[Q] Nexus 4 cost - Google taking a loss? - Nexus 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

At $300 for 8GB of storage and $350 for 16 GB of storage, the Nexus 4 is an incredible piece of technology for a very reasonable price. Compare this to the unlocked Galaxy S4 at $650 or the HTC One at $600, also available from Google Play. The hardware differences in the more expensive phones are:
- Super AMOLD LCD (vs. IPS LCD on Nexus 4)
- Polycarbonate body (vs. glass on Nexus 4)
- More built in storage (32 GB on S4, 16 GB on HTC One, although you can get a 16 GB N4 for $50 more)
- Better camera on the S4 (13 megapixels while HTC One and N4 have 8)
- MicroSD slot (no MicroSD slot on N4)
- Stereo speakers on the HTC One
- LTE 4G on S4
I don't see how the above list could explain nearly the nearly double price difference from the Nexus 4 to the S4 or the HTC One. Sure, the MicroSD slot, extra memory, and probably the polycarbonate certainly account for some of the price difference, but not double. I'm also skeptical that any custom software/skins on the S4 or HTC One would make up the difference.
Maybe Google is undercutting the others in its own store to drive customers to its own device. Or maybe Samsung and HTC purposely "enforce" a high retail price to work with carriers who offer subsidized phones with two year contracts. Do all S4 and HTC Ones come with radios for both GSM and CDMA? I can see the radios being an expensive piece of hardware, so maybe only including a GSM radio is helping to keep costs low.

I'm pretty sure that the production cost of these phones are quite similar. Probably around the $200 range.
So is Google taking a loss at selling the N4 at $299/$349? Probably not. They're probably not making much profit per device compared to Samsung or HTC though.
Is LG taking a loss by manufacturing the N4? Definitely not. LG has no reason to effectively give Google a phone to sell at a loss. They definitely have some sort of contract in place such that LG profits from this relationship. Besides, outside of Google Play, the price of the N4 is marked up.
How do we justify the cost of the Google edition S4 and HTC1 versus the N4?
Easy. The prices are simply marked up by Samsung and HTC. They happen to want more profit per device than the N4. So at the end of the day, is the S4 or HTC1 $300 better than the N4? Definitely not. It's just a matter of Samsung and HTC wanting more of your money.

HTC One is now $49 from AT&T with 2 year contracts.

lopri said:
HTC One is now $49 from AT&T with 2 year contracts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a pretty solid deal for the One. However I don't believe it's Google's stock edition. That can only be found on the play store.

It's really do believe that they are selling it close to a loss, if not at a loss. There's just so much hardware there.
The thing you need to ask yourself is why. Why would Google sell such a great phone for SO cheap? Well, for one, it's not doing it solely for the profits like the other guys so the prices aren't insanely inflated. They do it to promote development on Android, to show what pure AOSP looks like (now the Google Edition phones also do this), and also to bring more end users into the Android environment. Make a high-end, affordable smartphone and more people will be willing to switch OS's. Plus, they don't spend millions upon millions promoting this phone like those other competitors do.
There are many reasons why it's cheaper and why Google continues to sell it. I just hope they continue with the Nexus line. Those new Google Edition phones have me worried about the future of the Nexus line. I hope it's not an indicator that they will stop making Nexii (?) in a few generations.

Economic Yourern
Johmama said:
They do it to promote development on Android, to show what pure AOSP looks like (now the Google Edition phones also do this), and also to bring more end users into the Android environment. Make a high-end, affordable smartphone and more people will be willing to switch OS's. Plus, they don't spend millions upon millions promoting this phone like those other competitors do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed! This is what I was thinking about this morning as well. The price is compelling enough to even have iOS fan boys and developers to give it a try. And yeah, their advertising is much less. I probably wouldn't have heard of the Nexus 4 if one of my friends hadn't told me all about it. Google probably isn't taking a loss, but the margin can't be all that great either.
I'm just happy there is an affordable unlocked phone on the market with great hardware. I've never been a fan of the subsidized two-year contract. What other service locks you in for two years? With the affordable yet powerful Nexus 4 and T-Mobile (one of the "Big 4" carriers) doing away with contracts, the other carriers will be forced to adapt sooner or later.

