Can I get an iPhone/smartphone without a data plan?

Is there ANY possible way to get an iPhone/smartphone without a data plan (from preferring verizon)? Can I buy an old iPhone then activate it without a data plan?

Also, how does an unlocked phone work? All I know is that you buy a really expensive phone and then there are certain benefits to having an unlocked phone?

If you can, please look at my other question about if you know about any basic phones that look like smartphones.

Best answer will get a lot of points!

Nope. They will activate a data plan regardless.

Unlocked phones work the same as any other except that they can be used on any GSM carrier in the world, vs locked ones which are only able to work on 1.