How iPhone models supported by China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom’s 5G, LTE/4G, 3G, and 2G networks
Madison Genthry 
Apple’s iPhone models are among the most popular devices used in China, and compatibility with local networks is of utmost importance for Chinese users. To take full advantage of the features and services supported by the three major mobile operators in the country, it’s important to check compatibility before buying or upgrading your iPhone model.
The three major mobile operators in China are China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. Each operator provides its network technologies including 4G/LTE, 3G, 2G networks and their respective versions of 5G technology. In addition to these technologies, each operator has different specifications criteria for their compatible devices.
All iPhone models that support these technologies can be used with all networks Chinese operators provide. For example, Apple’s latest iPhones such as the iPhone 11 Pro Max supports both 4G/LTE and 5G on all three carriers in all seven major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Moreover, all future model iPhones should be fully compatible with these carriers and their particular network technologies on release day or shortly after that once network certification has been obtained from each carrier separately.
It is crucial to note that each operator’s service areas might slightly vary due to regional regulations so it is always advised for customers to consult with the appropriate local carrier about a particular device before purchasing it or signing an agreement related to radio frequency emission frequencies associated with a specific model device.
iPhone models supported by China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom’s 5G, LTE/4G, 3G, and 2G networks
When it comes to understanding the different iPhone models supported by China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom’s 5G, LTE/4G, 3G, and 2G networks, it is important to understand the differences between them.
In this article, we will explore the various iPhone models supported by these networks and the details of their respective network specifications. We will also learn about the various benefits of each of these models.
5G Network
China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom are the three major mobile carriers in mainland China. They offer customers different options for device- and network-related services based on their 5G, LTE/4G, 3G and 2G networks. In addition, all the three providers carry a range of the latest models of iPhone devices that support these networks.
5G Network: 5G networks offer faster download speeds than their 4G predecessors, up to 1000 Mbps in some areas. The three major Chinese mobile carriers support 5G services using either the Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) spectrum or the Time Division Duplex (TDD) spectrum with different compatibility requirements and bandwidth capabilities.
China Mobile uses FDD spectrum with bandwidth capabilities of up to 100MHz; on the other hand, China Unicom and China Telecom rely on TDD spectrum for up to 200MHz bandwidth capability for their 5G network services.
LTE/4G Network: All three Chinese mobile providers use Network Band Widths 17(700MHz)/1(2100MHz)/3(1800MHz)/7(2600MHz). iPhone models compatible with all three providers’ 4G LTE networks include Apple iPhone SE (2nd generation), XS Max, XS, 11 Pro Max, 11 Pro, 11 and XR.
3G Network: China Mobile offers two Radio Interface Technologies (RITs) for 3A/3H – HSPA+/TD-SCDMA & WCDMA – while China Unicom is WCDMA only; finally China Telecom uses TD-SCDMA technology. iPhones that support these RITs are Apple iPhone 7 Plus, 6s Plus and 6 Plus running iOS 10 software or later versions; Apple iPhone 6s running iOS 9 software or later version; Apple iPhone SE running iOS 10 software or later versions as well as older iPhones like 6 plus down to 4S running BB 10 software or earlier versions.
2G Network: Only GSM technology is supported by all three Chinese operators’ 2G networks within 2 frequency bands – 900Mhz & 1800Mhz – but not in large cities like Beijing or Shanghai which operate 3 frequency bands . Most small cities operate only one bandwidth – 900 Mhz mainly used by operator “China Mobile”; Beijing & Shanghai use two frequency but the work mostly on dual bands -900Mz & 1800Mhz -operated by “China Mobile” including some parts operating dual band 900 + 2100 MHz / 2800 MHz operated by “China Unicom” .Hardware supporting GSM 2g consists of iPhones down from 6 plus down to 3 GS running IOS/BB 7 software or earlier version.
LTE/4G Network
The LTE/4G network is the fourth generation of mobile phone communication technology. It follows the earlier 3G and 2G systems, and is the predecessor to 5G — the fifth generation of mobile networks now being rolled out in China and worldwide. The deployments of 4G networks provide users with faster data transmission speeds, greater access to applications, more reliable connectivity and lower latency.
The LTE/4G network supports a variety of iPhone models including iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone XS Max, and newer models. Depending on network congestion and other factors, it offers download speeds ranging from 1-200 Mbps. Theoretical maximum speed can reach up to 300 Mbps with 4X4 MIMO support or up to 32 CA categories (Carrier Aggregation).
China Mobile has upgraded its LTE/4G network’s core infrastructure in major cities nationwide, from traditional to software-defined infrastructures. This upgrade will enable China Mobile to better use its existing spectrum resources for optimised support for optimal user experience.
