Related
Let me preface this post by saying it is not about what phone is better or that you hate Samsung blah blah blah.
The fact is, I have the opportunity to trade my Vibrant for a Nexus S with no money out of pocket. I have to do this within a week or two, otherwise I'd wait for a dual core or the PSPhone.
The best phone available (in my opinion) is the Nexus S because it's a legacy phone for Google, which means it'll be privy to new OS releases.
That said, would you do it? Yes, no, why?
Yes, if ur looking for updates.
Else stay with vibrant because of the sd memory
yes. how did you get a deal like that?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Personally I love my vibrant. Hmmm...but if I had some experience with the s I might. Just because of the upgrades but why do that when we have all of these roms?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
I would trade a g2 and my vibrant for a brand new nexus s
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
iynfynity said:
yes. how did you get a deal like that?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm adding a family line for a family member. She doesn't care what phone she gets so I figure:
1) Active Nexus S for her for $218 (with tax) + activation fee
2) Buy a cheapo prepaid or craigslist phone $50 ish
3) Sell Vibrant on craigslist/fleabay for $300 - $325 ish
4) Use the difference to buy a 6 pack of Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA
Even if I have to spend a little money out of pocket, I am thinking this is still a good idea.
xriderx66 said:
Yes, if ur looking for updates.
Else stay with vibrant because of the sd memory
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I originally used the lack of SD as the reason I didn't want a Nexus S. Then I really looked at how much memory I was using. Only 12GB of the 16GB on the Vibrant's internal. And I don't even watch movies or listen to the music that is on there (ended up getting a rooted Nook Color for that).
HotShotAzn said:
I'm adding a family line for a family member. She doesn't care what phone she gets so I figure:
1) Active Nexus S for her for $218 (with tax) + activation fee
2) Buy a cheapo prepaid or craigslist phone $50 ish
3) Sell Vibrant on craigslist/fleabay for $300 - $325 ish
4) Use the difference to buy a 6 pack of Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA
Even if I have to spend a little money out of pocket, I am thinking this is still a good idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you under contract with the vibrant? If so then then you got a prblem...you are going to have a full data for that cheapo prepaid
HotShotAzn said:
I'm adding a family line for a family member. She doesn't care what phone she gets so I figure:
1) Active Nexus S for her for $218 (with tax) + activation fee
2) Buy a cheapo prepaid or craigslist phone $50 ish
3) Sell Vibrant on craigslist/fleabay for $300 - $325 ish
4) Use the difference to buy a 6 pack of Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA
Even if I have to spend a little money out of pocket, I am thinking this is still a good idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's worth it just for the beer. I had a few of those this weekend... didn't realize it was 9% until I had downed three in a row.
emonero said:
Are you under contract with the vibrant? If so then then you got a prblem...you are going to have a full data for that cheapo prepaid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Um, what?
Why does it matter if I'm under contract?
I'm activating a legit 5th line on my account for the Nexus S. Then I'm taking my sim card and putting it in the Nexus S. I'll take the sim card associated to the Nexus S and put it in the cheapo prepaid.
Then I'll go online, let mytmobile detect my current phones, and remove the data plan from my 5th line.
The NS has zero rebates. I only have to activate it with a data plan. No where in the T&C does it say I need to keep the data plan for X amount of time.
HotShotAzn said:
I only have to activate it with a data plan. No where in the T&C does it say I need to keep the data plan for X amount of time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe they changed that and you'll get hit with an ETF if you drop the data plan before your contract period is up.
edit: Here's the relevant bit from the current T&C: "Some Devices require maintaining certain features or Services (e.g. a data plan) as part of your Rate Plan, and cancelling them before the end of your Term will result in an Early Termination Fee."
HotShotAzn said:
Um, what?
Why does it matter if I'm under contract?
I'm activating a legit 5th line on my account for the Nexus S. Then I'm taking my sim card and putting it in the Nexus S. I'll take the sim card associated to the Nexus S and put it in the cheapo prepaid.
Then I'll go online, let mytmobile detect my current phones, and remove the data plan from my 5th line.
The NS has zero rebates. I only have to activate it with a data plan. No where in the T&C does it say I need to keep the data plan for X amount of time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in order for the NS to cost $200 you have to get a data plan with it....unless you are not under contract on the vibrant then you can swap plan...
I'd sign up for whatever plan gets you 9% IPA. 2 year contract no problem there.
quadratic said:
I believe they changed that and you'll get hit with an ETF if you drop the data plan before your contract period is up.
edit: Here's the relevant bit from the current T&C: "Some Devices require maintaining certain features or Services (e.g. a data plan) as part of your Rate Plan, and cancelling them before the end of your Term will result in an Early Termination Fee."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does Best Buy charge a secondary ETF? Normally third party resellers only add the ETF if you cancel, not if you change plans. I've done this plan a few times (hence 4 lines on my account).
emonero said:
in order for the NS to cost $200 you have to get a data plan with it....unless you are not under contract on the vibrant then you can swap plan...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I wasn't under contract with the Vibrant, I could just do an upgrade on my line.
