Support NeoGAF

[TheUsual]

Hi GAF,

I'm thinking of buying an unlocked Pixel 6a. I currently have a 3a. I've always upgraded my phone through my cell provider (T-Mobile) so I'm not sure if there's anything special I need to do.
I see both use the same SIM card. Do I just need to pop in my current SIM into the 6a and I should be all good to go in that front?
The 6a is cheaper at many various retailers right now versus going through T-Mobile and I don't want to trade in my 3a.

 

[chromhound]

is it a brand new phone ? if not, check if it's not Google Lock or a blacklist phone

 

[TheUsual]

is it a brand new phone ? if not, check if it's not Google Lock or a blacklist phone

It would be brand new. Amazon is selling for $399 brand new vs $449 at T-Mobile.

 

[Maiden Voyage]

Hi GAF,

I'm thinking of buying an unlocked Pixel 6a. I currently have a 3a. I've always upgraded my phone through my cell provider (T-Mobile) so I'm not sure if there's anything special I need to do.
I see both use the same SIM card. Do I just need to pop in my current SIM into the 6a and I should be all good to go in that front?
The 6a is cheaper at many various retailers right now versus going through T-Mobile and I don't want to trade in my 3a.

Bring Your Own Unlocked Phone | IMEI Compatibility Check & Activate Online | T-Mobile

Bringing your own phone to T-Mobile is an easy way to switch. Use these steps and check your IMEI compatibility, and activate your device online today.

www.t-mobile.com

 

[jshackles]

The only real gotchas are usually finding a phone that supports your carrier's data bands. The Pixel 6a supports damn near everything, so you should be good to go. I think the only thing it doesn't fully support is some 5G networks on Verizon.

Otherwise, you should be able to pop your sim into the new phone and away you go.

 

[AlteredForms]

T-Mobile are still around? I thought they merged with another provider and changed the name.

 

[Pejo]

Well OP, you should be fine with an unlocked phone. I've been using one for years, and they still haven't caught me. I need to keep this brief since I'm posting from my phone right now.

The only piece of advice I can give, which you should take very serious, is that you need to make sure you disabl

 

[Maiden Voyage]

T-Mobile are still around? I thought they merged with another provider and changed the name.

T-Mobile Completes Merger with Sprint to Create the New T-Mobile - T-Mobile Newsroom

www.t-mobile.com

 

[Cyberpunkd]

T-Mobile are still around? I thought they merged with another provider and changed the name.

Locked phones are still around?

Oh wait, it’s the US.

 

[jshackles]

T-Mobile are still around? I thought they merged with another provider and changed the name.

More importantly than the name, why is OP using T-Mobile at all if they have an unlocked phone? Their cheapest plan is $45 a month, when you could get something like Mint Mobile for $15.

 

[TheUsual]

More importantly than the name, why is OP using T-Mobile at all if they have an unlocked phone? Their cheapest plan is $45 a month, when you could get something like Mint Mobile for $15.

My current phone is not unlocked...at least not that I'm aware of.
But if I'm going to buy a new an unlocked one...Mint Mobile is definitely something to look into!

Been using T-Mobile for as long as I can remember. Guess I like throwing money out the window!
Not guess my phone on the plan as well...my fiancee's phone is on my plan as well.

 

[daveonezero]

Locked phones are still around?

Oh wait, it’s the US.

Yes instead of service contracts you now pay off your phone over 2 years and it is locked during that time.

 

[ahtlas7]

Well OP, you should be fine with an unlocked phone. I've been using one for years, and they still haven't caught me. I need to keep this brief since I'm posting from my phone right now.

The only piece of advice I can give, which you should take very serious, is that you need to make sure you disabl

Not sure I’d take his advice… lol

 

[GeekyDad]

More importantly than the name, why is OP using T-Mobile at all if they have an unlocked phone? Their cheapest plan is $45 a month, when you could get something like Mint Mobile for $15.

 

[Maiden Voyage]

More importantly than the name, why is OP using T-Mobile at all if they have an unlocked phone? Their cheapest plan is $45 a month, when you could get something like Mint Mobile for $15.

This is what I use. No complaints and great overseas coverage with no roaming in notes of places.

Unlimited, Flexible & Group Phone Plans & Rates - Google Fi Wireless

Discover Google Fi Wireless phone plans that work best for you and your family including unlimited data, group, flexible, international and more.

fi.google.com

 

[MastaKiiLA]

Locked phones are still around?

Oh wait, it’s the US.

Yeah. It's so weird. Phones aren't made locked. The US carriers shouldn't be allowed to lock phones like they do.

 

[V1LÆM]

unlocked just means it works with any sim/carrier.

you will be fine but to be safe maybe check the phone supports your networks frequencies? depends where you are.