Google doesn't need the money from selling Nexus devices. They can make it back from advertising.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

In demand smart phones have historically garnered lots of money from subsidies. It is the main reason why they are a major cash cow for Samsung and Apple. Their other products have no where near the margins of an iPhone or S3/4. As long as people keep paying $100/month cell phone bills in order to get their next to free flagship phone every two years, I doubt this will change.
Kudos to folks like Google, T-Mobile, and a number of MVNO's that are trying to bring more fair pricing to consumers than the AT&T's and Verizon's of the world, but the reality is that most folks are still paying way too much for devices and service.

Solutions Etcetera said:
In demand smart phones have historically garnered lots of money from subsidies. It is the main reason why they are a major cash cow for Samsung and Apple. Their other products have no where near the margins of an iPhone or S3/4. As long as people keep paying $100/month cell phone bills in order to get their next to free flagship phone every two years, I doubt this will change.
Kudos to folks like Google, T-Mobile, and a number of MVNO's that are trying to bring more fair pricing to consumers than the AT&T's and Verizon's of the world, but the reality is that most folks are still paying way too much for devices and service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is $100/month a genuine possibility or an exaggeration? Either way, the US carrier monopoly is extremely messed up. Over here in the UK you won't find very many carrier exclusive/branded phones at all, and the same goes for most other parts of the world. I feel sorry for anyone who has to carry around a device with a Verizon, AT&T or Sprint logo placed anywhere on their devices. The entire idea of it just seems stupid to me.

Nigeldg said:
Is $100/month a genuine possibility or an exaggeration?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heh heh... it is not an exaggeration. Most EU member agencies are far more consumer oriented than the US, who pretty much just lets capitalism reign supreme. The FCC is a joke when it comes to Cable and Cell providers (my cable/internet bill is $160/month... I watch three channels, ESPN, ESPN2, and GOLF from their lineup that I can't get OTA, but to have HD I have to sign for a hundred+ channel package).

Solutions Etcetera said:
Heh heh... it is not an exaggeration. Most EU member agencies are far more consumer oriented than the US, who pretty much just lets capitalism reign supreme. The FCC is a joke when it comes to Cable and Cell providers (my cable/internet bill is $160/month... I watch three channels, ESPN, ESPN2, and GOLF from their lineup that I can't get OTA, but to have HD I have to sign for a hundred+ channel package).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, $100/month for a phone comes out to twice what it would here in the UK. My dad got a GS3 when it was new for free on a £35/month ($50/month) contract, and even that's a bad deal to me. I'm currently paying £10/month ($15) for 250 mins, unlimited texts and 1GB of data which is pretty damn good compared to what you can get in the US. I'd assume the $100/month contracts at least have unlimited everything right?
Oh and OP sorry for the off-topic

Nigeldg said:
I'd assume the $100/month contracts at least have unlimited everything right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Minutes yes, data no (unless you have one of the coveted grandfathered data plans from before the point where the big three decided unlimited was a bad idea). Now a days, "unlimited" data plans mean vague "fair use" policies and throttling once you hit their cap. Sure you have "unlimited" data, but what use is it when they throttle it down to 3G or even 2G once you reach a given point.

