Samsung Is Region-Locking Phones, but Not for the Reason You Think

Samsung is quietly restricting how SIM cards are used overseas — but it's not as bad as you'd think.

According to a sticker found on the packaging of Galaxy Note 3 smartphones in the U.S. and Europe — as spotted by DigitalTrends — the product is only compatible with SIM cards issued and activated from the country or region it was purchased in.

Many originally believed this meant if you bought the Galaxy Note 3 in the U.S. and wanted to buy a cheap SIM card in France while on vacation, Samsung wouldn't let you do that. (Outside of Wi-Fi, you'd have to either leave your device turned off or rack up roaming charges from your carrier.) Read more...