When shopping for a used Samsung Galaxy S20, buying an unlocked model is always a good idea. Typically, unlocked models offer greater compatibility with more networks, which gives you the freedom to switch networks (and find better deals on wireless service), and makes your phone easier to sell on Swappa down the road.
But just because the Galaxy S20 is unlocked, doesn’t mean it will be 100% compatible with every network, which is why it’s important to know ahead of time. This will help you figure out if you should pick up the unlocked model, or go with a carrier specific model instead.
What is an unlocked phone? An unlocked phone is one that is not restricted to a specific carrier network, has been paid in full, and is no longer being financed. These are usually sold directly by the manufacturer, although you’ll need to look at the model number to make sure it’s compatible with your specific network.
In the US, the Galaxy S20 series comes in a few different models numbers. Wondering what the differences are and if the unlocked model will work on your carrier’s network? Keep reading to see various carrier compatibility, and find out if the Galaxy S20 family is compatible with Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or your favorite MVNO.
Unlocked Galaxy S20 5G compatibility
The SM-G981U1 is Samsung’s factory unlocked GSM + CDMA + 5G model for the US, and works on pretty much any carrier in North America, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. You’ll sometimes find a carrier variant with the SM-G981U model number that’s missing the “1” at the end, and while the hardware offers similar network support, you’ll need to make sure it’s unlocked by the carrier.
It’s worth noting the Galaxy S20 (SM-G981U1) is only compatible with Sub-6 5G (aka “nationwide” 5G), although there is a Verizon model (SM-G981V) that supports UWB 5G (also called mmWave), but has less RAM (8GB) than the normal model (up to 12GB).
Although not the point of this post, there is also the SM-G981 for markets outside the US, and lower-end Galaxy S20 (SM-G980) that only offers 4G LTE support along with 8GB of RAM.
SM-G981U carrier compatibility
- 2G GSM: GSM850, GSM900, DCS1800, PCS1900
- 2G CDMA: 800, 1900 MHz
- 3G UMTS, HSPA+: 850, 900, 1700, 1900, 2100 MHz
- 3G CDMA: CDMA2000, EV-DO: 800, 1900 MHz
- 4G LTE: Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71
- 5G: Bands n2, n5, n41, n66, n71
Unlocked Galaxy S20+ 5G carrier compatibility
For the larger Galaxy S20+ 5G, SM-G986U1 is Samsung’s factory unlocked model for the US and supports all network types (GSM + CDMA + 5G). That means you can expect compatibility with any major US-based carrier, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
Galaxy S20+ 5G carrier variants go by the SM-G986U model number. These are missing the “1” at the end of their name that you find of factory unlocked models, but offer similar carrier support on the hardware level. You’ll just need to make sure these are carrier unlocked in order to use them on different wireless networks.
Although not the point of this post, there is also the more affordable SM-G985 (4G LTE) with 8GB of RAM, but you’ll mostly find it sold outside the US.
SM-G986U1 carrier compatibility
- 2G GSM: GSM850, GSM900, DCS1800, PCS1900
- 2G CDMA: 800, 1900 MHz
- 3G UMTS, HSPA+: 850, 900, 1700, 1900, 2100 MHz
- 3G CDMA: CDMA2000, EV-DO: 800, 1900 MHz
- 4G LTE: Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71
- 5G: Bands n2, n5, n41, n66, n71, n260, n261
Unlocked Galaxy S20 Ultra compatibility
Finally, SM-G988U1 is the factory unlocked Galaxy S20 Ultra for the US, and offers compatibility with GSM + CDMA + 5G networks. This means it will be compatible with all major US carrier networks, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
Meanwhile, SM-G988U is the Galaxy S20 Ultra carrier variant (which is missing the “1” at the end), but offers similar hardware support for major networks. It’s possible to find these unlocked, you’ll just want to double-check this has been done by the carrier before purchasing.
Unlike the S20 and S20+, the Galaxy S20 Ultra only comes in the 4G/5G model, this means that you won’t find a more affordable 4G LTE-only S20 Ultra.
SM-G988U1 carrier compatibility
- 2G GSM: GSM850, GSM900, DCS1800, PCS1900
- 2G CDMA: 800, 1900 MHz
- 3G UMTS, HSPA+: 850, 900, 1700, 1900, 2100 MHz
- 3G CDMA: CDMA2000, EV-DO: 800, 1900 MHz
- 4G LTE: Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71
- 5G: Bands n2, n5, n41, n66, n71, n260, n261
Shop unlocked Galaxy S20 5G on Swappa
Whichever unlocked Galaxy S20 series you choose, Swappa makes it easy to find the best deals on a gently used Galaxy. Our strict “no junk, no jerks” policy allows you to find an unlocked Galaxy S20 that’s ready for activation on the carrier of your choosing. Just purchase unlocked, pop a SIM in, and you’re ready to go. You can find the best deals on an unlocked Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, or Galaxy S20 Ultra by shopping on Swappa.
