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The iPhone 11 Pro Max has three main hardware variants: A2161 for the United States and Canada, A2218 for most other countries and regions, and A2220 for mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. They share the same A13-based phone, cameras, display, and storage options; the important differences are cellular bands, legacy network support, and SIM configuration.
Choose by the country and carrier where you will use the phone—not simply by price or the seller’s “international” label.
Model-number comparison
| Model | Original sales region | SIM arrangement | Cellular distinction | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A2161 | United States and Canada | One physical nano-SIM plus eSIM, where supported | North American configuration; Apple identifies it as the CDMA model in its LTE documentation | U.S. or Canadian carriers, after checking current compatibility |
| A2218 | Most other countries and regions | One physical nano-SIM plus eSIM, where supported | International GSM/LTE band mix | Non-North-American use and travel when the carrier’s bands are supported |
| A2220 | Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau | Two physical nano-SIMs | Regional China/Hong Kong/Macau configuration | Users who specifically need two physical lines |
Apple’s model-identification page assigns these regions to A2161, A2218, and A2220 respectively: Apple Support. The iPhone 11 Pro Max was introduced in 2019 and came in 64 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB capacities.
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A2161 is the North American variant. Apple’s LTE tables distinguish it from A2218 and identify A2161 as the CDMA model: Apple LTE documentation.
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- It has a physical nano-SIM tray and supports eSIM when the carrier and plan allow it.
- Its band selection was designed for North American networks, including legacy CDMA-era requirements.
- It is generally the most appropriate regional configuration for U.S. and Canadian service, but the A-number does not prove that a phone is unlocked.
By 2026, network shutdowns, VoLTE requirements, and MVNO certification can differ from the phone’s 2019 launch conditions. Use the target carrier’s current compatibility checker before buying.
A2218: the international model
A2218 is sold in Europe, Australia, Japan, and many other markets outside North America and the China/Hong Kong/Macau grouping. Apple lists its normal dual-SIM arrangement as one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM, subject to carrier support: Apple technical specifications.
- It is not a universal “works everywhere” model.
- Its LTE bands differ from A2161 and may omit bands that a particular operator uses for rural, indoor, or extended coverage.
- It can be a flexible travel choice where local carriers support its bands and eSIM service.
A2220: mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau
A2220 is the iPhone 11 Pro Max configuration associated with mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. Its defining practical feature is support for two physical nano-SIM cards, rather than the usual physical-SIM-plus-eSIM arrangement. Apple lists its regional network specifications here: Apple China specifications.
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This model suits users whose carriers do not offer eSIM but who need two numbers. It can also work abroad on overlapping bands, yet connection alone does not guarantee full coverage. A foreign carrier may rely on a band that A2220 lacks.
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Do not treat “A2220 has no eSIM” as an absolute statement for every conceivable travel scenario. The hardware is associated with two physical SIMs, and mainland-China carrier eSIM activation is a separate question from using a foreign travel eSIM. Apple’s current mainland-China guidance limits which newer iPhone models can activate China-mainland carrier eSIM profiles: Apple eSIM guidance.
What is the same on all three models?
Unless a phone has been modified, repaired, or counterfeited, the regional variants share the core iPhone 11 Pro Max platform:
- 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display
- A13 Bionic processor
- Three rear 12-megapixel cameras and Face ID
- 64 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB storage
- Silver, Space Gray, Gold, and Midnight Green finishes
- Lightning connector and 4G/LTE connectivity
The iPhone 11 Pro Max does not support 5G. The A-number does not reveal storage, battery health, parts originality, refurbishment, warranty, Activation Lock, cosmetic condition, or carrier-lock status.
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Cellular bands and carrier compatibility
“GSM,” “CDMA,” and “unlocked” are not complete compatibility tests. Apple’s band tables show different regional configurations for A2161 and A2218, while A2220 has its own China-region specifications: Apple LTE tables and A2220 specifications.
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A phone can connect using shared bands yet lack another band needed for capacity or coverage. Current VoLTE provisioning, carrier certification, and network policy also matter. Before purchasing an imported phone:
- Record the exact A-number.
- Identify the country and carrier where it will be used.
- Run that carrier’s current device-compatibility check.
- Compare the carrier’s required LTE bands with Apple’s specifications.
- Confirm the phone is unlocked and supports the required SIM arrangement.
How to identify your exact model
Settings
- Open Settings.