Related

Why I Am OK With $530

After reading all the stories, lots of comments on blogs and forums, I have had enough of the BS about how $530 is over priced and way too much and blah blah blah. You guys want the latest and greatest but aren't willing to pay any more than $5 for it.
Every single phone worth money for years has had an unsubsidized price of at least $550 with a few exceptions of course (G1 is only $400, but it is a generation old hardware). An iPhone 3GS 32gb retails for $699 straight up. The HTC HD2 is $899 on Amazon. Good phones aren't cheap as I am sure a lot of you know. So in this respect, $530 is actually a pretty good deal; especially when you compare it to the HD2 which has the same processor and similar hardware. You are getting a next-gen phone with the best screen to ever be on a phone, double the ram of most high end phones, and double the resolution of most high end phones. You expected the best of the best to be cheap? Pfft...
Also, my current T-Mobile plan is superior to what is going to be offered. It will be cheaper and easier in the long run to just buy the phone straight up.
What I am seeing from people is they see $530 and freak the hell out because they have the $180 to compare it against. Sure, there is a big difference there, but you are locked in to a contract for 2 years. $80 * 24 months + $180 = $2100 over 2 years! AND you only have 500 minutes. If you bought the phone straight up and went with Even More Plus for $80/mo, you get unlimited everything. $80 * 24 months + $530 = $2450. Yes, this is more expensive, HOWEVER, how many times will you go over your 500 minutes in the next 2 years? If this is not a problem for you, by all means, go right ahead and get the contract deal since it suits you. But for me, and I suspect most people, 500 minutes is not enough. For the additional $350 over 2 years, or $14.58 and change every month, it is worth having those unlimited minutes.
Does anybody else agree with me on this? All of my phone junkies I talk to agree that $530 is reasonable. Sure, we all would love a less expensive phone, but lets get real here...
Oh, and if this "leak" turns out to be false, than what an awesome waste of time and all of this is moot! LOL
Agree with you on this. My current plan is dirt cheep for unlimited data and no 2 year contract, so I'll shell out the $530 if that's all official after the 5th!
people are trippin over $530 for a phone like this? I paid $550 for my unlocked fuze last year, $800 for unbranded touch pro 2 in April, unlocked motorola droid(milestone) is $800! Al least this phone has some kind of US 3G support, unlike most unbranded phones that come state side. I think I'm a get it day 1, and then get the Bravo when it come out later this year if Sense UI cant be import on the Nexus.
I agree with you guys wholeheartedly. To be honest though, I think it's most telling to compare plans in an apples to apples manner. I'm a dork with a background in finance, so yes, I created a spreadsheet to calculate all the costs incrementally to see where changes in costs were coming from in my comparison.
After running through the numbers and calculating total costs over a 24 month term, for the 500 minute EM and EM+ plans, with the respective phone costs, the total cost over 24 months if I bought the phone unlocked would be $1970. If I purchased it on contract for $180, the total I'd spend over 24 months would be $2100.
There's NO WAY that you'll spend more over the long term with the EM+ plan UNLESS you're eligible for a corporate discount on the EM plan (which I happily am). With my discount, the total for the EM plan comes to $1811, but that doesn't apply to everyone.
The problem here is that most people are spoiled by the subsidized prices of phones. What they're not realizing is that they're paying for that subsidy in the form of more expensive plans...and then some, as my illustration above clearly proves. If T-mobile allows us to finance unsubsidized phones for 20 months on EM+ plans, then this works out to be more manageable for consumers. Either way, though... people need to consider total cost of ownership (TCO)... not just monthly cost and initial cash outlay for the device.
Exactly! Thanks for doing that. People just don't look for future savings and would rather have instant gratification. They are excited by a cheap up front cost and monthly service fee be damned!
I totally agree with you. it is by far the best phone in terms of specifications and price compared to its competitors (iphone 3gs, HD2).
Thanks for explaining this to people.
T-Mo Unlimited Voice/Web/Text $79.99/mo x 24 months = $1,920
Phone: $530.00
====
Total: $2,450.00
IPhone Plan
AT&T Unlimited Voice/Web/Text $149.99/mo for 24 months = $3,600
Phone: $200.00
====
Total: $3,800.00
-No contract for the T-Mobile plan
-No texts? AT&T without any text message plan still comes to $3,320
