7 Buyer's Guide on Apple iPhone 15 Series in Sri Lanka

Apple iPhone 15 series give four distinct models such as iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. All four phones offer impressive features, and you can make the decision based on your personal preference, performance and price. The iPhone 15 (128 GB) starts at Rs. 380000 and the iPhone 15 Pro Max (1TB) starts at Rs. 730000. 

Model	Dimensions	Weight	Build
iPhone 15 Pro Max	159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm	221 g	Titanium frame
iPhone 15 Pro	146.6 x 70.6 x 8.3 mm	187 g	Titanium frame
iPhone 15 Plus	160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm	201 g	Aluminum frame
iPhone 15	147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm	171 g	Aluminum frame

Design and Dimensions

The iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro share a robust titanium frame, ensuring durability, while the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 opt for aluminum frames. These designs affect not only the appearance, but also its weight and size. While the standard models offer a more compact design, the Pro models, with their larger builds, cater to those who prefer a more substantial smartphone.

Display

iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro models are equipped with Apple's cutting-edge LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED displays, while iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 are equipped with Super Retina XDR OLED displays. However, there is a difference in screen size and resolution. The Pro models have 6.7 inch display with a resolution of 1290 x 2796 pixels, offering a larger and more visual experience. In contrast, the standard models feature 6.1inch display with a resolution of 1179 x 2556 pixels, striking a balance between screen and portability.

Performance

The iPhone 15 series showcases Apple's advanced chipsets. The Pro Max, and Pro models are powered by the Apple A17 Pro chipset built on a 3 nm process, while the standard iPhone 15 and 15 Plus run on the Apple A16 Bionic chipset, crafted on a 4 nm process. 

Graphics

All models are equipped with impressive GPU capabilities. The Pro Max and Pro feature Apple GPU (6-core graphics), while the Plus and standard iPhone 15 come with Apple GPU (5-core graphics), ensuring smooth graphics performance for gaming and multimedia.

RAM and Storage

Across the entire iPhone 15 series, there's consistency in the amount of RAM, with all Pro models featuring 8GB while others featuring 6GB. However, when it comes to storage options, there's a range of choices. The Pro Max offers storage capacities of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. and Pro offer storage capacities of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. On the other hand, the Plus and standard iPhone 15 provide options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, ensuring users can select a model that suits their storage requirements.

Camera

The Pro Max and Pro models equipped with triple camera setup while Plus and 15 come with dual camera setup. The Pro Max and model stands out with a periscope telephoto lens that offers 5x optical zoom, while the Pro comes with a standard telephoto lens. All models share a 48 MP wide camera and a 12 MP ultra wide camera, ensuring excellent photography capabilities across the board.

Battery

The Pro Max has a Li-Ion 4422 mAh battery, and it provides ample power. The Pro model, in comparison, features a Li-Ion 3274 mAh battery, offering slightly less endurance. Meanwhile, the Plus model boasts a Li-Ion 4383 mAh battery, and the standard iPhone 15 comes with a Li-Ion 3349 mAh battery. See the list below:

• iPhone 15 Pro Max: Li-Ion 4422 mAh
• iPhone 15 Pro: Li-Ion 3274 mAh
• iPhone 15 Plus: Li-Ion 4383 mAh
• iPhone 15: Li-Ion 3349 mAh

The iPhone 15 series offer wide range choices. While all models share core features like the powerful GPU capability, they differentiate themselves in terms of design, screen size and resolution, chipset, storage options, camera capabilities, and battery capacity.

Samsung phones in Sri Lanka (2023)

Samsung is a popular mobile phone brands in Sri Lanka. Samsung phone price in Sri Lanka comes in various price range from budget devices to high-end. Therefore, it is good to know about Pros, Cons,  price and other factors. These would give better picture about the Samsung phone market in Sri Lanka. 

Pros:

One of the major advantages of Samsung smartphones in Sri Lanka is popularity. Samsung has a strong brand reputation and huge customer base. It makes high demand. This popularity also means that there are accessories, extra gadgets and supports available for Samsung devices in Sri Lanka.
Samsung phones also offer many features and specifications, from budget devices to high-end flagship models. It makes customers to have a lot of choice that fits their needs and budget.
Another advantage of Samsung phones in Sri Lanka is durability. Samsung phones are built to withstand tough conditions and are often made from high-quality materials that can resist from damage. This makes Samsung phones a great choice for customers in Sri Lanka who need a phone that can withstand a lot of use and misuse.

