A1533 (CDMA) ,
    it supports all the lte bands. its unlocked to gsm , it has cdma, and it would work in USA, Europe and The middle east no problem.
    they only downside is it wont work in china.

    is all above right ?

    Reply

  33. Hi,
    I’m from India where A1530 will work. However, my cousin is visiting US & I want help with which is the best way to get an unlocked iPhone 5S from there? Is it possible to buy a locked one but get it unlocked there itself?? I’ll be using it on GSM network offered by Vodafone (even 3G is erratic here-forget LTE). So, pratically- 2G-3G operations are the norm….Plz suggest the cheapest way ;) Thanks in advance !!!

    Reply

  35. hello, to me sold iphone 5s ME337LL\A model A1453. phone doesn’t see the Russian operators of a cellular network. as to untie it from the American operator and to use

    Reply

  37. Hello I have an a1453 iPhone 5s unlocked, I can’t use 3G gsm either 4g lte, I’m in china and I tried with China mobile and China Unicom and is the same I just can use Edge, why this happens?

    Reply

    • Yeah that’s right. Your model doesn’t support TD-LTE bands of China Mobile. You should have purchased A1530 instead.

      Reply

  38. This has been the most useful information I have found on this subject, thank you! So my question:
    I received an A1453 model from a friend who switched to Android. He used the phone on a local Alaska carrier (MTA Wireless), which is a CDMA network. Can I take this phone to AT&T?

    Reply

    • Hi Jennifer,
      From my knowledge, the A1453 is locked to CDMA network and you won’t be able to use it on AT&T even after it is unlocked.

      Reply

  39. Hello I’m from Iraq, I have a simple question: – I want to buy iphone 5s model A1530 Is there in this release program face time or not, and I want to recommend whether there is a difference between him and the model A1530………. And thanx

    Reply

  40. i would like to know which model number i have to buy to use in RUSSIA ?
    it should work facetime and must support 4g… so pls advise me to buy which model?

    Reply

  41. Hi, Tuan.
    Thank you for your information, howeverr I have question. Which model should I get if I want to use in Indonesia? I couldn’t find any information for indonesian carrier so its a bit confusing. Will it be A1550 or gsm A1553?
    Thanks!

    Reply

  42. Hi Tuan Do,

    I’ve bought an iPhone 5s in Vietnam. It has worked well for two months and one day lost carrier signal. I gave it to FPT shop in Hochiminh city to fix. They restored and the phone is dead, which means when restore, it stuck in updating firmware. FPT surrendered, so I do a research by myself. I found out that the model of my phone is A1533 – which means it is an iPhone made for China Telecom. I guess that the seller deceived me selling a jailbreak phone. My questions are:

    1. can a jailbreak CDMA iPhone like model A1533 worked with mobifone carrier (I believe mobifone is GSM).

    2. is there any way to recover my iPhone (unable to restore via iTunes)?

    Many thanks in advance.

    Reply

  43. Hi,

    I’am in China with an european A1457, I bought an China Mobile sim, but 3g doesn’t work, just EDGE. I read somewhere that the China Unicom’s sim cards support A1457’s 3g, do you know if this information is correct?.

    Thank you.

    Reply

  45. I purchased an iPhone from amazon which turned out to be an Asian version and I live in the UK, my phone became faulty after 2 months so I decided to take it to apple store and acknowledged the fault however they did not replace the unit as it wasn’t european.
    My question is can Apple do this?

    Reply

  46. Just to note, I bought an iphone in Chile and turned out to be the european version. It will work in the US, but not on LTE.
    On the other hand, you still can find the iphone 5, the one sold in this country is the US LTE version.

    Reply

  48. hello sir i recently have brought iphone 5s its in locked mode and i asked at repairing shop he said if your iphone is icloud locked your phone is useless and my iphone model no is A1457 can help me..

    Reply

  50. Hey i m frm india and i wanna know which model of iphone 5s will support 3g, 4g, LTE in india plz give me rply i m in a very big trouble

    Reply

  51. Hi, I would just like to know if I purchase an iPhone 5s from Bahrain (Middle East) will it perfectly work here in the uk on vodafone? Hope you’ll reply my question. Thanks!

