[Dude2]

If am purchasing my Note 8 from Samsung using the Note7 Promo, is there any reason Not to buy an Unlocked Phone instead of going with say the Verizon model?

[irock1985]

Nope... Get the unlocked

[Gmoney600]

Samsung doesn't have a Good track record with software updates on their unlocked phone's. Usually happen way after carrier variants

[Lsucrazy]

I thought the Verizon models were unlocked anyway?

[jnyvio]

If am purchasing my Note 8 from Samsung using the Note7 Promo, is there any reason Not to buy an Unlocked Phone instead of going with say the Verizon model?

My two cents.... You can always unlock a cell phone... What you miss out on by not being carrier specific is the installed custom software (also known as bloatware to some)... Although, some of these pre-installed apps can be very useful.

[Ca_lvn]

Samsung doesn't have a Good track record with software updates on their unlocked phone's. Usually happen way after carrier variants

Things have changed ☺

[Dude2]

Samsung doesn't have a Good track record with software updates on their unlocked phone's. Usually happen way after carrier variants

Hmm? This is good info. Some things I have not thought of. Although I really dislike bloatware, there are one or two useful applications from Verizon.

[srgonu]

Apart from bloatware, I don't want to see carrier logo when phone is booting up. That drives me nuts (lol). I hope with unlocked released at the same time as carrier version for the first time, Samsung may do a great job at updates.

[j_hansen]

I don't mind waiting an extra month on a software update from Samsung, at least any bugs are ironed out after testing it on loads of early adopters first :-)

[trucksmoveamerica#AC]

Buying unlocked, can you refuse updates if you don't want it?

[oditius]

I bought an unlocked version because I am on AT&T, but will be switching to Verizon soon. (Need the better coverage) This way I can use my Note 8 till the change over date. Then switch with no problems.

[eshropshire]

Nope... Get the unlocked

All Verizon phones are unlocked. If you buy a Verizon Note 8 the phone comes from the factory SIM unlocked.

If you use Verizon Advance calling features, like WiFi calling you have to get the Verizon phone. I use WiFi calling all the time while traveling abroad.

Also, on the Verizon Note 8 you can uninstall most of the preinstalled apps.

[j_hansen]

Buying unlocked, can you refuse updates if you don't want it?

You should be able to just disable automatic updates even on a locked one, if not then just root it and updates would be disabled, bit more work though if you decide you want them later

[Dude2]

Apart from bloatware, I don't want to see carrier logo when phone is booting up. That drives me nuts (lol). I hope with unlocked released at the same time as carrier version for the first time, Samsung may do a great job at updates.

Right, hopefully Samsung will keep us updated with newest releases of Android.

[jejb]

If you use Verizon Advance calling features, like WiFi calling you have to get the Verizon phone.

I originally ordered the unlocked version from Samsung, but then did some research (I know) and found the above mentioned a few times, as well as VOLTE possibly not working on Verizon. So I cancelled that order and went for a Verizon model. I have no plans to switch, so I'm fine with the Verizon model.

[jhimmel]

Some Verizon features won't work, such as advanced calling features mentioned above, and Verizon Visual Voicemail. It's up to you if you care about that.

[Ambivalencetech]

I think the updates are more timely on the carrier models even though that is ridiculous. I don't need updates right away but knowing I'll get them within the next 9 months is fine by me.

[exdrinker]

If you have the unlocked phone can you roam on other carriers when your own carrier has no signal or weak signal?

[dpham00]

If you have the unlocked phone can you roam on other carriers when your own carrier has no signal or weak signal?

You are still stuck with the restrictions of your carrier. With this regard, it's no different than having a carrier phone.

[exdrinker]

You are still stuck with the restrictions of your carrier. With this regard, it's no different than having a carrier phone.

Thank you dpham00.

[SilverEagle7210]

If you have an unlocked phone and like a Verizon app, why couldn't you just go to the play store or your verizon account and download the app?

[recDNA]

If you have an unlocked phone and like a Verizon app, why couldn't you just go to the play store or your verizon account and download the app?

VOLTE among others is not available in App store

[dpham00]

If you have an unlocked phone and like a Verizon app, why couldn't you just go to the play store or your verizon account and download the app?

Wifi calling and visual voicemail still won't work if you have the unlocked version regardless of app downloaded

[SilverEagle7210]

Isn't the line app, the same as wifi calling? It's an app that I use to call my brother when he's overseas. It doesn't use my minutes just my data?

[ruivitorino]

Isn't the line app, the same as wifi calling? It's an app that I use to call my brother when he's overseas. It doesn't use my minutes just my data?

I'm wondering about that too. I got the unlocked one and I didn't bother looking up the differences while I was going through the order. I tried to contact samsung to change the order but they said they don't do that and I would have to cancel the order and place a new one. I did the note 7 offer so I needed a new link which samsung never got back to me with...shocker...then my phone shipped. Oh well. I use youmail for visual voicemail and will have to go without the wifi calling.