What Are Unlocked Phones
To understand what it means to have an unlocked phone, one must first understand what it means to have locked phone. This section talks about the major differences between the two in order to help the reader to fully understand why an unlocked phone is more superior.
Locked Phones
A locked phone is one that is purchased from a particular cellular carrier and has been programmed to work only with the carrier's SIM cards. A locked phone usually comes with a subscriber contract that ties the user down to this network provider for one or two years. The reason why most major carriers "lock" the phone is because they subsidize its cost to entice customers to buy them. To earn back the lost revenue, they lock the subscriber in a contract.
Unlocked Phones
In contrast, an unlocked phone is a phone that is not tied to a particular network provider. It can be used with any cellular carrier that utilizes GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). GSM is a standard used by many providers across the globe. An unlocked phone can recognize a SIM card from any GSM network and use that network to make calls, send messages, and other forms of data. Also, it does not come with subscriber contracts, which makes it a more flexible and practical option for many people.
Why Buy An Unlocked Phone
Many people turn to unlocked phones because of their many advantages. For those who are still on the fence, this section will briefly discuss the seven advantages of purchasing an unlocked phone in greater detail.
1. Increased Network Compatibility
Because unlocked phones are not programmed to work with just one particular network, users can switch GSM networks when necessary. This is a big boon for people who frequently travel for work or leisure since it allows them to switch to other available network providers once they are out of their current provider's coverage zone.
2. Money Saver
Unlocked phones may appear to be more expensive at first, because one has to pay for the full retail price of the phone from the very start. Still, unlocked phones are more budget-friendly in the long run. For one, they do not come with long-term subscriber contracts, which lock one to a particular carrier. Users can opt to change network providers at any time without having to wait for the contract to expire or paying early termination fees. If on a budget, one can also use the phone with inexpensive, prepaid SIM cards, which provide cheaper call and messaging rates.
3. No Roaming Charges
Unlocked phones eliminate expensive roaming charges. When a person travels abroad and places a call, the phone carrier usually charges an add-on fee depending on the destination. This roaming fee is billed on top of the monthly subscriber fee, and can add up to a significant amount. Unlocked phones allow the user to simply buy a SIM card from the local carrier. This way, one can have a local phone number and pay local rates for calls and messages without the roaming charges.
4. More Network Options
An unlocked phone also allows a user to easily switch to a different network provider with better rates or service, especially if they are unhappy with their current cellular carrier. Since they are not tied down to a particular provider, unlocked phones give users more freedom to choose the network provider that suits their needs and budget.
5. Wider Range of Phone Models
Instead of being limited to a handful of units provided by their carrier, a person buying an unlocked phone can choose from a wider range of models. If one's preferred phone is not available with his or her current carrier, he or she can simply subscribe to a plan and buy an unlocked version of the preferred phone. Gadget lovers who want to stay up-to-date with the latest phones can also switch to a new unit easily without having to change their cell phone number or sign up for a new subscription plan.
6. Increased Resale Value
Someone who plans to sell the old cell phone will have an easier time selling it if it is unlocked. Unlocked phones can be sold for up to 30% more than a locked unit. It also attracts more buyers since they can easily use it with their existing network. For instance, if one is selling a BlackBerry phone that is locked to AT&T, the only buyers that would be interested in it are AT&T subscribers. However, if one is selling an unlocked Blackberry phone, it becomes more marketable to other network subscribers and even to people from other countries.
7. Easier to Customize
Unlocked phones also give more flexibility in terms of phone features and customization. Third-party applications have an easier time on unlocked phones, since there is no locking software to limit the access to these features. The user also has more control on the applications that run on the phone, since it is not pre-programmed by the service provider. Furthermore, one will find it easier to customize the look and feel of his her phone, and do away with preconfigured settings such as service provider wallpapers, notification sounds, and alert messages.
8. Easier to Service or Replace
When the cell phone needs to be serviced or replaced, having an unlocked cell phone is convenient. Just simply take out the SIM card and transfer it to another unlocked cell phone, and it will work just as well. If there is no spare cell phone at home, one can easily purchase a used unlocked cell phone inexpensively while waiting for the repairs to be finished. If the cell phone is beyond redemption, one can easily transition to another cell phone seamlessly by just inserting the SIM card.
Who Needs Unlocked Phones
The decision to buy unlocked phones ultimately depends on one's needs, preferences, and budget. Jetsetters benefit from this the most because it saves them money and gives them more flexibility. As for others, the appeal of having the freedom to customize their phone and use it just the way they want it, without being tied down to any contracts or commitments, is enough to make them switch to an unlocked phone
Unlocked Phone Brands
Unlocked phones can be bought from local phone manufacturer stores, authorized phone retailers, and through online sites. If one prefers to shop online for convenience, a good place to look for unlocked phones for sale is See71.com. It is one of the largest online selling sites to date, and offers a wide selection items from local and international sellers. Among the many unlocked phone brands that one can purchase are the following: Apple, Nokia, BlackBerry, HTC, Samsung, LG, and many more.
Buying Unlocked Phones on See71.com
Searching for unlocked phones in See71.com is easy. Just go to the See71.com website, and in the search box, type "unlocked cell phones." You will be directed to a results page displaying the all the items for sale. Another way to look for unlocked phones is to go to Electronics, then to Cell Phones & Accessories, and finally to Cell Phones & Smartphones. Under the Carriers category, click the "Unlocked" option, and the available unlocked phones will be displayed. You can further refine your search by adding other filters like brand, model, price, and condition, among others.
If you already have a phone model in mind though, you can also start searching by entering that in the search field. For instance, if you are looking for an iPhone, simply key in "iPhone 4S unlocked" to search through all the available listings. Compared to the other option where you have to scroll through search results full of unlocked phones that you do not want, you can just go straight to the specific cell phone model that you desire.
Conclusion
Unlocked phones are a great option for people who want to have more flexibility and freedom when it comes to selecting their phones and network providers. As mentioned in this buying guide, unlocked phones have several advantages over locked ones. For one, they can be used with any compatible GSM network. They also provide more choices, since they allow people to use whatever phone model they want as well as to subscribe to the cellular carrier that works best for them. Aside from that, unlocked phones are budget-friendly and help people save up on subscriber fees, and they can also be sold much more easily than locked phones. Lastly, unlocked phones give users to freedom to use the phone features they want and customize their phones according to their preference.
One of the best places to buy unlocked phones is at See71.com. , it has thousands of sellers providing a large selection of items that will fit any need or budget. Whatever unlocked phone one decides to buy, he or she can find a great deal on See71.com.