I talked to a BB rep via chat. He said I just need to keep the data plan on the line as long as the phone is on that same line. Well, technically that line wouldn't have the Nexus S on it any more....
HotShotAzn said:
Does Best Buy charge a secondary ETF? Normally third party resellers only add the ETF if you cancel, not if you change plans. I've done this plan a few times (hence 4 lines on my account).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, you all got me paranoid so I googled this question.
Best Buy does NOT have a secondary ETF.
I know they've withheld rebates because users have changed features on their plans that are required to get the rebate, but the NS is $200 outright.
Keep in mind Nexus S does not do 720P, that's the sole reason I haven't purchased it. Per Supercurio its a hardware limitation of the SoC
HotShotAzn said:
Let me preface this post by saying it is not about what phone is better or that you hate Samsung blah blah blah.
The fact is, I have the opportunity to trade my Vibrant for a Nexus S with no money out of pocket. I have to do this within a week or two, otherwise I'd wait for a dual core or the PSPhone.
The best phone available (in my opinion) is the Nexus S because it's a legacy phone for Google, which means it'll be privy to new OS releases.
That said, would you do it? Yes, no, why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YES! If it's me. I would trade it.
HotShotAzn said:
I originally used the lack of SD as the reason I didn't want a Nexus S. Then I really looked at how much memory I was using. Only 12GB of the 16GB on the Vibrant's internal. And I don't even watch movies or listen to the music that is on there (ended up getting a rooted Nook Color for that).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree with you. Storage memory is not an issue with me.
I had the Nexus S for 4 weeks last month, and boy, I really loved it. I love Gingerbread for it is very fast and very snappy. I love the curve glass screen, it's beautiful. The touch screen is very responsive. I got stronger signal with the Nexus S compare to with my Vibrant. Even though, it's only 3G, but surfing the web is very fast. Pictures load up real fast in Facebook, video clips load up real fast in Youtube. GPS and navigation is very accurate. Battery life is about 6 hrs of moderate use. I have no complaint for it except one bug, it's intermittently reboot itself during active calls. This has been fixed by Google, thought.
I bought it without contract with the intension to re-sell my Vibrant. But now my Vibrant is rooted with stable, working ROM thanks to Master. I decided to return it because I'm stuck with the Vibrant being on a 2-year contract; and because I also wanted to wait for the new, incoming phones with dual-core and 4G, etc .... But if I have the opportunity to trade my Vibrant for a Nexus S evenly, I absolutely would do so right away.
HotShotAzn said:
OK, you all got me paranoid so I googled this question.
Best Buy does NOT have a secondary ETF.
I know they've withheld rebates because users have changed features on their plans that are required to get the rebate, but the NS is $200 outright.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not talking about a secondary ETF, I'm talking about T-Mobile themselves. When Best Buy activate that line with T-Mobile, you're agreeing to keep data on the line per the terms of the T-Mobile T&C.
From what I remember, that requirement stays on the line regardless of what phone you change it to later on.
Absolutely YES
I would trade my vibrant and a nexus s for some Dogfish Head raison d'etre. Wait. Is it too late to change the topic of this thread..?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
where should i buy it from. there are none on craigslist. and i dont want to pay 600 dollars for this phone
were u from?
US go to bestbuy
2012iawait said:
where should i buy it from. there are none on craigslist. and i dont want to pay 600 dollars for this phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
demo23019 said:
were u from?
US go to bestbuy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe he either does not have a qualifying upgrade or does not want to buy it on contract however wants the phone in which case your best bet would be the waiting game on craigslist or ebay.
I'd advise against Craigslist or Ebay. I had to get two replacements from Best Buy before I got a Nexus S that operated normally. If you get a phone off Ebay or CL with an unresponsive back button, you're stuck with it or you've got to sell it and try again.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using Tapatalk
well i am in ny and i am not eligible for full upgrade. and with the tax the phone comes up to $580 wow.. thats too much for a phone
kenvan19 said:
I believe he either does not have a qualifying upgrade or does not want to buy it on contract however wants the phone in which case your best bet would be the waiting game on craigslist or ebay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to qualify for upgrade of contract you can buy "unlocked"
Forgot OP price probably included sales tax
no sales tax here
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
m00nshake said:
I'd advise against Craigslist or Ebay. I had to get two replacements from Best Buy before I got a Nexus S that operated normally. If you get a phone off Ebay or CL with an unresponsive back button, you're stuck with it or you've got to sell it and try again.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, I never buy things off ebay for that reason but at least with Craigslist he can try the phone before buying it (or at least you should always try before you buy, if they won't let you don't buy it).