    Reply

  52. i’ve i phone Model A1457 5S came from Austeria As a gift and i found it is locked with i-cloud,my question is is this suitable to operate in Egypt ” VODAFONE, MOBINILE or ETISALAT” & if how i can unlock it,
    it’s with following IMEI :358686054238518

    Reply

  53. I am from India, I am planning to buy iphone 5s from online stores.
    Which model will these online store provide to me and which is best suitable in India. (e.g. A1530, A1453, A1533 etc.)
    Here I am using Airtel & Vodafone as carriers.
    Are these online stores provide phones in locked mode or in unlocked state.

    Kindly advise.

    Reply

  54. hey Thuan
    I wish to buy aiphone 5s from kuweait. But I’m Living in SriLanka
    So which model is the can best use in Sri Lanka
    Please Reply me soon

    Reply

  55. Please ,Im from Iraq ,and the have 7 band LTE ,so Just A1530 AND A1457 works here? or have offer Virizon Unlocked A1530 Will work here In Iraq GSM ?

    Regards

    Reply

  56. I have I phone 5S Model A1530 bought from Kuwait and I will be visiting USA , please advise what Service Provider(s) can provide me a supporting network?

    Reply

  57. i have a 5s A1453 bought in japan with docomo but it’s not working in india , what should i do to work in india

    Reply

  58. i want to buy an iphone 5s model A1530 from online apple store ( U.K or any wherelse),
    so my question is will this model work in india?
    Will this phone is locked or unlocked?
    Will this model is compatible with idea network provider?
    What happend if this model is unlocked and not work on idea network gsm 3g or 4g?
    Help me plz

    and tell me rather i should buy it from apple store in india?
    If i buy it from uk will my guarrent and warrenty avoid?

    Reply

  62. Hola tuan; he comprado un iphone 5s modelo A1457 en francia europa
    lo he traido a sudamerica y lo tengo que abrir de bandas no se si es gsm o global y cual me recomiendas para sudamerica en este caso seria Ecuador se te agradece tu atencion
    Pd:el iphone no coje sim ecuatoriana

    Reply

  64. my iPhone 5s is locked (sim not vaild) in india.. i purchase from kuwait,,,A1457- imei no is -352015068656257 please unlock iphone,,,it is locked to zain Kw network,,,

    Reply

  65. Hi do any of you guys know what model numbers would come with earlier versions of iOS, I am looking for ios7 to ios 8.1.2 Thanks,

    Reply

  66. hello
    I need help!!!!!!!!!
    i have the 5s A1453, is from the US but i want to know if I can use it in Mexico (telcel,movistar, iusacell,unefon)
    thanks

    Reply

  69. This has been the most useful information Thank You! I have just bought A-1533, will its LTE works in Pakistan? and how can i obtain its carrier info. looking for your swift response. Thanks again.

    Reply

  70. sir,
    now i m from U A E and i m interested in iphone6. india is my country. which model can i use without any problem

    Reply

  76. Hello,
    I am trying to find an iPhone 5s that will connect to MetroPCS. Which one would work with this company? Metro merged with T-mobile and accepts unlocked phones as far as I know.
    Your help would be appreciated.
    Thanks.

    Reply

  77. Looking to buy a 5S, I live in Alaska and my carrier is “gci” owns and maintains a GSM and CDMA network. But often spend time in Hawaii, California, and Oregon. and interested in visiting to the UK… which 5S model is the right one for me??? any insight would be appreciated!-Thank you!!!

    Reply

  78. I have the model A1453. I bought it off a girl purchased it from an apple store and she had it activated on Sprint. Does this mean the phone is locked through Sprint and I have to use Sprint? Or does that mean it is an unlocked phone and I can use it through any major US carrier? Please help, thanks!

    Reply

  79. Just want to know only that iphone 5s grey model A1530 …. Can i use cdma connection in India …. Ex. Such connection of reliance cdma , tata indicom ( cdma ) … Please give information as soon as possible

    Reply

  83. iphone A1453 will work in India after unlock. I will be using Airtel in Chennai. does it Support LTE. In chennai airtel provide LTE on Band 3 (1800 MHz)

    Reply

  85. Hi please tell which model number best in U.A.E and India I have 5s A1530 please tell is it good,? Because I check my self A1533 battery better then A1530 I charge both same time then I use same function but A1530 battery drain fast then A1533

    Reply

  86. hi i want buy iphone 6s plus.. whith no ccid and no career service i need it unlock factory wich model is the best?
    plz answer soon i buy it afternoon. i want it whith best config an 4g…

    tnxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx soooooooooo much you are awsome and clever

    Reply

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