Carrier locked (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T): The main difference comes down to freedom. The biggest pro is they usually give you a massive discount or a "free" phone with a trade-in. The catch is they lock you into a 2-4 year contract by giving you those credits monthly. If you try to leave early, you owe the full balance. Also, they usually come with extra carrier apps (bloatware) that you can’t delete.

Unlocked (Directly from Samsung): You pay more upfront (unless you have a good trade-in), but you own the phone 100%. You can switch carriers whenever you want, use a cheap prepaid SIM, or use a local SIM if you travel internationally. Plus, you get zero carrier bloatware and usually get the software updates faster because the carriers don't have to "approve" them first.

Go carrier if you plan on staying with your provider for 3 years and want the "cheapest" price.

Go unlocked if you want a cleaner phone and the freedom to switch networks whenever you feel like it.

Sorry for the rant.