2012iawait said:
well i am in ny and i am not eligible for full upgrade. and with the tax the phone comes up to $580 wow.. thats too much for a phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, I'd say play the waiting game with Craigslist. What phone do you have now? Might be able to sell it and get some money for that and cut the cost of the Nexus S down. Alternatively, there are other phones out there that are cheaper off contract will function just as well.
2012iawait said:
well i am in ny and i am not eligible for full upgrade. and with the tax the phone comes up to $580 wow.. thats too much for a phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
580 is NOT bad when you compare it to other smartphones with no commitment pricing. $20 cheaper than a iPhone 4 actually.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
I wasn't elible for an upgrade when I got my phone. This is the first I've bought my phone out right at full price. I tell you, it sure feels good, I don't have to worry about extending my contract and gives me more freedom. Get the nexus s, you won't regret it
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
2012iawait said:
well i am in ny and i am not eligible for full upgrade. and with the tax the phone comes up to $580 wow.. thats too much for a phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you buy the phone full price, your service is $20/month cheaper (Even More Plus plan instead of Even More plan).
Ulver said:
I wasn't elible for an upgrade when I got my phone. This is the first I've bought my phone out right at full price. I tell you, it sure feels good, I don't have to worry about extending my contract and gives me more freedom. Get the nexus s, you won't regret it
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea i am buying it tomorrow brand new out of the box for 550
the SNS I9020 is actually over priced if you ask me
the SGS I9000 brand new street price is only $499
basically $30 less
but it comes with way more stuff than the SNS I9020 ($529)
AllGamer said:
the SNS I9020 is actually over priced if you ask me
the SGS I9000 brand new street price is only $499
basically $30 less
but it comes with way more stuff than the SNS I9020 ($529)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have both of those phones.
If I could only have one, it would without a doubt be the Nexus S.
I paid almost $700 for my i9000 last July.
Here's some math to help you feel better about buying unlocked.
If you were able to buy it at the discounted price, your total cost of ownership would look like this:
$199 Nexus S + extra $20/month over 24 month Even More contract = $680
If you buy it unlocked, your total cost of ownership looks like this:
$529 Nexus S, no contract on Even More Plus = $529
Even if you're on Even More right now, you also qualify to drop it down to Even More Plus if you're more than 12 months into your contract. So it may look like it's a lot of money up front, but you're saving more in the long run and won't be under contract.
AllGamer said:
the SNS I9020 is actually over priced if you ask me
the SGS I9000 brand new street price is only $499
basically $30 less
but it comes with way more stuff than the SNS I9020 ($529)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you return your NS yet? Right.
theres alot of talk of switching from this phone to that, but how do they do it? My dad has always handled the purchasing and contract stuff with tmobile, so i dont know. Theoretically if i wanted to switch from my vib to the G2 (NEVER!), would i just sell my vibrant and buy the G2 at full price?
note: this is just an example, G2's are stupid (for me)
Buying the phone outright, at least on T-Mobile, will give you cheaper rates. Part of your monthly bill is to pay back the difference between what the carrier paid for the phone and the discounted price they sold it to you for. For example, my Evo cost Sprint about $450 to buy it from HTC, however in exchange for a higher bill, they can sell it to me for $200 and make back the money about halfway into my contract. Like I said, I think only T-Mobile will give you lower rates if you choose not to buy the phone at a discounted price from them.
So yes, people usually buy them outright or they buy them for cheap off of friends or idiots on craigslist. If you do the math, most of the time it would cost you less to buy the phone for the full price if it means lower service cost. But most people want instant gratification and think...well they don't think lol.
A job helps. I buy my phones outright because the get more plus plan does not give upgrades, but over the long term, it saves money.
me i actually wait until the store is closed and "let myself in" and its usually a alot of phones out on display.
If you did not buy the phone outright (i.e. as an upgrade for cheap), and wanted to sell it and buy a different phone used, would that cause a problem for your account? Or would it just be as easy as logging into your T-Mobile account and selected a different device for "my phone"?
