[Q] So all new tmobile phones will be unsubsidized? - Nexus 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Ive been waiting to use my upgrade since last october and now that the s4 has been announced ive been patiently waiting.......but it seems like there will no longer be any subsidized phones is that correct? so my best bet is to upgrade to the note 2 now and sell it and just buy the s4 cash.
So i just wanted to make sure that is the case from now on.

They'll sell you a phone for a small amount down and monthly payments added to your bill if you prefer to work that way.
The difference between that and the old subsidized plans is that the extra monthly fee will disappear when the phone is paid off, instead of turning into pure profit for the carrier.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Yeah, pretty much
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

The one exception are National Retailers (Target, Walmart and Best Buy), who will offer "Classic Plans" instead of "Value Plans";
http://www.tmonews.com/2013/03/t-mo...-classic-available-at-all-national-resellers/
Personally, I wouldn't get a phone from my carrier, a TV from my cable company, a laptop from my ISP.
That's what Google Play and Amazon are for.

Related

Switching to Verizon - is signing contract required?

I am thinking about joining Verizon but am holding off until the new batch of phones come out (SIII or iPhone).
If switch now, is it possible to join as a new customer but not buy new devices and not sign a contract?
What I want to do is buy some used phones off eBay, join Verizon and wait to the new phones come out. Then I would sign a contract to get subsidized phones. Is this possible?
Or can I join with old phones and sign a contract but save the subsidies I get for the new contract for a few months to apply to the new phones when they come out?
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I tired thus. I'm 60% sure you still sign a agreement
Sent from my LS670 using XDA
I'm fine with signing the contract...
Just wanted to know if I did sign, can I save the upgrades for later or do I need to use them when I join?
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
If you sign now there will be almost no way you can get the upgrade price on a new phone in anything less than a year, and probably very close to two years from now. I'm pretty sure the prepaid phones are the only devices you can run on VZ without contract.
If you want to get the 2-year price on a new phone you will likely have to wait, but I would suggest you actually go in to a VZ store and talk to a manager about this. There's always the chance they would let you delay using your contract price for a certain amount of time because I doubt they want to lose 6 months or more worth of service fees simply because the phone you want isn't out yet. No guarantees but it seems worth a shot.
If you buy the phone outright or thru other sources its month to month if u buy subsidized ur on contract for 2 years
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I'm pretty sure if you bring your own phone, you can go postpaid and month-to-month and cancel anytime without an ETF. However, I'm not sure if you'd get an upgrade to use later down the road.
I know Sprint is a carrier that requires a contract even if you bring your own device to them. I had assumed they wouldn't so I was pissed at that fact and terminated with them within the return period without incurring an ETF.
That's correct about sprint and u can use an upgrade anytime with Verizon if ur month to month but it would obviously defeat the purpose
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Sprint requires you to sign a two year contract even if you bring your own device. Verizon does not. I know this because I have done this with both carriers.
Sent from my R800x using Tapatalk
So if I walk into Verizon with my own phones, I can get a plan with no contract... Then when the phone I want comes out, I can sign a contract to get a subsidized phone? Is this correct?
Or would they make me sign a contract right away but allow me to defer my subsidy?
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jbombs16 said:
I am thinking about joining Verizon but am holding off until the new batch of phones come out (SIII or iPhone).
If switch now, is it possible to join as a new customer but not buy new devices and not sign a contract?
What I want to do is buy some used phones off eBay, join Verizon and wait to the new phones come out. Then I would sign a contract to get subsidized phones. Is this possible?
Or can I join with old phones and sign a contract but save the subsidies I get for the new contract for a few months to apply to the new phones when they come out?
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When switching to any provider you need to sign a contract but when you do buy the best phone they have and sell them on craigslist as soon as you get it for the most dollar. Then put your older phones on while making the money on the other phones
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA
no u don't sign a contract if u byop and if a phone u like comes along and wanna buy it subsidized then of course ud be obligated to sign a contract
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Looking for Advice - I REALLY want the SIII

