The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →You can usually test a new phone carrier without giving up your current number or interrupting your existing service. Sign up for an eligible trial—often on a temporary number—while keeping your old line active. If you decide to switch, ask the new carrier to transfer your number and wait until the transfer completes before cancelling anything.
Can you keep your current number during a carrier trial?
Usually, yes. Several carrier trials let you try the network on a separate, temporary number while your current number and service stay with your existing carrier. That lets you test coverage without first moving your number. Trial terms vary by provider and can change, so check the current signup page for eligibility, device requirements, trial length, data limits, and what happens when the trial ends.
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For example, Verizon describes a 30-day eSIM trial, Visible a 15-day trial, Google Fi a seven-day trial, and AT&T a 30-day network trial. These are examples, not a permanent or exhaustive list; confirm the offer directly before signing up. Visible says its trial uses a new number that cannot be kept or ported to another carrier.
Check whether the trial supports your location and device, requires eSIM or an app, and automatically changes to a paid plan or ends when the trial expires. Compare the post-trial plan and price as well as the trial period.
#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.
What to check before starting a trial
Phone compatibility and unlock status
Confirm that your phone is unlocked and compatible with the new carrier. Some offers have narrower requirements: Verizon says its trial requires an unlocked, compatible 5G-capable device. eSIM setup also depends on both the phone and carrier supporting it; Apple’s eSIM guidance explains the device and carrier support requirements.
Coverage where you actually use your phone
Test reception at home, work, and places you regularly travel, including indoors. Try calls, texts, mobile data, and hotspot use if those matter to you. A trial is an opportunity to assess your own locations and routines; it does not establish a general network-performance ranking.
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.
Trial number and end-of-trial terms
Find out whether the trial gives you a temporary number, whether that number can be retained, and what happens when the trial expires. A trial number and the number you later transfer from your current carrier are separate things. Review the new carrier’s plan and price after the trial before deciding to stay.
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How to switch and keep your number
- Keep your existing service active. Do not cancel the old line before the number transfer finishes. Visible’s porting guidance says to keep the number active with the current carrier; the line closes once the number has fully transferred. Canada’s CRTC also advises customers not to cancel before switching.
- Start the transfer with the new carrier. Tell the new provider you want to bring your number, then follow its current port-in instructions. The provider will specify what account or transfer details it needs and whether you must confirm the request.
- Wait for the transfer to complete. Keep the old line in service until the new carrier confirms the port is complete and the number works on the new service. Porting steps and timing depend on the carrier and country.
- Review the old account afterward. Once the number works with the new carrier, check the former account for remaining device balances, plan charges, or other lines. Billing outcomes depend on your account and contract terms.
Porting rules depend on your country
Do not assume that one country’s porting credentials or schedule applies everywhere. The safe general approach is to begin the transfer with the new carrier and leave the old service active until the number has moved.
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.*****
United States
The FCC describes number portability as allowing customers to retain their numbers when changing providers and discusses the security risk of fraudulent ports. Its portability and security order is policy context, not a universal consumer checklist. Follow your new carrier’s current instructions for the account and transfer information it requires; requirements vary by provider.
United Kingdom
Under Ofcom’s UK guidance, a customer who wants to keep a mobile number requests a Porting Authorisation Code (PAC) from the current provider and gives it to the new provider. Ofcom says a mobile port normally completes within one working day after the new provider receives the PAC. This timing is UK-specific.
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.
Canada
The CRTC’s Canadian switching guidance says to tell the new provider you want to keep your number and not to cancel service before switching.
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Quick Recap
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)
What to compare before you commit
- Coverage and reliability in the places you use your phone.
- Phone unlock status, network compatibility, and SIM or eSIM requirements.
- Trial length, eligibility rules, data limits, and whether you receive a temporary number.
- The plan and price after the trial, plus what happens when it expires.
- The new carrier’s number-transfer process and the information it requires.
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.
