What is the difference between an unlocked or locked wrist watch phone?

I know we’ve talked about many watch phones here but we’ve never answered one simple question that I bet it’s on everyone’s mind: what is the difference between a locked an an unlocked watch phone, if any. Let’s start by explaining what’s a locked phone and why this thing was ‘invented’. A locked phone doesn’t mean a phone that can’t be opened, it refers to the watch being forced to work only on some GSM networks, belonging usually to the GSM carrier that supplied you with the watch phone at a better price (because you’re paying more later with the monthly subscription, not because wants to do you any good).

This practice is common for some time as it allows GSM carriers to attract new customers, keep old customers (by forcing them to sign a new contract renewal form for a longer term) and helps them distinguish somehow own products by altering their software with the carrier logo and even offer new functions or cut the ones that threaten their sales (see VoIP programs which allows free over the Internet voice calls). The same thing goes for locked watch phones: a locked watch phone can only be used with a certain SIM belonging the the carrier that sold you the wrist watch phone.

For cheap watch phones there’s no reason to sign a carrier contract just to get it for a few dollars less, but then it comes to more expensive cellphone watches like the LG GD910 you may get it for a lot less if you sign a new contract, but it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth it. Also bear in mind that there are quite a few forums out there and people willing to help you unlock your cellphone or watch phone locked on one network. Remember this is a procedure that can ruin your gadget’s firmware (internal software) and is illegal according to your carrier ToS (terms of service).

For a watch phone like this you might want to sign a contract

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Tagged with: FAQ • question

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