Unlocked or Carrier?

[JoshDunc]

I am curious who opted for the unlocked version or a carrier version and why? My S8+ was bought through AT&T mainly because I have had NIGHTMARES dealing with the phone manufacturers themselves.

 

[djepperson1]

I did carrier due to lack of updates with lasts year nightmare with the s7 models. I don't really trust the unlocked models anymore got burned with last year's model

 

[bhatech]

I got the unlocked model, because I believe carriers are dumb pipes and I like my relation with them to pay for bandwidth and not for messing up with phone firmware, stick logos etc. I do know Samsung and LG US unlocked models get updates way slower than carrier models but still I bought the unlocked version because I don't like carriers and their customized phones. That's why I always buy non carrier unlocked models if it's OEM Android phone, Pixels or iPhones.

 

[Almeuit]

Carrier version. I want VoLTE to work on Verizon. Plus it was just easier to go through Verizon.

 

[Zendroid1]

Unlocked. Carrier Splash screens on startup drive me nuts. And the less bloat the better.

 

[krishnansasikumar]

Unlocked version as I use a MVNO network on T-Mobile.

My earlier phones were Nexus 6, IPhone 6s and OnePlus 3T. Realized a disadvantage of going for an unlocked Samsung phone in US. First, updates are slower than on carrier phone which is surprising.
Second, if there are issues with the phone, the carrier would check and replace of required. Here I have to go through Samsung and they don't have a donor phone policy. It's the same with Oneplus.

There are many advantages of having an unlocked phone and I think that far outweighs the cons

 

[anon(5719825)]

I got the unlocked S8+.

It was a no brainer decision for me after buying the unlocked S7 Edge. I will continue to buy the unlocked models each and every year.

 

[Ca_lvn]

Things have changed unlocked is receiving updates now at least within a months time

 

[justnivek]

I got the unlocked S8 (best buy) on sale for $624 (sold my S6 unlocked for $200 same day,)

I don't buy carrier locked phones cause prepaid spoiled me, my money is never consistently the same every month so when I can't pay my bill for a day or 2 I don't get late fees or hidden fees or anything, I just pay it and it's back on.

Also don't like bloatware, my phone is clean and I love that

 

[pduffer]

Unlocked. But the YouTube Tech Guy is stating ALL S8's are the same model number, no longer different phones based on carrier.

 

[bhatech]

Unlocked. But the YouTube Tech Guy is stating ALL S8's are the same model number, no longer different phones based on carrier.

They all have different firmwares. Verizon has Verizon crap, T-Mobile as TMobile crap, AT&T has don't know what because it has the worst nowadays. So they are all different phones out of the box.

You can flash firmwares across all the phones because they are all same model. Meaning if you have a carrier phone and want to flash an unlocked US firmware you can do that and same other way round.

 

[DamianP]

I am curious who opted for the unlocked version or a carrier version and why? My S8+ was bought through AT&T mainly because I have had NIGHTMARES dealing with the phone manufacturers themselves.

I got the unlocked S8 plus. Love it so far on ATT. I'm ok so far giving up wifi calling and VoLTE . I like no bloat and some of the Samsung branded features(integrated caller ID and search within the dialer).

 

[anon(123856)]

Carrier version. I want VoLTE to work on Verizon. Plus it was just easier to go through Verizon.

I have an unlocked S8 on Verizon prepaid and VoLTE is working. It's worked on the last two unlocked phones I've had.

 

[TylerLV76]

Things have changed unlocked is receiving updates now at least within a months time

Unlocked version hasn't had an update in a month and a half and no word on when it may be coming. I wouldn't say things have changed just yet. They received one update on time so far.

 

[cnotes2019]

Unlocked version all day every day I have service with all four carriers so it was an easy choice once again.

 

[andrew_ackley]

I was on Cricket and tempted by the unlocked model. Then I saw the deal Sprint was running and got half off the s8 plus. I pay like $5 a month for the phone and my bill is like 70 a month for unlimited. Pretty stoked and service is good where I live in Arkansas.

 

[DamianP]

As another reference point that having the branded/locked version is not a guarantee for getting updates, I also have the ATT branded LG G6 and its still on the MARCH security release.

 

[Almeuit]

I have an unlocked S8 on Verizon prepaid and VoLTE is working. It's worked on the last two unlocked phones I've had.

That's cool. I still just find it easier to go through Verizon. The few apps installed don't bother me. The boot screen doesn't either since it's only on a reboot .

 

[cnotes2019]

That's cool. I still just find it easier to go through Verizon. The few apps installed don't bother me. The boot screen doesn't either since it's only on a reboot .

But the boot screen is such an embarrassment its like saying hey everyone look at me. I have (********)

 

[Almeuit]

But the boot screen is such an embarrassment its like saying hey everyone look at me. I have (********)

Haha I know for some they can't stand it. I used to be bad about certain bloat and whatnot but as the years have gone on .. I have grown not to care. As long as it isn't some insane major change.. an app or two and a "Verizon" logo for 10 seconds on startup? Ehhh ¯\_(ツ)_/¯