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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was under the impression you can transfer upgrades on Verizon.
aNYthing24 said:
I was under the impression you can transfer upgrades on Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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

T-mobile Nexus 4

Will the Nexus 4 sold at T-mobile have their bloatware?
I don't think so but expect it to be over priced and their stupid logo stamped underneath the nexus name lol
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Probably not, but why would anyone want to pay $499 for a phone through t-mobile when they can get it for $349 through the play store...T-Mobile fail
http://www.tmonews.com/2012/10/edit...-value-plan-pricing-on-the-nexus-4-isnt-cool/
there should be no reason why this phone should cost more then $150 on the classic plan. losing $200 and locking you into a 2 year contract is pretty fair. I cant believe anyone would pay for this on the value plan. i'm not sure saving $150 for the classic plan is worth being in a 2 year contract though. decisions decisions.
I think google needs to step in on this and roll up the newspaper and smack tmo on the nose. *THAT'S A NO!!!!*

[Q] Google Play Nexus 4 vs. T-Mobile Nexus 4

I've read that there is no difference between the Nexus 4 sold on the Google Play store and the Nexus 4 being sold at T-Mobile
T-Mobile page: http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/Phones/cell-phone-detail.aspx?cell-phone=Nexus-4
If this is true, then why the price difference from T-Mobile ($549 retail) and Google Play ($349)?
Also, I'm not sure if buying it through google play is also signing up for a contract with T-Mobile or another carrier. I'm unable to gather that kind of information since it's listed as sold out on the Google Play site.
I called my local T-Mobile today and they said they would be receiving some Nexus 4's later on in the week, but retail price on them would be $549
Soooo... why the difference in price?
Also, does Google plan on restocking the Play store with Nexus 4 any time soon?
ps. sorry if this has been asked before, i've looked through the threads and didn't find anything regarding this.
T mobile wants to make money on the phone so they charge more for it. Its the same phone. Eventually it will be back in the play store. Eventually.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Exodian said:
T mobile wants to make money on the phone so they charge more for it. Its the same phone. Eventually it will be back in the play store. Eventually.
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Click to collapse
....we hope. Don't know why T-Mobile received some before the play store
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Same phone... However one is obviously a marketing ploy to gain profit.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Awesome, thanks for the replies. So it would be wise to just wait until the play store gets a restock?
Did I mention my tmobile store will have them in stock this week. idk if i can wait. but its a steep $200 difference in price which is ridiculous.
This phone is just as good or better than other phones that cost $550 so your not really getting a bad deal so to say.. Its just that Google sells it much cheaper. Personally i would wait it out unless you really really want it.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Why is it ridiculous? Why are you a cheap skate? The phone is $350 on play plus shipping ($20 bucks?) And its $500 in store plus tax. Not even a $150 difference. Googles price point and objective is different than T-Mobile. Buying from T-Mobile is buying from a retailer, and they are charging based on their normal profit model. It is still over a hundred less than other top tier phones. Their business is to make a cut in profit off the sales of phones and more so by providing mobile voice and data service. Google sells to spread exposure to their newest android version, features, build brand. In addition, they make money off the content of the phone such as: addict/sell Google services, app/content play store purchases, data collection/mining/selling, mobile ads, etc. Completely different profit model here and objectives. You are not being fleeced by T-Mobile, especially if buying from T-Mobile means you don't have to wait months to get one off play.
Sent from my 5th and final Nexus 4
---------- Post added at 05:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:21 PM ----------
Censura_Umbra said:
....we hope. Don't know why T-Mobile received some before the play store
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Play received many batches and much more stock than T-Mobile. This is the first time it has been available widely for T-Mobile.
People need to get off the thought that if someone charges you more then you are getting automatically getting ripped off. T-Mobile doesn't gain profit off the content of the device. Their only profit is on the sale of the device... And their service if you use it. Google makes loads of money off your movements, location, personal info, purchasing habits, usage, ad targeting, app store, etc.
Sent from my 5th and final Nexus 4
bobbybooshay said:
Awesome, thanks for the replies. So it would be wise to just wait until the play store gets a restock?
Did I mention my tmobile store will have them in stock this week. idk if i can wait. but its a steep $200 difference in price which is ridiculous.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They just like you to think, you are getting an avesome deal by signing that contract
It's $199 if you're upgrade eligible. At least it was when I got mine!:good:
ijohnboy said:
It's $199 if you're upgrade eligible. At least it was when I got mine!:good:
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Click to collapse
Yeah its 199 if you're upgrade eligible or new contract.
Thought I read somewhere that it'd be free with a contract/upgrade and that they'd be selling it for the same amount as the play store, but I'm not sure if that's true
I'm eligible for an upgrade on March, I'll have wait and see
Jayrod1980 said:
Why is it ridiculous? Why are you a cheap skate? The phone is $350 on play plus shipping ($20 bucks?) And its $500 in store plus tax. Not even a $150 difference. Googles price point and objective is different than T-Mobile. Buying from T-Mobile is buying from a retailer, and they are charging based on their normal profit model. It is still over a hundred less than other top tier phones. Their business is to make a cut in profit off the sales of phones and more so by providing mobile voice and data service. Google sells to spread exposure to their newest android version, features, build brand. In addition, they make money off the content of the phone such as: addict/sell Google services, app/content play store purchases, data collection/mining/selling, mobile ads, etc. Completely different profit model here and objectives. You are not being fleeced by T-Mobile, especially if buying from T-Mobile means you don't have to wait months to get one off play.
Sent from my 5th and final Nexus 4
---------- Post added at 05:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:21 PM ----------
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tmobile is charging $549 + tax (+~$50) which is over $200 difference actually. No, i'm not a cheap skate, but I also don't just throw my money around. I was simply trying to find out why Google sells the unlocked contract free phone for such a cheaper price. Either way, thanks for your explanation, it was informative.
Seeing that you went through 5 Nexii 4, how do you feel about the device? And do you think the production quality of the phone has gotten better since your first? I'd hate to purchase one for +$550 just to find out something is wrong with it.

