Which is better: International or Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max?

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What are International and Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max?

International iPhone 12 Pro Max

Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max

Evaluating the pros and cons of the international and Locked versions of the iPhone 12 Pro Max

International Version of iPhone 12 Pro Max

Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max

How do Locked and international iPhone 12 Pro Max differ?

International or Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max? Which is the better choice?

International iPhone 12 Pro Max or Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max? That's the dilemma many customers face when buying an iPhone. This article will help you understand more about these two versions and untangle the choices.

What are International and Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max?

International iPhone 12 Pro Max

The International iPhone 12 Pro Max is a version produced and distributed by Apple to retailers. These retailers then provide the product to consumers in various markets through the carriers of those countries. Therefore, you can use the International iPhone 12 Pro Max with SIM cards from any carrier.

Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max

In simple terms, the Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max is also an authentic Apple product, but with a twist—it's sold alongside a carrier contract. Therefore, users can only activate the Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max when using the SIM card from that specific carrier.

Evaluating the pros and cons of the international and Locked versions of the iPhone 12 Pro Max

International Version of iPhone 12 Pro Max

Advantages

The international version of the iPhone 12 Pro Max boasts numerous standout features of a premium smartphone:

The international version of the iPhone 12 Pro Max can receive the latest iOS updates as per Apple's policies.
The international version of the iPhone 12 Pro Max is not bound by any carrier, allowing users to use SIM cards from any carrier with this model. This also means users can access all features of the international version of the iPhone 12 Pro Max in any country or territory.
The international version of the iPhone 12 Pro Max has slightly better battery life compared to the Locked version, approximately 5% longer.
Users can easily mute the sound when taking photos with the international version of the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Downsides

The only downside of the international version of the iPhone 12 Pro Max is that it will be significantly more expensive, by a few million dong, in the Vietnamese market compared to other versions.

Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max

Advantages

Some advantages of the Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max may include:

Because it's still an authentic Apple product, the Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max will clearly have similar design, camera setup, performance, etc., as other versions.
The price of the Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max is very affordable, usually being the lowest price segment.

Downsides

Alongside the advantages, there are quite a few issues with the current state of the Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max, such as:

When wanting to use the Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max in the Vietnamese market, the device needs to be unlocked. There are two ways to unlock the Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max: using a SIM card adapter or purchasing a code. Although using a SIM card adapter is inexpensive, it often encounters errors and will lock the SIM card, meaning you'll be stuck in a cycle of buying new SIM card adapters. As for purchasing a code, the cost can go up to several million dong.
Updating software for the Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max is actually very difficult in practice and can even lead to device locking.

How do Locked and international iPhone 12 Pro Max differ?

The Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max and the international iPhone 12 Pro Max can be distinguished by checking the device's IMEI.

You can find the IMEI of the iPhone 12 Pro Max under “Settings”. Then, select “General” -> “About” -> IMEI.

Once you've obtained the IMEI of your iPhone 12 Pro Max, you can visit the imei.info website to check the device's status.

International or Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max? Which is the better choice?

Clearly, by reading this far, you can get a general idea of the strengths and weaknesses of both versions of the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Locked and international. Overall, the Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max is lagging behind the international version.

Instead of purchasing the Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max, you should buy the international version to ensure long-term quality of the device, avoiding continuous repairs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the International and Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max versions?

The primary difference lies in carrier restrictions. The International iPhone 12 Pro Max works with any SIM card globally, while the Locked version is tied to a specific carrier. This means the Locked version can only be used with the carrier's SIM unless unlocked.

Is the International iPhone 12 Pro Max worth the higher price compared to the Locked version?

Yes, the International iPhone 12 Pro Max is generally worth the higher price. It offers greater flexibility with SIM cards, better battery life, and consistent access to updates without carrier limitations, which can enhance your overall user experience.

How can I check if my iPhone 12 Pro Max is Locked or International?

To check if your iPhone 12 Pro Max is Locked or International, find the IMEI number in Settings under General > About. Then, visit imei.info to verify the device's status and determine whether it’s carrier-locked or unlocked.

What are the advantages of choosing the International iPhone 12 Pro Max over the Locked version?

The International iPhone 12 Pro Max offers several advantages, including the ability to use it with any carrier globally, access to the latest iOS updates, better battery performance, and features like photo sound muting, providing a more versatile smartphone experience.

Can I easily unlock the Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max for use with other carriers?

Yes, you can unlock the Locked iPhone 12 Pro Max, but the process can be complicated. You can either use a SIM card adapter or purchase an unlocking code. Both methods have their drawbacks, including potential errors and costs, which should be considered.