Same phone, smaller battery: 5 models that change depending on where you buy

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The spec sheets are quietly becoming regional as a growing number of smartphones are launching with different battery capacities for different markets. We see that quite often with devices launched in China or India hitting international store shelves with relatively smaller battery capacities.

Brands do this for various reasons. In most cases, the difference is driven by strict international shipping regulations, local certification delays, and the extra internal clearance required for global 5G bands. So, buying the exact same phone doesn’t mean you’re getting the same spec as users in other regions.

If you’re planning for an upgrade soon, here are the 5 popular phones sold with different battery capacities depending on where you buy them.

1. Oppo Find X10

The high-end Oppo Find X10 comes in two battery versions depending on the region. Most of Asia and global markets get the bigger 8,000 mAh version. This includes regions like India, China, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, and Hong Kong.

There’s also a 7,150 mAh version of the Oppo Find X10 for Australia and European markets, including UK, Germany, France, and Spain.

Oppo hasn’t clarified why it ships the Oppo Find X10 with lesser battery capacities in Australia and European markets. However, some industry reports suggest this was done to comply with regional shipping rules without thickening the chassis.

Australia and Europe enforce a strict 20 Wh per-cell transport threshold. The Oppo Find X10 with 8,000 mAh single-cell exceeds that threshold, and so it comes with a dual-cell design in restricted regions. This design adds extra internal dividers and protection circuitry, and to keep the device thin, brands usually choose to reduce the capacity.

Fortunately, both versions carry the same charging support: 80W wired, 50W wireless, and 10W reverse wireless. You can read the complete specs of the Oppo Find X10 on this page.

2. Nothing Phone (4b)

The Nothing Phone (4b) is a popular mid-range smartphone. It is also available in multiple battery versions depending on the region. Units sold in India get the maximum 6,000 mAh battery, but other regions get a smaller battery.

The Phone (4b) ships in the UK, Europe, and other global regions with a maximum capacity of 5,200 mAh — 800 mAh less than the Indian unit. The reason: to comply with single-cell shipping limits. However, all regions get the same 33W wired charging and 7.5W reverse wired charging.

You can read the complete specs of the Nothing Phone (4b) on this page.

3. OnePlus Nord 6

OnePlus Nord 6 is a solid upper mid-range smartphone that comes with a massive 9,000 mAh battery in India, but other regions get a big cut. In Europe and other global markets, the phone comes with a maximum capacity of 7,500 mAh — that’s a 17% cut and it makes a noticeable difference in total screen-on time.

Brands don’t do it out of choice, but to comply with strict single-cell shipping limits without increasing the phone’s thickness. Even 7,500 mAh is still above the limit for a single-cell. Therefore, the Nord 6 has a dual-cell battery.

The non-Indian OnePlus Nord 6 also compromises on charging speeds. The reverse wired charging is limited to 6.5W, while the Indian model supports much higher 27W speed. The regular wired charging speed, however, is the same 80W for all regions.

You can read the complete OnePlus Nord 6 specs on this page.

4. Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G

Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G is another popular device on the list that is offered in two battery versions. In India and China, the device comes with a massive 9,000 mAh battery, but Europe gets a trimmed version with 8,340 mAh battery.

The difference is not that big when compared to the OnePlus Nord 6, but still the difference impacts the total battery backup. Again, the reason is the same: to comply with the international aviation and European transport laws.

Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G units shipped to India and China have a single-cell battery, while European users get a dual-cell battery (to not exceed the 20 Wh single-cell ceiling). The charging speeds remain the same, though: 67W wired charging and 22.5W reverse wired charging.

You can check out the complete specs of the Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G on this page.

5. iQOO Z11 5G

Unlike other phones on the list, the iQOO Z11 5G gets a smaller 7,050 mAh battery in India, while other regions, including China and Malaysia, get a much higher 9,000 mAh capacity — that’s a solid 22% reduction in total capacity for the Indian buyers, and that could make a big difference, especially if you’re a heavy user.

Charging capabilities are also different, and Indian users are making the compromise again. In that region, the iQOO Z11 comes with 44W charging support, while Chinese and Malaysian units offer a whopping 90W fast charging.

The iQOO Z11 also has different designs and chipsets based on which country you purchase it from. It’s better to take a little extra time and understand the difference to make an informed decision. You can check out detailed specs here: iQOO Z11 (India) and iQOO Z11 (China).