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What is the difference between unlocked and GSM unlocked?
A GSM unlocked phone will only work with GSM providers like AT and T-Mobile because they use the same frequency. Whereas a fully unlocked phone will work with both GSM and CDMA technology. Nexus 5X is a fully unlocked cell phone straight from the manufacturer and comes with both GSM and CDMA capabilities.
What is the difference between CDMA and GSM unlocked?
The main difference you need to know is that GSM uses a SIM card, and CDMA does not. So if you unlock a GSM phone, it will work on other GSM networks, but it will never work on a CDMA network (since there is no SIM card to put in the phone) and vise versa. *There is one exception to this rule.
What does Unlocked GSM CDMA mean?
All GSM devices are designed so that service is provisioned using a SIM card. With an unlocked device, a GSM smartphone can be reprovisioned and used on another network simply by popping out the old SIM card and putting in a new one from the new carrier. CDMA devices do not have SIM cards.
Can I convert my CDMA phone to GSM?
You can’t ‘convert a CDMA phone to a GSM one unless the hardware is there. It’s two totally different ways of working, and it’s a hardware-related change.
What is an ‘unlocked’ phone?
The ‘unlocked’ concept can be applied to GSM capable phones. The Global System for Mobile (GSM) is a global mobile standard that links your phone number and cell phone service to a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card and not to the phone itself.
Can you put a SIM card in a factory unlocked phone?
Some carriers sell factory unlocked devices so as long as you are in a compatible network, you can insert a SIM card to it and it should work. If your own carrier uses GSM technology and you are unable to your device in another GSM network, that’s probably because it is GSM locked.
Can I use my unlocked phone with any carrier?
If it is listed as unlocked, then it is not tied to any carrier. However, you’ll have to check whether the device is GSM or CDMA compatible. Most newer phone models are compatible with both GSM and CDMA networks and will work with any carrier.
What is the difference between Universal unlocked and GSM phones?
That means you have the freedom to switch carriers without a hassle. All unlocked phones work on GSM networks. Universal unlocked phones, on the other hand, are universally compatible with all major U.S. carriers, including those that use SIM cards. To be compatible with Total Wireless, you need an unlocked CDMA phone.