Unlocked phone?

[lisalisa07]

Hi all! Been awhile... I have been torn between fold and note 20 ultra and finally decided on the note. The only option to buy is unlocked. I've never had an unlocked phone before so how does that work exactly? Thanks in advance!!

 

[Kizzy Catwoman]

It should be the same experience as carrier version but it depends on your network and country you live in.

Can you provide those details? And welcome back.

 

[bandofbrothers2112]

Typically you'll own the phone outright instead of it being attached to a network i.e locked.

You'll be able to put any sim card in it you want to.

When you insert your carrier sim card this should drive set up messages to get things like the Internet working i.e apn settings.

You'll now get software and security updates direct from Samsung and not determined by a Network.

Some Network's also dictate to Samsung what they want and don't want in pushed out updates which can delay a phone getting updates occasionally.

The downside to an unlocked phone is that some networks only allow some network features work on a phone supplied directly by them as those phone's have the networks flavour of software on them.

My advice comes from being a UK resident.

Enjoy your phone.

 

[2kchevy]

I have a n20u that is unlocked and I will never have a locked phone ever again. Love mine best phone I have ever had

 

[lisalisa07]

Thanks for all the info guys ?????? I'm currently with Verizon and live in the US

 

[sulla1965]

Well if you going to be sticking with a particular carrier, then its still OK to get a locked version. Especially if your getting a deal from the carrier. Unlocked basically means you get updates directly from Samsung.

 

[lisalisa07]

I usually do get a Verizon phone, but they’re all sold out, so that’s why I’m going with unlocked. Never had one before, but I think it’ll be ok. Just didn’t know the ins and outs of it. I’m assuming I just go into Verizon and have it activated once the phone is delivered?

 

[bandofbrothers2112]

Must be different in the states ?

In the UK when the phone arrives all we do is pop in our sim card and everything works from the get go.

All we get is setup texts for Apn's etc.

 

[lisalisa07]

I have no idea lol. I have a note 10+ right now, so maybe I take the SIM card from that phone? Hopefully it’ll come with some kind of instruction when delivered

 

[bgbagz]

Must be different in the states ?

In the UK when the phone arrives all we do is pop in our sim card and everything works from the get go.

All we get is setup texts for Apn's etc.

Same in the US... Just pop in thr Sim and turn on the phone...

 

[danhartman26]

I usually do get a Verizon phone, but they’re all sold out, so that’s why I’m going with unlocked. Never had one before, but I think it’ll be ok. Just didn’t know the ins and outs of it. I’m assuming I just go into Verizon and have it activated once the phone is delivered?

I just took my Verizon sim out of my Note 9 and put it in my unlocked N20U a year ago, and everything has worked great. I get 5G, and even 5GUW signal when available.

If I remember correctly, Verizon did throw the activation fee on my bill; But there was no need to go to the store or even call them.

I did call though to make sure my insurance transferred to the new phone. I think you can do that in the app, but for me it wasn't clear enough without having a rep confirm...

 

[lisalisa07]

Thanks for all the great info everyone!!! It's been a frustrating couple weeks trying to decide. My upgrade came up, and alas no note 21... so I toyed with the idea of the fold 3 for awhile, and my husband finally talked me out of it. I was really on the fence. So I finally settled on getting the note 20 U even though it's already a year old . I then come to find out verizon ones are sold out ugh. So now I'm getting g an unlocked one through Samsung, which I've never done before. I did get a good trade in and some free galaxy buds live, so that's pretty cool. I also like that it's through samsung this time around so I can make high payments when able, and maybe pay it off early,that's a plus for sure. I feel better about getting the unlocked one after reading everyone's responses , thanks again!

 

[KupKrazy]

If I recall, I think all Verizon branded phones are unlocked anyway. I have ATT and I usually get the ATT model and then unlock it which you can do if you've paid for it outright. (I think there may be a 30/60 day period after a new phone launch though). Updates tend to go to carrier models before the unlocked versions. The only phones I buy unlocked are iPhones since I know none of the carriers will be disabling any features for their unlocked phones. But, that said, definitely don't feel bad at all - an unlocked phone is liberating! I only know of ATT blocking voice over wifi for unlocked phones but not even sure that is the case. I recally people saying here that Verizon does not do that so you should be all good.

 

[Mike Dee]

If I recall, I think all Verizon branded phones are unlocked anyway. I have ATT and I usually get the ATT model and then unlock it which you can do if you've paid for it outright. (I think there may be a 30/60 day period after a new phone launch though). Updates tend to go to carrier models before the unlocked versions. The only phones I buy unlocked are iPhones since I know none of the carriers will be disabling any features for their unlocked phones. But, that said, definitely don't feel bad at all - an unlocked phone is liberating! I only know of ATT blocking voice over wifi for unlocked phones but not even sure that is the case. I recally people saying here that Verizon does not do that so you should be all good.

Verizon phones have Verizon firmware and are not the same as a Samsung unlocked unbranded device. Verizon branded are carrier unlocked so that you can use other carrier SIMs however awhile back they sold them them as locked for 60 days. They claimed this was to reduce theft. The Verizon branded version won't let you use certain Samsung features like FindMyMobile which may Samsung's Smart Things App. You could install the unlocked firmware though.

 

[Mike Dee]

I just took my Verizon sim out of my Note 9 and put it in my unlocked N20U a year ago, and everything has worked great. I get 5G, and even 5GUW signal when available.

If I remember correctly, Verizon did throw the activation fee on my bill; But there was no need to go to the store or even call them.

I did call though to make sure my insurance transferred to the new phone. I think you can do that in the app, but for me it wasn't clear enough without having a rep confirm...

I'm surprised....when I swap SIMs I do not get charged.

 

[lisalisa07]

If I recall, I think all Verizon branded phones are unlocked anyway. I have ATT and I usually get the ATT model and then unlock it which you can do if you've paid for it outright. (I think there may be a 30/60 day period after a new phone launch though). Updates tend to go to carrier models before the unlocked versions. The only phones I buy unlocked are iPhones since I know none of the carriers will be disabling any features for their unlocked phones. But, that said, definitely don't feel bad at all - an unlocked phone is liberating! I only know of ATT blocking voice over wifi for unlocked phones but not even sure that is the case. I recally people saying here that Verizon does not do that so you should be all good.

Thank you! I was worried cause when I googled it, it said some carriers might not take unlocked phones, but I think I'm ok

 

[danhartman26]

You'll be fine on Verizon

 

[Mike Dee]

Thank you! I was worried cause when I googled it, it said some carriers might not take unlocked phones, but I think I'm ok

I've been using unlocked phones for at least 5 years on Verizon