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Locked vs. unlocked phones: what wholesale buyers need to know

Jun 18, 2026·5 min read

Unlocked stock — carries a premium because it resells into any market. Every unit we list as “Unlocked” has been verified unlocked at the network level during our 12-point test, not just read from the handset's settings.

Carrier-locked stock — can be materially cheaper, but only makes sense if you have a channel for that carrier or a reliable unlocking route. On mixed lots we surface the exact locked-unit count on the order line so you can plan around it rather than discover it on arrival.

Our advice for first orders is simple: start unlocked, confirm your sell-through, then blend in locked lots once you know your channel. Because every unit is IMEI-verified, you can match lock status to specific IMEIs before you commit.

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