Buying non contract phones - what do I need to know?

ultimate_ed

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Dec 23, 2009
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I've been with Verizon for probably close to 10 years and have typically replaced my phone when the two year contract was up, taking advantage of the subsidy.

However, even though I only use about 2GB of data on each of the three lines that we have, it would cost me at least $60 more a month for service if I were to switch from our unlimited plans to a family share plan. So, I have pretty well resolved that I'm never buying a subsidized phone from Verizon again and facing a contract renewal and plan change.

Which means I need to understand what the options and considerations are when it comes to buying phones in the future. I think it will be somewhat easier as all three of my family's current phones are already 4G LTE phones with their SIM cards (2 Galaxy Nexus + 1 Galaxy S3). I assume that switching to a different phone would just be a matter of popping the SIM card out of a current phone and installing it into a "new" one and making it mine?

I expect the easiest way would be to just buy a new phone unsubsidized from Verizon. Would it still come with a SIM card and would I just stick it in a drawer and put my old card in to "activate" it?

What I'm less sure about it buying used. Do I need to be concerned if I buy a used phone that it would somehow still be locked to the original owner and I wouldn't be able to use my SIM card to make it mine? Is there some hassle that I have to face with Verizon before I could use a phone that I bought from somewhere else?

What else do I need to know?

Thanks to all,
 

Unicorn Rancher

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Jul 12, 2012
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Verizon has been CDMA but they claim they're switching over to LTE. If that's true, you should be able to use any LTE devices with the right frequencies.
 

mesocyclonic

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The biggest thing to keep in mind is to make sure if you buy used that the phone has a clean ESN. Verizon only allows approved phones on their network, and if you end up purchasing a phone that was reported stolen and had its ESN blacklisted, you'll have a paperweight. Get the ESN of the phone from the seller and check with VZW if you go that route. Otherwise, if you buy a new phone (again, make sure it's the Verizon specific version), all you need is a SIM card from VZW to put in and you're set to go.

If you're just trying to keep unlimited data, it is possible to transfer the upgrades to a new dummy line and get subsidized phones for your unlimited lines: http://forums.androidcentral.com/verizon/227608-instruction-how-keep-unlimited-data-verizon.html
 

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