Locked vs unlocked?

[Jims S5]

Is there a lot less bloatware on unlocked? Saw a few discussions about what works/doesn't like wifi calling etc.

Unlocked is 300 off but carrier version is 200 off.

What should I watch out for?

 

[libra89]

I think the answer to your question is carrier dependent. What carrier do you have?

If you have Verizon, you have to use their visual voicemail app with their version. And you get the video calling. However, if you get the unlocked, you can use the Samsung voicemail app (if you are on postpaid) instead.

 

[mustang7757]

Is there a lot less bloatware on unlocked? Saw a few discussions about what works/doesn't like wifi calling etc.

Unlocked is 300 off but carrier version is 200 off.

What should I watch out for?

You will have less bloat , no carrier splash screen , if you unlock a carrier phone, any sim from different carrier will load their bloat and apps

 

[fuzzylumpkin]

Obviously the network operator can put their own stuff on, but there's still a good amount of crap on the unlocked version.

As well as their own apps, Samsung also shill for other companies because greed.

 

[Casey Cheung]

My unlocked S9 phone was purchased from Best Buy, which was the first time I ever bought a phone from that store. The past 4 or 5 smartphones I had were purchased directly from Verizon. I must say, I don't miss seeing the Verizon splash screen or whatever it's called. Although I can't quantify it from memory or direct comparison, my impression is that my unlocked phone from Best Buy has less bloatware installed versus from Verizon. I used to worry that Best Buy phone salespersons were unqualified (compared to Verizon reps), but I was pleasantly surprised by the Best Buy guy that helped me. Also, Best Buy seems to have more discount deals versus Verizon for various phone models. On top of that, you can buy the previous model (eg: S9) at Best Buy, but you can only buy the latest S10 phones if you go to a typical Verizon store. The other thing that bothered me a bit was Verizon's policy for buying a phone outright in cash (versus charging to my Verizon account). Verizon gave me some lengthy explanation that I cannot purchase the phone outright in cash, as it would take a month or so for billing cycle to go through, after which I could then do so. Didn't make much sense to me. Best Buy on the other hand said fine, it's perfectly okay to pay for my phone in full. So I did.

 

[bxrider117]

So I just purchased an unlocked S10E from Bestbuy. I'm using it on Verizon network. I'm enjoying it so far. I took advantage of $300 off from Bestbuy and I went with the 8gb/256gb version.

 

[mustang7757]

So I just purchased an unlocked S10E from Bestbuy. I'm using it on Verizon network. I'm enjoying it so far. I took advantage of $300 off from Bestbuy and I went with the 8gb/256gb version.

Not bad 300.00 off , enjoy your phone!

 

[Jims S5]

Any issues with data? Thought I read about 2 gig limit? I have unlimited now....trying to decipher the fine print if using Verizon.

 

[Morty2264]

I'd say both have advantages. I prefer unlocked versus carrier, but that's mainly because I like to pay it off more quickly. But yes, the lack of bloatware was a big factor as well.

 

[mustang7757]

I like to revisit this topic again, as a person that flashes firmware between carrier and unlocked , from my personal experience since I run 2 carriers TMobile and Att I do like the unlocked firmware alot but the reception is far better with carrier version . and I think a unlocked carrier version is the way to go maybe do the optimize carrier aggression that's in it's firmware.

 

[Morty2264]

I like to revisit this topic again, as a person that flashes firmware between carrier and unlocked , from my personal experience since I run 2 carriers TMobile and Att I do like the unlocked firmware alot but the reception is far better with carrier version . and I think a unlocked carrier version is the way to go maybe do the optimize carrier aggression that's in it's firmware.

There are definitely benefits to going unlocked or carrier locked. I also like the warranty that comes when you buy through the carrier but you can also get warranties through Square Trade or through manufacturer-specific lines like Samsung and Google.

 

[Jims S5]

Picked it up for 349. Unlocked, Verizon. So far so good. Still sporting my S5 till my case arrives.

 

[mustang7757]

Picked it up for 349. Unlocked, Verizon. So far so good. Still sporting my S5 till my case arrives.

That's a great price, congrats and enjoy

 

[Jims S5]

Now to figure out how to change my screen name......

 

[mustang7757]

Now to figure out how to change my screen name......

Screen name ?

 

[Anastayja1]

I like to revisit this topic again, as a person that flashes firmware between carrier and unlocked , from my personal experience since I run 2 carriers TMobile and Att I do like the unlocked firmware alot but the reception is far better with carrier version . and I think a unlocked carrier version is the way to go maybe do the optimize carrier aggression that's in it's firmware.

I have the unlocked S10+ and a T-Mobile S10 (just got it this week) and for some reason I'm liking the carrier firmware on my S10. Shocking, I know. It just seems to work better for me. I used to be a flashaholic in the past and now I'm a little apprehensive and too lazy to try and figure out how to flash the T-Mobile firmware to my S10+ even with the guides that are available. However, I do not like the T-Mobile boot animation. Thinking I may switch to carrier Samsung devices from now on instead of unlocked because of how well they work.

 

[mustang7757]

I have the unlocked S10+ and a T-Mobile S10 (just got it this week) and for some reason I'm liking the carrier firmware on my S10. Shocking, I know. It just seems to work better for me. I used to be a flashaholic in the past and now I'm a little apprehensive and too lazy to try and figure out how to flash the T-Mobile firmware to my S10+ even with the guides that are available. However, I do not like the T-Mobile boot animation. Thinking I may switch to carrier Samsung devices from now on instead of unlocked because of how well they work.

Yeah I agree , the flashing not hard it's not blike it use to be , I'm on T-Mobile s10+ also , don't like the splash screen either lol but TMobile firmware has very little bloat and works good .

 

[Anastayja1]

Yeah I agree , the flashing not hard it's not blike it use to be , I'm on T-Mobile s10+ also , don't like the splash screen either lol but TMobile firmware has very little bloat and works good .

Yeah, I wish I knew this before. I read soo many complaints about bloat and always went the unlocked route due to this. T-Mobile isn't bad with bloat at all.

Question for you, if you flash the T-Mobile firmware to an unlocked phone does the IMEI show up in T-Mobile's database or would you still need to have them add it? Sorry if this was asked/answered already.

 

[mustang7757]

Yeah, I wish I knew this before. I read soo many complaints about bloat and always went the unlocked route due to this. T-Mobile isn't bad with bloat at all.

Question for you, if you flash the T-Mobile firmware to an unlocked phone does the IMEI show up in T-Mobile's database or would you still need to have them add it? Sorry if this was asked/answered already.

You can definitely flash it, the IMEI number would probably be seen as register on T-Mobile after but a quick look up can show what orginal phone it was . But that don't matter because you'll get updates from TMobile after the flash if that's what your worry about.

 

[jmj227]

Bought the s10E for my wife through the best buy promotion for $350. It was my first unlocked phone and I can confirm the lack of carrier bloat is astounding. On my prior two Samsung phones from Verizon I would spend the first 15 minutes deleting some 20+ apps of bloat. The only one I was surprised to see on the unlocked was Spotify, which is fine. Facebook is also preloaded.

Currently helping her with the switch from iPhone. Wish me luck!