Cons:

One of the major disadvantages of Samsung phones in Sri Lanka is their price. Samsung phones is quite expensive, especially the high-end flagship models. As a result, some consumers might not be able to afford a Samsung phone or would have to make due with a more basic or older model.
Another disadvantage of Samsung phones in Sri Lanka is their software. Samsung phones run on the Android operating system. However, they also come with Samsung's own custom user interface called One UI. While One UI offers a lot of features and customization options, it can also be quite bloated and slow. This can make the user experience on Samsung phones feel sluggish and frustrating.

Price:

Samsung phone price in Sri Lanka comes in various price range, from budget devices to high-end flagship models. The Samsung phone price depends on factors such as model, specifications and storage capacity. For example: Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is a budget device that retails for around 34,000 Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR). Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a high-end flagship model that retails for around LKR 390,000.

Other factors:

In addition to price, there are other important factors to consider. These include things like after-sales support, availability of accessories, and network compatibility.
Samsung has a strong presence in Sri Lanka, with many authorized dealers and service centers located throughout the country. This means that customers can easily get their Samsung phones repaired or serviced if they encounter any issues.

There are also accessories available for Samsung phones in Sri Lanka, including cases, screen protectors, headsets and chargers. This means that customers can easily find accessories to protect and/or customize their Samsung phones.

Also, it's important to consider network compatibility when purchasing a Samsung phone in Sri Lanka. Samsung phones sold in Sri Lanka are typically unlocked, which means they can be used with any network provider. However, it is still important to check that the phone is compatible with the specific network provider and network coverage such as 4G or 5G. Finally, you have to careful about ‘TRCSL approved’ status. If you device is not approved by TRCSL, that would be a problem to use it.

Apple Store in Sri Lanka: A Complete Guide

Apple is an international company. It is best known for iPhone, iPad, Mac and iWatch. The company has a network of retail store known as Apple Store, and they are designed to provide premium shopping experience and offer expert advice and support its products. However, there is no Apple Store in Sri Lanka as per today.

Why is there no Apple Store in Sri Lanka?

There are several reasons why Apple has not established a Apple Store in Sri Lanka. The main reason is relatively small size of Sri Lankan market. Sri Lankan population is about 22 million people. It is small size when compare with other countries in the region such as India, China and Indonesia. Therefore, Sri Lanka may not be seen as a priority market for Apple, especially when considering establishing and maintenance costs.

Another reason why Apple may not have established a retail presence is the country's economic situation. Sri Lanka is classified as a lower middle income country by the World Bank. The economy is heavily dependent on tourism, textiles and agriculture. The lack of a robust and diversified economy may make it less attractive for Apple to establish a retail presence in Sri Lanka.

Additionally, there may be logistical challenges associated with establishing an Apple Store in Sri Lanka. The country's infrastructure may not be well-developed to support the operation of an Apple Store. There may be challenges related to importing Apple products and components into the country.

What are the alternatives for Apple fans in Sri Lanka?

There are still several options available for Apple customers in the country. The most popular option is purchasing Apple products from authorized resellers and retailers in Sri Lanka. These retailers are authorized by Apple to sell their products and often provide after-sales support and service.

Another option for Apple customer in Sri Lanka is to purchase Apple products from international online retailers. Websites such as Amazon and eBay sell Apple products at competitive prices. Many online retailers offer international shipping to Sri Lanka. However, it is important to cautious when purchasing products from online shops. There may be additional costs associated with shipping and customs' charges.

Sri Lankan customers also can take advantage of Apple's online store. It gives Apple products and accessories. The online store provides customers with a convenient and hassle free way to purchase Apple products, and the products are delivered directly to the customer's doorstep.

Apple Asia: Quick and Easy Lookup Guide

Apple Asia is an Apple product shop in Sri Lanka. It is main shop is located in No 11/B, Fussel’s Lane, Colombo 06. As we all know that Apple products especially iPhones have great demand and market everywhere in the globe and it includes Sri Lanka too. Therefore, run for selling iPhone, iPad, iMac, Apple watch and other items are competitive and of course Apple Asia in a leading race. 

Apple Asia or Francium?