I was hoping for unlocked-only availability. It would keep certain... um... people... from buying the phone and then flooding the forums with questions, tacky themes, etc.
Dont really care about the price. It's actually not too bad, but if they only offer a 3g for Tmobile version here in the states then why bother selling it from google? Now...if they offer a few versions that can do 3g on several of the networks, or the final device gives us 3g on AT&T and Tmobile (and perhaps they do a verizon version too!)...that would be an awesome sale.
lordmaxx said:
Dont really care about the price. It's actually not too bad, but if they only offer a 3g for Tmobile version here in the states then why bother selling it from google? Now...if they offer a few versions that can do 3g on several of the networks, or the final device gives us 3g on AT&T and Tmobile (and perhaps they do a verizon version too!)...that would be an awesome sale.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I imagine that Google will be releasing high-end phones for all carriers this year. I think they started with T-mobile for a variety of possible reasons. It's not beyond the realm of possibility that they felt that T-mo should get preference because they were the first carrier to carry the Android torch to market. I also wouldn't be surprised if Google had planned this all along and that T-mobile was promised to get the first "Google phone". Obviously this is all conjecture, but it makes sense from a business perspective.
uansari1 said:
I imagine that Google will be releasing high-end phones for all carriers this year. I think they started with T-mobile for a variety of possible reasons. It's not beyond the realm of possibility that they felt that T-mo should get preference because they were the first carrier to carry the Android torch to market. I also wouldn't be surprised if Google had planned this all along and that T-mobile was promised to get the first "Google phone". Obviously this is all conjecture, but it makes sense from a business perspective.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But the problem with getting the first of anything is it will be ancient by the time other carriers receive their Android devices
Not necessarily. Given the specs of this phone, I can't see it becoming obsolete as quickly as the G1 did. I could be wrong, but how soon would you think a phone would come out with over 1ghz processor and over 512 ram and rom?
uansari1 said:
Not necessarily. Given the specs of this phone, I can't see it becoming obsolete as quickly as the G1 did. I could be wrong, but how soon would you think a phone would come out with over 1ghz processor and over 512 ram and rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aren't there already two other snapdragon devices out? What about the rumors of another iphone being released later this year?
I think the g1 may have been just as big when it came out. Times change, so does technology. The N1 may seem like the hottest new device, but it's the Nexus ONE just as the Dream was the Gee ONE. Look at where we are now. With at least half a dozen android capable devices out in about a year and 50+ rumored by 2012.
andythefan said:
Aren't there already two other snapdragon devices out? What about the rumors of another iphone being released later this year?
I think the g1 may have been just as big when it came out. Times change, so does technology. The N1 may seem like the hottest new device, but it's the Nexus ONE just as the Dream was the Gee ONE. Look at where we are now. With at least half a dozen android capable devices out in about a year and 50+ rumored by 2012.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your points are well taken. No one's saying that this is THE ultimate phone of all time. It's simply the greatest Android phone to be released yet, and based on its specs, it seems to be a very significant advance forward in hardware as compared to other devices, aside from Droid.
uansari1 said:
Your points are well taken. No one's saying that this is THE ultimate phone of all time. It's simply the greatest Android phone to be released yet, and based on its specs, it seems to be a very significant advance forward in hardware as compared to other devices, aside from Droid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before the Droid all the Android devices were mostly similar (form factor, screen resolution/size, cpu, etc). This is just like the Droid. It was supposed to be the greatest Android device until the next phone showed up a few months later. How do we know a device with similar or better specs won't show up soon? HTC's leaked roadmap has a lot of impressive devices scheduled for this year.
The marketplace is only going to fragment even more Developers aren't happy coding for all these different devices.
IDK if you all are missing the point or if maybe im just redirecting it but here goes
This does not fit into how google normally does things. Correct me if im wrong but the formula usually goes
