iPhone X Confused about sim-free

[gsusser]

Sorry, I know this has been discussed, but I still don't get it.
I normally buy sim-free because I travel. From what I understand, there is only one model of the Xs and Xs Max this year. What, if any advantage is there to getting sim-free?

 

[Givmeabrek]

Basically Sim free will not be locked to a carrier. You can use any Sim card.

 

[eyoungren]

What, if any advantage is there to getting sim-free?

I would imagine that the value is not being locked to a carrier.

 

[gsusser]

I would imagine that the value is not being locked to a carrier.

But if I pay for it outright, which I intend to, I won't be locked to any carrier.

 

[eyoungren]

But if I pay for it outright, which I intend to, I won't be locked to any carrier.

If you buy it at Apple, sure. But only Apple sells the SIM-Free version.

Buy from the carrier full price, locked until their requirements are met - even if paying full price.

Buy from a third party retailer, you have to choose the carrier version and get hit with the Apple Retail Flex Policy which locks the device to the carrier (except Verizon) of the first SIM you insert and it stays locked until that carrier's requirements are met - even if paying full price.

 

[DotCom2]

If you are buying it full price from *Apple* it will be sim-free and not locked to ANY carrier.
You will provide your own sim from whatever carrier you so choose. Great for people who travel often as you have stated.

 

[ipoddin]

Want to add a question to this.

I ordered from Apple.com last night. Selected the replace this phone on my Tmobile account option and paid full price, instead of choosing the Sim free option.

Is this still an unlocked phone but apple is just shipping it actuvated on T-Mobile?