American carriers have unimaginable control over the design (connectivity) of smartphones that are sold in the market, including the latest Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+.
In the U.S., you won’t find a dual-SIM flagship smartphone selling via Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T or even Sprint. This is solely because the carriers know that a dual-SIM smartphone will give users freedom to switch between different networks at will, something that will chop off some income that would otherwise been directed towards their coffers.
Similarly, American carriers have total control on when smartphone OEMs like Samsung can start selling the unlocked variants of their phones in the region. Usually, the carrier-based variants get head starts that could stretch from anywhere between weeks to months, but it appears that those looking to grab an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8+ might not have to wait as long as last year’s unlocked Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge fans, which took months before finally arriving in the U.S.
A quick look at B&H confirms that the unlocked Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ are now available for pre-orders. This comes at a time when the locked models have just started hitting the country, with the likes of T-Mobile already giving users an early surprise by shipping the phones as from last week.
To get your hands on the unlocked Samsung Galaxy S8, you’ll need to part with a massive $830. This is $80 more than the $750 price tag of the locked variant on T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T – and $110 more than Verizon’s valuation of $720. As for the Galaxy S8+, it will set you back a whole $930, which is also $80 more than Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T as well as $110 more than what Verizon is selling the locked S8+ for.
Other than the price tags and unlocked status, everything else remains unchanged, including the specs and features. You also get AKG earbuds in the same package, with the phones available in either Orchid Gray, Midnight Black or Maple Gold color variants. If you pre-order now, B&H will ship your Galaxy S8 or S8+ at the beginning of May.
Pre-order unlocked Galaxy S8 here
Pre-order unlocked Galaxy S8+ here