Is it not recommended to get a phone through a carrier?

[kyrax12]

Is it better to get a phone unlocked rather than getting it through a carrier?

Heard a lot of bad things like slow updates, bloatware and etc.

 

[tsupersonic]

Depends on what type of phone. This really only affects Android primarily. You're typically better off getting an unlocked phone because it won't have carrier bloatware. You may also get faster updates, but I wouldn't bank on it.

If you need to finance a phone, you can do so at a carrier. Buying it unlocked means you're paying full price.

 

[A5]

Given the way plans are structured now, don't buy through a carrier unless you need to finance or they are running a discount on the phone you want. You'll end up paying full price either way.

On Android, factory unlocked means faster updates and no carrier bloat apps. On Apple, unlocked means better resale value.

 

[blackangst1]

One other thing to keep in mind...if your carrier offers wifi calling, and you need it, you will need to get the carrier version of whatever phone it is.

 

[jhansman]

If you get a Google phone (say, a 6p), the only bloatware you'll find on it is Google's. The G-apps are, for the most part, pretty good compared to the crud the providers and other manufacturers pile on top of Android. If, however, you buy that same phone from AT&T or Verizon, you'll get the Google apps and all the apps that those providers insist on loading on their phones. I am with T-Mobile, and to their credit, they keep their apps to a minimum. Phones I've gotten from AT&T were loaded with cruft. HTH.

 

[Zahid Iqbal]

carrier phone will be locked. so get it directly from company or some retailer. not from carrier

 

[blackangst1]

carrier phone will be locked. so get it directly from company or some retailer. not from carrier

Some carriers will unlock your phone once its paid off.

 

[Commodus]

Is it better to get a phone unlocked rather than getting it through a carrier?

Heard a lot of bad things like slow updates, bloatware and etc.

If it's a typical Android or Windows phone, that is an issue. Unlocked phones aren't just free to switch carriers, they're usually the first to get updates for a given model. You don't usually see this issue if you bought your Nexus phone through a carrier, but that's not an option at the moment.

I use unlocked phones for two reasons: getting timely updates, and not having to settle for my carrier's roaming plan when I travel. There are few things worse as a smartphone power user than having to avoid using your phone (or paying through the nose) for weeks.

 

[Midwayman]

One other thing to keep in mind...if your carrier offers wifi calling, and you need it, you will need to get the carrier version of whatever phone it is.

Well not if its an iphone. Apparently those will just download any carrier enhancements when you put in the right sim. Android you have to be more careful. Sometimes you can flash to a another carrier rom, but sometimes there are unique models for each carrier.

Android phones I'd avoid the carriers unless you're getting a better deal that way.

 

[Amol S.]

Some of the best phones on the market are only available when bought from a carrier under a contract. For example when the Nokia 1020 came out, it first was only available thru carriers, it was until the Nokia Lumia Icon came around did they make it available without a carrier. However by then the phones life time cycle reached its age and within about 3 months of the Icon's release, the 1020 stop being sold. Same goes with the LG G1 and G2. It all has to do with buissness.

 

[Amol S.]

carrier phone will be locked. so get it directly from company or some retailer. not from carrier

My Nokia Lumia Icon, is a carrier phone, and it comes unlock. Same with my moms LG G2. We got both phones from Verizon. However, my dads, Kyocera Kona flip phone, which is available from many carriers and out side, the user has only one choice since the sim has to be sottered in.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Some carriers will unlock your phone once its paid off.

By then its 2 years and some people want to move on.

 

[Amol S.]

By then its 2 years and some people want to move on.

Wait does that mean Verizon forgot to lock me and my moms phone? Lolz.