Any reason not to get Unlocked and SIM-free iPhone?

[sekker]

I now buy my iPhone outright so that it comes unlocked out of the box.

My current AT&T SIM has a FlexiROAM second SIM sticker installed, so I'd like to use it in a new iPhone.

As I recall, when you buy an AT&T-tagged iPhone, it comes with a new SIM and the phone de-activates the old SIM.

I suppose I could be sure to use the old SIM to activate the new iPhone if Apple makes me buy an 'AT&T' iPhone? Interestingly, the Apple Store app on my iPhone doesn't give me the no-carrier option.

TIA for your advice.

Tom's Hardware website recommendation - https://www.tomsguide.com/us/activate-ip...-4155.html

[Carm]

I had the option and chose my carrier, just to make it easier. It wasn’t, Sprint seems to have issues with SIM cards and iPhones.

[sekker]

I see no difference in hardware, so I'm thinking the Carrier-free iPhone should include antennae for all four networks?

If so, that's a great reason to get the SIM-free iPhone. Should have the greatest flexibility.

[Carm]

sekker wrote:
I see no difference in hardware, so I'm thinking the Carrier-free iPhone should include antennae for all four networks?

If so, that's a great reason to get the SIM-free iPhone. Should have the greatest flexibility.

Before some phones were either CDMA or GMA like the iPhone 7. The iPhone 6s had both antenna. The newer phones should have both.

[Lux Interior]

I always get SIM-free and just move my MVNO SIM to the new phone when I get it. Never had an issue.

You used to have to wait a few months for the unlocked, SIM-free phone to come out. I think that stopped when the carrier subsidies stopped.

Carm wrote:
Before some phones were either CDMA or GMA like the iPhone 7. The iPhone 6s had both antenna. The newer phones should have both.

I believe that started with the X (all carriers supported on all models).

My wifes 7+ was GSM only. My 7+ (bought later) was dual CDMA/GSM.

[testcase]

I bought my last two Samsung Galaxy phones (Note8 & S10+) directly from Samsung unlocked. NO extra charge (in fact, with VERY generous trade in allowances, both phones were GREAT deals). I”m holding at iPhone8+ 256GB and, DON'T see another iPhone in my future.

[Carnos Jax]

I’ve got a 6s Plus and plan to upgrade to the new Pro Max (or whatever it’s called) and assumed the unlocked version is the way to go.

But in all my years of iPhone ownership, I’ve been with AT&T. Are there better deals purchasing from AT&T versus purchasing outright (since I’ll probably be with AT&T fir the foreseeable future)?

[Speedy]

Buying phones is a sucky, confusing mess.

[Lux Interior]

testcase wrote:
I bought my last two Samsung Galaxy phones (Note8 & S10+) directly from Samsung unlocked. NO extra charge

There is no extra charge for an unlocked iPhone.

[macphanatic]

I only buy unlocked phones and purchase them with my Amex, which extends my warranty by a year.