Results: unlocked phones rule

Yesterday, Huawei lamented the loss of an AT&T deal, which meant the Mate 10 Pro would be launching in the USA without any carrier backing. Anyone that wants it will have to go to a tech store and cough up the full $799 price, or at least get a payment plan that's not stuffed with carrier-provided perks and discounts.

Anyway, that got us thinking — how much do a smartphone's sales get hurt if said device is not sold by any carrier? Surely, that puts a dent in shipments, but is it a huge one? We thought we'd ask.

So, poll results are in and, apparently, 95% of voters would have absolutely no problem to go into a tech store and buy an unlocked, carrier-free. Obviously, the folks that would read and vote on a poll in a tech blog go differently about their buyer decisions than the general population that would walk in a carrier store, but 95% is still quite impressive. We guess manufacturers that don't have their phones in a carrier shop shouldn't lose too much sleep over that, eh?

Six-month unlimited plan is now 57% off

$90

$210

$120 off (57%)

Mint Mobile is now allowing you to get whichever plan you like for either three, six, or 12 months for just $15/mo. If you go for the six-month unlimited service, for instance, you'll now have to pay just $90 upfront instead of $210.

Buy at Mint Mobile