Terrier Hockey said:
If you did not buy the phone outright (i.e. as an upgrade for cheap), and wanted to sell it and buy a different phone used, would that cause a problem for your account? Or would it just be as easy as logging into your T-Mobile account and selected a different device for "my phone"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you pay for it, it's yours. You can do whatever the hell you want with it. Sell it, destroy it, whatever. As long as T-Mobile's getting their money, it doesn't matter.
dligon said:
me i actually wait until the store is closed and "let myself in" and its usually a alot of phones out on display.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DEBO! lmao
IMHO, I'd say once a year is more than sufficient to upgrade your phone in terms of the technological jumps. Anymore than that seems like a waste of money. No one says you have to keep upgrading, its just a matter or preference. If you find a phone you love and works for you, stick with it. If you love having the cutting edge stuff and its worth it to you to spend the money, then by all means, spend spend spend.
a job and full price. lol. i haven't had a contract with tmob for like 4 years anyway...
but then again, i went from a g1 to the vibrant, but i typically get a new phone once a year. had a bb curve, wanted android and got the g1, cm wasn't cutting it on the g1 anymore, so i got the vibrant, when a substantially better phone comes out (dual core, better screen, honeycomb, etc), or the vibrant just isn't working for me i'll get a new one (likely the former).
that or my wife needs a new phone (she has a cliq...), so i may pawn my vibrant off on her and grab an sgs2 or vibrant 4g.
I have enormous piles of money all over my mansion. That's how.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
If you don't have any connections, then the best way is to go on T-mobile's cheap plans and then buy the phones used from a site like ebay or craigslist.
The typical cost for a new-ish smart phone is going to be right around $300... so you are paying more than the $200-with-contract price that T-mobile charges.... but you break even on the extra cost in 5-6 months by avoiding the extra monthly cost for service on a contract (since you buy the phone without signing up for a contract).
You can also usually sell the old phone for ~$100 after you unlock it, and put that money towards your next upgrade.
Right now, I plan to see how the battery life on the dual core phones goes. If battery life is improved, then I will shoot for device running "Ice cream" or whatever comes after honeycomb.
If battery life still sucks, then I will keep my Vibrant (and the 3 spare batteries I have for it) in the short term and keep an eye out for cheaper plans
Im in a college town and I can get things cheap off craigslist. I bought my second vibrant for 120 brand new with accessories. Just got an hd7 for 150 and ive bought 4 hd2 plus a couple broken ones from 40-150.
Key to buying phone monthly is patients, checking craigslist every couple hrs, and lowballing. I love to see a listing up for a couple days because its usually the green light.
Every phone i buy i usually see for 2x what I paid for.
Ive been living off my first real phones tmobile mda, samsung blackjack, and moto milestone. Ive been selling and buying since my mda. I try not to use my own money.
And all but not least I dont care for light cosmetic issues, thats what silicon cases are for.
imitebewrong said:
I have enormous piles of money all over my mansion. That's how.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol
Sent from my LG-P500 using XDA App
intruda119 said:
Im in a college town and I can get things cheap off craigslist. I bought my second vibrant for 120 brand new with accessories. Just got an hd7 for 150 and ive bought 4 hd2 plus a couple broken ones from 40-150.
Key to buying phone monthly is patients, checking craigslist every couple hrs, and lowballing. I love to see a listing up for a couple days because its usually the green light.
Every phone i buy i usually see for 2x what I paid for.
Ive been living off my first real phones tmobile mda, samsung blackjack, and moto milestone. Ive been selling and buying since my mda. I try not to use my own money.
And all but not least I dont care for light cosmetic issues, thats what silicon cases are for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. Thats what I do. Just buy phones, make profit, and keep the cycle going until you have the Phones you want and they cost nothing.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
serban954 said:
Exactly. Thats what I do. Just buy phones, make profit, and keep the cycle going until you have the Phones you want and they cost nothing.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup all my phones are a result of selling my PSP years ago.
xD
scrizz said:
yup all my phones are a result of selling my PSP years ago.
xD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
only thing I really paid for was my moto miletone. I loved that phone and it was perfect for me. Everything else is from my original purchase of my mda. I get mad when I hear people trying to choose phones or game systems ect. I just bought a newer white 360 with 20inch moniter for 65 bucks on craigslist. Now I got a 2nd moniter and my girl got another 360 exclusive for kinect. Or just sell it and make 200+ for it.
Next I will get atleast 300+ for my 32gb vibrant( this title will make me alot of moniesssss) soon.
funeralthirst said:
a job and full price. lol. i haven't had a contract with tmob for like 4 years anyway...
but then again, i went from a g1 to the vibrant, but i typically get a new phone once a year. had a bb curve, wanted android and got the g1, cm wasn't cutting it on the g1 anymore, so i got the vibrant, when a substantially better phone comes out (dual core, better screen, honeycomb, etc), or the vibrant just isn't working for me i'll get a new one (likely the former).
that or my wife needs a new phone (she has a cliq...), so i may pawn my vibrant off on her and grab an sgs2 or vibrant 4g.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really. All it takes is a brain. T-Mobile is addicted to promotions. I just upgraded my Vibrant to a HD7 for $200.
