How to Identify Your Samsung Galaxy Smartphone
Most of us have no clue how to identify our Samsung Galaxy models, and that’s OK – the world hasn’t come to an end. But there are times when you absolutely need to know how to specifically I.D. your smartphone.
One scenario is a warranty issue. The other is when you’re ready to trade in your older model Samsung Galaxy smartphone, via Gazelle, for fast cash. To get the ball rolling, we’ll need your Galaxy Smartphone model number and carrier.
The good news: Identifying your model number is not difficult. Simply remove the battery and look under it, where you will find an identification sticker with model information, including:
- Model Code
- IMEI Number. Your International Mobile Equipment Identity number has 15 digits, and is used to uniquely identify your Smartphone.
- Serial Number
The Samsung Galaxy smartphone has an extensive and complicated family tree. To help get your arms around the various models, we’ve prepared the following overview:
- The first Galaxy S model from Samsung arrived here in the U.S. under various names depending on the carrier.
- The second generation of the Galaxy S (Galaxy S II) arrived at T-Mobile and AT&T as the Galaxy S II.
- The AT&T version (SGH-i777) stayed true to the design of the International unlocked version of the Galaxy S II (GT-i9100), while the T-Mobile version (SGH-T989) featured a bigger screen and bigger body.
- The Sprint version of the Galaxy S II (SPH-D710) was initially released as the Epic Touch 4G. The name was later changed to just Galaxy II to keep the product line simplified.
- Verizon opted out of the Galaxy S II as they offered the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. The Galaxy S III from Samsung took a page from the iPhone playbook by offering one product name across every carrier. Not only is this easier for the consumer, but it has allowed Samsung to market to every U.S consumer with unified messaging and ads.
“What phone model do I have?” It’s a question we get asked all the time! Below you will find the details on every Galaxy S smartphone offered in the U.S.
Samsung Galaxy S
Samsung Galaxy S (GT-i9000): The first Galaxy S smartphone from Samsung, this launched in June 2010 worldwide as an unlocked model.
Samsung Vibrant (SGH-T959): The T-Mobile variant of the Galaxy S. Originally released in August 2010, it shared the same design as the unlocked version (GT-i9000).
Samsung Captivate (SGH- i897): The AT&T variant of the Galaxy S. This model originally launched in July 2010 and featured a square design.
Samsung Epic 4G (SPH-D700): The Sprint variant of the Galaxy S was the first to include a full QWERTY keyboard. This slider launched in September 2010.
Samsung Fascinate (SCH-i500): The Fascinate was the Galaxy S on Verizon here in the U.S. The phone launched in September 2010 and featured Bing search over Google search.
Samsung Galaxy S 4G (SGH-T959V): T-Mobile released the Galaxy S 4G in February 2011. This updated version of the S featured 21mbps HSDPA connectivity. Also known as Vibrant plus.
Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G (SGH-T769): A full QWERTY variant of the Galaxy S for T-Mobile. This model launched in March 2012
Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G (SGH-T699): A full QWERTY update to the Galaxy S Blaze 4G from T-Mobile. The Relay launched in September 2012.
Samsung Galaxy S 5 (Please note question above)
Samsung Galaxy S 6 (Please note question above)
Galaxy S7 edge 32GB (T-Mobile)
Galaxy S7 edge 32GB (US Cellular)
Galaxy S7 edge 32GB (Unlocked)
Samsung Galaxy S7, 32GB, (TracFone), Black Onyx
Other non-U.S. Galaxy S phone models:
Galaxy S DUOS S7562
Galaxy S Plus i9001
Galaxy S Giorgio Armani i9010
Galaxy S i909
Galaxy S Hoppin M190s
Galaxy S M110s
Galaxy SL i9003
Samsung Galaxy S II
Samsung Galaxy S II (GT-i9100): The international unlocked version of the Galaxy S II. This was released in April 2011 worldwide.
Samsung Galaxy S II (SGH-T989): The S II for T-Mobile featured a different form factor from the other S II models. It sported a bigger body and bigger screen. Launched in October 2011
Samsung Galaxy S II (SPH-D710): Originally named the Epic Touch 4G, it was later changed to Galaxy S II. The Sprint version used 4 bottom keys instead of the home key found on the international version. This model launched in September 2011.
Samsung Galaxy S II (SGH-i777): Similar to the Sprint model of the S II, the AT&T version also dropped the home key in favor of four capacitive on-screen buttons. This model launched in October 2011.
Samsung Captivate Glide (SGH-I927): A full QWERTY version of the Captivate for AT&T with Galaxy S II type specifications. Launched in November 2011.
Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket (SGH-i727): AT&T released the Skyrocket as an updated version of the S II that supported LTE. The Skyrocket launched in November 2011 and featured a bigger 4.5″ screen and faster processor to that of the S II.
Other non-U.S. Galaxy S II phone models:
Galaxy S Advance i9070
Galaxy S II plus i9105
Galaxy S II HD LTE
Galaxy S II 4G i9100m
Galaxy S II LTE i9210
Galaxy S II Duos i929
Galaxy S II i9100g
Galaxy S II X T989D
Samsung Galaxy S III
Samsung Galaxy S III (GT-i9300): The international unlocked version of the Galaxy S III. This model raised the bar for Android devices and is considered the world’s best phone next to the iPhone. It is available in both 16GB and 32GB version and in a variety of colors. Originally released in May 2012
Samsung Galaxy S III (SGH-T999): The T-Mobile Variant of the Galaxy S III was released in June 2012. It also comes in 16GB and 32GB versions.
Samsung Galaxy S III (SGH-i747): The AT&T version of the S III is available as a 16GB model only. It is also available in Garnet red color just for AT&T. Released in early July 2012
Samsung Galaxy S III (SCH-i535): The Verizon version of the Galaxy S III comes in both 16GB and 32GB versions. Verizon was the last major carrier to get the S III, as it launched in late July.
Samsung Galaxy S III (SPH-L710): The Galaxy S II on Sprint was released on July 1, 2012. Sprint also offered the S II in both 16GB and 32GB variants.
Samsung Galaxy S III Mini (GT-i8190): The S III mini features a smaller screen and slower processor compared to the flagship S III. The S III mini launched in November 2012 in both 8GB and 16GB models.
Other non-U.S. Galaxy S III phone models:
Galaxy S III i9305
So there you have it, a breakdown of every Samsung Galaxy smartphone ever conceived! So, next time a cute but confused member of the opposite sex asks you, “What model phone do I have?” you’ll be right there with an answer.
Reference: All Samsung models can be found on Wiki.
Note: this post has been updated 2/11/17 for accuracy.