In Bambalapitiya, there is a shop called Francium which is located in No. 515, Galle Road, Colombo 04. What is francium? In the real world, it is a highly radioactive chemical alkali metal and it is one of a very few elements. Actually, Francium has a half-life of only 22 minutes has no practical applications or no biological role. Reports say that there is about 30g francium available in the whole globe's crust. 

Bambalapitiya Francium has no connection with rare radioactive chemical metal and it does not sell such element. But it sells Apple products under the name Apple Asia and it function as branch. They might use the name Francium for uniqueness. 

Pro and Con

It is not an Apple authorized seller or Apple Store or it does not have any official connection with Apple Inc. It is one of phone shops like other mobile phone shops in Colombo / Sri Lanka. However, it has significant popularity. It has decent amount of customers’ positive review on its Google Map. It strike by negative reviews too, and most such random review is given below (copied from Google Map’s review section): 

This was the best place to buy genuine Apple products. I bought all of my apple products from here. But some ‘celebrities’ dropped by by their store and they stopped respecting normal customers like us. Apple Asia, if you are reading this, all I have to say is we might not be celebrities but we are your customers, so pls don’t stop caring about normal customers and pls talk to us politely.

Disclaimer

For contact number or price, you should visit Apple Asia’s website, social media pages or Google Map. We do not promote or opposite them. 

Apple Authorized Service Provider in Sri Lanka: A Guide

An Apple Authorized Service Provider in Sri Lanka is a company or service center that has been authorized by Apple Inc. They can provide repair and maintenance services for Apple products. The service providers undergo certification process to ensure that they meet Apple's high standards for customer service and technical expertise.

Who is the Apple Authorized Service Provider in Sri Lanka (AASP)? If you ask this question and you will end up with many Apple Authorized Service Providers in Sri Lanka. Also, you will find many imitating “authorized” shops which has no official link with Apple Inc. One more thing you should aware that Authorized Dealers, Resellers or Distributors are not Authorized Providers. Look the Apple terms & meaning in the below section:

• Dealer: dealing for buying products and selling
• Reseller: Buying products and selling /reselling
• Distributor: Distributing products by buying and selling
• Service provider: Mediating service to customers between company and customer

Apple Authorized Service Provider can mediate between Apple and customer or act on behalf of Apple. E.g: You bought an iPhone and its screen color appear like whitewash and you enough AppleCare warranty. In this case, you can approach one of Apple Authorized Service Providers. They might act on behalf of Apple and solve your device problem. If they cannot solve it, they can mediate between Apple and you. Probably, they will send the iPhone to nearest Apple service center. The center might be in Singapore or any other nearest place. 

There are some AASPs located in Sri Lanka, and they can provide authorized services for all Apple products, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. These service providers use only genuine Apple parts and accessories and are trained to diagnose and repair any issue that a customer may be facing with their Apple device.

Where to find Apple Authorized Service Provider in Sri Lanka?

Do not search Google or social media. They might confuse and lead to imitation shops. You have to visit Apple’s official website and then browse Sri Lanka by location. As per Apple’s website, Abans, Dialog, Future World Lanka and Genxt (Generation Next Communications) are Apple Authorized Service Providers in Sri Lanka. However, you should check that what products are assigned on each service provider. E.g: Shop ABC would have been assigned to provide service only to iPhone devices while Shop XYZ would have been assigned to provide service to iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple TV, iPod and AirPods. Here is list of authorized service providers in Sri Lanka.

Service Provider	Location
Abans	Colombo 07
Future World Lanka	Colombo 04 & Colombo 02
Genxt	Colombo
Dialog	Colombo

One of the advantages of using an AASP in Sri Lanka is that customers can be assured that their device is being repaired by trained professionals using genuine Apple parts. It means that the device will function properly, and no any issues related to the use of unauthorized third-party parts.

AASPs in Sri Lanka offer a wide range of services, including screen replacements, battery replacements, software updates, and hardware repairs. Some AASPs also offer data recovery services in case of data loss due to hardware or software failure.

Liberty Plaza phone shops A Complete list of shops (Sri Lanka)

Liberty Plaza phone shops are well known by mobile phones consumers. Liberty Plaza shopping complex has many mobile phone shops. It plays very important role when it comes to phone sells in Colombo as well as in Sri Lanka as it host many phone sellers, retailers, mobile repair shops and used phone selling & phone exchange. If you want to buy a smartphone, you would not miss Liberty Plaza even you are far away from Colombo. The spot runs online orders and distribute devices all over the Sri Lanka.

