Battle Are you better off buying a phone from your carrier or other shops unlocked?

Flengo

Level 2
Verified
Oct 19, 2017
52
Avoid buying phones from carriers - a lot of carriers tend to put uninstallable spyware on the phones they sell.
 

Ink

Administrator
Verified
Staff Member
Well-known
Jan 8, 2011
22,361
Flagship device - Almost 12 months since launch? Wait for a price drop as the new successor will take the premium price tag.
Pixel - Bloatware-free, faster OS updates, pay a premium
Other Android devices - Some bloatware from manufacturer or mobile operator, slower OS updates due to compatibility testing etc, sometimes exclusive deals

Mobile operators will try and sell bundles such as Security and Insurance protection plans for both all their sold devices. Check your tariff break-down.

If you are a Business-owner/customer, I would buy from the mobile operator's business site, as you can claim back VAT (Tax) - at least in this country.

Example: iPhone 7 32GB has an est. saving of £110 after tax claim.
 
Last edited:
T

TrinitronMSDOS

Well it all depends on what country you live in, which service provider you use, what phone model you chose and especially what is the current offer on that specific device. Sometimes smartphones are sold with a small discount that is simply not worth it, as other times it can be a real bargain.

But i think it's important to remember that a smartphone sold thru a mobile carrier is essentially the same thing as a loan. You have a discount on the phone, yes, but in return you are engaged for up to 2 years. While if taken without any phone, many carriers offers subscriptions that you can cancel any time you want.

Also, phones provided by carriers are often locked. Some even have customs apps installed that ca be annoying.

So unless you're on a budget or having an amazing deal, i would buy a smartphone unlocked. And a mobile carrier subscription that can be canceled at any time. You might have more money to spend upfront, but that way you have more freedom over which phone and carrier you use.
 
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