How to supercharge your iPhone 12: unlock to cut costs and maximise flexibility
2020 marked the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic, a global catastrophe affecting more than twenty million people in a matter of months. In the same year, Kobe Bryant passed away, Donald Trump was impeached, Ghislaine Maxwell was arrested, and Joe Biden became president-elect. Then, in October, Apple released its fourteenth-generation iPhones, unveiling the devices at a virtual event staged in Cupertino, California. The iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max became available in most countries for purchase the same month.
Apple introduced a host of new features, including several major upgrades over the iPhone 11—itself a wildly successful device, 159.2 million units worldwide, making it the tenth best-selling smartphone of all time. Most notably, the iPhone 12 series featured Super Retina XDR OLED displays, 5G support, MagSafe functionality for charging, A14 Bionic SoC processor, and HDR video with Dolby Vision 4K up to 30 fps. As well as additional features, Apple took away longstanding functionalities and accessories. For the first time, Apple did not include a power adapter or EarPods. However, they did include a USB-C to Lightning cable which was retroactively applied to various other iPhone models.
As well as additional features, the iPhone 12 marked Apple’s first major redesign since the landmark iPhone X. Apple reverted to a chassis with flat edges, reminiscent of earlier models in its iPhone series. The borders around the screens display were also reduced and the iPhone 11’s brittle front glass was replaced with a ceramic-hardened alternative. Despite these sweeping changes, critical and public reception was mixed. Upon release, The Verge called the iPhone 12 series ‘beautiful, powerful, and incredibly capable’, praising its design, speed and 5G capabilities. Further, its OLED display, slimmer bezels and improved battery life compared to its predecessor were also praised. Engadget gave the device a positive review too, praising its wireless charging capabilities and redesigned camera system. The public praised the device too, and as of Q2 2021, the iPhone 12 was the third best-selling globally.
It wasn’t all praise though; Apple was criticised for overreliance on Face ID as its sole biometric security feature—critics were concerned the functionality would not work well with face masks. The iPhone 12 mini was also criticised for its inferior battery life compared to the larger iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro. There was also a series of complaints coined ‘OLED-gate’, whereby the devices OLED panel black pixels failed to shut off in black scenes resulting in ‘ugly glow’. Interestingly, several independent Apple repair experts raised concerns around a variety of key components which would malfunction and display warnings when replaced with new ones. Apple rectified the issue with the release iOS 14.4 which did display a warning message but otherwise functioned regularly. Finally, some users in Brazil claimed Apple removing the EarPods and power adapters were anti-consumer—it was later discovered that Apple removed both components to reduce costs and not save the environment.
Nevertheless, Apple have sold more than 100 million iPhone 12s globally to date and continue to sell growing numbers. Considering global purchasing trends, many of these devices were bought by users on contract and are locked to major networks meaning users and buyers cannot choose any other network provider. Fortunately, DirectUnlocks can unlock your iPhone 12 simply from the comfort of your own home.
Why should you unlock your iPhone 12?
- Most smartphone owners eventually sell their device, using the money to either pay off their contract, fund their next purchase or raise some extra spending money. The iPhone 12 is still wildly popular, and in recent years, the market for used and nearly new iPhones has exploded, buyers can’t buy stock quick enough. But before selling, users should know unlocked iPhone 12s sell for more than locked devices. Private and commercial buyers recognise how much more flexible an unlocked smartphone is and will pay as much as 30% more than the same devices locked counterpart.
- Regular travel is more common now than ever, whether it be for business or pleasure. We’re also increasingly dependent on our smartphones when travelling for directions, dining recommendations and keeping in contact with friends and family. However, most travellers will be subjected to expensive roaming costs which are more expensive the more exotic the location. Unlocking your iPhone 12 can help avoid roaming costs. With an unlocked device, users can simply locate a store, purchase a domestic SIM-only package and swap out their current SIM to save money.
- Western smartphone users are facing an imminent cost-of-living crisis. Daily bills are increasing and saving money is more important than ever. Unlocked smartphones help reduce monthly outgoings. Once your iPhone 12 is unlocked—even if you’re still paying off your device—you can remove your network SIM and cancel your airtime contract. Then, you’ll be able to access the growing SIM-only market which can beat your monthly contract fee by as much as £240 per year!
Now the benefits of unlocking are clear, DirectUnlocks can help you unlock iPhone 12 devices from the comfort of your own home in four simple steps.
How to unlock your iPhone 12
- On the form above simply enter your IMEI, select the country and network that the phone is locked to. Once our software has automatically identified your device make and model, select ‘Buy Now’ to begin unlocking.
- Once your payment has successfully cleared, DirectUnlocks will begin processing the unlock. Once complete, even a firmware update won’t affect your lock status. Once payment is confirmed we will update you by email and SMS.
- Tracking is available throughout via the DirectUnlocks portal. 24/7 customer care is also available to answer any queries or issues.
- Once your iPhone 12 has been successfully unlocked, we will notify you by email and SMS. Apple devices are unlocked entirely remote!
