Section
Smartphones, plans and accessories.
4 articles
Buying a phone in the US means choosing a device, a carrier and a way to pay at the same time, and the carrier deal often costs more than it looks. This guide explains unlocked versus carrier phones, how installment plans and trade-in credits really work, and what to check before you sign.
US phone plans fall into three families: postpaid plans from the big carriers, prepaid plans paid in advance, and MVNOs that resell the same networks for less. Here is how each works, what deprioritization and hotspot limits mean, and how to work out what you actually need.
Scam calls and texts reach Americans every day, impersonating banks, the IRS, delivery companies and even family members. This guide explains the most common phone scams, the warning signs they share, the settings that filter them out on iPhone and Android, and where to report them and get help.
An eSIM is a SIM card built into your phone that your carrier programs over the air. It makes switching carriers, adding a second line and getting data abroad much easier. Here is how eSIM works in the US, how to set it up or move it to a new phone, and the pitfalls to avoid.
