No—there’s no universal same-time guarantee. A factory-unlocked phone may get an update sooner by avoiding some carrier review, but it can also be delayed by manufacturer testing or a staged rollout. A phone that was merely SIM-unlocked may still use the update channel of the carrier that originally sold it. Timing depends on the exact model, software variant, carrier, and region.
What “unlocked” means for updates
“Unlocked” describes network access, not necessarily the software route used to deliver updates.
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- Factory-unlocked: Sold without a SIM restriction for one carrier. Depending on the brand and model, it may also use a distinct manufacturer software variant. Google says phones purchased from the Google Store are unlocked: Google Pixel phone compatibility and availability.
- SIM-unlocked or carrier-unlocked: A carrier or another party removed the SIM restriction, allowing the phone to be used with another provider. That does not necessarily replace its original carrier software channel. Samsung says a phone originally sold for use on a specific carrier can continue to receive updates through that carrier even after it is SIM-unlocked: Samsung update guidance.
So, a SIM-unlocked phone is not automatically equivalent to a factory-unlocked model for update timing.
Why timing differs
Manufacturer and carrier review
Some carrier-associated software variants go through carrier review, customization, or testing. Samsung describes a firmware process that can include building and quality-assuring software, carrier testing, fixing and retesting issues, and then releasing it: Samsung Knox update process.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Samsung’s guidance is conditional rather than a simple rule that unlocked is always faster. Samsung Canada says factory-unlocked Galaxy devices typically receive updates sooner because they come directly from Samsung and avoid carrier review and customization: Samsung Canada software update guidance. Samsung US also says factory-unlocked phones may be delayed because they require testing across carriers, while carrier-branded models may have a different path: Samsung US update troubleshooting. These statements address different markets and variants, so neither establishes a universal order.
Staged releases
An announced release date does not mean every eligible handset receives the update that day. Samsung says updates may be distributed in waves to spread server load. Google says Pixel updates roll out gradually, depending on carrier and device, and may take a few weeks to arrive: Google Pixel software updates. A short delay alone does not show that a phone is unsupported or that a carrier has blocked the update.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Model, region, and channel
Update schedules can differ even within one brand. Motorola says plans may vary by product, region, and software channel; some carriers may use different update cycles, and plans can change: Motorola software upgrade information. Check support information for the exact model and region rather than assuming every Android phone follows the same schedule.
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What to expect from Samsung and Pixel
Samsung Galaxy
A factory-unlocked Galaxy may avoid some carrier-specific review, but Samsung’s US guidance notes that cross-carrier testing can also delay it. A Galaxy originally sold for a carrier may remain on that carrier’s update path after SIM unlocking. For some such devices, Samsung says the original carrier’s SIM may be required to download updates; check the original carrier’s device update information if the phone is carrier-specific. Samsung also describes Smart Switch as an update option where appropriate. Consult the Samsung guidance above for the relevant market and device.
Rank #3
- Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB**** of RAM.
- Fluid display + immersive stereo sound. Bring your entertainment to life with an ultrawide 6.5" 90Hz* HD+ display plus stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio**.
- 50MP*** Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- 64GB**** built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps—and add up to 1TB more with a microSD card*****.
- Unbelievable battery life. Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery.*****
Google Pixel
Google’s Pixel update page says releases include feature, operating-system, security, and bug-fix updates. Rollout timing depends on carrier and device, and Google does not promise that every factory-unlocked Pixel will receive an update before—or on the same day as—every carrier-sold Pixel. Google’s seven-year OS and security update commitment for Pixel 8 and later is a support-duration promise, counted from each device’s first availability on the Google Store in the US; it is not a rollout-timing guarantee: Pixel update and support information.
How to check why your phone has not updated
- Identify the exact device. Open Settings > About phone and note the model number and region variant; the retail name alone may not identify the software version.
- Find out how it was unlocked. Determine whether it was factory-unlocked or SIM-unlocked after being sold for a particular carrier. If it was carrier-sold, note the original carrier.
- Check the right update source. Look at the manufacturer’s update information for the exact model and region. For a carrier-specific phone, also check the original carrier’s update page.
- Check the phone itself. On Pixel, go to Settings > System > Software update. Samsung provides software-version and update information in Settings; its guidance also covers checking the last successful update: Samsung update troubleshooting.
- Allow for a staged rollout. If the release was just announced, wait for the rollout to reach your model and channel before treating the delay as a fault.
- Compare patch levels, not just announcements. Another person’s phone or a launch announcement may refer to a different model, region, carrier, or rollout batch. Compare your installed software version and security patch level with information for your specific variant.
What to compare when choosing a phone
If update timing matters, compare the software variant as well as the phone’s retail name. Check the exact model and region, whether it is factory-unlocked or carrier-branded, the manufacturer’s update cadence and support period, and whether a carrier participates in review or distribution. Also check network compatibility separately: Google notes that not every Pixel 4a (5G) and later model works on every carrier’s 5G network, so unlocked status alone does not guarantee full compatibility: Google Pixel compatibility information.
Rank #4
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
The consulted official guidance does not establish a typical number of days by which unlocked phones are earlier or later. Treat any claim that all unlocked phones update faster as too broad; compare the specific device and software channel instead.
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Best Value
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