One Gale Face, Majestic City, Marino Mall, Colombo City Centre and Independence Arcade Square are good shopping malls in Sri Lanka, and you can buy phones. But, Liberty Plaza is the mall for phones and phone related gadgets and accessories. Pettah bazaar is another significant place, but Liberty Plaza has the leading role as it has popular and high number of smartphone shops. 

List of Liberty Plaza phone shops

A list of phone shops in Liberty Plaza complex are as follows (alphabetical order): Thanks and credit to Liberty Plaza phone shops.

Apple Mall

Apple Store

Aqua mobile

ARQ Tech

ATech

Cell C

Cell Store Lanka

Cellcare

Cellulanka

D2 Mobile

Doctor Mobile

Echo mobile

Esselle Cellular

Fone Buzz

French Mobile

Genius Mobile

GQ Mobile Store

Greenware Mobile

iDealz Lanka

iMax Mobile

iMobile Solutions

iStore

iTech Store Lanka

Kings Mobile

Laser Mobile

Life Mobile

M1 Phone Shop

Mobile First

Mobile Studio

Mobilio

Mobo

My Apple

MyFix

New Cell One

New Digital Cellular

Phone Hub*

Phone Kingdom

Phone Smith

Present Solution

Qtel Holding

Rocket Mobile

Royal Mobile

Sakeena Cellular

Selfie Mobile

Sim Sim Cellular Service

Smartone mobile Lanka

Success Mobiles

Tech Boss

TechLife

Walk & Talk

Wave Mobile

XMobile

The above list could be subject to updates. There might be closed shop and new shops. If so, you comment below or let us know.

Some Questions

Do say that Liberty has such significant role in mobile business? You can tell us you opinion. Where you could find such phone shops after this mall? What about One Gale Face, Majestic City, Marino Mall, Colombo City Centre, Independence Arcade Square and Pettah bazaar? What are the best phone shops or collection of resellers in other districts rather than Colombo?

Apple Authorized Resellers in Sri Lanka: A Complete Guide

Have you ever searched for AAR aka Apple Authorized Resellers in Sri Lanka? Why do we search for Apple Authorized Resellers (AAR)? Well, they sell original Apple products since the market is filled with duplicate Apple products such as Chinese copy of Apple, and refurbished products. Also, customer prefer AAR due to after sale service it includes AppleCare warranty. After sale service, could be delay if you buy from third party. 

If you want to buy an iPhone, iPad, iMac or any other products, you could happier and you can peacefully trust an Apple Authorized Reseller. 

How to identify real Apple Authorized Resellers?

Nowadays many shops mimicry authorized shops. Therefore, they place AAR logo on their website, social media, and other advertising platforms. But, these are fake and self-claim rather than Apple’s authentication. Sometime those shops could twist as Apple Authorized Distributor instead of AAR. To avoid this dram, visit Apple’s official website and then browse Sri Lanka under location. Here you will see authorized resellers and their details. 

Here is the list of AAR as given below table:

Authorized Reseller	Authorized Products	Location
Abans	iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple TV and iPod	Colombo City Centre
		Colombo 03.
		Kandy
Future World Lanka	iPhone, Mac, iPad and iPod	Colombo 04
	iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple TV and iPod	Kandy
Singer Mega	iPhone	Rajagiriya
		Ja-Ela
BT Store (BT Option)	iPhone, Mac, iPad and iPod	Colombo 03

Today, Abans, Future World Lanka, BT Store (BT Option) and Singer are Apple authorized resellers in Sri Lanka. In the above table, you can see that all branches of particular reseller did not authorize. E.g: Abans’ only three branches are authorized. Likewise, particular distributor did not authorized to sell all products. E.g: Singer Mega is authorized sell iPhone only, not iMac, iPad, Apple TV & iPod. Therefore, you can conclude that Singer Mega is not authorized sell iPad.

Remember:

• Apple Authorized Resellers can be seen in Apple’s official website. You cannot trust if any shops claimed themselves as “Authorized distributor”. 
• Authorized Resellers’ branches could not get authentication.
• Resellers / distributor may not authorized to sell all Apple Products.
• Apple Store is not Authorized, but official and owned by Apple Inc.

