Unlocked vs Carrier

[mustang7757]

Yes just put whatever sim you have and it works perfectly fine.

Perfect , thank you

 

[buzzy3970]

My note 9 is sim unlocked
When I put my other sim Att it loads all att stuff plus splash screen, when i switch sims it automatically restart the phone to apply the new carrier configuration. Hope that helps

That's what most unlocked Samsung phones do. That's why I'm confused about the less bloatware comments.

 

[LdotAdot13]

How do you get by without paying the activation fee and through what carrier do you have? Thanks.

I'm on Verizon. I chose no activation. I'm just going to swap my SIM card into the unlocked one when it comes.

 

[srgonu]

That's what most unlocked Samsung phones do. That's why I'm confused about the less bloatware comments.

This doesn't happen with t-mobile

 

[phillthedrill]

I'm on Verizon. I chose no activation. I'm just going to swap my SIM card into the unlocked one when it comes.

But don't you save $10 if you do activate it....am I missing something? Since getting it on Verizon through Best Buy whether you get unlocked or not, you get $50 off and the activation is $40?

 

[strikeIII]

AT&T is really the only carrier where it's best to have the carrier model they don't allow wifi calling, video calling, advanced sms and other things if you have an unlocked version.

 

[hasasimo]

All things being even, unlocked used to be the way to go back in the day. Not anymore. But for that extra trade-in value, I can see why some would do it.

Using video calling straight from the dialer is great for me. Plus there's always debate whether the unlocked model has all the band frequencies. Like T-Mobile's 700mHz band. Then there's being able to use JOD and always get the next new Galaxy or Note, no messing with firmware flashes, etc.

 

[nocaldawg]

So if I am reading this thread correctly, I could use an unlocked Note10+ on Verizon. I just need to pop my Note 9 Sim in and I'm ready to roll? I'll be able to use all features and avoid the bloat? Only downside is slow updates?

 

[mustang7757]

So if I am reading this thread correctly, I could use an unlocked Note10+ on Verizon. I just need to pop my Note 9 Sim in and I'm ready to roll? I'll be able to use all features and avoid the bloat? Only downside is slow updates?

Pretty much , software updates can be fast at times and can be really slow due to all 4 carriers giving the ok for unlocked version.

 

[nocaldawg]

Pretty much , software updates can be fast at times and can be really slow due to all 4 carriers giving the ok for unlocked version.

Thanks. Might have to see if I can modify my pre-order. That extra $300 trade in would be nice.

 

[mustang7757]

Thanks. Might have to see if I can modify my pre-order. That extra $300 trade in would be nice.

Your welcome , definitely does help a lot.

 

[bhatech]

That's what most unlocked Samsung phones do. That's why I'm confused about the less bloatware comments.

Doesn't happen on T-Mobile or Verizon with the US unlocked model. There isn't any trace of carrier bloat after I put either of those carrier SIM in the unlocked model at least on the last two Samsung flagships. Can't speak of other carriers as I haven't used them.

 

[geraldem]

AT&T is really the only carrier where it's best to have the carrier model they don't allow wifi calling, video calling, advanced sms and other things if you have an unlocked version.

I agree, but non of those services have been something I have used. All of my family is on iMessage, so not an issue. Wifi Calling is not something I use, maybe I should, but have never found it needed. And video calling...again whole family is on Apple, so not really using video calling. if needed will use Skype.

 

[buzzy3970]

This doesn't happen with t-mobile

Haven't tried it on my S10+, but my Verizon note 9 flashes to T-Mobile whenever I insert a T-Mobile SIM. S8+ did it as well...

 

[Mike Dee]

Yes just put whatever sim you have and it works perfectly fine. Even if you choose activation it doesn't matter, they just give you a free sim of the carrier you choose to activate. But even after that you can put whatever you want.

I purchased unlocked and purposely chose not to activate because I thought I would get a charge. Good to know for future. Is that true if the Verizon model as well? I know there's no charge with Verizon model if you swap SIMs

 

[Mike Dee]

Thanks. Might have to see if I can modify my pre-order. That extra $300 trade in would be nice.

I believe you will have place a new order to change it.

 

[bhatech]

I purchased unlocked and purposely chose not to activate because I thought I would get a charge. Good to know for future. Is that true if the Verizon model as well? I know there's no charge with Verizon model if you swap SIMs

Yeah on Samsung.com if you choose the activation option for the unlocked model, they just throw in a free sim in the cart and nothing else. So once you receive the over up to you if you want to use the old sim or activate the new sim. Either way there isn't a charge since Samsung isn't going thru Verizon activation system and treating it as an upgrade etc.

 

[bdm219]

Question; I purchased the unlocked 10+ and added the Verizon sim at checkout. Help me see if I understand this correctly.
1) Use Samung supplied Verizon sim & pay $40 activation fee?
2) Use my existing sim in my Note 9 and just swap w/o the $40 charge?

TIA

 

[mustang7757]

Question; I purchased the unlocked 10+ and added the Verizon sim at checkout. Help me see if I understand this correctly.
1) Use Samung supplied Verizon sim & pay $40 activation fee?
2) Use my existing sim in my Note 9 and just swap w/o the $40 charge?

TIA

Don't pay activation fee it's unlocked just put your sim and you'll be fine

 

[bdm219]

That what I thought, thank you!