Unlocked Mobile Phones in 2024: A Complete Review and Buying Guide
Unlocked mobile phones have become increasingly popular over the last few years. With major carriers doing away with long term contracts and phone subsidies, more people are purchasing unlocked devices that work on various networks. Unlocked phones provide consumers with added flexibility, customization, and in some cases, significant cost savings.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about unlocked phones in 2024 - the benefits, where to buy them, how to ensure compatibility, and provide recommendations on some of the best unlocked device options across various price points.
What Are Unlocked Phones?
An unlocked phone refers to a device that is not bound to any specific wireless carrier or network. Rather than only working with, for example, AT&T or Verizon, an unlocked phone can work on multiple carriers, provided the device has the appropriate radio hardware.
Unlocked mobile phones allow the owner to insert any compatible SIM card from any carrier. This provides the flexibility to choose your own wireless provider and switch to another carrier at any time, without having to purchase a new phone. It also allows you to use local SIM cards when traveling internationally, avoiding costly roaming charges.
Phones purchased directly from Apple, Google, Samsung and other device makers are usually factory unlocked already. However, phones acquired from a specific carrier are often initially locked to only work with that carrier’s network. These devices can subsequently be unlocked either by the provider after meeting certain requirements or by using a third party unlocking service. We’ll cover more details on carrier unlocked phones later.
Key Benefits of Unlocked Phones
There are several major benefits that come with using an unlocked mobile device, including:
1. Flexibility to Switch Carriers Easily
One of the best perks of unlocked phones is the ability to switch between carriers and plans at any time without equipment restrictions. If you find a better rate plan from another provider, you can simply get a new SIM card and start service without having to buy another costly device. This gives consumers significant power and flexibility in finding and keeping affordable cell phone plans.
2. Use Local SIM Cards while Traveling Internationally
Unlocked phones allow travelers to insert local SIM cards in the countries they visit, avoiding expensive roaming charges from their regular provider back home. For frequent international travelers, this alone can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year in roaming fees. The convenience of having constant access to data while abroad is invaluable as well.
3. Avoid Long Term Contracts and Early Termination Fees
Unlocked phones are almost always purchased outright without the lengthy 1-2 year contracts that carriers force you into for promotional pricing. This means no early termination fees if you do decide to switch networks. The outright purchase cost might seem steep initially, but over the course of 2 years, you end up spending less in most cases between the cost of monthly installments and various hidden carrier fees.
4. Access to More Apps and Features
Some carrier versions of smartphones lock certain apps and features to only work properly on their network. With an unlocked phone, you can bypass any software restrictions carriers bake into their branded phones to incentivize customer lock-in. This gives unlocked device owners full access to all standard phone capabilities regardless of network.
5. Better Resale Value Down the Line
Carrier-branded phones generally have less demand and value in the secondary phone market after a couple years. Unlocked versions of the same high-end devices tend to retain greater resale value over time. For gadget buffs who upgrade frequently, buying unlocked can help subsidize the cost of that next new phone by selling the previous model.
Where to Buy Unlocked Phones
Unlocked smartphones can be purchased through various channels:
1. Directly from Phone Makers
Going directly through device makers like Apple, Samsung and Google gets you a factory unlocked smartphone by default without any carrier modifications or restrictions. Purchasing directly from them also often comes with perks like premium device trade-in and upgrade programs.
The key downside is that buying directly from these companies do not offer consumers any subsidies or payment plans like carriers do, so you have to pay the full retail cost of typically $700+ upfront.
2. Third Party Retailers Like Amazon and BestBuy
Major third party electronics retailers allow you to buy unlocked phones upfront or via monthly payment plans, essentially financing the full device cost interest free. There are no requirements to activate on a certain carrier, allowing consumers both financing flexibility and network flexibility.
Additionally, buying through retailers like Amazon and BestBuy allows you to take advantage of various device sales and bundled offers that may beat even the phone maker or carrier pricing. However, trade-in rebates and upgrade options are usually less attractive than directly from Apple/Samsung.
3. Carrier Unlocked Options
All major carriers now offer “unlocked” versions of the latest iPhones and Galaxy devices. However, to purchase a carrier unlocked phone, you typically need to be an existing customer and you often have to commit to unlimited data plans and 12+ months of service before they unlock it. Only after 6-12 months of active service will they then unlock the phone for use on any compatible network.
While slightly more restrictive than factory unlocked, carrier unlocked remains an option for those who value network perks, have existing numbers they wish to keep, or prefer financing phones through long term installment plans. Just be aware of exactly what conditions they place around providing eligible customers with an unlocked device.
4. Third Party Unlocking Services
The final option is using a third-party unlocking service (both online options and phone repair shops) to network unlock a carrier branded phone. These services essentially bypass the locks placed on the device by the carrier, allowing it to then work on any GSM network globally. This method carries some risk of rendering devices unusable if done incorrectly, so reputable unlock shops with lots of experience are key.
Third party unlocks make sense when you already own a carrier branded device and want to use it on another carrier, travel internationally, or connect it to multiple eSIMs. However for those buying a new phone, factory unlocked remains the simpler and safer choice.
