Guide: what you always wanted to know about unlocked cell phones
Are you looking for an unlocked cell phone and want to know which one is the best for you? Here we offer you a complete guide to everything you need to know when buying an unlocked phone.
Credit: Juan Garzón / CNET
Buying an unlocked cell phone is becoming more common in the world, but the United States is still very focused on subsidized cell phones; this despite large changes in recent months linked to the business strategy of T-Mobile, which has put a lot of pressure on its competition.
Anyway, many times visitors buy unlocked cell phones in the United States and then take them to Latin America or other parts of the world, since not all cell phones are available everywhere and sometimes this helps to save a little bit of money. money.
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Take into account that it is very difficult to break down all available frequencies / bands in all markets. In particular, things get complicated with the plans and implementation of new LTE networks in many of these countries. This is a guide for unlocked cell phones and it is impossible to guarantee that they will always work perfectly everywhere despite fulfilling the necessary requirements. If you have other information that you would like to include, modify or believe that you need correction, please write me an e-mail, send me a tweet to @ onegarzon, or @CNET_ES.
Also, do not forget to keep an eye on our article of the best unlocked phones of the moment, or look at the gallery below.
12
The best unlocked cell phones of 2015 [photos]
Advantages of an unlocked cell phone
If you live in the United States, make accounts to decide if it is better for you to buy an unlocked or subsidized phone. For example, less than two years ago, my wife and I decided that the best option was to move to a plan that did not include the telephone subsidy and we saved close to US $ 50 per month.
If you multiply US $ 50 with the time the contract lasts (usually 24 months), you get a sum (US $ 1,200) that you could use to buy an unlocked cell phone whenever you want. I bought a Nexus for US $ 350 and months later I bought another one for my wife for the same amount. If you add it, I still had $ 500 left over, but with the taxes I would estimate that I had $ 400 left over, planning a two-year service.
If you live in Latin America or in another part of the world, many times the phones are much cheaper in the United States than in the country where you live. Sometimes it's better to take advantage of your vacation in the USA. to buy an unlocked cell phone and take it to your country.
One of the great advantages that we often do not recognize is that the unlocked cell phone does not come with the bundle of pre-installed applications that we generally do not use, but that we can not erase if we buy a subsidized telephone.
If you buy an unlocked phone with Android you will receive the updates more quickly, since the operator would not be involved in that process.
Likewise, having an unlocked cell phone gives you more control over the plan you choose and the costs. You do not have to be subject to a single operator and to the same plan. It also gives you more flexibility to change phone when you want, without paying extra for breaking clauses or for extra charges to the plan.
Disadvantages of an unlocked phone
All the decisions you make generally have positive and negative things. Buying an unlocked phone means a higher initial cost.Large families may find it more economical to be in a postpaid plan, since they can share minutes and get reduced rates for more members, although prices vary depending on the operator.
Customer service regarding unlocked phones in the operator's stores may be limited. It is possible that they do not know the device well or that they choose not to help you because you did not buy the device directly with the operator.
However, the thing is not as simple as we would like. Not all unlocked cell phones available will work in your country or in the operator you have.
What is an unlocked phone?
An unlocked device refers to a phone that recognizes a SIM card (in Spanish, Subscriber Identification Module) of any operator. A blocked cell phone will only recognize the SIM card of a specific operator. The "lock" is a software configuration that is on the phone to ensure that it stays true to that operator. In short, to make sure you use it in that operator only.
Compatibility
Having an unlocked cell phone does not mean that it can work in any operator anywhere in the world. There are different aspects that have to be compatible for your cell phone to work as you expect.
Radio systems: GSM and CDMA
Two of the main radio systems used in cellular networks are GSM (Global System for Mobiles) and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access). GSM is the global system (as its name says) that points to a device that can be used in different parts of the world. This is the system that most often uses SIM cards. This does not mean that operators using the CDMA system do not use SIM cards, but do so in fewer models (usually those that support 4G).
GSM is much easier for the user than CDMA. Why? GSM supports a wider range of cell phones and you do not need to go to an operator store to have your unlocked phone activated on your network. Although you often get unlocked phones that are compatible with the CDMA system, it does not mean that your operator is going to activate it. With GSM, you only need to place a SIM card from the operator to the new unlocked phone, and that's it. This SIM card may be the one you currently use, if it is the same size.
Some cards can be cut to have the size indicated (they sell molds or adapters), but the easiest thing is to ask your operator to change the SIM for the size you need. I've done it multiple times and I've never had any problems. Sometimes they could charge you; the cost would be between US $ 5 to US $ 30, depending on the operator.