Take good service/software and make it better + dirt cheap or free+data mining = profit$$
If they aren't subsidizing any of the cost, why should we let them have our data?
esincho said:
people are trippin over $530 for a phone like this? I paid $550 for my unlocked fuze last year, $800 for unbranded touch pro 2 in April, unlocked motorola droid(milestone) is $800! Al least this phone has some kind of US 3G support, unlike most unbranded phones that come state side. I think I'm a get it day 1, and then get the Bravo when it come out later this year if Sense UI cant be import on the Nexus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am fully agree with your statement that at least this phone has some sort of US 3G support which many unlocked phones lacked or manufacturers are too slow to release the US 3G version (read: Nokia N95 NAM edition).
I think this angry attitude is a manifestation of our credit-driven lifestyle. Many people don't realize that paying cheaper price for a phone alongside mandatory 2 years contract (and ETFs if we decided to cancel) is more expensive. Even if they do, the fact that they can OWN the product NOW (regardless whether you can afford the whole price or not) is what makes it desirable in this part of the world.
Regarding the fact that it doesn't support AT&T 3G bands, well suck it up because iPhone didn't support T-Mobile 3G either and I'm sure there are many Tmob subscribers are interested to get that capabilities too. Until US cleared up these 3G band fragmentation (which probably won't happen), we are at the mercy of these manufacturers to step up their game and put in Quad Band UMTS as opposed to cherry picking 3 UMTS bands to be put into their phones.
Only thing making me think twice is when will a keyboard version of the hardware come out.
burton14e7 said:
Only thing making me think twice is when will a keyboard version of the hardware come out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The keyboard phone with these specs would be the next G1, most likely to come out just in time for the early G1 adopters to renew their contracts.
uansari1 said:
I agree with you guys wholeheartedly. To be honest though, I think it's most telling to compare plans in an apples to apples manner. I'm a dork with a background in finance, so yes, I created a spreadsheet to calculate all the costs incrementally to see where changes in costs were coming from in my comparison.
After running through the numbers and calculating total costs over a 24 month term, for the 500 minute EM and EM+ plans, with the respective phone costs, the total cost over 24 months if I bought the phone unlocked would be $1970. If I purchased it on contract for $180, the total I'd spend over 24 months would be $2100.
There's NO WAY that you'll spend more over the long term with the EM+ plan UNLESS you're eligible for a corporate discount on the EM plan (which I happily am). With my discount, the total for the EM plan comes to $1811, but that doesn't apply to everyone.
The problem here is that most people are spoiled by the subsidized prices of phones. What they're not realizing is that they're paying for that subsidy in the form of more expensive plans...and then some, as my illustration above clearly proves. If T-mobile allows us to finance unsubsidized phones for 20 months on EM+ plans, then this works out to be more manageable for consumers. Either way, though... people need to consider total cost of ownership (TCO)... not just monthly cost and initial cash outlay for the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Expanding on this and assuming no discounts...
Option A) Buy the phone for $180 subsidized and the 500-minute plan for $80/mo, signing a contract to pay $2100 total over 24 mos.
Option B) Buy the phone for $530 unsubsidized and unlocked and choose the comparable 500-minute plus unlimited text/data Even More Plus plan for $60/mo for a total cost of $1970 over 24 mos with no contract.
So over two years of the phone and contract, you save $130 by going with option B.
But will you really last two years? Let's see what happens if you want to change phones after one year, which is entirely possible given the rate at which mobile technology is moving.
Option A) Early reports indicate a $350 early termination fee imposed by T-Mobile during the first 120 days, but no details have been learned about the fee past that window. Let's assume it reduces linearly to zero over the remaining life of the contract, meaning your fee for leaving early would be $210 at the one year mark. This puts you at $1350 to get out free and clear from the phone and contract.
Option B) You have no ETF, so you'll have paid $1250 at the end of one year.
So, even after just a year you still spend $100 less buying unsubsidized. Further, your phone will already be unlocked and unbranded, ready for quick sale on E-bay.
Pretty simple choice for me. Less money & easy to move on = no-brainer.

