S9 Plus Unlocked Vs. S9 Plus Carrier Locked

[TimmyTwo2]

I know at one point there was something different, feature-wise, with carrier locked phones versus unlocked phones. I know the unlocked phones come with less bloatware. However, I heard before that features like WiFi Calling or VoLTE calling aren't available on Unlocked phones, is that still the case? I am debating an S9 Plus Unlocked but with a Sprint SIM through Samsung.com or a Sprint locked S9 Plus through Samsung.com. Since they are the same price with the same incentives, I really want to know (other than less bloat) is there a reason to go with the unlocked model or really a drawback to it?

 

[dmateo]

I prefer unlocked no matter what the device

 

[Centerman66]

It's a reasonable gap if you are going to use with AT&T. They don't non AT&T branded device's to use wifi calling or HD calling. Also makes visual voice mail a bit more difficult to setup.

 

[L0n3N1nja]

Might be beneficial to talk with Sprint about their policies for unlocked devices.

Otherwise we need a Sprint customer to chime in, as my experiences with T-Mobile/Verizon won't directly apply to your situation.

 

[TimmyTwo2]

Thanks for being honest. Sprint will probably be zero help on the differences. Hopefully, someone who knows Sprint can chime in.

 

[scottbeamer]

Thanks for being honest. Sprint will probably be zero help on the differences. Hopefully, someone who knows Sprint can chime in.

Unlocked devices are gonna be GSM, which means they won't work with carriers like Sprint and Verizon.

 

[codeda]

Unlocked devices are gonna be GSM, which means they won't work with carriers like Sprint and Verizon.

Actually the US unlocked s9 works with Verizon and sprint as well.

 

[scottbeamer]

Oops, my bad.

 

[TimmyTwo2]

If the Sales Rep at Sprint is to be believed:

Your Sprint chat transcript
This is an automated email. Please do not respond to this email address as it does not accept incoming email.
Jessica : Hi, I'm a Sprint sales specialist. Would you like any help today?
You : If I purchase an unlocked Galaxy S9 Plus through Samsung, will I still be able to use Calling PLUS on it?
Jessica : I would be more than happy to help you with purchasing device.
Jessica : May I ask you a few questions to better assist you today?
You : sure
Jessica : Yes, you can use Calling Plus in an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus.
You : OK, will visual voicemail still work on an Unlocked S9 Plus?
Jessica : Yes, all functions will be working with S9 Plus.
You : HPUE too?
Jessica : Yes, you can use SPUE also with unlocked S9 Plus.
Jessica : There is no problem in function of device if it is unlocked.
You : So the difference between an unlocked phone and one setup locked to Sprint is only that it won't come pre-loaded with Sprint apps?
Jessica : Yes, you are correct.
You : Cool, thanks!

 

[TimmyTwo2]

Does anyone have an unlocked S9 or S9 Plus on Sprint and can confirm the above is true for sure?

 

[scottbeamer]

Does anyone have an unlocked S9 or S9 Plus on Sprint and can confirm the above is true for sure?

I don't, but that rep is very suspect.