What is an unlocked phone?

[charlesxy]

Hi,

I currently have an S3 with Virginmobile USA. I wanted to upgrade to the S5, but Virgin does not have this phone in stock.

I've noticed that I can purchase the S5 at a cheaper price than was offered by Virgin when they had the phone in stock through a third party vendor (ie not a carrier). However, the purchase would be as an unlocked phone.

Can someone please tell me what it means to purchase an unlocked phone? Does this mean used? And, how does one connect with a carrier when purchasing an unlocked phone?

Thank you for any information you can provide me.

 

[anon(632115)]

Most carriers sim-lock their devices. That means only that carrier's sim can be used with that device. An unlocked device allows any sim to be used. These are generally better as you don't have bloatware (unwanted apps pre-installed by the carrier).

 

[charlesxy]

Thanks. Does this mean that if I purchase an unlocked phone that it does not come with a sim card. And, that I therefore use the one I currently have.

I have a sim card for an S3. Would that work with an S5?

Thanks.

 

[anon(632115)]

Yes, that's correct, you just get the handset, however the S3 and S5 use micro sims so you can just swap them over.

 

[charlesxy]

Thanks.