what phone do i have

What Phone Do I Have? How To Determine Your Phone Model

Smartphones: they all look alike, save for a few subtle differences in design. However, smartphones vary considerably when it comes to how they operate. You may find yourself wondering, “What phone do I have?” and realize that you’re not sure about the make or model. 

Some are fast and advanced, while some are slow and still run on their makers’ earliest software versions. It all depends on your phone’s exact make and model. This, however, is difficult to tell from the phone’s outlook. 

So, how can you tell your phone’s exact make and model? There are several ways, and anyone can hack them. Here is an overview of four quick and easy ways of identifying any phone’s make and model. 

What Model is My Phone? 

If you don’t know what type of phone you’re using, take these steps to figure out exactly what model smartphone you have.

Check the Phone’s Box & Receipt 

phone in box

This is the easiest way to tell your phone’s make and model, even before buying it! The phone’s make and model are highlighted prominently on its box, and it is also written down in detail on the receipt.

The phone’s make and model may also be highlighted on the back of the phone itself, usually behind the removable battery. This is not a standard feature on all phones, however.  

You will also learn a lot more about your phone just by studying its box and receipt. Other important details highlighted on the box include the phone’s storage capacity, its camera’s resolution, its battery’s power storage capacity, and more. 

P.S. It is advisable to keep your phone’s receipt for reference in the future (in case you need to know its make and model) and, most importantly, as proof of ownership. 

 

Check the Phone’s Settings

settings on phone

You can always consult your phone to know its make and model – this is, in fact, the quickest and easiest way, albeit not the easiest.

Every phone has comprehensive details about its make and model in the settings section, including customized guidelines on how to exploit all of its features. However, the process of determining your phone’s make and model varies, depending on, well, its make and model.

We’ll explain below how to check your phone’s settings for its make and model for both Apple and Android phones.

What iPhone Do I Have? A Guide for Apple Devices 

black iphone

All Apple (iOS) phones have their manufacture details in their settings section. Looking it up is also easy.

First, open your iPhone and click on the ‘settings’ icon.

Next, scroll down the menu and click on the ‘General’ tab, and then proceed to the ‘About’ tab. This will open up a window highlighting the phone’s make, model, and more manufacturing details. 

The resulting window will highlight the phone’s model name and number, highlighted to the right of each designation. The window also displays other important details about the phone, including its storage capacity, types and numbers of files, WiFi connectivity, and more. 

P.S. You may have to go a step further if you are using some of Apple’s older models. This entails clicking on the ‘Model Number’ label, as it may not be listed next to the designation. Clicking on the tab will reveal the phone’s model number, which you can then search online or with Apple’s support to reveal more details about its make and other essential features. 

What Android Do I Have? A Guide for Android Phones 

android phone

Android phones also store their manufacturing details in their settings section. However, the path to this information may vary from one model to another – this is common, considering that Android phones are made by different manufacturers, unlike Apple phones. However, the process remains the same. 

Start by turning on your Android phone and click on the ‘settings’ icon.

Scroll down the settings menu looking for the tab labeled ‘About Phone’ or ‘System’ – the designation may also vary, depending on the phone’s make and model.

Click on this tab to display the phone’s name and model number – the display window also contains other manufacturing details, including its IMEO number and software information. 

Pro Tip: You can also check your phone’s Android version through a neat and exciting trick: by tapping at least three times on the tab labeled ‘Android Version’ – the screen will clear and an interactive icon designed after the version’s label will pop up!

 

Use a Third-Party App

smartphone apps

This is one of the last options when all other tricks fail – however, it is usually the first or second option for most people, especially considering that it is easier and quicker than exploring the settings section. 

There are thousands of apps designed for this very purpose. They also do more than just identifying the phone’s make and model – they also extract the phone’s comprehensive manufacture details, which especially comes in handy for third-party developers. 

You can also identify your phone’s make and model simply by researching it online. It is simple: just type “what makes it my phone” and Google will tell you. However, this trick doesn’t work for all phones, as some are too similar to tell apart on looks alone. 

 

Ask Someone 

man holding phone

Now, this is the absolute last option when all other tricks have failed. It may be your only option, especially if the phone doesn’t work or you don’t have the box and receipt. In this case, you will need an expert’s input. There’s no shame in asking a pro, “What phone do I have?” – it’s actually a common question.

Look for an expert’s input to avoid misleading information. Your first stop should be the Apple or Android store – or a Blackberry store if you have a Blackberry (and if there is a Blackberry store around). The attendants will examine your phone and tell you all you need to know about it – they may even fix and revive it! 

You will also find lots of help online – albeit some (or most) of it may be misleading. It’s simple: take a photo of your phone and post it on online forums that specialize in tech-related stuff.

You will be surprised by the number of responses you get, and some may be quite detailed. However, remember to verify this information by researching more about it. 

 

Pro Tip: Pick Your Phone 

It is understandable how you may not know your phone’s make and model. After all, a smartphone is just a smartphone to most people. However, there is a significant difference between the different makes and models, and it would be prudent to know what to expect from yourself.

To this end, it is recommended to research your desired phone before actually buying it. This way, you’ll know for sure what phone you have and that it’s the best option for your needs.

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