Locked or Unlocked Smartphone: Which is Right for You?

The history of phone carriers has been pretty cut-and-dry. If you want a new phone, you go through a carrier. Carriers dictate which phones you can and can’t get, and you usually have to lock into a contract with them to get the phone. Typically, once that contract is up, you can’t really do much with the phone, as it’s locked in with the old carrier. However, in recent years, a new trend in phones is emerging. Lately, it’s much more appealing to many customers to buy unlocked versions of the phones they want. An unlocked smartphone is one that doesn’t require you use a specific carrier and can opt to use whichever you want. What are some of the pros and cons of using an unlocked smartphone, and how you can get one!

How to Get an Unlocked Smartphone

One of the simplest ways to get an unlocked phone is just to go through the phone’s manufacturer. If you want an unlocked iPhone X, for instance, you can get one from Apple. The same goes for Google Pixel and Huawei, to name a few. Another way to get an unlocked phone would be to buy one from a distributor, like Amazon or Best Buy. After buying one, you’ll have to get a carrier SIM card to use it.  Typically, it costs the same to buy an unlocked phone as it does to buy a locked one. That said, resale on an unlocked phone is usually higher, as it can be used on any carrier.

All four major carriers (AT&T, Spring, T-Mobile and Verizon) have “bring your own phone” plans, but not every phone works on every network. Check the carrier you’d like to use and make sure you can use the phone you want on it!

Pros to Using an Unlocked Phone

The pros for having an unlocked phone are numerous. The most obvious, of course, is that you can use them on any network. This means that you can swap your SIM card for another one on the fly when you travel, letting you avoid exorbitant international charges. Additionally, you can pick from a much wider selection of phones when you’re buying unlocked. You’re not stuck with what specific carriers have available, so you can get whatever phone you like!

Cons to Unlocked Phones

Typically, when you buy an unlocked phone, you pay full MSRP for it. Carrier often offer incentives for going through them and signing contracts. Financing is usually available for unlocked phones, but you still can usually find some considerable discounts when going for a locked phone. Make sure to do your research on the individual phone you’re looking at to make sure you get the best deal!