Apple Store in Sri Lanka

Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Authorized Service Reseller is not Apple Store. In Sri Lanka, there is no official Apple Store / Apple Store Sri Lanka. The Apple Store is owned by Apple Inc. It is not “authorized” shop. If you want to find office Apple shop, you have to find nearest spot, and it could be Dubai or Singapore. 

Phone Hub Sri Lanka: Find Your Perfect Phone

Phone Hub (phonehub.lk, aka Phone Hub Sri Lanka) is mobile phone price comparison website in Sri Lanka. It also has in-built phone comparison feature that assist to find comparison between two or more phones, especially on specification, price, etc. Unlike other network hub platforms, Phone Hub targets all mobile shops in Sri Lanka, and not only Colombo based mobile phone shops.

Also, the website help to find latest mobile phone prices as well as other phone related electronic devices such as tablets, smart watches, speakers, headsets, game consoles, laptops and accessories.

Almost, it covers all popular smartphone brands such as Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, Vivo, Oppo, OnePlus, Asus, Sony, Nokia, Realme and Infinity. Audio related devices from JBL, Marshall, Beats, Skull Candy, Anker, etc can be seen on the Phone Hub.

Mobile phone shop retailers and stores can display their items at the website and expose to entire Sri Lanka, and consumers can choose the best as per their needs. It has categorized smartphones as per brand and you could simply select the best one. Eg: Samsung Phone Price in Sri Lanka  / Apple iPhone Price in Sri Lanka. But, all models can be seen in one category called Mobile Phone Price in Sri Lanka. Likewise, you could select non-phone devices under particular category.

Phone shops are connected via particular device and you may click the shop to get contact details such as phone number, email ID and address.  Another section is opened for deals. When shops offer a discount, pre-order or any other special features, in displays under deals.

Also, it has blog that covers updates, news, review and information which give up-to-date details.

Lifemobile: Everything You Need to Know

Lifemobile (also known as Life Mobile Lanka (Pvt) Ltd or lifemobile.lk) is a mobile phone shop in Colombo. It has two phone shops / cell phone stores. One is located in Pettah and another one is located in Liberty Plaza, Colombo 03.

It sells wide rank of Mobile Phones, MacBook & laptops, iPad & tablets, smart watches, headphones, speakers, cameras, mobile accessories and more. Since Lifemobile’s main product is mobile phone, it sells brands of Apple, Asus, BlackBerry, Google, Haier, HTC, Huawei, Infinix, iTel, Kechaoda, Lenovo, LG, Micromax, Nokia, Nubia, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Samsung, Sony, Vivo, X-TIGI and Xiaomi.

When it comes to categories, it has wider selection of sub-categories. For example: Mobile Accessories (Armbands, AUX Cables, Backcovers and Pouches, Earbuds, Headsets (Earphones), Tempered Glass, Capacitive Pens, Chargers and Adapters, Charging Docks, Memory Cards, Micro USB Cables, Microphones, Mobile Adapters, Power Banks, Remote Control, Replacement Batteries, Selfie Stick & Monopods, Tempered Glass, Tripods, USB Cable, Type-C Cables, Wireless Chargers, Wireless Charging Receivers, and Wireless Keyboards. Likewise, each category has sub-categories.

It seems an electronic shop than phone shop.

Social Media engagement and ranking (As of mid 2021):

Platform	Followers/likes
Facebook	57,170
Instagram	4,495
Alexa (global rank)	123,744
Alexa (Sri Lanka rank)	248

Contact details:

Shop at Pettah

• 210/10, Airtel Market, Main Street, Colombo 11.
• Mobile number: 077 0045678

Shop at Liberty Plaza

• 250/1/27, 1st Floor, Liberty Plaza, Colombo 03.
• Mobile number: 0777 060616

Lifemobile is one of famous phone shops in Colombo. However, it has some issues as it mentioned by customers in Google map review. Some realistic reviews on GMB as follows:

Just had a call with them to check for a new mobile and the experience was not pleasant. They were very careless and not talking in a gentle manner. So who can expect a good after-sales service? I'm not going to buy a phone from this store.

Misinformation regarding availability of stock.

So I bought a Mi A2 lite from these guys and after a week or two the phone started restarting so when I went there to show it they told me that there repair person has taken leave and that they can't help me.. And did not give me a replacement... Since I have a bit of knowledge about flashing roms I got it done with a help of a friend, my advice? Avoid these shops after sales is not satisfactory and I doubt there phones are genuine

Poor quality of products.. these guys selling used items as brand new items...

