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“Which smartphones are exclusive to Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile?”

Smartphone makers have moved into a very interesting territory of collaborating with mobile networks to exclusively sell carrier models of their latest devices. Several phones have released that can only be found at one of the four major networks if you want to buy them through a carrier.

While many of these devices are also available unlocked, many consumers are not well versed in that device market. This means carrier exclusives are still a viable move for both networks and smartphone makers that want to stand out. Brand loyalty to a specific network will make many shoppers opt to go down to their local retail store to buy a new device rather than purchasing online. Additionally, in-store purchases are still common for those who don’t want to wait three-to-five days for a product ship.

Here’s a rundown of smartphones with carrier options that can be found at only one network.

Verizon: Google Pixel 3

The Google Pixel 3 is available on Verizon for those who want to purchase the device under a carrier. The Pixel 3 is available for $799.99 or $33.33 per month for 24 months. The Pixel 3 XL is available for $929.99 or $38.74 per month for 24 months.

Customers can purchase the carrier branded models through Verizon and Best Buy, both online and in-stores. When purchasing through Best Buy, customers may be encouraged to start Verizon contract if they don’t already have one.

Verizon Pixel 3 XL

Verizon Pixel 3 XL

The Verizon model of the Pixel 3 is supposed to be SIM unlocked and able to work with the SIM card of any other carrier, but prior reports indicated that users who purchased devices from Best Buy had issues using SIM cards from other carriers with their smartphones. Many users had to install a Verizon SIM for at least 24-hours before their device would unlock to other carriers or they take the device to a Verizon retail store to be unlocked. Verizon has since lifted the SIM lock for the Pixel 3, but many sources note move may not be permanent.

AT&T: Razer Phone 2

The Razer Phone 2 was recently announced as an AT&T carrier exclusive after its original launch last month. The Razer Phone 2 is will be available for $799.99 or $26.67 per month for 30 months. This carrier-locked models of the gaming smartphone will be available through AT&T and Best Buy starting November 16.

Razer Phone 2

Razer Phone 2

Sprint: Essential Phone

The Essential phone is over a year old but it is the closest consumers will get to a Sprint exclusive. The Essential Phone is available for $449.99 or for $18.75 per months for 18 months. The smartphone compatible with all of the major U.S. carrier bands unlocked, but Sprint and Essential joined forced for the device’s launch, claiming that the network will give users the best mobile experience for call and data quality. The unlocked model is often discounted by over $200 through other vendors, such as Amazon

Essential Phone

T-Mobile: OnePlus 6T

The OnePlus 6T is now available, and in an effort to grab the attention of U.S. consumers, the Chinese manufacturer collaborated with T-Mobile to get the word about its affordable flagship. OnePlus typically sells phones unlocked in the U.S. but there is now the option of purchasing a OnePlus 6T in stores or online through T-Mobile. The OnePlus 6T is available for $580 or $24.17 per month for 24 months.

OnePlus 6T Mirror Black and Midnight Black

OnePlus 6T Mirror Black and Midnight Black

The T-Mobile model is carrier locked to the network and is a single-SIM device, while the unlocked models sold directly through OnePlus are unlocked and dual-SIM. More tech-savvy consumers should be aware of this as they may take pause to consider which model will suit their needs. OnePlus noted that U.S. consumers typically don’t use the second SIM on dual-SIM devices, which swayed their decision to include only one SIM on the T-Mobile Model. The unlocked model also works on Verizon, in addition to T-Mobile, and AT&T.

Fionna Agomuoh

Founder and Editor-in-Chief of TechieSupreme.com. I like smartphones, traveling, and long walks to the gym.

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