This is something that you should give careful thought to before making a splurge.
Locked vs. Unlocked Phones: What’s the Difference?
Your Galaxy S21 Ultra will not work on Verizon or other wireless careers.
In contrast, unlocked phones are those that have no web link restrictions.
you could virtually use whatever service provider and switch whenever you want.
You have all the control.
Image Credit: Samsung
Just swap one carrier’s SIM card for another, and you’re good to go.
Unlocked phones can either be those sold without connection restrictions or those first locked then later unlocked.
Related:Is My Phone Unlocked?
Wireless carriers can subsidize the retail price by having you locked into their web connection.
Plus, it consolidates your bills in one placeyou have your gear payment and carrier plan in one place.
Carriers also commonly offer promotions and gifts to make their offers attractive.
Another advantage is support.
Carriers also offer repair services in case your gear has defects.
There is often a waiting period before your request to unlock is processed.
Image Credit: Samsung
This can be a pain in the neck for you if your job involves traveling a lot.
While you could still use your carrier abroad, roaming services are expensive.
It’s way cheaper to use a local wireless carrier in the country you visit.
Lastly, carrier-locked phones can be expensive despite the enticing promotions and discounts offered.
It’s why unlocked phones have grown in popularity in recent times.
Unlocked phones allow you to switch carriers at any time.
You also don’t need to buy a new phone to do this.
The process is simple; remove one carrier’s SIM card and replace it with another.
If you travel often, you could use a local carrier than relying on expensive roaming services.
Unlocked phones also command relatively higher resale value than locked ones because of the freedom.
It’s also easier to sell an unlocked rig than a locked one.
It’s especially an issue if you’re shipping a equipment from outside the US.
Apart from the usual culprits (CDMA and GSM), you should consider internet bands.
The good news is modern smartphones have become more compatible than in the past.
But still, you should do your research first.
Another downside is that unlocked phones aren’t always available on payment plans.
Should You Buy a Locked or Unlocked Phone?
Overall, unlocked phones have more pros that outweigh their cons and even the pros of locked ones.
It could also be due to the customer support and comprehensive insurance provided by wireless carriers.