Their delivery may be good within Colombo limits, but just outside Colombo, the story may be so different. The delivery guy on my order didn't have even a smart phone, not enough call credit, and I had to guide him all the way to my place to get my stuff. He troubled me for three days calling late afternoons and at last delivered at 7.00 PM, after 4 days of my order. The only good think was the goods were good.

Bought a pair of JBL T100BT headphones and the quality of the product is good and works fine. But giving a 2 star rating as the sales person gave me a higher price than what’s on their website and the cashier mentioned a even higher price when I was about to pay and mentioned only 3 months warranty when the website and the first sales person mentioned it as 6 months. Since I had done my research and I inquired, I got the item for the original price and warranty period as mentioned on their website. In conclusion products are good but I wouldn’t recommend to anyone.

ikman.lk : Reviewed and Analyzed

ikman.lk is a leading advertisement website. Its users are mainly from Sri Lanka, and the website is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil languages. It launched in 2012. It is one of the most visiting websites in Sri Lanka. However, its ownership is based in Sweden while customer service is managed by Sri Lankan locals. The name "ikman" is a Sinhala word of "ඉක්මන්" which means immediately, fast or quick.

ikman.lk : Reviewed & Analyzed

The ikman.lk website can view and access by anyone without registration. But, users should register and pay in order to advertise at the site. Advertisements would manually screen before they appear to public, and screening is not applicable for trusted vendors.

ikman is a good online for house rent (real-estate related land & property), vehicle and electronic items and other categories. However, most users searched for used or second hand items. Brand new electronic items, particularly smartphones are not getting much demand as per feedback from many and leading mobile phone shops, vendors, and retailers.

Police notice creates a question for purchasing used items via online. Police said public should vigilant as they caught many cases that stolen and sold via online, especially mobile phones, jewelry and other items. When buy from online, it is good to obtain a copy of NIC and mobile phone number of seller. Also, people can check smartphone status whether it has been stolen. Many stolen mobile phones’ IMEI numbers registered at a website of Sri Lankan police. The website is www.ineed.police.lk. However, there is no way to other items. Note: Police did not say that which and how many online have been identified for selling stolen mobile phones.

ikman is ideal for real-estate related land, property and house rental, and of course for used vehicles, especially for cars. Analysis suggests that it would not ideal for mobile phone purchasing. The reasons are as follows:

• All island-wide phones are not listed.
• Branded smartphone companies are not showcase here.
• Popular mobile phone shops are not list here.
• There is no price controlling system.
• Mobile phone prices at ikman are fake / wrong price. They put low price to attract customers, and then increase during real-time business.
• Used phones are not trustworthy, and have some issues such as stolen and warranty problem.
• ikman will not take responsibility as it a vendor platform, not consumer – buyer interaction. 

Suggestion to buy and not to buy at ikman.lk

Buy	Not to Buy
Land	Mobile Phone
House	Electronic items
House rent	Jewelry
Vehicle	Used items

How to do TRCSL registration check?

Many mobile phone users in Sri Lanka want to do TRCSL IMEI check SMS. So, how to do TRCSL registration check? TRCSL Approved check code via SMS is simple. You can send a SMS to 1909 by typing IMEI and then 15 digit IMEI number. See the following table / image:

Type	IMEI <IMEI number>
Send	1909

How to do TRCSL registration check?

How to find IMEI number?

Fifteen digits IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique to every phone. You can simple see outside of the phone box and it would found in invoice too. If you cannot access the box and invoice, type *#06# and you will get IMEI number and serial number. If the phone has dual SIM facility, you will get two IMEI numbers.

IMEI’s first 8 digits are Type Allocation Code (TAC) and unique TAC indicates particular phone’s marketing name and the manufacture. Eg: 867612034148134. This is the IMEI of an Oppo A83 smartphone. All Oppo A83’s first eight digits will be 86761203.

Why do you need to check?

Consumers should check the TRCSL approval when they purchase phone or any of devices that connect SIM(s) to cellular networks. Unregistered phone/device would deactivate and fail to connect with cellular networks in Sri Lanka.

This regulation is to prevent illegal and fake phones or wrong models that emit higher radiation and it can harm users.

A user has the privilege to do TRCSL registration check, and phone vendors cannot reject if customer is ready to buy. Also, customer can ensure TRCSL approval by checking registration number on the phone box. If not, consumer can ask vendor to clarify.

