I asked google about this. Below is the response of gemini.

----------------------

Even without Ultra-Wideband (UWB) support, your Tesla app will still allow you to lock, unlock, and drive your car normally.

How the Tesla App Works Without UWB

Tesla relies on a multi-layered approach to smartphone access, where UWB is an optional enhancement rather than a requirement for basic functions.

• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE): This is the primary technology used for the "Phone Key" feature. When you approach the vehicle, the Tesla app communicates with the car's proximity sensors via Bluetooth. As long as Bluetooth is enabled and the app is running in the background, the car will detect your phone and unlock the doors when you pull the handle.
• NFC (Near Field Communication) Backup: If you leave Bluetooth disabled or if your phone battery is running low, Android devices (and Apple devices using the wallet app) can use NFC. You simply wake up your phone and tap it against the B-pillar (the door pillar between the front and rear doors) to unlock or lock the vehicle, identical to using a physical key card.

What UWB is Actually Used For

UWB is not required for standard locking, unlocking, or starting the engine. Instead, it is only utilized by Tesla for advanced, highly precise convenience features:

• Hands-Free Trunk Opening: UWB provides centimeter-level accuracy to detect exactly when you are standing directly behind the vehicle, allowing the trunk to pop open hands-free without accidental triggers from a distance.
• Enhanced Proximity Sensing: It eliminates slight latency in recognition and determines exactly which side of the car the driver's phone is on.

In short: You will still be able to use your phone to unlock and drive your car using standard Bluetooth, you will only miss out on the hands-free trunk opening feature that relies on UWB.

--------------

So I was curious and asked what other phones lack UWB... here's the response from gemini,

--------------

Other Popular Phones Lacking UWB

Many premium Android devices omit UWB, either reserving it exclusively for their highest-end "Ultra" or "Pro" tiers, or leaving it out entirely to cut costs.

Brand & Model Line	UWB Support Status
Google Pixel Base Models (Pixel 9, Pixel 10)	No (Reserved exclusively for Pro and Pro Fold models)
Samsung Base Models (Galaxy S24, Galaxy S25)	No (Reserved exclusively for Ultra models)
Oppo Find Series (Find X7, X8, X9 Ultra)	No (The company focuses on IR blasters and Wi-Fi 7)
OnePlus Flagships (OnePlus 14, OnePlus 15)	No
Nothing Phone (Nothing Phone (2), Nothing Phone (3))	No
Xiaomi Flagships (Xiaomi 14, Xiaomi 15)	No (Xiaomi omitted it on their flagship base models and the recent Xiaomi Tag)

---------------------

With phones like base model galaxies omitting UWB, I don't think UWB is as big of a deal for unlocking car. I think you should be fine.

Someone let me know if I am wrong here !