In a recent Reddit thread in r/sysadmin, a simple but loaded question sparked over 160 comments:
“If your company provides a phone—or a phone number that is also used personally—should it be on an MDM?”
The responses were a goldmine of real-world insight. From sysadmins and IT directors to security engineers, everyone weighed in. And while opinions vary, one thing is clear: mobile device management (MDM) policies are not one-size-fits-all—and neither is your mobile device procurement strategy.
So let’s break it down.
The MDM Dilemma
For most IT departments, the answer is simple in theory: if the phone accesses company data, it should be under management.
But how that’s enforced? That’s where things get complicated.
Some teams push full MDM on any phone touching email or corporate Wi-Fi. Others opt for Mobile App Management (MAM), containerizing only the company data without managing the whole device. The reason? Privacy. Personal devices = personal expectations.
As one Redditor put it:
“If they want me to use my phone for work, they need to give me one. Otherwise, they don’t touch it.”
The Case for Company-Owned Devices
Here’s what many IT admins agreed on: if your organization wants full control—MDM, security policies, remote wipe, managed apps—the company should provide the hardware.
It’s about more than policy. It’s about simplicity and liability.
- No privacy debates
- Easier provisioning
- More consistent user experience
Several Reddit users shared that they issue iPhone SEs or older models for regular staff, with higher-end options for executives. Some also provide a data stipend—but only if MDM is installed.
BYOD with Strings Attached
BYOD isn’t going away. And in many cases, it’s preferred by staff who don’t want to carry two devices. But that doesn’t mean companies should go without control.
That’s where solutions like Intune, Samsung Knox, and Android work profiles come in. They allow companies to isolate and protect corporate data without touching personal content.
One admin described it perfectly:
“The work profile is a great way to keep a work-life balance. There’s even an option to turn off the work profile temporarily when you’re on leave.”
Still, not all platforms are created equal. A few commenters noted frustrations with fragmented Android support across vendors—praising Samsung for Knox, while others warned about certification issues and inconsistent experiences.
The Procurement Takeaway
Whether your IT team prefers Apple or Android, company-owned or BYOD, the core requirement remains the same: consistency, security, and control.
This is where bulk procurement comes in.
By partnering with a trusted wholesale distributor, IT teams can:
- Standardize devices across the org
- Ensure MDM compatibility (Knox, Zero-Touch, Intune, ABM, etc.)
- Get reliable warranty and replacement coverage
- Avoid risks tied to blacklisted or unreliable refurbishers
Your Partner in Procurement
At Nobility Wireless, we work with IT teams, MSPs, and enterprise buyers to deliver certified, ready-to-enroll mobile devices at wholesale prices. Whether you’re managing a small team or scaling across locations, we’ll help you choose the right hardware for your MDM environment—without the carrier lock-in or markup.
Need help navigating the BYOD vs. company phone conversation? We’ve got your back.
