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Back in the early days of smartphones, options for unlocked ones were slim, and were usually lesser-known brands, while phones from the biggest tech players were locked up tight. But now, companies have come around, and even the major manufacturers are offering up unlocked options.
With an unlocked phone, you’re not bound by any contract. You’re free to go with a pre-paid setup, or a plan, but able to use the phone that you want instead of only what that carrier has to offer. You’ll also be able to upgrade and switch phones as much as you please, instead of waiting for a multi-year contract to be over.
Another huge upside to unlocked phones is future international travel. Whether you’re a frequent globetrotter trekking through multiple countries for months at a time, or just away on vacation for a week, an unlocked device can make it easier to get onto a country’s network and immediately use your phone. All you need is a simple SIM card, whereas with a locked phone, you’ll most likely need to contact the wireless company before leaving, and get on one of its often-overpriced international plans that limits your usage of data, texts and calls.
Most phones today are on 5G or 4G networks. In the United States, there are two types of networks to choose from: carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM (Global System for Mobile communications), which is more universal in nearly every country, while Verizon and Sprint use CDMA (Code-Division Multiple Access).
If you’re currently in a contract, you don’t always even need to wait until it’s up in order to switch to an unlocked phone.
What’s the Downside to an Unlocked Phone?
With a plan, you’re paying off your phone in monthly installments, but the wireless carrier’s got you under contract the whole time until it’s done. With an unlocked phone, you’re paying the full cost up front, and then it’s yours to do as you please.
But the convenience is the big selling point. Setting up an unlocked phone is as simple as taking out the SIM card and replacing it, as unlocked phones are compatible with most networks. You should still be able to keep your same phone number too, with no other major technical setups, and no time-consuming trips into wireless company’s stores.
With an unlocked phone, no matter how many networks or countries you hop over to in the future, you’ll have freedom to roam around the globe and from restrictive contracts, as well as your phone of choice.
