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What is a SIM-free phone?

If you’re after a new phone, you may have heard the term SIM-free. But what does SIM-only mean? Read about SIM-free advantages and disadvantages here!

This blog was updated in June 2022.

If you’ve been searching for a new mobile phone, you’ve no doubt come across the term ‘SIM Free’ when assessing your options. But if you’ve always had a SIM phone like most of us have, you might not actually know what that term means.

Well, in many ways, it’s the answer to the question “Are you fed up with costly contracts and your phone being tied to one network?”

So, if you’re looking for a new smartphone but don’t want to be tied into a long contract, or simply like the idea of choosing your own network, SIM free could be just the option for you.

In this article, we’re going to break down some of the key points surrounding the advantages and disadvantages of going SIM Free, and what SIM-free actually means.

What does SIM free mean?

If you’ve not switched phones much in the past, you’re probably wondering ‘what does SIM only mean? And what is a SIM-free phone?’ Well, when it comes to a SIM-free phone, SIM free is literally what it sounds like. A phone that is free of a SIM card and therefore doesn’t tie you down to one specific network.

Unlike phones you may pick up from well-known networks, such as Three, EE and O2, which are often ‘locked’ to a certain carrier, SIM free phones are completely ‘unlocked’ from specific networks, which means you can interchange SIM cards from different carriers on the phone.

Is SIM-free the same as unlocked?

Before we touch on the advantages and disadvantages of SIM-free phones, let’s touch on one aspect that often gets misunderstood.

Does SIM free mean unlocked?

The answer to this is, not quite. An unlocked phone will have previously been locked to a network but has since had any restrictions removed so that it can work with any network.

SIM free phones, on the other hand, are phones which have never been provided with a SIM card, and therefore have not been tied to a network at any point in their use.

How to check if your phone is unlocked without a SIM

There are a few easy ways for how to check if your phone is unlocked without a SIM.

With Android phones, you check what’s known as its IMEI number by looking at the details behind its battery, if the battery is removable, or by using an online checker.

With Apple iPhones, the best way to check is to go to your settings and look at the ‘Cellular’ section, which will tell you which network provider your phone is locked to (if it has been locked.)

Of course, if you do actually get your hands on a SIM card, then you can quickly tell if your phone is locked or unlocked by inserting the SIM and making a call. If the call works, the phone is unlocked – nice and simple. 

The advantages of a SIM-free phone

Now that you know what a SIM-free phone is, let’s take a look at some of the advantages provided by SIM free phones:

Upgrade whenever you want: It’s your phone and your network! When you buy a SIM free phone, you’re not tied to a particular network or tariff just to get the phone. So, when you’re bored of the handset or just fancy an upgrade, you can go out and buy one and keep your SIM.

Low costs: With a SIM-free phone, you can shop around for your phone and contract separately, meaning you’ll be able to find the best overall deal for your situation by combing the best offers together.

Lower monthly contract payments: SIM free contracts are usually far cheaper than those that come with a phone, especially modern handsets or flagship models, allowing you to save more money monthly.

Higher resale value: An unlocked phone also has a far greater resale value as its compatibility is open. Resellers pay more for an unlocked phone than a locked equivalent as it’s often easier to sell on.

Option to go with PAYG: If you’re really looking to keep the costs down, SIM free phones can house Pay as You Go SIM cards, so there’s no need to sign up for a contract of any sort and you can just pay for what you need.

No network branding: Another nice side-effect of a SIM-free phone means you don’t have to deal with a big network logo plastered over your nice new smartphone. You can have whatever phone you want in any style you want.

No network locked features: Networks often restrict key features like tethering, but a SIM Free phone is clear of any such chains so you can make full use of its capabilities.

Perfect for travel: SIM free phones can use any local SIM card, regardless of the country, as the phone is not tethered to a UK network. So, for the travellers out there needing multiple SIMs, you won’t need to buy a local phone just to make calls.

You can check out services like willmyphonework.net to see if a specific device would work in a certain country and on what network.

Disadvantages of SIM-free smartphones

There are clearly some major advantages that come with a SIM-free smartphone, but there are also a few disadvantages you need to be aware of as well:

Initial cost: The biggest issue when choosing to go SIM free is usually the initial costs. Like buying a tablet or a watch, you are literally buying the whole handset upfront. So the £300 sting may come as a shock when you’re used to paying £25 a month.

Network exclusives: In some cases, networks have exclusives on particular phones. This is usually on a particular niche model or is a regional specific offer (the UK, US etc…). So, occasionally, a phone will literally not be available without a hefty contract.

Lack of network offers: In most cases, networks want you tied to long contracts with their services, and SIM free phones circumvent this. What this means to you is possibly a higher or less lucrative talk plan.

The sweet package you may have got on texts, talk time, and unlimited internet may just be reserved for traditional handset and contract customers – instead, you might be forced to shop around for a deal that works for you.

SIM-free phones at Ebuyer

There are definitely benefits to be had when choosing a SIM-free phone, but at the end of the day, whether you go for this style of phone or a more traditional contract will be down to personal preference.

Of course, if you’re looking for a new phone, then we’ve got a huge range on offer in the Ebuyer store. Start browsing today to find the right phone for you, as well as work laptops and gaming PCs – and don’t forget to check out the Ebuyer blog for more articles like this one.

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