Precise device model from User-Agent. Desktop devices typically show "Unknown".
Device model is the specific product identifier for your device (e.g., "iPhone 15 Pro", "Galaxy S23 Ultra", "SM-G998B"). This is the MOST identifying hardware attribute because:
Device model detection emerged from the need to handle specific device capabilities and bugs. Each device model has unique characteristics:
Example: SM-G998B
Breakdown: SM (Samsung Mobile), G998 (Galaxy S21 Ultra), B (Europe/Global variant)
These cryptic codes uniquely identify the exact device variant including regional differences.
Windows, macOS, and Linux rarely include PC model in User-Agent. Result is typically "Unknown" unless using specific devices like Microsoft Surface.
| Device Type | Model Detection | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| iPhones | Very accurate | Exact model (e.g., "iPhone 15 Pro") |
| iPads | Accurate | Model and generation (e.g., "iPad Pro 12.9") |
| Samsung Phones | Very precise | Full model code (e.g., "SM-G998B") |
| Google Pixel | Accurate | Model name (e.g., "Pixel 8 Pro") |
| Other Android | Variable | Some show full model code, others generic |
| Desktop/Laptop | Rarely detected | Usually "Unknown" |
Device model is one of the MOST IDENTIFYING pieces of information about you. It enables precise device-level tracking across all websites and apps.
If you have an iPhone 15 Pro Max (1TB, Natural Titanium), you're in a tiny minority of web users. Combined with iOS version, browser, and screen size, you're essentially unique.
Unlike cookies (can be deleted) or IP addresses (change), your device model remains constant for years until you upgrade.
Advertising networks can track you across websites without cookies by recognizing your unique device model signature.
Flagship models: Suggest high income, charged higher prices
Budget models: May see different ads, lower service priority
Old models: Indicates unwillingness/inability to upgrade
Scenario: You browse real estate on your iPhone 15 Pro Max, then visit a car dealership site. Even with no cookies, the sites can correlate: "iPhone 15 Pro Max user interested in luxury homes also looking at luxury cars" → high-value target.
Device model is extremely difficult to hide because it's deeply embedded in User-Agent and validated by other attributes:
Limitations:
Strategy: All users report identical generic device
Mobile: Generic "Android" with no model
Desktop: Generic "Windows" or "macOS"
Result: You blend into millions of Tor users
Enable: about:config → privacy.resistFingerprinting = true
Effect: Reports generic device model
For most users, the benefits of model-specific optimizations outweigh privacy concerns. Focus on:
For daily browsing: Accept device model disclosure, use tracking protection
For sensitive activities: Use Tor Browser (completely hides model)