Best camera smartphones 2018

Please note that the links to the phones listed above will lead you to mostly unlocked (or international) versions. We recommend unlocked phones, especially for travelers.  

​

Unlocked phones are those that are not tied to any carrier or plan. It helps you choose your phone and carrier independently. The benefits of this are several: firstly, you have the freedom to choose the carrier and plan of your choice. You can switch carriers without any hassle the moment you find a better deal or desire to do so. Secondly, while traveling internationally, it is as simple as taking out the existing SIM card and replacing it with one from a different carrier that works (or is cheaper) over there. Finally, carrier-locked phones may differ in features or have limited service options. With unlocked phones, there are no such restrictions.

​

To set up an unlocked phone, you will need a SIM card of your preferred carrier. Also, and this is absolutely important: DO make sure your new phone supports your carrier before buying it. You can usually find the list of supported carriers mentioned in the product description. Else, just compare the network type and bands of the phone and your carrier.

​

In the US, AT&T, T-mobile and other prepaid carriers use GSM, as do most other international carriers, but at different radio frequency bands (noted in MHz). However, Verizon, Sprint and some other carriers use the CDMA network.

​

India's mobile frequencies and bands are:

2G: GSM 900 MHz, GSM 1800 MHz.

3G: UMTS 2100 (B1), UMTS 900 (B8)

4G: LTE 1800 (B3), LTE 850 (B5), LTE 2300 (B40).

Again, not all carriers support all bands.

If you are traveling to India, please keep in mind that you are unlikely to find SIM cards being sold at airports. Even if they are, they are prohibitively expensive and it makes no sense to buy one from the airport. However, it may not be easy to obtain a SIM card from local dealers if you are a foreign national. While the Government had been giving away SIM cards with around INR 50/$1 calling value and 50 MB data for free to all international travelers arriving in India, it appears the scheme has been discontinued. So be prepared for the same and talk to your agent beforehand regarding this.

There is one easy way to get an Airtel or Vodafone SIM card though. They are both among India's most popular networks and have perhaps the widest network coverage across the country. I personally use Airtel. Calling and data (internet) tariffs in India are among the lowest in the world, so it makes sense to get a local SIM card if you are here.To get an Airtel SIM, you just need to find an  Airtel retail outlet near your location and  visit them with your documents: home address proof (your driving license or Green card or any other government issued identity card), present address proof (a letter from your hotel stating you are a guest), passport, visa/e-visa and photocopies of each document along with two passport sized photographs. Follow the verification process outlined by your retailer and you should have a working SIM, activated within 24 hours.

​

Was the above list and information helpful? Got any suggestions or questions?  How was your experience? Share your thoughts in the comment box below!

Cheers!