Why you might not know your exact phone model
It happens more than people expect — a phone bought secondhand, inherited, gifted, or simply owned so long the model has been forgotten. Or you know it's "an iPhone" or "a Samsung" but not which specific generation or variant. Here's the fastest way to check on any phone, directly from the device itself.
How to check on iPhone
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Tap About
- Look at the Model Name field — this shows the plain name, e.g. "iPhone 15 Pro" or "iPhone 13"
For more precise identification (useful when getting a recycler quote, since exact variants can affect pricing), also check the Model Number field, which will show something like "A2848." You can cross-reference this against Apple's published model number list to confirm the exact regional variant.
No access to the phone? Check the small printed text on the SIM tray if you have a pin to eject it, or the original box if you still have it.
How to check on Samsung Galaxy
- Open Settings
- Scroll to and tap About phone
- Tap Model number (or it may show directly on this screen)
Samsung model numbers follow a pattern like SM-S928B — the letters and numbers after "SM-" indicate the specific model and regional variant. This is useful because Samsung sells slightly different hardware variants in different regions, and recycler quotes are usually variant-specific.
How to check on Google Pixel
- Open Settings
- Tap About phone
- The model name is shown directly (e.g. "Pixel 9 Pro")
Why your exact model matters when selling
Recycler pricing is model-specific, sometimes down to the exact variant. A Pro Max fetches meaningfully more than a standard model from the same generation. Storage size (128GB vs 256GB vs 512GB) also affects the quote significantly — typically £30-£60 difference per storage tier on flagship models.
Getting the model wrong when requesting a quote — even innocently — usually means the recycler's initial offer won't match what they actually pay once they inspect the device and discover the real model, since final payment is based on what's physically received, not what was initially selected.
Quick reference: model vs model number
- Model name — the marketing name you'd recognise, like "iPhone 15 Pro" or "Galaxy S24 Ultra." This is what you need for everyday purposes and most recycler quote forms.
- Model number — a manufacturer-assigned code that can indicate region, storage configuration, or carrier lock status. Rarely needed day to day, but useful for precise identification if a quote seems off or you're checking eligibility for a specific recycler.
Ready to sell?
Once you know your exact model, compare live recycler prices for your specific phone here — GadgetRank pulls current offers from 30+ UK recyclers so you see the genuine best price for your exact device.