- Tap General, then About.
- Find Model Number.
- Tap the displayed alphanumeric part number once.
- Read the revealed A-number, such as A2161, A2218, or A2220.
Apple documents this part-number-to-A-number switch at Apple Support.
Other checks
- The A-number may be printed near the physical SIM-tray slot; strong light or magnification can help.
- The original box can provide a secondary check, but used-device packaging may be mismatched.
- Compare the phone’s serial number and IMEI with the box and seller documentation.
A-number, part number, IMEI, and carrier lock
The A-number identifies the hardware and regional variant. The part number is the alphanumeric sales configuration shown first in Settings and often ends with a regional suffix such as /A. The serial number and IMEI identify the individual device.
None of these identifiers, including the A-number, proves that a phone is unlocked. In Settings → General → About, check the current Carrier Lock field (wording can vary by iOS version), then verify the IMEI with the carrier. Also check Activation Lock, financing or blacklist status, battery health, Parts and Service History, and the seller’s return policy.
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Which model should you buy?
Choose A2161 when
- Your primary carrier is in the United States or Canada and confirms compatibility.
- You need the North American band configuration or legacy CDMA support.
- You want physical SIM plus eSIM and your carrier offers both.
Choose A2218 when
- You will use the phone outside North America and mainland China/Hong Kong/Macau.
- Your operator supports its LTE bands and eSIM, if eSIM is important to you.
- You travel and need physical SIM plus eSIM flexibility.
Choose A2220 when
- You specifically require two physical nano-SIM cards.
- You use it in mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau, or have confirmed overseas band support.
- You do not depend on eSIM activation by your intended carrier.
Require the exact A-number when a listing says “A2218/A2220” or merely “dual SIM.” “Dual SIM” may mean physical SIM plus eSIM or two physical SIMs. A replacement SIM tray does not reliably convert one regional model into another because the underlying hardware and configuration remain unchanged.
Used and imported-device checklist
- See the A-number in Settings, not just in the advertisement.
- Confirm Carrier Lock and test the intended SIM or eSIM.
- Check the IMEI for blacklist, financing, or lost/stolen status.
- Make sure Activation Lock is removed before payment.
- Review Battery Health and Parts and Service History.
- Match the phone, box, and receipt identifiers where available.
- Get a written return period long enough to test calls, data, VoLTE, both SIM slots, and coverage in your area.
Common points of confusion
Pro versus Pro Max
Do not apply an iPhone 11 Pro table to the Pro Max. For example, A2217 is associated with the iPhone 11 Pro in China/Hong Kong/Macau, while A2220 is the Pro Max variant: Apple carrier documentation.
No eSIM option appears
Possible causes include an A2220 configuration, carrier limitations, a carrier lock, unsupported regional service, or missing carrier provisioning. It is not automatically evidence of a hardware fault.
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A2218 fails on a U.S. network
The carrier may require a band or certification feature that the international model lacks. “GSM unlocked” is not a substitute for the operator’s current compatibility result.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is A2161 better than A2218?
Neither is universally better. A2161 is generally the safer regional choice for U.S. and Canadian networks; A2218 is designed for most other markets. The carrier’s supported bands and provisioning decide suitability.
Is A2220 the only iPhone 11 Pro Max model with two physical SIMs?
Yes, A2220 is the China/Hong Kong/Macau configuration associated with two physical nano-SIM cards. A2161 and A2218 normally use one physical SIM plus eSIM.
Does A2161 work in Europe?
It can, if the phone is unlocked and the European carrier uses supported bands and provisioning. Check the exact operator rather than relying on the regional label.
Can an A2220 use an eSIM bought abroad?
Do not assume it will. Foreign travel-eSIM use and activation of an eSIM with a mainland-China carrier are different scenarios; confirm compatibility with the eSIM provider and carrier.
Does the iPhone 11 Pro Max support 5G?
No. Every iPhone 11 Pro Max regional variant is a 4G/LTE device.
Does the model number show whether a phone is unlocked or refurbished?
No. Check Carrier Lock, Activation Lock, IMEI status, Parts and Service History, and purchase records separately.
The Bottom Line
A2161 is the North American model, A2218 is the broad international model, and A2220 is the two-physical-SIM China/Hong Kong/Macau model. Verify the exact A-number, carrier compatibility, lock status, IMEI, and SIM requirements before buying.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