3G Network
China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom’s 3G (third-generation) cellular networks are designed to be compatible with most phones and other 3G, 4G LTE and 5G browser enabled devices. This includes the most recent iPhone models (iPhone 11, iPhone XS, iPhone XR).
The 3G network works on all three carriers in China and is an upgrade from the older 2G networks implemented by each carrier in the past. The speeds on this network are reasonable for media streaming and other tasks that require good download speeds.
China Mobile’s 3G network uses a GSM frequency of 850/900/1800MHz for both voice communications and data traffic, with a particular emphasis on EDGE services (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) and dual carrier tops. China Unicom uses a WCDMA frequency of 850/1900MHz while China Telecom uses CDMA2000 1X Frequency of 800MHz ,with EDGE services being the main focus of their data services.
Network coverage varies in specific regions, so please inquire before travelling to ensure adequate connectivity during your stay in one jurisdiction or another.
2G Network
The 2G or second-generation wireless network is an old but widely used mobile communication technology. It was the predecessor of 3G and 4G networks, which offer faster data speeds and provide users with more options for mobile phones and other connected devices. China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom have all standardised on GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) technology to deliver their 2G services.
When using a 2G network, iPhone models can make voice calls using circuit-switched data transmission technology and access additional services such as SMS messaging. In addition, most Apple iPhones released after 2013 are fully compatible with the 2G network technologies used by these three Chinese telecoms, allowing users to connect without issues.
For iPhone models that do not support GSM networks, customers may be required to purchase a new phone with additional functionality to access their operator’s 2G services. In addition, some older iPhone models may also require a firmware update to ensure proper compatibility with the available networks.
China Unicom
Apple iPhone models support China Unicom’s 5G, LTE/4G, 3G, and 2G networks. China Unicom is the second largest mobile telecom provider in the country with over 300 million subscribers. It offers various mobile plans with different data quotas, including prepaid and postpaid options.
In addition, China Unicom also provides advanced mobile telecommunication services, such as VoIP, SMS, and MMS.
Look at some iPhone models supported by China Unicom’s 5G, LTE/4G, 3G, and 2G network.
5G Network
China Unicom’s 5G network is now accessible across 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. This nationwide 5G network comprises 3.5 GHz TDD, NSA and SA dual-mode spectrum networks. The introduction of this 5G network has enabled ultra-high speeds and high-quality coverage for customers across China Unicom’s mobile services.
Currently, China Unicom is providing support for a broad range of Apple iPhones compatible with their 5G networks. These include the newly launched iPhone 12 series and existing models like iPhone 11 Pro Max/11 Pro/11, iPhone Xs Max/Xs/XR, iPhone 8 Plus/8 and iPhone SE 2020. With these devices, customers can use the superior performance delivered by China Unicom’s expansive 5G network to enjoy enhanced streaming quality music, videos and other mobile services seamlessly.
LTE/4G Network
China Unicom’s 4G network guarantees faster data transmission and offers higher download speeds than 3G and 2G networks. China Unicom currently supports the following frequency bands for its LTE/4G network:
-TDD-LTE band 34/38/39/40/41
-FDD-LTE band 1/2/3/4/5/7/8
Generally speaking, most iPhone models released from 2012 onwards are supported by China Unicom’s 4G network. However, it is important to note that a particular iPhone model may not support all of the frequency above bands. Furthermore, certain OnePlus and Huawei models are compatible with China Unicom’s 4G network.
To check the compatibility of your device, please visit our website to view the detailed guide or contact our customer service team for assistance.
3G Network
3G networks, sometimes referred to as “third-generation networks,” are one of the most commonly used types of wireless communication today. They can transmit voice and data at significantly faster rates than the previous generations such as 2G and can accommodate more users at once.
China Unicom’s 3G coverage is available in over 700 cities, mostly in eastern and southern China. They are currently offering EVDO (1xRTT/IS95) technology with download speeds up to 3.1 Mbps in 1,000 cities throughout China. In addition, CDMA2000 1X and 1xEVDO RevA/RevB are also available in select areas at speeds up to 7.2 Mbps/14.4 Mbps respectively.
Regarding iPhone models, China Unicom supports iPhone 6s or later for 3G network access when you purchase an unlocked version from Apple or an authorised reseller. The specifics regarding roaming between companies will depend on the plan you choose, so be sure to check with your provider before activation or purchase if this concerns you.
2G Network
China Unicom launched China’s first GSM network in 2002 and owns and operates the world’s fourth-largest telecom network. It supports 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks across the country making it one of the most advanced communication networks in China.
