SIM-free Lumia handsets available on Microsoft's online store in UK, US: Advantages of buying an unlocked device

Prospective buyers of Lumia smartphones in the US and UK can navigate to Microsoft's online portal, to purchase SIM-free/carrier-unlocked handsets.

Smartphones being offered on the portal and pricing?

The following devices are available to buy on Microsoft's online portal in the UK:

• Microsoft Lumia 640 XL LTE – priced at £219 ($337)
• Microsoft Lumia 640 – priced at £170
• Microsoft Lumia 535 – priced at £100
• Microsoft Lumia 735 - priced at £189
• Microsoft Lumia 830 – priced at £270
• Microsoft Lumia 930 – priced at £349.95
• Microsoft Lumia 530 – priced at £80
• Microsoft Lumia 630 – priced at £90
• Microsoft Lumia 635 – priced at £110
• Microsoft Lumia 435 – priced at £60

Devices available on the Microsoft Store in the US:

• Microsoft Lumia 535 – priced at $149
• Microsoft Lumia 635 – priced at $129
• Microsoft Lumia 830 – priced at $449

Apart from smartphones, multiple Lumia accessories are also available on the new portal.

Advantages of purchasing a carrier-unlocked Lumia smartphone

Generally, carrier-locked smartphones incorporate carrier bloatware that consumes most of a smartphone's internal storage area, thus leaving only a fraction of internal space for users to store content.

Carrier-unlocked devices also come with bloatware and pre-installed apps/APKs, but not as much as their carrier-driven counterparts.