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Are you in the market for a new iPhone in Nigeria? Have you heard about locked and unlocked iPhones, but aren’t sure what the difference is? As a senior tech support specialist at applestore.ng, a company specialising in iPhone and Apple watch buyback in Lagos Nigeria, I’m here to break it down for you.
First, let’s talk about what a locked iPhone is. When you purchase a phone from a carrier, they may “lock” it to their network. This means that the phone will only work with that carrier’s SIM card and won’t be compatible with other carriers. For example, if you buy an iPhone from MTN Nigeria, it may be locked to MTN’s network, meaning you won’t be able to use a SIM card from Airtel Nigeria.
However, there are ways to bypass this restriction with the help of a chip that cost about 7,000 Naira in computer village Lagos or other popular electronics marketplaces in Lagos. That’s why you commonly hear the term chip unlock iPhone in Nigeria. Chip unlocked iPhones are generally cheaper than factory unlocked iPhones simply because of this restriction but it has proven to be a good way to save cost when buying an iPhone.
On the other hand, an unlocked iPhone is not tied to any specific carrier and can be used with any compatible SIM card. This means that if you travel internationally or switch carriers, you can simply swap out the SIM card and keep using your phone.
So, why does this matter to Nigerian consumers? If you plan on using the same carrier for the entirety of your phone’s lifespan, a locked phone may not be an issue. However, if you want the flexibility to switch carriers or travel internationally without incurring expensive roaming fees, an unlocked phone may be the better choice.
In addition, unlocked phones may have a higher resale value. When it’s time to upgrade, you may be able to sell an unlocked phone for more money than a locked phone. Now that you know the difference between locked and unlocked iPhones, you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next device. And if you have an old iPhone you no longer need, don’t forget to check out applestore.ng’s buyback program for cash on the spot.