Free Online Promotion:
1. Order HD7 from T-Mobile as an Add-a-Line for $0 (they waive the Activation Fee) with a $15 Data Plan and Insurance.
2. Swap the SIMs in the Vibrant and HD7s.
3. Wait 2 Weeks.
3a. Sell the Vibrant for $200+
4. ETF the Line you added when you got the HD7 (it's using your older SIM*).
5. Total Price: $200 (Price of the phone for a new customer).
* You will still qualify for upgrade pricing when you would have if you had kept the Vibrant, because you still have the Vibrant SIM, you ETF'd the new SIM instead
If you're on T-Mobile, watch the promotions and wait. The only time you should feel like you have to get a new phone early is if you've been burned with an earlier purchase - like many [US] Galaxy S users feel they were.
intruda119 said:
only thing I really paid for was my moto miletone. I loved that phone and it was perfect for me. Everything else is from my original purchase of my mda. I get mad when I hear people trying to choose phones or game systems ect. I just bought a newer white 360 with 20inch moniter for 65 bucks on craigslist. Now I got a 2nd moniter and my girl got another 360 exclusive for kinect. Or just sell it and make 200+ for it.
Next I will get atleast 300+ for my 32gb vibrant( this title will make me alot of moniesssss) soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The newer 360s aren't White, they're black.
Unless you meant a newer white 360 that isn't guaranteed to fail on you sooner or later?
The new Black "S" or pre-"S" Elite Models are fine, though.
The white ones... I wouldn't spend anything on them.
Buy a phone from craigslist and sell your old one on craigslist.
N8ter said:
Not really. All it takes is a brain. T-Mobile is addicted to promotions. I just upgraded my Vibrant to a HD7 for $200.
Free Online Promotion:
1. Order HD7 from T-Mobile as an Add-a-Line for $0 (they waive the Activation Fee) with a $15 Data Plan and Insurance.
2. Swap the SIMs in the Vibrant and HD7s.
3. Wait 2 Weeks.
3a. Sell the Vibrant for $200+
4. ETF the Line you added when you got the HD7 (it's using your older SIM*).
5. Total Price: $200 (Price of the phone for a new customer).
* You will still qualify for upgrade pricing when you would have if you had kept the Vibrant, because you still have the Vibrant SIM, you ETF'd the new SIM instead
If you're on T-Mobile, watch the promotions and wait. The only time you should feel like you have to get a new phone early is if you've been burned with an earlier purchase - like many [US] Galaxy S users feel they were.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, you could do that. but you pay more monthly on a contract plan than a no contract plan. plus, if i have a problem with something (or want to go to a contract for a phone), tmob is much more receptive to what i want when i'm off contract (and they check how long i've had service with them).
and i think you mean cancel the new sim/line and pay the etf on that. otherwise you lose future upgrade capability on the existing line. you physically swap the sim card between the two phones, but you cancel the sim that came with the <new phone line>. sim cards can't be reused, so you wouldn't be able to make your old sim use the new line's number and i'm pretty sure a sim has to be associated with a line.
why wait 2 weeks and why buy insurance? or is the two weeks to make sure the imei of the new phone takes for insurance (i don't have phone insurance, it's pointless)?
the hd7? that's a downgrade... and 'get a new phone early'? two years (22 months) between new phones is ridiculous, or at least is for any smartphone. once a year is about right with how technology is moving on phones.
i'm much happier just paying full price than doing some 'activate new line, call and ***** they didn't waive the activation fee, make sure the imei transfered for insurance, cancel line, pay more each month, etc.' dance.
xmrtarox said:
Buy a phone from craigslist and sell your old one on craigslist.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That depends on where you live. Since this is the Vibrant forum I'll assume we're talking T-Mobile...
Not many people around here have T-Mobile, and their coverage is worst than Boost and Virgin so there are probably more people on Boost than on T-Mobile. Trying to sell a T-Mobile phone here won't get you anywhere.
Plus, the Value of these phones have gone down quite a bit.
Most people don't really see a point in buying a phone at off-contract prices, or anything close, because even if you buy at contract price and ETF 2 weeks later, the phone is cheaper.
So I rather buy on contract knowing I'm not poor and can ETF at any time on T-Mobile than buy a $500 phone and act like I'm better off because I'm off-contract.
$499 off contract, or $199 (with rebats) + $200 ETF fee two a few weeks later to end the contract?
Don't see a point in paying those prices for off-contract phones...
The contract prices only matter if you stay on the contract the entire time, but it's ALMOST ALWAYS cheaper to buy at contract price and ETF on T-Mobile later, than to buy an off-contract phone. You're actually throwing money away if you buy it off-contract.