TRCSL Approved: A Comprehensive Overview

Now the term TRCSL Approved is popular among mobile phone sellers and buyers (customers). What is TRCSL? The TRCSL (Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka) is a Sri Lankan national regulatory agency for telecommunications that situated at No. 276, Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 08 (Borella). TRCSL has authority to allow mobile phone brands to use in Sri Lanka. It could check whether mobile phones and other mobile devices such as tablets are not fake devices and will not pose health risks. It could prevent illegal mobile phone entry into Sri Lankan market.

Therefore, TRCSL regulated a notice in October 2020 to consumers that only TRCSL Approved mobile phones will activate when insert SIM cards, and not registered or non TRCSL Approved mobile devices will not work.

Phone sellers or company should submit new phone models to get approval. Eg: The following image shows TRCSL Approved registration number is TRC21/11222500/FTZ008 for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 model. 

TRCSL Approved sticker on mobile phone box

All Xiaomi Redmi Note 9s in Sri Lanka should have this ‘TRCSL Approved’ sticker along with the registration number. If not, consumers must seek alternative.

As of May 2021, OnePlus smartphones are not approved by TRCSL, and you would not see ‘TRCSL Approved’ sticker.

If a consumer buys a phone overseas, TRCSL has made arrangements for the consumer to register the device through online.

How to check the TRCSL Approved status?

1. Phone box should have ‘TRCSL approved’ sticker.
2. TRCSL lists registered phone models at their website, www.trc.gov.lk
3. Check phone IMEI number via SMS.

How to do TRCSL registration check via SMS?

• Type IMEI and then IMEI number (Eg: IMEI 865858055625078)
• Send SMS to 1909

IdeaBeam: A Comprehensive Overview

IdeaBeam is one of the mobile phone business influential websites in Sri Lanka. This multi-vendor eCommerce-alike platform mainly serve users to get price comparison on smartphones and other electronic gadgets such as tabs, etc. It has a price showcase for other electronic items, household stuff, etc. The IdeaBeam also contributes to updating gold price in Sri Lanka. Even though, its popularity relies on phone price in Sri Lanka.

Phone Brands

As of March 30, 2021, the site lists over 30 mobile phone brands under “All Mobile Phone Brands in Sri Lanka”. The list of brands are as follows:

1. Apple
2. ASUS
3. BlackBerry
4. Cat
5. Dialog
6. E-tel
7. Energizer
8. Forme
9. Google
10. Greentel
11. HTC
12. Huawei
13. Infinix
14. Intex
15. Lava
16. Lenovo
17. LG
18. Meizu
19. Micromax
20. Microsoft
21. Motorola
22. Nokia
23. OnePlus
24. Oppo
25. Panasonic
26. realme
27. Samsung
28. Sony
29. Vivo
30. Xiaomi
31. Zigo
32. ZTE

The fact is that many of them are archives and “out of stock”. We never heard of some of the brand names.

Phone Stores / Phone shops

The site lists about 28 phone shops under “All Mobile Phone Stores in Sri Lanka”. The list is given below (as of March 30, 2021):

1. BuyAbans
2. Celltronics
3. Chinthana GSM
4. daraz.lk
5. Dealz Woot
6. Dialog
7. Doctor Mobile
8. emart
9. Etisalat
10. Greenware
11. iDealz Lanka
12. iStore
13. Kapruka
14. laabai.lk
15. Metropolitan
16. Mobitel
17. MyStore.lk
18. Present Solution
19. Selfie Mobile
20. SellTell
21. Senadheera
22. Singer
23. Singhagiri
24. Smart Mobile
25. Takas.lk
26. Trident Corporation
27. Wow Mall
28. Xmobile

Does “All Mobile Phone Stores in Sri Lanka” fall just only 28? The fact is that there are a few thousand shops in Sri Lanka. Colombo Liberty Plaza shopping mall hosts more than 50 shops! When it comes to counting other shopping complexes and other phone shops in Colombo city and suburbs, the number would dramatically increase, and damn sure the two-digit figure would surplus by thousands. Hereby, we can conclude that about 10 to 20 vendors aka phone stores hold the position in IdeaBeam? When it comes to checking a particular phone, you can see not all stores put their price, and some stores update is not recorded in recent price update. There are a few big questions. Does IdeaBeam only allow a small number of vendors? Will it open to other shops? As far as we heard, IdeaBeam limits stall numbers, and it does not allow other mobile shops. It charges about Rs. 15,000 to 120,000. The big guy gets first place with some features such as Company warranty, 1 Year Company Warranty, 1 Year Softlogic Warranty, 1 Year Agent Warranty, etc, and a poor guy should go to the last bench!