DirectUnlocks have successfully unlocked hundreds of thousands of devices in recent years. Our vast experience means we know the market and can support you with any issues you might experience. Trust us, we’ll make it easy for you!
Unlock EE phone: save money and get the most out of your device!
In 2010, the UK officially exited recession, there were earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, Eyjafjallajokull erupted, and BP’s Deepwater Horizon exploded, spilling more than 130 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. Amidst this chaos, Deutsche Telekom and France Télécom formed Everything Everywhere, a major joint venture between their respective UK ventures. The venture was forecast to deliver yearly revenue of £7.7 billion while yielding cost savings of up to £800 million. Following early success, the business was officially rebranded as EE and launched the UK’s very first 4G mobile network, allowing greater connectivity and productivity.
Six years after announcing the venture, Everything Everywhere was sold to BT for £12.5 billion. The sale purported to provide customers with enhanced services, combining fibre broadband and the latest mobile capabilities. BT also combined their Business and Public Sector division with EE’s business division, continuing to service the Emergency Service Network and £5bn worth of total revenues. In 2018, BT ‘leaned’ their business operations and simplified their operating model. Since then, the consumer branch is split into three existing brands, BT, EE and Plusnet.
EE continued to grow its UK consumer division, and as of 2021 boasted more than 26 million mobile subscribers, making it the UK’s second-largest mobile network operator. Consumer experience sites also show that EE provides the best coverage and download speeds of any UK network—purportedly covering 99% of the UK population. EE have continued to innovate, improving their service and offering, as well as leading anti-piracy efforts and installing strong 5G networks at concert halls and sports stadiums.
Like many mobile network providers, as smartphone ownership increased and owning the latest mobile device became a powerful consumer trend, EE began offering customers newly released smartphones on ‘contract’. These new mobile contracts allowed buyers to purchased ‘locked’ devices and spread the cost over two years, ‘bolting’ on their network charges, thus creating a contract. Mobile contracts allow greater access to mobile ownership but do come with downsides for current users and owners left with locked devices in their sock draws. These drawbacks can be costly and render your device inflexible. Fortunately, owners can easily unlock their EE smartphones, offering enhanced benefits and cost saving.
Why unlock your EE phone?
Mobile contracts helped customers afford expensive handsets, they also made renewing easier for tech-savvy, trend conscious buyers with shorter refresh rates. Alas, they also made mobile devices less flexible, more costly, less valuable, and inadvertently locked customers to networks even after their contracts had expired—assuming they reach full term. So, it won’t surprise you to know there’s a heap of reasons to unlock an EE phone, these include:
Increase resale value – unlocked smartphones are worth more than locked devices. Private buyers and recycling services will both pay more for an unlocked device than one locked to a network. The truth is, locked smartphones are limited in scope, buyers know they won’t have access to the growing array of sim-only providers offering cheap unlimited minutes and data packages. This means they’ll be forced to purchase a package from whatever provider the device is locked to, dramatically reducing its attractiveness. So, unlocking your device might boost the resale value by as much as 30%!
Improve global flexibility – even if you’re not selling your device, unlocking your current contract mobile makes travelling a whole lot easier. Many networks, particularly when travelling to more exotic locations, charge roaming fees—which can be enormous. Unlocking your contract devices means you can simply find a local store, purchase a local sim-only package, switch to your temporary SIM, and enjoy cheap minutes with no roaming fees.
Cut monthly bills – most locked devices are locked to major networks whose monthly usage costs are generally higher than small, starter networks. If you’ve been stuck with a locked device and have been paying monthly for minutes and data, you could cut your monthly bills by unlocking your EE phone and switching to a SIM-only deal with a start-up network provider who often offer unlimited data for as little as £10!
Access better network deals – the mobile network market grows all the time, more ‘new entrants’ are offering affordable unlimited packages for prospecting consumers bored of costly monthly network charges. Unlocking your device once your contract has expired, or with a phone you might previously have bought, allows you to access a growing portfolio of network providers. You can also switch whenever you like if a better deal becomes available, or your circumstances change.
Now you know why you should your EE phone, you’ll be relieved to know DirectUnlocks can help you with how to unlock your EE phone too.
How to unlock your EE phone!
DirectUnlocks have been unlocking mobile devices for many years, processing hundreds of thousands of unlocks. We use the exact same method that mobile phone carriers do, ‘whitelisting’ your device so that even a firmware reset won’t require you to unlock your mobile again. All you’ll need to get begin unlocking your device is its unique 15-digit IMEI, usually found in general settings. If you’re unable to find your IMEI, Googling ‘how to find IMEI for’, followed by your device’s make and model will unearth heaps of simple guides. Once you’ve found your IMEI, visit DirectUnlocks website, select your country and carrier, enter the IMEI and complete the purchase. Once complete, you’ll receive email updates notifying you of progress until completion.
So, if you, like many others, have found yourself here after searching Google for >unlock EE phone, you can be confident that DirectUnlocks will get the job done quickly, effectively and simply. We have round-the-clock customer service available to assist with any difficulties or queries to help you save money and get the most out of your current or redundant devices.