Unlocked phones vs Locked phones

[TechNerd65]

i am getting a new phone at the moment i have sprint my contract is running out so i was thinking a getting a smaller carrier but unlocked phones are more expensive. should i stick to my large carrier and get a phone for less of a price with a bigger bill or go with a smaller carrier buying a more expensive phone and a smaller bill.

[Flyguygamer]

We went unlocked phones and save a ton of money in the long run. Well worth it.

[FlakeyBanana]

Normally in my family we get unlocked phones and sometimes swap with each other. Also at the end of your contract it can add to the resale/reuse value of the phone you have. Although it is possible to get a locked phone and manually unlock it for free if you know how.

[TheKDub]

how long do you plan to use the phone?

[Shd0w2]

Normally in my family we get unlocked phones and sometimes swap with each other. Also at the end of your contract it can add to the resale/reuse value of the phone you have. Although it is possible to get a locked phone and manually unlock it for free if you know how.

It's illegal, but, no one really cares.

[FlakeyBanana]

It's illegal, but, no one really cares.

 

i don't think its illegal in the U.K. but yeah none cares if you unlock.

[Ruostunut kokis]

Who buys locked phones? On initial purchase it might sound smart to save some money as opposed to unlocked ones, but after a year or two you will regret the decision. I'd say just save to afford an unlocked one.

[TechNerd65]

how long do you plan to use the phone?

about a year, year and a half. but 2 years if i go to a contract again.

[TechNerd65]

Normally in my family we get unlocked phones and sometimes swap with each other. Also at the end of your contract it can add to the resale/reuse value of the phone you have. Although it is possible to get a locked phone and manually unlock it for free if you know how.

yea but if you unlock it they you still have to cancel the carrier and they will make you pay for a cancellation fee and the rest of the phone. 

[TheKDub]

It's illegal, but, no one really cares.

 

In the USA it is legal.

[TyagoDani]

do the math and take the price of the unlocked phone and add the equivalent number of months with the plan that you want and compare it to the price of the locked phone with the number of months that you are going to be paying for it and see what's cheaper

 

for example: 350$ unlocked phone with a 20$/month plan for 2 years = 350 + (20x24) = 830$ | 50$ locked phone with a 25$/month plan for 2 years = 50 + (25x24) = 650$

 

so the locked phone is cheaper but you can't change carriers without paying a bahimoth amount of money so yeah.....

[brokencross]

so the locked phone is cheaper but you can't change carriers without paying a bahimoth amount of money so yeah.....

Like 2$ on ebay, you mean?

Granted it's an android, obviously.

[kirashi]

It's illegal, but, no one really cares.

 

In the USA it is legal.

 

They tell you it's illegal. And when done for reasons us consumers call "carrier freedom" or for the ability to jump your existing carriers' contract before it expires, then I'd have to agree.

However, when done for research purposes with the intention of improving the security of the aforementioned products, it is OK. In fact, it's how many developers who started on XDA-Developers.com got employment at companies such as HTC or Samsung to assist in the development of their products.

 

Under the DMCA 17 U.S. Code § 1201(g)(3) as described below there are exemptions to the rules around breaking encryption measures in the name of research.

Obviously I am not a lawyer, and do not wish to be taken as such. Also, you would need to prove your legitimacy in your own case, but the idea of unlocking a cell phone is not illegal. It's why and how you do it that is.

( B ) whether the person is engaged in a legitimate course of study, is employed, or is appropriately trained or experienced, in the field of encryption technology; and

( C ) whether the person provides the copyright owner of the work to which the technological measure is applied with notice of the findings and documentation of the research, and the time when such notice is provided.