Do you know some popular phone shops such as Dialcom, Genius Mobile, Life Mobile, Techmart and others are not on the list?

Does the phone price in IdeaBeam correct?

The answer is NO! Why? Check out the following table (copied from IdeaBeam). 

Compare Apple iPhone 11 128GB Prices in Sri Lanka - An example:

Why does iDealz get highlight? What does it mean?

Phone Shop	Price	Variation
Greenware	Rs. 159,500	-
Selfie	Rs. 159,600	100.00
Present Solution	Rs. 162,900	3400.00
iStore	Rs. 164,500	5000.00
Doctor Mobile	Rs. 165,000	5500.00
idealz Lanka	Rs. 166,000	6500.00

When checking the official website, Facebook, and other sources, the price was different. See the table below:

Phone Shop	Source	Price
Greenware	Website	Rs. 163,990.00
Selfie	Call	Rs. 163,000.00
Present Solution	ikman	Rs. 164,000.00
iStore	Facebook	Rs. 162,990.00
Doctor Mobile	Website	Rs. 164,990.00
idealz Lanka	Website	Rs. 177,990.00

Differentiation between IdeaBeam and official sources are given below:

Phone Shop	Price (ideaBeam)	Price (owner)	Variation
Greenware	Rs. 159,500	Rs. 163,990.00	4,490
Selfie	Rs. 159,600	Rs. 163,000.00	3,400
Present Solution	Rs. 162,900	Rs. 164,000.00	1,100
iStore	Rs. 164,500	Rs. 162,990.00	-1,510
Doctor Mobile	Rs. 165,000	Rs. 164,990.00	-10
iDealz Lanka	Rs. 166,000	Rs. 177,990.00	11,990

 

Present Solution reduces about Rs. 1,000.00 from the IdeaBeam's price list while Greenware and iDealz increase about Rs. 4,000.00 to 11,000.00. Which is right? They would justify that it has Apple Care warranty, orange care warranty, etc? But it is a bait technique to attract customer? If you want to buy Apple iPhone 11 128GB, will you choose IdeaBeam or official price from shop owners' sources such as website, social media, direct call, etc? 

A few stores are marked as they acknowledge “Authority and Indemnity”. But, there is big differentiation in prices in both sources. Is it false acknowledgement? Also. many shops are not acknowledged as “Authority and Indemnity”. If you click a product, you can see a silent note under each product, and it says IdeaBeam.Com is not responsible for the goods sold by any of the sellers above. Ultimately, no one is ready to take responsibility!

So, what is the role of IdeaBeam?

Do not blame technical / typo errors or update issues. If IdeaBeam or owners’ websites or other sources are not up to date, the particular source is not correct or a bunch of lies! Sadly, there is no accurate source for finding phone prices in Sri Lanka.

Conclusion

• All Mobile Phone Brands in Sri Lanka are not right, but some of and latest phones.
• All Mobile Phone Stores in Sri Lanka are not correct. A few and selected phone stores in Sri Lanka are correct.
• There is favoritism to a few shops.
• No one is responsible for the price. Therefore, the price is not correct.
• It is price bait, not real update. 

“If you are not taking care of your customer, your competitor will.” – Bob Hooey

Note: This article is written by a blogger who did an analysis and collect information from particular parties’ sources & interviewed shop owners who are part of IdeaBeam as well as declined shop owners.

Spa App: Everything You Need to Know

Spa Lanka can send spas, massage centers and therapists’ information / contact details to subscribers. It is applicable to Dialog, Hutch, Airtel and Etisalat users. If you have one of these mobile networks, you can register by sending a SMS for the app. You can do the following:

• Type REG spas
• Send SMS to 77000

Spa App

If you do so, you will get massage center, beauty parlor and spa information such as contact telephone or mobile number(s), address, price and more information through SMS. The SMS will be sending on regular basis.

The app is free. However, you will be charged Rs. 30.00 + tax per month. If you do not need the service, you can unsubscribe by sending a SMS to 77000 with UNREG spas.

Note: For more details, click Spa App.