Every year, tech companies create the latest and best mobile devices that fit the needs of their customers.
While there is the dilemma of choosing the perfect device, there is an even bigger question that people are asking: where should I buy my next phone?
While there are countless options, such as Amazon, flagship stores, and third-party stores, couriers often offer a better option.
Below we look at some of the pros and cons of buying from couriers.
Partially subsidized devices
When it comes to phone prices, buying directly from the official store can be expensive. Network operators offer devices at a partially subsidized price.
Subsidized phone programs generally offer lower monthly service costs.
Although official stores offer similar programs, they usually require the use of credit cards.
With carriers, phones can be paid for over the counter or through online banking, a more accessible feature that offers potential buyers convenience and fewer headaches.
Buyers also have the option to pay for the phone in full, but that would mean the device is locked to the carrier.
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It offers more inclusion and services
One of the biggest issues people face with their device is LTE network support or lack of signal in certain areas.
Network operators use different types of technologies to provide services, and the smartphones they offer usually have the necessary hardware and programming to detect carrier frequencies and technologies.
Some carriers also work with other carriers to provide extended coverage beyond their home network.
Meanwhile, phones sold by other sources may not have the same features that carriers offer on their devices.
Carrier phones also offer data plans that include voice, text, and data. Some subscription offers may provide a certain amount of data for different services, such as social media, video streaming, unlimited calls and SMS to all networks and a few minutes to other networks and landlines.
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Bill convenience
The biggest advantage of protecting a phone from operators is convenience.
With inflation looming, buying a carrier device means you only have to worry about one bill that covers the phone plan and the device.
Most devices are only available as an afterthought, and while the pricing can be intimidating at times, they often have additional perks that justify the price.
Cons
Buying a phone from a telephone operator has many advantages, but there are also some disadvantages to this decision, namely the phone lock and the lock period.
The phone is locked to the carrier
The main disadvantage of getting a phone from a carrier is that the device is locked to that carrier.
As with most companies, carrier devices are only blocked on their respective networks.
People who want to give their phone to relatives who use another carrier will find that the phone rejects the SIM card.
The contracts have a duration of 24 to 30 months, depending on the carrier plan.
Any attempt to unlock carrier devices will only result in termination of the contract and may lead to blacklisting.
After completing the contract, users are free to either unlock their phones to sell or give away.
References:
4 key advantages to buying smartphones from your carrier
