What are some reasons why people buy unlocked iPhones?

[macbook123]

I just got a brand new replacement iPhone 4 and am considering selling it and getting a new 4s. In order to help me make that decision, I'd appreciate folks input on the following questions:

1) What are some reasons why people buy an unlocked iPhone? Are the data plans really cheaper when not under a contract? If so, why doesn't everybody switch to one of those cheaper data plans after their contract runs out?

2) Will I be able to sell my phone as unlocked? I bought it when the iPhone 4 originally came out, so that's less than 2 years ago. However I know that I am upgrade eligible. If I upgrade, will my old iPhone (that is now a brand new iPhone 4) will become unlocked automatically?

3) Can I change provider in this move, or does it require that I stay with ATT? My understanding is that my contract really only ends 2 years after I got the phone, unless I stay with ATT and upgrade.

 

[wordoflife]

1) AT&T doesn't offer cheaper rates if you use an unlocked phone or AT&T locked iPhone.

2) An unlocked iPhone stays unlocked forever, even when it is sold. AT&T iPhones cannot be unlocked officially, so no. Your iPhone 4 would still stay locked.

3) You can physically take out the AT&T SIM and put in a T-Mobile one, but you still have a contract (until it expires) with AT&T that you will pay them. If it expires, then you can get rid of them completely. If it isn't expired, you still need to pay them.

People mainly buy unlocked phones for international travel. For your needs, it sounds like an AT&T locked phone would be better for you (and cheaper).

 

[macbook123]

Thanks. So even if I walk into the ATT store today to get a 4s, my iPhone 4 will still be locked into a contract, i.e., I won't be able to sell it as an unlocked phone?

 

[Shadowbech]

Thanks. So even if I walk into the ATT store today to get a 4s, my iPhone 4 will still be locked into a contract, i.e., I won't be able to sell it as an unlocked phone?

Correct, you won't be able to sell the iphone 4 as an unlocked phone (you will have to sell it as a locked phone). AT&T does not offer carrier unlocked and does not unlock iphones on any circumstances.

Only way to unlock the iphone 4 that is locked is by jailbreaking the phone.

 

[macbook123]

Correct, you won't be able to sell the iphone 4 as an unlocked phone (you will have to sell it as a locked phone). AT&T does not offer carrier unlocked and does not unlock iphones on any circumstances.

Only way to unlock the iphone 4 that is locked is by jailbreaking the phone.

Didn't jailbreaking just become a crime?

 

[808?]

You can't even buy a locked iPhone where I live.

 

[macbook123]

OK, so if I jailbreak my iPhone I can sell it. But is this a criminal offense in the US or is it legal?

 

[Consultant]

International travel requires unlock.

Higher resale value for unlocked phone.

Other countries: cheaper plans for owning your own device.

OK, so if I jailbreak my iPhone I can sell it. But is this a criminal offense in the US or is it legal?

You can sell it without jailbreak. But unless you are on iOS 4.x or have taken precautions you cannot carrier unlock iPhone 4.

 

[macbook123]

You can sell it without jailbreak. But unless you are on iOS 4.x or have taken precautions you cannot carrier unlock iPhone 4.

How much can I get, given that the buyer will be tied to ATT anyway? Why would they spend more than $99 if that is what the iPhone 4 costs at Apple now?

 

[Jordan921]

How much can I get, given that the buyer will be tied to ATT anyway? Why would they spend more than $99 if that is what the iPhone 4 costs at Apple now?

It only cost $99 if you sign a 2year contract. Most people buying second hand don't want to sign a new 2year contract to get the phone

 

[macbook123]

It only cost $99 if you sign a 2year contract. Most people buying second hand don't want to sign a new 2year contract to get the phone

How much would they be willing to pay? Also, will it be contract free if I upgrade to the 4s within ATT, despite the fact that my contract only expires in June?

 

[jaynone]

I bought an unlocked iPhone because....

1. I travel to the states quite often and want to be able to use a local providers sim card

2. I don't want to sign a contract at home, and from doing that I've been able to get a lot of free **** from my normal provider

3. I want to deal with Apple for any warranty claims and not be stuck with dealing with the idiot repair department at my normal provider.

 

[Applejuiced]

3. I want to deal with Apple for any warranty claims and not be stuck with dealing with the idiot repair department at my normal provider.

With any iphone model you can go straight to apple for any warranty or repair issue.
You dont have to go to your carriers repair tech even with a locked iphone.
If you do they will just tell you to go to Apple.

 

[jaynone]

With any iphone model you can go straight to apple for any warranty or repair issue.
You dont have to go to your carriers repair tech even with a locked iphone.
If you do they will just tell you to go to Apple.

Yup, but its still a reason I bought an unlocked phone so I listed it.

 

[Jordan921]

How much would they be willing to pay? Also, will it be contract free if I upgrade to the 4s within ATT, despite the fact that my contract only expires in June?

Ummm iPhone 4 are going for 275-325 i think atm. If you want to buy contract free then you would have to buy the phone for full price.

 

[mattraehl]

In the US there are very few practical reasons to buy an unlocked phone.

 

[motoleo]

I'm looking for an unlocked phone.

Reason being, I don't want to have a carrier. When I go overseas, I may be able to use it.

Also, it's the only way you can get an new iPhone without a contract. That's a big one!

 

[bandofbrothers]

I prefer unlocked phones because

I can use whatever network I choose.
No imposed network software on an unlocked phone.
Better price when I come to sell it on.

Not with the iPhone but with Nokia if a global software update is released the networks like to delay the release of it whilst they strangle it with their own restrictions etc.

 

[pooleman]

How much can I get, given that the buyer will be tied to ATT anyway? Why would they spend more than $99 if that is what the iPhone 4 costs at Apple now?

I just sold my nearly 2 year old iPhone 4, 16 gig, for $275 on ebay. I used the money to buy a new iPhone 4S, from AT&T, for $199.