The ideal unlocked cell phone is one that uses the GSM system. However, this does not mean that it will work on any network. For example, you can take a cell phone to an operator and make calls, send text messages and connect to the Internet, but only to the 2G network and not to 3G or 4G (the most advanced). Everything depends on the frequencies and bands used by the operator, the reception you have and the compatibility of your cell phone.oneplus-one-cellular-unlocked
The OnePlus One is the unlocked cell phone that I like the most.
Juan Garzón / CNET
What are the frequencies and what is the spectrum?
Now, let's go back a bit to the basics to better understand how this technology works and why you have to do a little research before making the purchase.
Wireless electronic devices (such as cell phones), like antennas that broadcast the signal, send and receive data through electromagnetic radiation that travels through the air in the form of waves. This amount of waves or oscillations that are generated in a specific time are called frequencies and are measured in hertz (Hz), calculating how many of them occur every second. From there, the megahertz (MHz) and gigahertz (GHz) come out, depending on the number of oscillations. The electromagnetic spectrum is the set of all possible frequencies.
What are the bands?
The bands are part of the spectrum and are used for different purposes. For example, some bands serve to broadcast the radio on different frequencies, as do other wireless services. When we talk about wireless communications in relation to GSM technology, we talk about another kind of frequencies that operators use to allow users to communicate through their cell phones or mobile devices.
Additionally, there are also segments that are portions of a spectrum band that an operator controls. Each band consists of different segments of the spectrum. For example, generally, the three segments in the band between 1700 MHz and 2100 MHz are called AWS (Advanced Wireless Services), or band 4. Of course, this is not the only band that exists, because you also find bands 1, 2 , 3, 5, etc.
Currently, it is more common to hear about bands in reference to their compatibility with 4G LTE networks, which are the newest in most countries.
THE MOST POPULAR LTE BANDS
MHz band
1 2100
2 1900
3 1800 +
4 AWS
5 850
7 2600
8 900
9 1800
10 AWS +
13 700c
14 70 PS
17 700bc
20 800 DD
22 3500
25 1900 +
26 850 +
27 800 SMR
28 700 APT
29 700de
30 2300 WCS
31 450
Frequencies / GSM bands
The frequencies and bands of each operator vary according to the spectrum they have available and their infrastructure installed. Each frequency can also represent different speeds of the data connection or Internet. In general, the GSM frequencies most used in the US, Mexico, Canada and South America are 850 MHz and 1900 MHz, but a device that supports one or two of these frequencies does not mean that you will always get 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE. on your cell phone, as each country and operator is a little different.
GSM BANDS / FREQUENCIES IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD
Country 2G (MHz) 3G (MHz) 4G LTE (MHz)
Argentina 850, 1800, 1900 850, 1900 1700, 2100
Bolivia 850, 1900 850 700
Brazil 850, 900, 1800, 1900 850, 2100 2600
Canada 850, 1900 850, 1700, 1900, 2100 1700, 2100, 2600
Chile 850, 1900 850, 1700, 1900, 2100 700, 2600
Colombia 850, 1900 850, 1900, 2100 700, 1700, 2500, 2600
Costa Rica 850, 1800 850, 1800, 2100 1800, 2600
Cuba 900
Ecuador 850 850. 1900 1700, 2100
United States 850, 1900 850, 1900, 1700, 2100 700, 1700, 1900, 2100
El Salvador 850, 900, 1900 1900 1900, 2100
Spain 900, 1800 2100 800, 1800, 2600
Guatemala 850, 900, 1900 1900 1800, 2100
Honduras 850, 1900 850, 1900
Mexico 1900 850 700, 1700, 2100
Nicaragua 850, 1900 850 700
Panama 850, 1800, 1900 850, 1900
Paraguay 850, 1900 850, 1900 1900
Peru 850, 1900 850 700
Puerto Rico 850, 1900 850, 1900 700, 1700, 2100
Dominican Republic 850, 900, 1800, 1900 850, 900 1700, 1800, 1900, 2600
Uruguay 850, 1800, 1900 850, 1900, 2100 700, 850, 1700, 2100
Venezuela 850, 900, 1900 900, 1900 1800, 2100
This table will help you identify which frequencies or bands are in different countries, but keep in mind that they are generally used by different operators, not just one. Additionally, some frequencies or bands are just being implemented or are part of a plan.
For example, in the USA AT & T has its 4G LTE network at frequencies of 700 MHz, AWS (1700 Mhz-2100 MHz), but it is expected that in the future it will mainly use 700 MHz. Similarly, T-Mobile currently uses the AWS band for its 4G LTE network, but it is expected that in the future use the 700 MHz.