That is precisely why AT&T and Verizon raised their ETF prices up about $100 bucks. To make the contract price + ETF = retail price. T-Mobile still hasn't, so it's cheaper to buy on contract and ETF break the contract after the first two weeks or month (depending on if you're waiting on rebates).
I was hoping to get some creative ideas on how I can get my hands on the Verizon Samsung Galaxy SIII. I am eligible for an upgrade on 5/13/13 but I would love to hear about possible workarounds that could get me that phone a lot earlier.
You can buy It off someone here that wants the dev edition
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
Buy it for full price.
Sent from My Epic Ice Cream Sandwich With Sprinkles!!!
Sell your kidney on the black market then buy one.
Hey you said creative!!!!!
This has probably been stated before but you could invent a time machine and travel into the future where your contract is up and then get the S3. Then travel back with your new S3 ready to use.
animal7296 said:
Sell your kidney on the black market then buy one.
Hey you said creative!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought you're only allowed to do this for the iphone
Sell your current phone and buy a new one full price from your carrier.
Alternatively, buy a used one from someone here on xda who will inevitably feel the need to upgrade to the Developer Edition, despite us having custom kernels and custom ROMs working on our consumer models.
I wouldn't trust Craigslist, I've seen quite a few threads about stolen phones bought on Craigslist getting blacklisted.
tonysunshine said:
I thought you're only allowed to do this for the iphone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No your thinking "brain"
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Not sure about in the US but up here in Canada with our retarded 3 year contracts heres what I did (not my first time). I get a second phone line on a new contract for the new phone, do a number swap ($20 carrier charge) post on Kijiji (craigslist) looking for someone to take over my contract (carried the 2 phones for a total of 6 days). I just got rid of my Galaxy S2 (i9100) NOT LTE or HD that was on 2 1/2 contract by paying someone $50 to take over the contract. I would have gotten $300 or less for the phone outright which is no wheres near the cost of the S3 outright or the early term on my old contract ($550). The time before that I had an iPhone 4 with 18 month contract left on Rogers I was looking for someone to take over and them pay me for it (asked $75), they just wanted the contract (no idea why) so they took over the 18 month contract for free and left me with a iPhone 4 off contract I turn around and sold for $350.
If you're not under contract with Verizon and really just want the S3 I'd say look at other providers if you're into or want to at all mod your device - load custom roms and such...The VZW S3 BL is locked down, but if you have to stay with VZW, dont bother using your upgrade, buy the Dev edition...yea it costs full price but it'll for sure have a better resale value later on as opposed to the locked one, if you just want the phone and are fine with touchwiz then just buy it at a store.
If you're on a family plan, use another lines upgrade?
gtuansdiamm said:
You can buy It off someone here that wants the dev edition
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
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I'd be willing... but I am certainly not trying to pay the full $599. I'd really want it for the subsidized price.
aNYthing24 said:
If you're on a family plan, use another lines upgrade?
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I do have a family plan but won't I have to still pay the monthly... eventually I would pay for it after some time, right?
JackStorm said:
I do have a family plan but won't I have to still pay the monthly... eventually I would pay for it after some time, right?
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I was under the impression you can transfer upgrades on Verizon.
aNYthing24 said:
I was under the impression you can transfer upgrades on Verizon.
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you can
This was discussed quite a bit in the Verizon Pre-Order thread ...
Add a line and get the SIII. Then, call Verizon Customer Care and downgrade the line to a feature phone (which you probably already have lying around or can purchase for minimal outlay) with no add-ons. Then, switch the SIII to your current line, which I presume already has a data package attached to it.
[Another poster told VCC that the phone was originally for his grandmother, but that she was overwhelmed by the smartphone and preferred a barebones phone.]
Surprisingly, Verizon will allow you to both keep the phone and downgrade the new line. I know, I know ... it defies reason. But apparently, it has been done. In any event, you are stuck with the additional line and all associated costs (.. $9.99+fees/month ..) for the duration of the two year contract.
If you do the math, the cost of a subsidized SIII 32gb obtained this way (over the two year contract period) = $249 + ($9.99/month)(24) = $489, and with taxes/fees/surcharges, will likely end up well over $500. In all reality, you should be able to find one for outright sale for about the same amount.
Or, better yet, wait until the quadcore version becomes available.
pdinphx said:
This was discussed quite a bit in the Verizon Pre-Order thread ...
Add a line and get the SIII. Then, call Verizon Customer Care and downgrade the line to a feature phone (which you probably already have lying around or can purchase for minimal outlay) with no add-ons. Then, switch the SIII to your current line, which I presume already has a data package attached to it.
