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!
How to get the most out of your O2 phone: unlock to save money and boost flexibility
In1985, Robert Bollard discovered the Titanic wreck and French agents sunk Greenpeace’s Rainbow Warrior ship. In the same year, BT Group and Securicor formed Cellnet—one of the UK’s first two mobile networks. Before the millennium, BT purchased Securicor’s share of Cellnet and rebranded as BT Cellnet. In 2002, after the business launched the world’s first GPRS service, BT Cellnet was ‘spun off’, forming ‘mmO2 PLC’, introducing the new O2 brand for the first time, albeit subtly. After great initial success, O2 was purchased in 2006 by Telefónica for £18 billion, marking the beginning of significant further growth for the business.
Following the successful launch of the UK’s first GPRS service, O2 continued to innovate, launching new products and services while pioneering mobile telecommunications. In 2009, O2 announced that for the first time in British history, using six masts in Slough, it had maintained a functional 4G network. Then, in 2012, O2 announced that it would begin providing free internet to millions of people—habitants and visitors—in central London. This free Wi-Fi zone was available for users of any network. Following this, in 2013, Ofcom awarded O2 spectrum for 4G LTE coverage. This spectrum meant O2 must provide coverage to 99% of the UK population. Finally, in 2017, following the release of iOs 10.3, O2 allowed WiFi Calling for iPhone 7, allowing users for the first time to make calls without using their minutes. Instead, they could speak via WiFi networks or using network data.
After years of sustained innovation and growth, Telefónica agreed to merge O2 with Virgin Media, creating Virgin Media O2, structured as a joint venture between the two holding firms.
O2s dramatic growth to many millions of customers happened amidst a revolution in smartphone functionality, desirability and ownership. Since the release of IBM’s SPC—the world’s first smartphone—in 1992, a whole lot has changed. Since Apple’s iPhone, smartphone ownership has been trendy. Additionally, enhanced app functionality has integrated smartphone into everyday life. With manufacturers releasing new models bi-annually, keeping up with the latest trends became increasingly expensive. Large networks like O2 found a way around this.
Today, O2 has more than 35 million customers and operates more than 450 retail stores as well as sponsoring sports teams and performance venues. Considering the volume of current and past customers, the number of locked O2 smartphones in use and lying around dormant in British homes is enormous. But locked devices are undesirable, for users and buyers. Here’s why—if you have a locked O2 smartphone—you should consider unlocking with DirectUnlocks.
Why unlock your O2 smartphone?
There are a ton of reasons why you should unlock your O2 smartphone, for convenience we’ve summarised the three main reasons:
- Whether you’re currently using a locked O2 smartphone or have one in a draw at home, most people eventually sell these devices. Whether to pay off their remaining contract or just to raise funds for another purchase, the second-hand smartphone market can be lucrative and convenient. Put simply, unlocked smartphones are worth more than locked devices. Buyers of all nature recognise the benefits of an unlocked device, for this reason they’ll pay more to buy one. So, if you want to maximise your device value before selling it, a simple unlock will boost your return.
- More people travel regularly now than ever before, whether for work or pleasure it’s commonplace to travel abroad several times per year. Locked devices are subject to hefty roaming charges. When using your locked phone in another country, you’re subject to whatever roaming charges apply. Usually these fees are substantial, much more so than the cost of domestic data and network fees, not to mention your own contract. So, unlocked devices allow users to purchase cheap domestic pre-paid SIM cards and swap their contract SIM during the holiday to completely avoid roaming charges.
- Mobile users worldwide are experiencing a cost-of-living crisis, monthly bills are growing rapidly, and people are out of pocket. Most people spend at least £50 per month on their mobile phone bill. Unlocking your device could save you at least £25 per month, totalling a whopping £300 per year. Once unlocked, instead of being obliged to pay for pricy data from large networks, users can search the growing, competitive SIM-only market which allows users to purchase data from smaller networks without large overheads. As such, users can expect to pay substantially less for comparative usage. This flexibility to swap and change gives struggling users options.
Now it’s clear why you should want to unlock O2 phone, you’ll be pleased to know that with DirectUnlocks it’s a simple four-step process that can be completed from your own home!
How to unlock your O2 phone
Unlocking used to be a real pain, once upon a time smartphone owners were forced to visit retail locations or wait in long call queues to speak to customer service agents. DirectUnlocks can unlock your device remotely in four simple steps.
- Simply enter your device IMEI in the form above. Once you’ve done this, DirectUnlocks can identify your device make and model. Finally, click ‘buy now’ to get started.
- When your payment has cleared, we can begin processing the order, automatically correcting any mistakes you might have made entering your details. How long it takes to complete the unlock will vary by network and device
- Whilst your unlock is processing, you can track your order on the DirectUnlocks website. You’ll also have access to 24/7 customer care if you have any issues or questions.
- Finally, once your order is complete, we will contact you by email and SMS to confirm the unlock. iPhones are unlocked entirely remotely, meanwhile alternative devices require a code which we will provide for you.
DirectUnlocks have been unlocking smartphones for many years, we’ve successfully unlocked hundreds of thousands of devices and have a great track record. We’re the number one choice for anybody wanting to unlock their device, wherever you might live or whatever the device!