What is the difference between iPhones from Japan that are sold in Russia? It costs 30% cheaper, NO

Readers often ask that “Japanese” iPhones are now imported and sold in Russia. For some reason, the vast majority of new iPhones come to the country.

How are they different and are they worth it? take?

I’ll break down the topic of the most current iPhone 17 model. At the same time, I’ll explain the story with the sound camera and why such devices often work at less than 30 percent.

How to understand that an iPhone was brought from Japan

The easiest way to check the sale of a region is through Settings:

Open Settings» → General → About this device and I find the item Model number.

There are two meanings. Hardware code starts with the letters A and four numbers. A little lower or on the box there will be a trade article ending with a slash.

🇯🇵 “Japanese” parties usually have the suffix J/A. This is the most obvious sign. The same article number is often duplicated on the box. In fact, iPhone in the section Legal information and certificates A Japanese regulatory mark can be seen confirming the loss of the region.

An additional visual feature for the iPhone 17 line in Japan is that there is a tray for a physical SIM card. It can be seen on the body. This is a useful topic for those who are not yet ready to completely switch to eSIM.

Something special is noticeable in the camera’s performance. The shutter sound in the standard Camera application is not turned off by simply switching the phone to silent mode. This is a historic local market demand against covert filming. Below I will explain the details and what’s going on with this using an example.

What’s different in features and software?

Camera and shutter sound. On iPhones sold in Japan, system sound is turned on by default when taking photos. It cannot be silenced by silent mode in iOS, in settings or just a swing of a glance. This applies to the built-in application Camera.

📸 The shutter sound will be played when the one of four conditions:

• airplane mode
• when there is no cellular network signal
• with a Japanese operator SIM card inserted
• when will you be in Japan

🇷🇺 Will the sound camera meet the requirements in Russia. Answer – No. If a SIM card from a Russian operator is installed and there is a cellular network signal, the shutter sound will be disabled. automatically when turned on Silent mode in iOS.

SIM and eSIM. iPhone 17, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max from Japanese manufacturers usually have a physical SIM card and an eSIM. This is convenient when traveling around Russia and for those who discover multiple communication lines.

Networks and ranges. Japanese and European versions focus on sub-6 bands for 5G. American historical models are capable of mmWave. For Russia there is actually no difference, since our operators do not use mmWave.

Services and warranty. Formally, Apple has service rules, but in reality everything depends on the presence of authorized service centers in a particular country. Japanese iPhones are only officially repaired in Japan unless you have an Apple Care subscription. There is no official Apple service in Russia. Calculate purchases and paid repairs at service centers.

Comparison with iPhones from the US and Europe

🇺🇸 USA. Take advantage of mmWave support. This does not provide any advantages for Russia. American versions of new technologies have switched to an eSIM-only scheme, which does not suit everyone.

🇪🇺 Europe. The iPhone 17 usually retains a physical SIM slot. There are no restrictions on FaceTime. In terms of the quality and quality of communications in Russia, everything is progressive with Japanese parties.

🇯🇵 Japan. The main one produces the shutter sound in a standard camera without fail. Otherwise, the functionality corresponds to the built-in versions. The physical SIM slot is most often in place, the eSIM is also included.

Checklist before buying a “Japanese” iPhone in Russia

1. Reverse the article suffix. J/A points to Japan. Do not confuse with hardware code Axxxx.

2. Look at the body. For many participants, there was an iPhone 17 tray from Japan for a SIM card. This is normal for this version.

3. Check the “SIM lock” item in the “About this device” section. The position should be “No Limits”. Otherwise, check the unlocking conditions when purchasing.

4. Take a test shot with a standard camera in Airplane mode. The shutter sound should be audible. With a SIM card of a Russian operator inserted, at the output of the smartphone for connection in Japan and in the off state Airplane mode there will be NO sound.

5. Check the terms of warranty support on sale. You shouldn’t count on Apple’s support in Russia.

What’s the result? Is it dangerous to buy a “Japanese” iPhone in Russia?

It is dangerous only in the sense that you take on everyday risks associated with the lack of official service. Flying to Japan for repairs is expensive.

From the point of view of compatibility and functionality, there are no problems in Russian networks. The device operates over LTE, supports eSIM from major operators and is activated without special conditions.

The price from the “Japanese” is often lower due to the weak yen against the dollar. That is why the difference in the price tag on the “gray” market in Russia for such iPhones can reach up to 30% percent.

Buying such an iPhone looks very reasonable. “Japanese” iPhones in Russia work as confidently as any other.