Choosing Compatible Unlocked Phones
While unlocked phones offer greater flexibility, you still need to ensure any device has the appropriate cellular and wireless hardware to work properly on your desired networks. A device purchased unlocked directly from Samsung or Apple will work perfectly fine globally. However, some imported international variants of popular phones don’t always fully support US carriers.
When purchasing an unlocked smartphone, you mainly want to check three aspects of compatibility:
1. Supported Cellular Frequencies
Carrier networks operate on a range of low, mid and high radio frequency bands. Making full use of a network’s capabilities requires a phone with hardware supporting those key bands. Most modern mid-range and high-end phones support the major US bands. But it’s worth cross checking the device specs before purchasing to know exactly which bands it can utilize on your chosen carrier.
2. CDMA vs GSM Networks
While the industry is moving towards internet protocol (IP) based networks using LTE and 5G technology, there still remains differences between older CDMA and GSM networks:
So when purchasing an unlocked phone, ensure it supports both CDMA and GSM if you ever foresee needing to activating with Verizon or Sprint.
3. Wireless Band Support
You want to ensure any new phone supports the latest WiFi and Bluetooth specs. Virtually all devices in the last 2-3 years support:
This covers compatibility with all modern routers and wireless accessories respectively. However it’s still worth confirming before purchasing any grey market import devices.
Getting these core aspects of spectrum and hardware compatibility correct means your unlocked device will function properly on your desired networks for calls, texts, data speeds, WiFi and Bluetooth.
Best Unlocked Phone Recommendations
Now that we’ve covered what exactly unlocked phones are and key purchasing considerations around them, let’s look at some of the best unlocked smartphones across various price ranges:
1. Premium Flagships ($1,000+)
The latest iPhones and Galaxy devices consistently top the charts for performance, cameras and overall user experience:
iPhone 14 Pro Max
领英推荐
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Both Apple and Samsung offer great trade-in and upgrade programs to offset upgrade costs as well for loyal customers. For cross-platform households, having one of both brands makes a lot sense.
2. Premium Flagship Alternatives ($600 - 800)
For those not wanting to shell out over $1000 for the very top flagships, here are some more affordable alternatives with great performance:
Google Pixel 7 Pro
OnePlus 10 Pro 5G
iPhone 13
For most buyers, going with last year’s iPhone and Galaxy models offer nearly as good performance at significant discount. The Pixel 7 Pro and OnePlus 10 Pro then compete directly with them on user experience while undercutting further on pricing. Any of these handsets make fantastic unlocked daily drivers.
3. Upper Mid-Range ($399 - $599)
The midrange category continues pushing the envelope on design and features. Unless you’re a demanding power user, these devices easily satisfy most needs with great battery life.
iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Pixel 6a
OnePlus Nord N20 5G
Similar to the flagship category, last year models like the iPhone 12 provide a high value experience as well around this midrange pricing threshold. Overall it’s an extremely competitive space in the market with fantastic unlocked options under $600 that should satisfy most regular users.
4. Budget Category Under $300
For basic users on tighter budgets, there remain quality affordable devices to consider as secondary family phones or kids devices:
Moto G Power (2023)
TCL 30XE 5G
Blu G91 Pro
Lenovo’s budget Motorola series, TCL, Blu and Nokia brand devices consistently bring tremendous value targeting budget conscious shoppers. Performance can occasionally be a bit hit/miss but otherwise deliver satisfactory experiences given their pricing.
And that wraps up our top unlocked smartphone recommendations spanning premium flagships to more affordable mid-range and entry level devices. Across the spectrum there are fantastic options depending on exact features and budget needs.
Closing Thoughts on Unlocked Phones
Here are some final thoughts to recap the key benefits of opting for unlocked phones:
Hopefully this guide gives buyers all the information needed around navigating the world of unlocked phones. While the top flagships still demand premium prices, options across the midrange and even budget categories continue improving each product generation. Combine that hardware quality with the flexibility that unlocked devices provide and you get peak choice as a consumer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the main benefits of buying an unlocked phone?
The key benefits are:
Where can I buy factory unlocked phones?
You can purchase unlocked devices directly from:
How much more expensive are unlocked phones?
When purchased upfront and outright, unlocked phones have the same MSRP pricing set by the device manufacturer, usually $599 to $1099 for flagships. However, carriers subsidize costs over installment plans and require service contracts which locks you in.
What do I need to consider regarding carrier compatibility?
Main things to check are:
As long as the models match key US bands and standards, most unlocked devices work across carriers.
Can I purchase an unlocked phone if I'm an existing carrier customer?
Yes, once eligible requirements are met (active service duration, unlimited plan enrollment etc) carriers will then whitelist and unlock devices. However, there may still be restrictions on moving data only eSIM plans between carriers.
What are the best affordable unlocked phones right now?
Top value picks are:
Let me know if you need any other specifics around using unlocked smartphones!
DER BUNTE VOGEL ?? Internationaler Wissenstransfer - Influencerin bei Corporate Influencer Club | Wirtschaftswissenschaften
9 个月Thank you Robiul Hossain