Contract vs Unlocked

[BasedChe]

This has confused me for a really long time and I still don't get it. People always say that unlocked is better but I don't understand why it is, if i'm not doing international roaming often how much money would I save off getting a unlocked if I kept my phone for say 3 years.

[Misanthrope]

Because mobile companies are quite frankly, shitty. You don't want to be forced to stay with one.

[BasedChe]

Because mobile companies are quite frankly, shitty. You don't want to be forced to stay with one.

The only problem I've ever had with a carrier is the Verizon lollipop update other than that the service has been good.

[Misanthrope]

The only problem I've ever had with a carrier is the Verizon lollipop update other than that the service has been good.

 

I still wouldn't bet 2 years or several hundred bucks of ETF on it. Seriously most people on contract will eventually run into some kind of issue, google it if you don't believe me.

[dizmo]

Are you talking about phones or contracts?

Phones can be both locked and unlocked. Unlocked phones mean you can put any SIM in it, and it will work provided the phone has the carriers bands.

Locked phones are locked to that one carrier, and will only work with their SIM.

 

If you go with a contract, they usually give you a really cheap phone. So, it depends entirely on your usage, and what kind of plans are available to you.

Sometimes it makes more sense to get a phone on a contract and not have to pay up front for it.