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Potential downsides of buying a brand new soft-unlocked (carrier-unlocked) phone?

I’m looking to buy a Pixel 7 Pro and found a local shop offering two options: brand new and “brand new, soft-unlocked.” I was told the soft-unlocked version is carrier-unlocked (likely from US carriers like Verizon) and will remain unlocked unless I factory reset it. If I do reset it, they said it’s a quick 5-minute fix to unlock again.

The price difference between the two is about $60. Does what they’re saying make sense, or should I be concerned about potential issues down the road?

Rhynoplaz ,

Are we sure a software update won’t lock you out of your own phone? Seems sus to me. I recommend Swappa, I quit doing phone agreements and just buy “like new” now.

solidgrue ,
@solidgrue@lemmy.world avatar

I buy all of my phones carrier-unlocked, and have never had a problem.

Potential pitfalls are if the IMEI is blacklisted, which could happen if the phone is reported as stolen, or if the radio deck isn’t compatible with your carrier’s network.

In the US, the AT&T and T-Mobile networks are pretty open, and you just need to pop in your SIM card. I don’t have experience with Verizon to know if you can bring your own device or not, but I imagine as long as the phone can work with Verizon then its probably just a matter of visiting a store to have it activated.

RightHandOfIkaros ,

I have Verizon, and you can absolutely give them your own device, you don’t have to buy from them. You just have to make sure the phone supports their proprietary network protocol, which is why Verizon usually has their own version of devices compatible with their network.

RightHandOfIkaros ,

If it’s stolen, that’s a downside. If it was actually carrier unlocked versus some guy did it and said it was, could you trust they didn’t put anything else on the phone? How is the sellers reputation?

Toes ,

Potentially no manufacturers warranty if they aren’t an authorized seller.

If you buy it directly from Google it’ll be unlocked.

“will remain unlocked unless I factory reset it”

I’d stay away from anything like that, it’s unnecessary.

Bridger ,

For me the advantage of buying an unlocked phone from the phone manufacturer is avoiding the bloatware from the carrier.

givesomefucks ,

That’s not what OP is doing.

He’s buy a “brand new” phone the store opened and unlocked.

Completely different, and if a store is doing that, they’re probably doing other shady adjacent shit.

I wouldn’t buy any “brand new” expensive electronic that’s already been opened and had shit done to it

givesomefucks ,

You can “unlock” a locked phone.

You can buy a factory unlocked phone.

I wouldn’t buy a “brand new” manually unlocked phone.

You’re also going to spend a lot of money at once, where a provider would do interest free over two years plus likely a discount, and your not leaving till the contract is over.

I always take interest free deals, and so should you.

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