Unlocked vs Locked+unlock code, unlocking Boost Mobile version

[YAYTech]

Couple questions:

- what's going to be the difference in the user experience of having a factory unlocked E4 vs a prepaid E4 unlocked with a code? I assume the prepaid ones tend to come with carrier apps. Issues with updates? Any other issues?

- Are there unlock codes available for the Boost Mobile version of the E4?

 

[SpookDroid]

Correct on the first point. Locked versions are carrier-branded, which means they'll have their carrier modifications added to them. Also, updates will have to go through them first, so you might not get an update that's released for the factory-unlocked E4 until later, or depending on how lazy the carrier is, ever at all. In some cases, though, carriers do release the updates before (it's been the case with a couple Samsung phones and T-Mobile).

 

[YAYTech]

Safe to assume that unlocking with a code doesn't mess with it getting updates?

 

[SpookDroid]

Nope, you'd still get any carrier-released updates... IF they don't lock them to using their SIMs. Not sure about Boost Mobile phones, but some AT&T phones will not update unless you have an AT&T SIM in it, even if they've been unlocked.

 

[YAYTech]

Any way to get a Verizon prepaid phone that's unlocked to work with Verizon non-prepaid service, without having to pay for prepaid service? Seems like since it's on Verizon, they know it was a prepaid device, and aren't letting it work even though it's unlocked.

 

[Inundated]

VZW's prepaid phones don't work on postpaid until whatever time/prepaid service money is fulfilled. That figure is generally on the back of the phone box.

 

[mobrules]

VZW's prepaid phones don't work on postpaid until whatever time/prepaid service money is fulfilled. That figure is generally on the back of the phone box.

That's simply not true. I bought one....loaded 30 day service on it.......immediately called and had it switched to a postpaid line. Took about an hour.

Verizon will tell you that. But it's not correct.