What are the advantages and disadvantages of buying an "unlocked" cell phone? If you buy an "unlocked" cell phone, does it have to be activated or can you just turn it on manually?
by 
bumblebee
ANSWERS: 3
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PROS : you have all the features of the phone accessible without formatting by a service provider and without having to buy some kind of installation CD or etc..., you can activate those SIM card ones just by popping that card in, no activation calls or anything. CONS : you aren't covered by any warranties by your service provider or any company unless your contract with that seller says otherwise.
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An unlocked cell phone just allows you to use any service provider with your phone. But if your already with that service provider and you dont intend to sell the phone for a while it might be cheaper to keep it that way. If the unlocking is cheap then go for it i think its always more handy to have an unlocked phone just in case.
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There is a substantial difference in unlocked and locked phones. locked phones are generally cheaper than unlocked ones. unlocked phones means that you can switch between different carriers at any time, and if you go overseas, you can also use an overseas sim card in that phone. What usually happens with locked phones is that you either wait a certain period of time or pay a certain amount of money. e.g with one company after you have recharged with $80 of credit, you can ring customer service and they will unlock it for you for free, another service if you wait 6 months they will unlock it for you. alternatively, you can go to aftermarket shops and pay to get it unlocked. the price depends on the phone
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