YSK: Carriers like Verizon add bloatware to their phones. If you want a cleaner phone, buy directly from the phone manufacturer.

Why YSK: If your phone has some horrible mobile game preinstalled, it probably came from the phone carrier. Verizon, T-mobile, etc are selling access to your phone. If that bothers you, buy unlocked directly from the manufacturer.

Buying from a carrier doesn't even save you money most of the time. The cost is rolled into a higher monthly fee. Locked phones can't be brought to other carriers meaning you're locked in.