How to Identify Your iPhone Model
A quick guide to confirming exactly which iPhone you own — important because two visually similar iPhones can value hundreds of pounds apart. This is general guidance, not a confirmed valuation.
Reviewed by the PhonesForCash buying teamLast reviewed
This guide reflects practical device identification, inspection and resale considerations used by our buying team when assessing phones and other devices. It is general guidance, not a confirmed valuation.
Quickest method: open Settings → General → About and look at the Model Name field. That's the line we need to give you an accurate guide price.
Method 1 — Settings (most reliable)
- Open Settings → General → About
- Model Name shows the marketing name (e.g. iPhone 14 Pro Max)
- Capacity shows the storage tier — also needed for valuation
- Model Number tapped once reveals the part number; tap again to switch to the regulatory model number
Model name vs model number
The model name is the consumer-facing name ("iPhone 15 Pro"). The model number (e.g. MQ073B/A) identifies the exact SKU and region. For a valuation we only need the model name and storage — model numbers are useful but not required.
Method 2 — Physical clues
- Connector: Lightning = iPhone 14 and earlier (plus 2022 SE). USB-C = iPhone 15 series onwards.
- Camera layout: single lens = SE / older standard models. Two lenses diagonal = standard 11/12/13/14/15/16. Three lenses square = Pro / Pro Max from iPhone 11 onwards.
- Display size: Mini ~5.4", standard ~6.1", Plus / Pro Max ~6.7".
- Frame: titanium with brushed finish indicates iPhone 15 Pro / 16 Pro families; polished stainless steel indicates earlier Pro models.
- Dynamic Island (pill-shaped cutout) appears on iPhone 14 Pro and all iPhone 15/16/17 models.
Why exact identification affects value
iPhone 14 and 14 Plus look nearly identical to the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus from a distance, but the price gap can exceed £150 in good condition. iPhone 13 Pro and 14 Pro are easy to confuse too. The storage tier moves the price further still — see how to check your phone's storage.
Common mistakes
- Confusing iPhone 13 mini with iPhone 12 mini — both have the diagonal dual-camera but different chassis flatness
- Assuming a Pro Max is a Plus (Plus models are dual-camera; Pro Max has three lenses plus LiDAR)
- Reporting a 256GB iPhone as 128GB because the Settings figure shows available space rather than total capacity
Ready for a guide price?
Once you've confirmed the model and storage, send both to us on WhatsApp. For brand-wide selling info see Sell my iPhone or our St Helens iPhone counter.
Common questions
Where is the model name on a locked iPhone?
If you can't unlock it, look for the regulatory model number etched on the SIM tray or the back of older models. We can also identify it in store from the IMEI.
Do I need the model number from the box?
Helpful but not required. The Settings → About → Model Name and Capacity fields are enough for a guide price.
What if the screen is broken and Settings won't open?
Bring it to the St Helens counter. We can identify the device from the IMEI on the SIM tray, the rear casing, or by powering it through external display testing.
Want this applied to your specific device? Send the model and we'll come back with a realistic guide figure.
Related reading
Device Knowledge Centre →
All selling, valuation and recycling guides.
How to check phone storage →
Storage tier directly affects your offer.
What is Activation Lock? →
Sign out of iCloud before selling.
Sell my iPhone →
All current iPhone generations.
Sell iPhone 14 Pro →
Often confused with 13 Pro and 15 Pro.
How phone valuations work →
How offers are built.