Most individuals purchase phones directly from their carriers, although current advice suggests buying an unlocked smartphone. Carrier-specific phones are typically “locked” to a particular network. This restriction means that if a user wishes to switch carriers, such as moving from Verizon to T-Mobile, they must request the carrier to unlock the device, which can be a cumbersome process. This is particularly challenging for those traveling who need to use an international SIM card. Unlocking a phone through a carrier often requires the device to be fully paid off or requires the user to wait for a specific period. Conversely, unlocked phones provide the freedom to switch between carriers without these hassles.
Carriers often obscure the actual cost of a smartphone. For example, AT&T might offer a $36 per month payment plan for a new Samsung flagship phone, which amounts to paying $1,300 over 36 months. Consumers are prompted to consider if such an expenditure is necessary, or if a less expensive phone might meet their needs. Moreover, unlocked phones typically receive software updates more quickly since they come directly from the manufacturer, like Samsung, and there is generally less preinstalled bloatware.
It is thus recommended to purchase unlocked phones. Unlocked Galaxy phones can be purchased directly from Samsung as well as from various third-party retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.
