First time buying unlocked, have questions

[bhatech]

With the unlocked version you lose the video call function with the native phone app You'd need to use a 3rd party app to video call.

Yeah and also makes complete sense to use something like Duo than crappy carrier video calling which only works with people on that carrier and that too using that carrier specific Android phone. I mean why would I want to restrict myself like that . I have friends, family on different carriers, platforms, phones and I would like something which works everywhere IMO. And Duo is integrated into the phone dialer of US unlocked model.

 

[MatroxD]

With the unlocked version you lose the video call function with the native phone app You'd need to use a 3rd party app to video call.

Honestly, that's not something I use as of yet. So much so, that honestly, until you all just mentioned it, I have always removed Duo(including on this device). But it's good to know, and I may reinstall at some point..

 

[bhatech]

Is there any impact on the service capacity on unlocked devices and carrier branded? I know people say that carrier device comes with bloatware and carrier branded apps.

I've seen carriers say that service capabilities are limited
when having unlocked devices. That carrier branded have certain settings that improve service which unlocked devices do not. That's what I've been told when I have speed test issues or SMS send/receive issues. Are they just saying that to discourage owning unlocked devices?

To me, they're all the same devices and carrier versions have all their branded apps and specific carrier settings making it only usable on with that carrier. Unlocked allows you to take it to any carrier. Service shouldn't be affected.

You ask carriers they will say bull**** like that. Personally I haven’t had any issues and don’t think there is any difference. There may be difference in the way signal bars are represented on the UI like may be carrier firmwares show more bars than us unlocked or stuff like that. I’m sure some one here will say i had better this or that on carrier model vs unlocked. But personally IMO i don’t think there is any in terms of call, data speed performance. In terms of certain carrier features available on Unlocked models that varies from from carrier to carrier (looking at you crappy AT&T).

But at the end to me there isn’t anything deal breaker that will have me even consider the carrier model over unlocked model. NEVER

 

[Mike Dee]

Recommended not needed .... I think that's Verizon being just conservative and nothing else in my opinion. But if it eases ones mind sure use a new SIM if you can get it for free by dropping into a store.

Verizon's 5G coverage sucks anyway no matter what SIM you put into it. At least it does anywhere near me including Manhattan. The fact that LTE and WIFi works great eliminates the need for me anyway at the moment otherwise I would switch carriers.

https://www.speedtest.net/ookla-5g-map

 

[cardboard60]

Man it seems too many people are turning to the carriers to buy universal unlocked phones.
Stay away from the carrier unlocked phones.

 

[bkdodger2]

I refuse to give a carrier upgrade fees..you not doing a thing I can’t do myself

 

[cardboard60]

Nothing to do with upgrade fees.

I don't even want a unlocked phone from a carrier.

 

[o4liberty]

I refuse to give a carrier upgrade fees..you not doing a thing I can’t do myself

I always call a few weeks later and get a credit for these fees I feel the same way plus I always order online because store purchases can't be credited back.

 

[bhatech]

Nothing to do with upgrade fees.

I don't even want a unlocked phone from a carrier.

Any carrier phone can be sim unlocked but still running crappy carrier firmware, only thing it can be used on any carrier after sim unlock.

The reason I buy US unlocked model is not that because I can use on any carrier, but it's because it runs clean firmware as Samsung intended. If only SIM unlocking was important then I would gladly buy a carrier model since SIM unlocking them is straight forward.

 

[bkdodger2]

I always call a few weeks later and get a credit for these fees I feel the same way plus I always order online because store purchases can't be credited back.

That's not bad as long they credit back ... It's crazy ... First they never offer any good deals for upgrades only once in awhile ... I know you need to entice new customers but take care those with you ....

 

[ROE_HUNTER]

I refuse to give a carrier upgrade fees..you not doing a thing I can’t do myself

I forgot about the upgrade fee, makes me even more happy I ordered unlocked from Samsung direct.

 

[simplepink]

You ask carriers they will say bull**** like that. Personally I haven’t had any issues and don’t think there is any difference. There may be difference in the way signal bars are represented on the UI like may be carrier firmwares show more bars than us unlocked or stuff like that. I’m sure some one here will say i had better this or that on carrier model vs unlocked. But personally IMO i don’t think there is any in terms of call, data speed performance. In terms of certain carrier features available on Unlocked models that varies from from carrier to carrier (looking at you crappy AT&T).

But at the end to me there isn’t anything deal breaker that will have me even consider the carrier model over unlocked model. NEVER

Thanks for being the only one to reply and help me out with this question! I have an unlocked device I purchased from Samsung and every time I have data speeds and call quality issues with any carrier, I'm being told that it might be because of my unlocked device which isn't a carrier version to give it the most optimal service performance and quality. They say carrier devices are set up and made to work on the carrier network at the best performance possible. Having unlocked could be reason why performance isn't the same but that seems all BS to discourage customers so they buy into carrier devices.

I care about call quality and service/data performance. If there is no impact on service among any carrier on unlocked devices, I rather continue buying unlocked!

 

[simplepink]

So now there is a difference among carrier unlocked devices and manufacturer unlocked devices?! What!!

It seems from replies, it only has to do with the SMS?

Good point about the cleaner firmware when getting directly from manufacturer. There's no tampering from the carrier.

 

[cardboard60]

Why is it the universal unlocked models are the ones that hasn't been running hot when charging.

My buddy is on T-Mobile.
He said he can be sitting right under a 5g tmobile tower on top of a telephone pole.

And don't have a strong signal.

T-Mobile don't have strong signals..

My son is on tmobile.
He has a iphone.
He said you either have service, or you don't.

Somebody on here has to have a T-Mobile carrier locked phone.
Ask them how strong their phone is everywhere.

 

[cardboard60]

T-Mobile customers.
Go to a T-Mobile store.
Get T-Mobile to show you the 5G speeds they are supposed to have.
Find out where the speeds exist.

 

[cardboard60]

T-Mobile is 2 people on 2 lines for 70.00 a month.
If you find a place that you get good 5G service.
You was very lucky.

 

[ROE_HUNTER]

I have a question to add to this thread. I am an ATT customer with Unlimited Plan which includes 30GB Hotspot which I do use. Will the Hotspot work on the unlocked Z Fold 2 I ordered?

 

[bbgpsuser]

I have a question to add to this thread. I am an ATT customer with Unlimited Plan which includes 30GB Hotspot which I do use. Will the Hotspot work on the unlocked Z Fold 2 I ordered?

That should work without any issue.