Guides
The practical side of owning a phone in the US: unlocked versus carrier models, eSIM, how long each maker updates its phones, which phones work on Verizon, and why prices went up in 2026. Plain answers with the sources linked where the rules come from.
eSIM in the US: how it works and what to check
What eSIM is, which iPhones sold in the US have no SIM tray, how to move your number on AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile, and what to check before you buy or travel.
How long will your phone get updates? Every brand's promise
Google, Samsung, Motorola and Nothing put update promises in writing, Apple doesn't. Each policy, how the years are counted, and when support ends.
Unlocked vs carrier phones in the US: what's the difference?
What unlocked means in the US, the current AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile unlocking rules after Verizon's 2026 change, and how to check your phone.
Why phones cost more in 2026: every price increase so far
Every phone that costs more on its maker's US store than at launch, what Apple, Samsung and Nothing say about memory costs, and what that means if you buy now.
Will an unlocked phone work on Verizon? How to check first
Why some unlocked phones only partly work on Verizon, how to check yours with Verizon's own tools, and which phones we track have limited or unconfirmed support.
