What is an unlocked smartphone? An unlocked smartphone is a phone that isn’t tied to a specific carrier or contract. Therefore, you have the freedom to shop for the latest phones and plans as often — or as infrequently — as you like. And when it comes to international travel, unlocked phones can’t be beat.
Unlocked phones are becoming a popular choice here in the U.S. Why? Because nothing beats the freedom of an unlocked phone when it comes to choice of models, carriers or plans. They offer freedom and flexibility from carriers and contracts, save you money and are ideal for International travel!
Some unlocked phones may cost more up front compared to phones financed by the carriers, but, spread over two years, and combined with a less-expensive voice or data plan, it will be less expensive than your total monthly payments on a two-year or monthly installment billing contract.
By purchasing an unlocked phone you can continue to use older or legacy voice, text and data plans. This can save you money and allow you to keep the plan you are comfortable with.
Since unlocked phones are not tied to a specific carrier you have a greater selection of phones and features to choose from. Whether you are looking for a phone with basic calling and texting options, a smartphone with all the latest features like the Samsung Galaxy S7, or anything in between, you’ll be able to find the right unlocked phone to meet your needs and budget.
Unlocked phones offer great flexibility to international students, tourists and business travelers. Since international roaming rates with your current phone and U.S. network can be high, buying an unlocked phone for overseas travel can save you money. With an unlocked phone, you’ll pay the same lower rate as the locals do for calls in that country. It can be as easy as purchasing an unlocked phone in the U.S., traveling to your destination country and purchasing a local SIM card.
Dual-SIM unlocked phones such as the BLU Studio G can house up to two SIM cards in the same phone. This means you could have your U.S. SIM card and a local SIM card from the country you are traveling to together in the same phone. You could also use a dual-SIM phone at home to maintain separate work and personal lines on the same phone.
Interested? Best Buy has an Unlocked Smartphone savings event going on right now with sales on Samsung, Huawei, Moto, Sony, BLU, Alcatel and ZTE smartphones. Shop your favorite brand during the Unlocked Smartphone Savings Event.
Moto:
- Offer: Save $50 on Select Moto Mods with purchase of Moto Z Play
- Valid Dates: 10/30/16-11/5/16
Huawei:
- Offer: Save $50 on the Honor 8 by Huawei plus get a free case
- Valid Dates: 10/30/16-11/12/16
Samsung:
- Offer: Save $100 on the Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
- Valid Dates: 10/30/16-11/12/16
BLU:
- Offer: Save $40 on the BLU Life XL
- Valid Dates: 11/6/16-11/12/16
Sony:
- Offer: Save $100 on the Sony XPERIA X Compact
- Valid Dates: 10/30/16-11/12/16
Disclaimer for all offers listed: Offer valid 10/30/16-11/12/16. Phones, service and coverage not available in all markets. Available in New Jersey. No dealers. See a Blue Shirt for details. 4G/4G LTE not available in all markets. Products must be purchased on same receipt to receive bundle/package savings.
To use an unlocked phone in the U.S. or abroad, you will need a SIM card for the carrier of your choice. SIM cards are small cards that house carrier and user data within your smartphone. If you purchase a replacement phone or upgrade to a new unlocked phone, you can take out the SIM card in your old phone and pop it in the new one. If your old SIM is not compatible (size difference) or you are changing carriers, you will need to purchase a new SIM card. All unlocked phones work on carriers that use GSM networks, which include AT&T, T-Mobile, Cricket Wireless and more. Some popular prepaid carriers that also use GSM include AT&T GoPhone, NET10, TracFone and Simple Mobile. You will need to use SIM cards from a GSM provider in your unlocked phone to get service. A number of newer unlocked phones such as the Moto G (4th Gen) are universal and therefore compatible with all major U.S. carriers in addition to most overseas carriers. You can choose almost any carrier or plan and all you need is a SIM card. Common US carriers include: Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, Cricket Wireless, AT&T GoPhone, and TracFone.
