Buy Unlocked Mobile Phones Online
Most people who plan to buy phones usually go to their local cellular carriers to purchase their desired unit along with a phone line. For many, this is a convenient option mainly because their phone can be used for calls and messages right away. Unfortunately, most phones from major carriers can only be used in that particular carrier’s network. Worse, these phones also come with subscriber contracts, which may not always be the best deal for the person. This buying guide discusses the advantages of an unlocked mobile phone versus a locked phone that is purchased from a major carrier.
What Are Unlocked Phones :
To understand what it means to have an unlocked phone, one must first understand what it means to have locked phone. This section talks about the major differences between the two in order to help the reader to fully understand why an unlocked phone is more superior.
Locked Phones
A locked phone refers to that mobile phone which is bought from a particular cellular retailer and allows you to make and receive calls from that network only. In case you have bought a locked mobile phone, they might have tied you with an agreement that allows you to operate your functions with only their cellular connection for a considerable period.
Unlocked Phones
Unlocked phone is completely opposite of the locked phone. When you buy a mobile phone, the retailer does not restrict you with any particular connection and you are free to use any connection that you want. In addition, you are not bound with any agreement, which gives you the freedom to make and receive calls from any network available.
Why Buy An Unlocked Phone :
Many people turn to unlocked phones because of their many advantages. For those who are still on the fence, this section will briefly discuss the Five advantages of purchasing an unlocked phone in greater detail.
1. Increased Network Compatibility
You get a wide range of cellular network options with unlocked phones. You are not restricted by any contract and this provides you a good available range. The frequent travelers can derive a lot of benefit from it as it you can change your network in the area where you have to stay for a longer period. This gives a person the relief from bearing the high roaming costs.
2. Money Saver
Unlocked phones may appear to be more expensive at first, because one has to pay for the full retail price of the phone from the very start. Still, unlocked phones are more budget-friendly in the long run. For one, they do not come with long-term subscriber contracts, which lock one to a particular carrier. Users can opt to change network providers at any time without having to wait for the contract to expire or paying early termination fees. If on a budget, one can also use the phone with inexpensive, prepaid SIM cards, which provide cheaper call and messaging rates.
3. Increased Resale Value
Someone who plans to sell the old cell phone will have an easier time selling it if it is unlocked. Unlocked phones can be sold for up to 30% more than a locked unit. It also attracts more buyers since they can easily use it with their existing network. For instance, if one is selling a BlackBerry phone that is locked to AT&T, the only buyers that would be interested in it are AT&T subscribers. However, if one is selling an unlocked Blackberry phone, it becomes more marketable to other network subscribers and even to people from other countries.
4. Easier to Customize
Unlocked phones also give more flexibility in terms of phone features and customization. Third-party applications have an easier time on unlocked phones, since there is no locking software to limit the access to these features. The user also has more control on the applications that run on the phone, since it is not pre-programmed by the service provider. Furthermore, one will find it easier to customize the look and feel of his her phone, and do away with preconfigured settings such as service provider wallpapers, notification sounds, and alert messages.
5. Easier to Service or Replace
When the cell phone needs to be serviced or replaced, having an unlocked cell phone is convenient. Just simply take out the SIM card and transfer it to another unlocked cell phone, and it will work just as well. If there is no spare cell phone at home, one can easily purchase a used unlocked cell phone inexpensively while waiting for the repairs to be finished. If the cell phone is beyond redemption, one can easily transition to another cell phone seamlessly by just inserting the SIM card.
Thus, it is evident from the above points that buying an unlocked phone is more benefiting.
