Podcast: Play in new window | Embed
Tim asked: “What is the best unlocked cell phone that would get the best service. Also, what is the best device for charging cell phones, no matter the brand? Like a pad or something.”
Tim the best unlocked phone is the one that will work with the best network where you plan to use it.
Since you want unlocked, we assume you want to be free to roam to other networks, so we’d say look for a phone that has the most bands you can get.
Keep in mind that not all phones may work with all networks, even now that they all use SIM cards. If you look at flasgship phones, they’ll likely work with both types of networks, but that’s not true of every phone, many are still tied to a single technology.
Keep in mind that not all phones may work with all networks
As for charging cell phones, the best way is to use their own chargers. You can find charging pads, but most phones will not be compatible with them natively and will need some kind of an accessory to interact with them. Those wireless charging devices also make the phone run hotter while it’s charging, and heat is not a friend of electronics in the long run.
If you still want to try that technology, Qi has the most compatibility out of the box, Qi chargers are easy to find from many brands. You can also look at Powermat, which has a little bit of an edge in that some companies like Starbucks and Delta have agreed to install free Powermat chargers at some of their locations for free. That means that you may actually get the chance to occasionally charge your phone wirelessly while out in the real world.