Samsung And Best Buy Begin Taking Preorders For Unlocked Galaxy S8 and S8+ Handsets
In a perfect world, all smartphones would be able to connect to any wireless carrier's network. But we do not live in a perfect world, and as such most smartphones are tied to either CDMA or GSM networks, thereby narrowing a user's choice of wireless carrier. The exception is when a smartphone is unlocked to support both types of networks. Well, good news—Samsung's flagship Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ handsets are both now available to preorder in unlocked form in the U.S.
The unlocked variants are compatible with both types of networks, giving users the freedom to hop from wireless carriers that operate on GSM such as AT&T and T-Mobile to CDMA network providers such as Verizon, Sprint, and U.S. cellular. Normally when switching from one type of network to another, it means having to purchase a new smartphone.
"With the Galaxy S8 and S8+, we reinvented what a mobile phone looks like, how you interact with it, and what kinds of experiences it can deliver," said Tim Baxter, president and chief operating officer of Samsung Electronics America. "By combining the freedom that Unlocked by Samsung provides, with the innovative and groundbreaking features of our latest flagship phones, we are giving consumers even more choice and convenience for their mobile needs."
Other than network compatibility, the unlocked versions of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ are the same as their locked counterparts. As a refresher, that means a 5.8-inch(Galaxy S8) or 6.2-inch (Galaxy S8+) Quad HD+ (2960x1440) display powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC and 4GB of LPDDR4 memory. Both handsets also sport 64GB of built-in storage expandable via microSD, an 8MP front camera, a 12MP rear shooter, and a plethora of sensors.
Preorders are available now online at Samsung and Best Buy, with the Galaxy S8 priced at $725 and the Galaxy S8+ going for $825. Both models will be available in store and online on May 31, 2017.
The unlocked variants are compatible with both types of networks, giving users the freedom to hop from wireless carriers that operate on GSM such as AT&T and T-Mobile to CDMA network providers such as Verizon, Sprint, and U.S. cellular. Normally when switching from one type of network to another, it means having to purchase a new smartphone.
"With the Galaxy S8 and S8+, we reinvented what a mobile phone looks like, how you interact with it, and what kinds of experiences it can deliver," said Tim Baxter, president and chief operating officer of Samsung Electronics America. "By combining the freedom that Unlocked by Samsung provides, with the innovative and groundbreaking features of our latest flagship phones, we are giving consumers even more choice and convenience for their mobile needs."
Other than network compatibility, the unlocked versions of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ are the same as their locked counterparts. As a refresher, that means a 5.8-inch(Galaxy S8) or 6.2-inch (Galaxy S8+) Quad HD+ (2960x1440) display powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC and 4GB of LPDDR4 memory. Both handsets also sport 64GB of built-in storage expandable via microSD, an 8MP front camera, a 12MP rear shooter, and a plethora of sensors.
Preorders are available now online at Samsung and Best Buy, with the Galaxy S8 priced at $725 and the Galaxy S8+ going for $825. Both models will be available in store and online on May 31, 2017.
