Unlocked Cell Phones
 

While looking on Ebay at new unlocked cell phones I noticed many are listed as "international Versions". Could someone explain what this means?

:ho: cell phone international version what does that mean - Google Search

I'm looking too. Hope someone can explain.

“International version” cell phone??? You got me. I don’t even know what an “unlocked” cell phone is.

i don't think you want an international version in in florida


they are made and used across the pond
if you travel, these phones can be cheaper "over there".


not worth the risk

From a Google search:

International Version means it was not made for the U.S. market. Often they will work in the U.S. with compatible networks. You need to make sure before you purchase one.

The following websites can help you pick an international phone that will work in the U.S. but always check with your carrier...

PhoneArena - Phone News, Reviews and Specs
GSMArena.com - mobile phone reviews, news, specifications and more...
Phone Scoop

The seller on Ebay said phone will work on US Verizon, BUT all the phones features may not work.

So, forget that idea.

Thanks to all for your input!

For short trips, we used our US Verizon plan as well. Purchased data and minutes. For extended stay trips, our company had phones from across the pond and the minutes/data was cheaper than US based phones.

I have lived between the US and Japan for the past 11 years. I have a Japanese iPhone and just switch SIM cards when entering a new country. I paid my carrier to unlock it before my trip to the states the first time. The only difference in the Japanese iPhone is it makes a shutter click sound when you take a photo and makes a chime sound when you start a video.
The law here requires it. If the phone is a recent model and unlocked you should be able to get a SIM card from a US carrier to use it. I’d recommend checking with the carrier first.

It means they work in other countries when you buy " sim" chips that the carriers sell . For instance I travel to Asia . With one phone I use a mainland China chip then switch to a Hong Kong chip . SIM chips are what hold your minutes . Like memory chips for cameras . You can buy them anywhere in Europe or asia . Instead of reloading a prepaid phone

Unlocked is preferable
 

In short, an unlocked phone is a phone that is not exclusively tied to a single carrier. Unlocked phones can be moved from one network to another, typically by swapping the SIM card inside. Your device's SIM card is basically the physical pass that allows your device to connect to a specific network.

I have purchased and used several "international" versions of Samsung phones that were unlocked.

Unlocked simply means that any SIM will work, as the phone is not locked to a specific carrier.

One needs to be careful as not all unlocked phones are compatible with the Verizon network. This is because Verizon requires certain technology (CDMA) for the radios inside for US locations. Outside the US, those Verizon phones roam using GSM cell carriers.

International models also sometimes have unique features not offered in the US. My Samsung S7 Edge had slits for 2 SIMs, permitting me to use my US phone number as well as a local number when traveling in Asia and Europe. I purchased a local travel SIM in some countries to avoid roaming charges.

These phones lack US carrier applications and bloatware - apps that use memory. I had no issues on ATT, but was able to manually install a few ATT apps that I wanted.

Finally, the international version may have a warranty that is not honored in the US.

Bottom line, you need to understand the details to make sure the phone will work as expected, and what to do if something goes wrong.

Yes, sometimes prices can be very good. I purchased mine from reputable vendor on eBay, for new, unlocked, factory sealed phones intended for the UAE. They were shipped by a Houston vendor.

I have an unlocked international Moto g7 power.

It will not work with Verizon but runs TMobile.

I forget the technical terms but TMobile and Verizon use different methods to reach your phone. The phone that I bought will not operate on the Verizon plan. I bought it on purpose because it came with more ram