T-Mobile America makes some awesome announcements

T-Mobile announces 'JUMP!' upgrade plan, new LTE markets and devices. http://goo.gl/mag/fx1qW1R
I am definitely signing up for this. I'm already paying for a phone and the monthly premium insurance. Knock out 10 bucks off my bill aaaand get a new device every 6 months....
Wait, they will giving me a discount on what I already pay......Dude I'm totally in.
Actually you pay 10$ a month, it does include that total insurance program though...the caveat is that you still pay the down payment (say 99$ down plus taxes on a S4) PLUS the EIP of 20$ a month....is it worth the every six months upgrade? Maybe.
I have five phone lines and two upgrades available (plus I just upgraded in May)....not worth it in certain situations...
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I thought T-Mobile was making things much more simple and straight forward with the financing for the phone. Now they've added this new option that just adds another complex layer, making it harder to compare plans from carrier to carrier.
I'm not saying it's bad, it just adds another variable to consider.
One more thing....
You have to turn in your current device (I'm assuming the one on the line you're upgrading) as well.
Meh.
As someone who has multiple devices on multiple lines and sells the oldest device before obtaining a new one.....
Not impressed by the terms.
Not saying it won't work for someone else, I'm just not impressed
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It sounds like a good idea
I am excited to upgrade my phone
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FlyGurl said:
One more thing....
You have to turn in your current device (I'm assuming the one on the line you're upgrading) as well.
Meh.
As someone who has multiple devices on multiple lines and sells the oldest device before obtaining a new one.....
Not impressed by the terms.
Not saying it won't work for someone else, I'm just not impressed
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea i agree ...im not gonna pay for the first phone i get just to turn around in 6months and have to turn it in and get a new phone.while im still stuck paying for phone i no longer have and know my new ontop of it..thats just a money maker for the cellphone companys...but that my $.2....
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