Carrier Note 20 Ultra (Telus) or Unlocked?

[acheney1990]

I'm looking for opinions on if it's better to get the carrier version of the note 20 Ultra from Telus or if getting it from Costco where I'm a member and it comes unlocked would be better? Are there benefits either way? does the unlocked version get quicker updates in Canada?

[Tallman]

Hi acheney1990, here is my opinion.

Getting unlock version if you don't want any restriction on switching carriers. Also, if you travel alot and use your phone in different countries, unlock phone is first choice.

If buying a phone from carrier, you may get some benefits from carrier features. Thanks for CHMultimedia told us Rogers WiFi calling now works for unlocked phones, like Samsung OEM. It was a feature that only purchase Rogers phone, then you can get this feature. So, I don't think buying a phone from carriers or OEM has different now. Maybe the only differences are protection plans, financial options...etc.

I think there is no differences between carriers phone or unlocked phone to get updates. Even my phone is from Samsung directly, but my carrier is Roger, I still follow Rogers schedule to get my update.

[acheney1990]

ok thank you. I didn't know that. Thought maybe would get faster updates.

[Habsfan]

wait so phones from Samsung now work like normal without Roger's blocking features like RCS or WiFi and video calling!?

[Tallman]

Yup, I tried WiFi Calling, no more blocking bs. 😁😁😁. Video calling works perfectly.

[Habsfan]

amazing!

[CHMultimedia]

Nope, no difference whatsoever for updates. Same firmware, same release date. Except the occasional case where Rogers/Fido are either first or last. Anyway, your phone will get your carrier's "branding" as soon as you put your SIM in.

I'd buy unlocked from Costco. Costco is more flexible, has longer warranty..
Plus Costco currently offers free Buds Live directly instead of forcing you to claim them manually.
Plus Costco allows you to choose which colour. Samsung only offers the black Buds Live for free.
Plus Costco offers 90 days returns, so you have more than enough time to experience the device, get frustrated, wish you never bought it, hope for an update to fix it, receive the update and be disappointed once more 😉

[Tallman]

Sounds like Costco is more attractive eh!?  😉

[CHMultimedia]

Costco is just really good when it comes to customer service, which is a notoriously weak point for Sammy.ca.

[acheney1990]

Awesome. Thanks. Think I'm gonna go Costco.