Unlocked phones typically get support straight from the manufacturer. However, this is an instance where locked phones might actually have the advantage, as your carriers support might be better ...

It’s not possible to tell just by looking at the iPhone whether it’s locked or unlocked: Apple does not allow other phone companies ... to joining Macworld more than two decades ago.

Even though carrier phones are locked, you generally request them to be unlocked after a certain period of time. Other retailers, like Best Buy and Amazon, sell phones that are unlocked right out ...

Unlocked phones have technical advantages, like the fact that they often receive software updates faster than their carrier-locked counterparts ... iPhone might be the better choice for you.