2G (Global System for Mobile Communications) is offered as a primary network by China Unicom. The network is widely used for digital communication services such as voice calling, mobile Internet access, text messages, multimedia messages (MMS) etc.
In 2012 the company began upgrading its 2G customers to the faster EDGE technology across all major cities. With an increased speed of up to 275 kbit/s it supports quality voice service, picture messaging, video callings and other basic services like emailing, internet surfing using WAP protocol.
In addition to its own 2G service, China Unicom also provides roaming services through agreements with international carriers such as AT&T Mobility, Orange Spain and T-Mobile USA which offer additional coverage while allowing their customers to make cheap international calls over GSM networks when they travel overseas. Moreover it offers IP Telephony over its 2G network providing enhanced services such as audio conferencing calls, short message routing etc.
China Telecom
China Telecom is one of the three major telecommunication providers in China, in addition to China Mobile and China Unicom. All three providers offer iPhone models that support 5G, LTE/4G, 3G, and 2G networks.
In this article, we will explore the iPhone models supported by China Telecom. We will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using these different network types. So, let’s get started.
5G Network
China Telecom is one of the three major telecommunications operators in Mainland China and provides mobile service to over 300 million users. The company is a leading innovator in 5G mobile technology, looking to shape the future of mobile communication through its high-speed, low-latency fifth generation networks.
To access China Telecom’s 5G networks, your device must support certain spectrum bands and service categories. For example, 5G-enabled iPhones currently include: iPhone 12 Pro Max, 12 Pro, 12 mini, and 12. In addition to these models, recent generations of iPhone may utilise advanced 4G/LTE network capabilities.
For optimal performance with China Telecom’s 5G network you will need an unlocked device that supports both FDD & TDD Bands 37-41 & 77/78/79 (n78). In addition, it will also need support for enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) services such as VoNR/ViNR (Voice over NR/Video over NR). This ensures that you can take advantage of the latest technologies from China Telecom’s advanced next generation infrastructure.
For customers still running on older networks or 3G devices, such phones can still access the LTE network provided by China Telecom. Still, they cannot visit 5G sites across the country due to lack of compatibility with the Bands mentioned above. However customers may still experience faster download and upload speeds on LTE compared to their previous networks thanks to speed optimization policies adopted by China Telecoms 4th Generation Network Infrastructure.
Overall, users with compatible devices should enjoy faster download speeds, enhanced battery life, and improved reception when using China Telecom’s next-generation network technologies.
LTE/4G Network
China Telecom’s LTE/4G network operates on the technology standards FDD-LTE and TD-LTE. In April 2018, China Telecom started the construction of their 5G network. As of February 2019, China Telecom has more than 1.48 million base stations built compared to China Mobile and China Unicom who have 183 thousand and 924 thousand respectively.
China Telecom’s LTE/4G network supports the following iPhone models:
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iphone XR
- iphone XS
In addition to these iPhone models, many Android devices including Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+, Note 8, Google Pixel 3XL, OnePlus6T and Huawei Mate20 Pro also support China Telecom’s 4G Network.
3G Network
iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone SE (2nd generation), and older models are all compatible with the 3G networks of China Telecom. Customers should be aware that while the older models support 2G networks, 3G and 4G are available in many areas but not all.
China Telecom subscribers can use any type of SIM card – be it nano-SIMs, micro-SIMs or standard sized cards from other providers. However, if you want to take advantage of China Telecom’s fastest speeds on your iPhone model, you will need to purchase a “4G/LTE” SIM card. This allows for the optimal connection with high speeds for downloads and uploads.
The company offers mobile services across two frequency bands: 1.8GHz (for 4G LTE) & 900MHz (for 3G). Depending on your device’s capabilities, you may choose between these frequencies to access the network most effectively in your area. With an unlocked device and a Beijing/Shanghai/Hong Kong or a Macau SIM card inserted once roaming is enabled in your settings menu, users can enjoy data rates up to 2 Mbit/s with China Telecom’s 3G network connection on their iPhones.
2G Network
China Telecom operates a unique TD-SCDMA network, a 3G standard developed by the Chinese and not used anywhere else in the world. On this network, iPhone models 5s and above are supported by China Telecom’s 2G network. However, China Telecom’s 2G network cannot support the iPhone 5c and below.
In addition, China Telecom has launched China Telecom 4G/LTE services using FDD-LTE/TD-LTE on its dedicated spectrum, separate from 3G networks and other 4G/LTE networks. All iPhone 5s and newer models support TD-LTE on band 38 (2.6GHz). iPhones from the 6s model also support VoLTE (Voice over LTE) for HD voice calls over LTE and Wi-Fi calling functionality.
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