Looking to purchase an unlocked S10+ , but...

[LilSweetLin]

The worst thing I could have possibly done was to read the reviews for the S10+ on the Samsung site. I tend to read the one star reviews first and work my way up to the five star. Well, I saw a bunch of people calling the phone "garbage", either because of network connection issues, no VoLTE, etc. What's the deal? For instance, on my current Nexus 6P, I'm able to make calls at home, where I'm exclusively on WiFi (with mobile data left on). Most times, I'll see an "HD" icon on the call screen. When I go out, I tend to toggle WiFi off in favor of LTE so my phone doesn't search for networks to connect to. Then, when I return home, I toggle WiFi back on. I was just going to make my purchase when I was scared off.

I'm on T-Mobile's Simply Prepaid $50 plan in Queens. At least two reviewers complained about Samsung not being clear about the features lacking in the unlocked phones. Should I be worried? Will I have to make a trip to a local store to have a rep ensure things work properly? I mean, I was planning on switching out my old SIM for a fresh one to go with the phone anyway, but still. I thought I'd just be able to unbox the phone, insert my SIM card in and be set to go. I don't take spending $1,088.74 lightly. Can anyone confirm or deny having these or other issues with the unlocked S10+ on T-Mobile? What should I do?

 

[Rukbat]

Whether an unlocked phone will work on a particular carrier's WiFi voice depends on the carrier, and it's usually no. But some carriers have apps you can install to allow it. Check with TMobile - not an independent store or customer service - tech support may know, or a company-owned store may be able to call the right people to find out.

You should be able to switch out the SIM and be good to go (that's all it took with my Pixel 2, also on TMobile at the time), but I'm in a solidly-covered area (which is why I chose TMobile), so I can't easily check whether WiFi voice works or not. (It appears to - in airplane mode I can't make a call. If I turn WiFi on, I can. But I won't say it definitely works - turning on WiFi may disable Airplane mode for some things - like voice.) So ... It's something you'd definitely have to check with TMobile, and if your local store isn't a TMobile-owned store, you'll have to call them and hope you can get someone who knows. Or buy it, try it and, if it doesn't work, return it.

 

[bkeaver]

Unlocked will work fine I had an unlocked s9+ on tmobile and everything worked just fine without having to configure anything.

 

[Garz]

Didnt you already post this same question in another thread? I already gave you your answer. Mine is a factory unlocked on tmobile.

 

[itic]

Id say dont get the samsung if youve been on stock android. The TW IU and carrier restrictions will drive you nuts...

 

[pontiac005]

The S10 plus has been an amazing phone and alot of people like it. Haven't had a problem with anything on an unlocked phone with prepaid.

 

[gendo667]

Id say dont get the samsung if youve been on stock android. The TW IU and carrier restrictions will drive you nuts...

One UI is actually pretty great. I rotate between that and Nova at my leisure.