For decades there has been endless policy wrangling over whether “unlocking your phone” (removing restrictions allowing you to take the device with you to another carrier) should be allowed. Giant carriers have generally supported onerous phone locks because it hampers competition by making it harder to switch providers. Consumer rights groups and the public broadly support unlocked devices.
There are loads and loads of phones on eBay. You will quickly find sellers who do this as a business, not just some dude ditching his old phone.
They have consistent quality ratings (A, B, C, etc.) and pics of the product you will receive.
Bought my last 6 phones that way. No way I’d agree to a carrier provided, $800 phone.
I’m not purchasing expensive phones either, but I think it’s important to note that this will probably have a significant affect on the industry (mostly in the US) and I’m not usually optimistic of how these changes affect the consumer in the long run.
We still have to live in the real world. Someone still has to make those new phones that you eventually hawk.