Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 Edge Gets Released in US With More Options, Prices

By Trisha Cerdena
Samsung Galaxy S7
Samsung Galaxy S7, one of the phones unveiled at Mobile World Congress 2016.  Ars Technica

Samsung is giving its customers increased access to their “Galaxy of possibility” as the company officially gives out its offer of unlocked Galaxy S7 and S7 edge smartphones in the United States.

While opting for an unlocked smartphone is likely to be more expensive, users can also enjoy several benefits. For instance, one is not limited to a specific carrier by a contract option, and the gadget can be used on other networks, within the country or globally.

With Samsung now making the unlocked Galaxy S7 and S7 edge available in the United States, users can do away with the mentioned smartphone struggle. The unlocked gadgets are compatible with all major carriers in the U.S., including CDMA operators such as Verizon and Sprint.

The unlocked Samsung Galaxy S7 is available for $669.99, while the Galaxy S7 edge comes at a higher price of $769.99. In terms of purchase options, the unlocked smartphones can be purchased directly from Samsung, or through retailers, including Amazon, eBay, Best Buy and Target.

Customers can enjoy a black avatar color for the Galaxy S7 while the S7 edge is available in silver.

"The unlocked Galaxy S7 and S7 edge offer more U.S. customers a way to join the Galaxy family, giving them access to a portfolio of seamless mobile experiences including connectivity to wearables, making payments right from your phone and even virtual reality worlds," Tim Baxter, the President of Samsung Electronics America, assured its users.

Both the unlocked Galaxy S7 and S7 edge come with the same designs, features and specs as found in the original handsets released this year. Users can expect a leading-edge design along with fancy cameras. Aside from wireless charging, the unlocked smartphones are also water- and dust-resistant.

Moreover, the gadgets come with Samsung Knox which enables users to take advantage of a new security feature that helps secure one’s personal and professional data, thus the element of a ‘work phone.’

Samsung provides options for its customers, such as the inclusion of the Samsung calculator, email, browser or other apps to be installed on their phones. If one opts to do without these apps, he or she will enjoy a more substantial storage space.

This has not been the first time that the company offers unlocked smartphones in the U.S. Nonetheless, it has taken a remarkable step after making the devices compatible with a wide range of networks.

In 2015, for instance, Samsung made the unlocked Galaxy S6 available but only for GSM networks.

According to tech site PCMag's Lead Mobile Analyst Sascha Segan, the Galaxy S7 provides "the best Android smartphone performance in a relatively small package. Meanwhile, the S7 Edge “combines state-of-the-art components with a smart, gorgeous design and a big battery, making it a killer Android smartphone."

The unlocked Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge have already been made available since June 30, Thursday.