[Another poster told VCC that the phone was originally for his grandmother, but that she was overwhelmed by the smartphone and preferred a barebones phone.]
Surprisingly, Verizon will allow you to both keep the phone and downgrade the new line. I know, I know ... it defies reason. But apparently, it has been done. In any event, you are stuck with the additional line and all associated costs (.. $9.99+fees/month ..) for the duration of the two year contract.
If you do the math, the cost of a subsidized SIII 32gb obtained this way (over the two year contract period) = $249 + ($9.99/month)(24) = $489, and with taxes/fees/surcharges, will likely end up well over $500. In all reality, you should be able to find one for outright sale for about the same amount.
Or, better yet, wait until the quadcore version becomes available.
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did this in-store for a bionic. Be warned that the etf for the new line is $350 though
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
animal7296 said:
Sell your kidney on the black market then buy one.
Hey you said creative!!!!!
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He did say S3 and not an iPad, didn't he?
your carrier isnt just gonna cradle your balls
only real way is to buy one out right whether used or new
i shelled out for mine
I got my Hercules and my g2 off eBay
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Looks like best buy is giving best deal on note 5, free wireless charger (the one for S6 not new wireless fast charging one) and $200 gift card on trade in of old smartphone.
Pre ordered mine but they are not shipping early as at&t is doing.
Edit:
Looks like I got best deal of all
I got
free wireless charger
a $200 dollar gift card for trade in (my phones value was showing $1, which I purchased on ebay for $30, moto g verizon postpaid)
and a $45 gift card from this deal http://www.bestbuy.com/site/promo/sm...e-offer-143828 (I know the deal does not apply but still BB guy went through)
I used cards to pay for 30% down payment and taxes
Ruturaj001 said:
Looks like best buy is giving best deal on note 5, free wireless charger (the one for S6 not new wireless fast charging one) and $200 gift card on trade in of old smartphone.
Pre ordered mine but they are not shipping early as at&t is doing.
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Click to collapse
They told me in store that it was actually the fast wireless charger, will need to clarify.
Ordered mine last Friday. For a value of 249.00 its worth the wait.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Anyone know what kind of limitations there are on the '$200 credit for a smartphone trade in'? I have an old Galaxy S3 and HTC Evo 4G floating around. Would rather not part with my current Moto X when I upgrade to the Note. Would like to keep it around as a test/backup device.
goldenmonkey1 said:
Anyone know what kind of limitations there are on the '$200 credit for a smartphone trade in'? I have an old Galaxy S3 and HTC Evo 4G floating around. Would rather not part with my current Moto X when I upgrade to the Note. Would like to keep it around as a test/backup device.
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I am a Samsung Experience Consultant at a Best Buy and asked the Mobile team at one of my stores the other day about the limitations. As long as the screen is not cracked and it can power on, you will get the $200 gift card. One of them also told me if I didnt have an old smartphone, to just buy their $20 Verizon pre paid LG Optimus Exceed 2 and just trade that in. LOL
OH, one limitation, It cannot be a blackberry... Haha
bugsy said:
They told me in store that it was actually the fast wireless charger, will need to clarify.
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If that's a fast wireless charger then it would be great but by looking at picture of ad it doesn't look so. They have posted SKU number but I have not been able to search anything using those. Previous chargers (which is out of stock) has different SKU, so we can hope.
rsohne said:
Ordered mine last Friday. For a value of 249.00 its worth the wait.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
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Yep that's why waiting. :fingers-crossed:
goldenmonkey1 said:
Anyone know what kind of limitations there are on the '$200 credit for a smartphone trade in'? I have an old Galaxy S3 and HTC Evo 4G floating around. Would rather not part with my current Moto X when I upgrade to the Note. Would like to keep it around as a test/backup device.
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Click to collapse
Prepaid phone don't work. I think both should work. :good:
Gargamel198024 said:
I am a Samsung Experience Consultant at a Best Buy and asked the Mobile team at one of my stores the other day about the limitations. As long as the screen is not cracked and it can power on, you will get the $200 gift card. One of them also told me if I didnt have an old smartphone, to just buy their $20 Verizon pre paid LG Optimus Exceed 2 and just trade that in. LOL
OH, one limitation, It cannot be a blackberry... Haha
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Click to collapse
AT&T is doing $200 off with a smartphone trade in and as long as it meets $10 on their trade in calculator they will give you the money, regardless of if it has a cracked screen. My LG G2 with just a cracked screen is worth $19 according to the calculator, however the headphone jack is busted and cracked so according to the calculator it's worth $0, but if it was JUST a broken screen it would have qualified for the $200.
