Android, iOS & Mobile Phones

[NickSuite]

Hello everyone! I am curious what the difference is between buying an unlocked phone that Best Buy can activate to Verizon, and buying a locked Verizon phone. I see the price difference is big, $169 for unlocked and $240 plus activation for Verizon locked phone.

Thanks in advance!

Nick

[bobberuchi]

Typically I have seen the price difference is not that significant.  

Is there a sale gonig on?

[NickSuite]

I believe that there is a sale, since it said save $100. My concern was I would attempt to activate it and the phone wouldn't have all the features as the locked Verizon phone (4lte, or voicemail, etc.)

[bobberuchi]

It should have all the same features if it is the exact same brand and model phone.

The 4 lte, voicemail, etc are all really functions of the service contract. 

[NickSuite]

Thanks. My wife and I are on the fence about it, but I wanted to save some money and thought it would be a good choice. 

[bobberuchi]

I have never had an unlocked phone but you will want to make sure it is compatible with the carrier of your choice. 

You mentioned Verizon.  If that is your carrier you are probalby good. 

[Anonymous]

Your experience with an unlocked device may vary slightly in contrast with a carrier-specific device. As a general rule of thumb, don't count on any of the carrier-specific functions to work 100%. For example, Verizon's visual voicemail, WiFi/HD Calling, etc. This isn't always the case, but be sure to ask before you purchase specific device if these functions are important to you.

[bobberuchi]

My apologies @Anonymous corrected my gaff.

What I meant to write is your basic functions should be supported lke standard voice mail, calling, and texting. 

[NickSuite]

Thanks everyone. I contacted a rep who gave me the same answer. I ended up getting a Verizon phone from eBay and having them give me a Sim card which worked.

[sherrycamp870]

How do I get a phone I got through best buy to get unlocked. Verizon can't unlock it and I do not know what to do.