Unlocked phones are cell phones without SIM lock that can be used with any GSM carrier. Simply slip your SIM card into your new phone and you are ready to go. Due to their popularity, unlocked phones usually refer to GSM phones supporting SIM cards, for example AT&T and T-Mobile.
Lately however, meaning of the term unlocked phones has been extended beyond GSM technology reaching CDMA and iDEN phones. For instance the unlocked Verizon cell phones can be activated and used with the Page Plus prepaid plan. The unlocked Nextel phones can be used with Boost Mobile SIM cards.
Pay close attention before purchasing an unlocked phone. Unlocked Verizon phones cannot be used with GSM service providers, such AT&T or T-Mobile. CDMA carriers, such as Sprint and Verizon services cannot be used with unlocked GSM phones. Boost Mobile phones do not support Nextel or GSM sim cards. Confused?
Here are some tips that may help you avoid making common mistakes choosing an unlocked phone which in the end won’t work with your service provider. Please read carefully before purchasing an unlocked phone.
Tips & Guides
- GSM vs. CDMA vs. iDEN - Differences.
- What are dual-band, tri-band & quad-band phones?
- Tips on buying unlocked cell phones.
- What are Hybrid phones?
