iPhone SE (2016) IPhone SE in Australia (1723 vs. 1662)

[kevin49093]

So... let me start with saying that I know that the IPhone SE (model A1723) is the better choice for connectivity in Australia. It supports all the bands that are possibly used there. The model 1662 seems to be missing support for some of those bands.

I have also see that some people say the A1662 will work there, though possibly with just a bit slower data.

Any ideas if this is true?
We are moving there soon and I'd hate to have to buy a new phone when the one I have is working well.

 

[raymanster]

Never tried or even been to Australia, but looking online it looks like you'd be ok with a 1662 on their Vodafone network. It covers all bands used by that carrier.

Check and compare:

https://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/#iphone-se

http://www.mobilenetworkguide.com.au/australian_mobile_phone_frequencies.html

 

[kevin49093]

Thanks. I've seen a number of networks where the 1662 phone has 3 of the 5 bands that the network uses. Does this mean it will only work in some areas, or it will work slowery, or not at all? (fingers crossed for a wireless network expert to chime in...)

 

[Nermal]

Assuming that Australia uses the same bands as NZ, then you really want band 28 support. It'll be slow if you're limited to band 3.

Edit: According to Wikipedia, Vodafone also uses bands 1 and 5.