{"id":22965,"date":"2021-08-02T14:50:05","date_gmt":"2021-08-02T19:50:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/?p=22965"},"modified":"2021-08-02T16:41:58","modified_gmt":"2021-08-02T21:41:58","slug":"unlocked-galaxy-s20-compatibility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/unlocked-galaxy-s20-compatibility\/","title":{"rendered":"Unlocked Galaxy S20 Carrier Compatibility Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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<\/a>), and makes your phone easier to sell on Swappa<\/a> down the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But just because the Galaxy S20 is unlocked, doesn\u2019t mean it will be 100% compatible with every network, which is why it\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is an unlocked phone? <\/em><\/strong>An unlocked phone<\/a> 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\u2019ll need to look at the model number to make sure it\u2019s compatible with your specific network.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

GALAXY S20 BUYER’S GUIDE<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Unlocked Galaxy S20 5G compatibility <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The SM-G981U1<\/strong> is Samsung\u2019s 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\u2019ll sometimes find a carrier<\/em> variant with the SM-G981U<\/strong> model number that\u2019s missing the \u201c1\u201d at the end, and while the hardware offers similar network support, you\u2019ll need to make sure it\u2019s unlocked by the carrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s worth noting the Galaxy S20 (SM-G981U1) is only compatible with Sub-6 5G (aka \u201cnationwide\u201d 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). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SM-G981U carrier compatibility <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n