Anyone have experience with buying an unlocked cell phone?

[gohawks50]

What are the advantages/disadvantages of buying unlocked phones? Considering purchasing a Samsung flip 6 for a Christmas gift. Wondering how much of a hassle it will be to connect it with a carrier and if their are other things I should be considering.

 

[Scott559]

My last few phones have been unlocked, Just get SIM card from carrier you choose, Insert and turn on phone. Advantage not tied to specific carrier, Less bloated software. I have the flip 5, Use Cricket which uses ATT towers, Have had no issues, That said I don’t use Network for much more than calls, texting and watching a few videos, Most of my internet activity I use my tablet at home.

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

We’ve always just bought ours outright (iPhones for whole family). Never a problem.