Gargamel198024 said:
I am a Samsung Experience Consultant at a Best Buy and asked the Mobile team at one of my stores the other day about the limitations. As long as the screen is not cracked and it can power on, you will get the $200 gift card. One of them also told me if I didnt have an old smartphone, to just buy their $20 Verizon pre paid LG Optimus Exceed 2 and just trade that in. LOL
OH, one limitation, It cannot be a blackberry... Haha
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Click to collapse
Ohh I bought phone like that but returned after reading conditions, conditions said is should be post paid phone.
Kaboose666 said:
AT&T is doing $200 off with a smartphone trade in and as long as it meets $10 on their trade in calculator they will give you the money, regardless of if it has a cracked screen. My LG G2 with just a cracked screen is worth $19 according to the calculator, however the headphone jack is busted and cracked so according to the calculator it's worth $0, but if it was JUST a broken screen it would have qualified for the $200.
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Yes but at&t told me I have to spend all $200 on accessories (they did not have one for note 5 also) on that day only.
The wireless charger that is being given out is the current non-fast charging pad. If you read the fine print, it specifically has a SKU stated which is the same one being sold in stores currently.
As for the trade-in offer, the phone must be a postpaid type smartphone, and cannot be one that is prepaid or commonly sold on prepaid.
Ruturaj001 said:
Ohh I bought phone like that but returned after reading conditions, conditions said is should be post paid phone.
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Yeah, I got into one of my stores today and asked a mobile lead to verify and he said no, I couldnt trade in a pre paid phone. Guess the other mobile guy I spoke with was wrong.
Does anyone have any suggestions on an easy to find and cheap post paid smartphone?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk
Sher The Love said:
Does anyone have any suggestions on an easy to find and cheap post paid smartphone?
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I bought 2 cheap phones, one from swappa.com and one off eBay that qualify for trade in
prjkthack said:
The wireless charger that is being given out is the current non-fast charging pad. If you read the fine print, it specifically has a SKU stated which is the same one being sold in stores currently.
As for the trade-in offer, the phone must be a postpaid type smartphone, and cannot be one that is prepaid or commonly sold on prepaid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct regarding the non-fast wireless charger. I stopped back into Best Buy today and they confirmed that I was given bad information initially.
S197Mike said:
I bought 2 cheap phones, one from swappa.com and one off eBay that qualify for trade in
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What phones were they? I feel like there isn't a clear description of what these phones need to be. One best buy told me it has to me the current phone on my contract, another told me it couldn't be older than a galaxy S3.
I have a Moto X 2013 I've had to use as a backup phone a few times. Looks like I would only get about $75-$100 on eBay. I might just trade that in. If I ever need a backup phone again, I'll just buy something for $50.
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Sher The Love said:
What phones were they? I feel like there isn't a clear description of what these phones need to be. One best buy told me it has to me the current phone on my contract, another told me it couldn't be older than a galaxy S3.
I have a Moto X 2013 I've had to use as a backup phone a few times. Looks like I would only get about $75-$100 on eBay. I might just trade that in. If I ever need a backup phone again, I'll just buy something for $50.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk
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It only has to be worth something, go to bestbuys trade in page and look up any phone you have or wish to buy as trade in. As long as it's worth some sort of trade in value you'll get the full $200. It doesn't not need to be any phone currently on your plan, it does not need to be a phone on your carrier. Just has to be a working smartphone that you'd buy from a carrier "postpaid" basically any phone you'd buy with a 2 year contract. I did this last year for the note 4. I trade in my parents old Verizon Samsung fascinate it was worth 15 then and I got 200. And I have AT&T
do you have to purchase a smart phone plan with this or can you just purchase the phone straight out with a trade in?
svengalis said:
do you have to purchase a smart phone plan with this or can you just purchase the phone straight out with a trade in?
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I'm buying my note 5 outright from bestbuy as well. The best buy employee said yes it can be outright to get the free 200 gift card
S197Mike said:
It only has to be worth something, go to bestbuys trade in page and look up any phone you have or wish to buy as trade in. As long as it's worth some sort of trade in value you'll get the full $200. It doesn't not need to be any phone currently on your plan, it does not need to be a phone on your carrier. Just has to be a working smartphone that you'd buy from a carrier "postpaid" basically any phone you'd buy with a 2 year contract. I did this last year for the note 4. I trade in my parents old Verizon Samsung fascinate it was worth 15 then and I got 200. And I have AT&T
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Click to collapse
I bought verizion moto g from ebay, trade in value on best buy is $1, I hope it works.
S197Mike said:
I'm buying my note 5 outright from bestbuy as well. The best buy employee said yes it can be outright to get the free 200 gift card
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I might go for t mobile note 5 if it has same deal.