Does it Make Sense to Buy iPhone 5 Unlocked?

To be or not to be: that is to buy iPhone 5 unlocked or to just get one from your elected carrier for a seemingly saucy deal. But wait a tick, is your carrier really offering you that great of a bargain in the first place? Before you mistakenly just run out there and buy that phone from your carrier, understand that you are actually paying the full retail price when all is said and done. In fact, you often end up paying far more because you get roped into a two year contract that ties you down to a hefty monthly bill. Under this premonition, it might make sense to buy iPhone 5 unlocked.

Choose Your Carrier

With an unlocked iPhone, you have the freedom to choose the carrier that you desire. For example, Metro PCS – also known as T-Mobile – one of the largest carriers in the world, does not offer iPhones. However, if you buy iPhone 5 unlocked, you can use your iPhone on their network. Likewise, an unlocked phone will allow you the freedom to choose your network and carrier, as opposed to the contract choosing you.

Avoid Lengthy Contracts

Speaking of contracts, just try and get that new phone from any carrier without paying full retail price and while avoiding a two year contract. You can’t because that’s impossible. Carriers mandate a two year contract between user and company because they offer the phones for so cheap that they need to recoup their losses. And pay indeed you do. A two year contract will run you more than $1700 when all is said and done, and that’s excluded taxes and other charges that really add up.

Use Your Phone Overseas

When you buy iPhone 5 unlocked, you also open the doors to your traveling. An unlocked phone is fully compatible with overseas networks, and enables you to simply use pay as you go networks while traveling. Sure, you may have an overseas number while away, but who cares. Your phone is still with you, and that’s where all of your coveted goodies and numbers are stored.

Save Money on Monthly Service Fees

With an unlocked phone, you have more affordable plan options. Prepaid plans, for example, will save you about $20 per month over the alternative contract plans. Add this up over a year and the savings are immense, more than $200. In essence, when you buy iPhone 5 unlocked, it nearly pays for itself during the first six months of ownership.