GSM BANDS / FREQUENCIES IN USA
GSM 2G (MHz) 3G (MHz) 4G LTE (MHz) operator
T-Mobile 1900 1700, 1900 700, 1700, 2100
AT & T 850, 1900 850, 1900 700, 1700, 2100
How to buy an unlocked cell phone?Before buying an unlocked cell phone you have to make sure that it is actually an unlocked cell phone and not a phone without a contract. Many operators sell phones without a contract or free of contract, but remain blocked for their cellular network or operator. Buy one that does not just work with that operator.
Another aspect that you should pay attention to is the specifications of the phone that you intend to buy to compare them with the frequencies and bands used by your operator. For the frequencies, visit directly to the place where you intend to buy or to the manufacturer's page. For bands, search the Internet or contact the operator directly, but also the tables above can help you better understand what you have to ask and yes there are actually possibilities for that cell phone to work with the operator in your country, if you are not going to use it in the United States.
Remember to make sure that the device uses GSM technology. Then, identify the frequencies that it supports and compare them with those that are available in your country and with your operator.
Many times, the easiest solution is to buy a four-band cell phone. These are the phones that are compatible with more frequencies / bands and that are usually found without much difficulty in the market. However, it is better to understand some details before buying an unlocked cell phone.
The one that is compatible with a frequency does not mean that it will always work and it is better to be compatible with more than one frequency. This is because the operator can use one frequency to offer their service in specific areas, but use another in other areas. Operators constantly renew their networks after obtaining a new spectrum, for example.
By having this compatibility, it is most likely that your cell phone at least works for you to perform the basic tasks (calls, text messages, etc.) and you can possibly access at least the mobile Internet through the 3G network. Why at least? 4G LTE networks are the newest of all our markets. This means that they are not available everywhere. If so, hope that in the best case you can get HSPA +, which gives you a good mobile Internet speed and is considered by many as "4G" or 3.5G.
If you are thinking of buying a cell phone directly from a US operator, search AT & T or T-Mobile. These are the main operators that use GSM technology. If you buy a subsidized or financed cell phone, these two operators will offer you the code to unlock the cell phone after the two years of the contract have passed.
On the other hand, if you decide to buy the cell phone at AT & T, when you pay the device total the operator will give you the unlock code 15 days after starting the service. If you are under contract, you will have to continue with that service unless you want to pay the cancellation fee. In some cases there are some requirements and you can read more about them here.
T-Mobile works a little differently. Although you no longer offer the same two-year contracts, if you buy the cell phone and pay for it in full, you will have to meet at least 40 days of service. Additionally, you have the option to finance the cell phone. Once you pay it in full you can request the unlock code if you have already completed the 40 days of being a client. In some cases there are some requirements and you can know them here.
In my experience, the best prices for the best unlocked cell phones are online.
A quick example
Let's take as an example my favorite unlocked cell phone of this moment, the Nexus 6.nexus-6-redes-lte.jpg
These are the technical specifications of Nexus 6 networks.
Screenshot: Juan Garzón / CNET
Once you find the specifications of the cell phone you want to buy - in this example, the Nexus 6 - you can compare the networks it supports with the networks that are available with your operator. If you are going to use it in the USA or you need to see what the bands mean LTE uses the tables above.
On the other hand, if you plan to use the Nexus 6 in another country, check its specifications with the bands / frequencies of the tables. Then, you can look directly at your operator's website, call them and / or visit one of their stores to ensure the frequencies and bands they use. You can also ask if the phone (in this example the Nexus 6) is compatible with that network.
Also, you can ask if they have the size of the SIM card that your new unlocked phone requires. Most modern cell phones use nano-SIM or micro-SIM cards. You can find this out in the specifications of the device. It is also something that we usually mention in our analyzes.
Also, you can compare GSM frequencies and LTE bands with those offered by your operator. Remember, you do not need all of them to work and I do not think you'll find an operator in the world that uses all those bands and frequencies. If your operator offers more than one, the best option is to look for a phone that supports at least two GSM frequencies and two LTE bands. If your operator only offers one frequency, one is fine.
After verifying that the cell phone is compatible, now it's time to decide to buy it. When you have it in your hands and have the appropriate SIM card, insert it into the slot of the device. Many have it under the back cover or in a removable drawer on one of the edges of the cell phone. Then turn on the phone and wait for it to pick up the signal.
Generally, I recommend charging the device completely before starting to use it.
Some operators require that you register the new phone directly with them so that it works normally and they ask you to take the purchase receipt to an operator's store. Call your operator directly to see if this is necessary.
Editor's Note: This guide was updated on March 27, 2015 and will be updated frequently to reflect new changes in the United States and different countries, as well as new unlocked phones that we believe important to recommend. If you have suggestions about the guide please write me an email and if you have comments you can leave them at the bottom or send me a tweet to @onegarzon.
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