xoom only COSTS Best Buy $550!! WTF.

http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/0...ps-to-1199-99-but-it-costs-best-buy-just-550/
So this makes me think that the price will be significantly lower than $1200 or $800. If not at Best Buy, someone else who can deal with less than 40% margins will sell this thing in the $6-700 range.
F*** Best Buy and their either 45% or even more obscene 118% markups.
CNET fed Motorolas ego tremendously when they gave the Xoom best of CES award...
legato89 said:
CNET fed Motorolas ego tremendously when they gave the Xoom best of CES award...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 Clearly it did...
They think they can place apple price point/margin(actually even more than apple!) without any track record to proove it... Its ridicules... They clearly want to gouge the first adopters, and a month later i can guarentee they will drop the price by 200$ (especially when ipad 2 is unveiled...)
Its a sad day that im considering and ipad 2 over xoom/other android 3.0 cause of PRICE.
$1,999 is a placeholder price.
http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/13/motorola-xoom-up-for-pre-order-at-best-buy-for-1-199/
Engadget said:
Update: We've heard rumblings that this is indeed just a place holder -- much like the way other companies price products they don't want to sell at ridiculous levels -- and the final price will indeed be the $800 we've heard most consistently to this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, it isn't as if the Xoom will be the only quality Honeycomb device out there. If it cost too much for your taste, wait until cheaper 3.0 tablets arrive. Looking at the trend so far most Honeycomb tablets have almost the exact same specifications anyways.
Botero said:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/0...ps-to-1199-99-but-it-costs-best-buy-just-550/
So this makes me think that the price will be significantly lower than $1200 or $800. If not at Best Buy, someone else who can deal with less than 40% margins will sell this thing in the $6-700 range.
F*** Best Buy and their either 45% or even more obscene 118% markups.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's crazy. When I worked at Best Buy a few years back, I found little (if any) markup on almost all laptops. Apparently they've decided that the Xoom is a different story.
I'd like to think that purchasing at a Verizon store will be a different story, but I'm sure there are all kinds of deals in place to keep prices uniform across the industry. It would probably be cheaper getting one shipped from Europe.
Oh well. I'm thinking the Galaxy 10.1 looks better than the Xoom anyway, so maybe I'll stick around to see how it turns out.
Xevilious said:
That's crazy. When I worked at Best Buy a few years back, I found little (if any) markup on almost all laptops. Apparently they've decided that the Xoom is a different story.
I'd like to think that purchasing at a Verizon store will be a different story, but I'm sure there are all kinds of deals in place to keep prices uniform across the industry. It would probably be cheaper getting one shipped from Europe.
Oh well. I'm thinking the Galaxy 10.1 looks better than the Xoom anyway, so maybe I'll stick around to see how it turns out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Galaxy 10.1 doesn't seem to come with a Sd card slot or even Hdmi port...yikes !
Arun01 said:
The Galaxy 10.1 doesn't seem to come with a Sd card slot or even Hdmi port...yikes !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear ya there, SD card slot is a must in my mind for a tablet.
Love the design of the Tab 10.1 though, the backing looks so ergonomic.
If the xoom is locked down to modding like most other motorola stuff, the sd card won't be that big of a draw.
The markup is nuts, hence why I think you may be able to talk bestbuy into doing it out the door for 800, with the mobile service (that you can cancel).
Sent from my EVO using XDA App
Didn't motorola state the SD slot on the Xoom wont work until they patch it at a later date? or am i thinking of another CES tab?
Arun01 said:
The Galaxy 10.1 doesn't seem to come with a Sd card slot or even Hdmi port...yikes !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh... I didn't realize that. Lame. It's a shame, because the device has a nice look to it.
Xevilious said:
That's crazy. When I worked at Best Buy a few years back, I found little (if any) markup on almost all laptops. Apparently they've decided that the Xoom is a different story.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BB is probably trying to make some margin on the first few suckers (oops, customers). Expect a big price drop in a few months like the Galaxy tab.
jerrykur said:
BB is probably trying to make some margin on the first few suckers (oops, customers). Expect a big price drop in a few months like the Galaxy tab.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do realize a tablet like this would be price controlled by Verizon correct? Verizon controls prices of phones, just like ATT, Sprint, and Apple do.
@Xevilious : little margin is still made on laptops
Yeah god forbid companies try and make a profit on the products they make or sell
Old MuckenMire said:
Yeah god forbid companies try and make a profit on the products they make or sell
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sirchuk said:
If the xoom is locked down to modding like most other motorola stuff, the sd card won't be that big of a draw.
The markup is nuts, hence why I think you may be able to talk bestbuy into doing it out the door for 800, with the mobile service (that you can cancel).
Sent from my EVO using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since when did Best Buy negotiate prices on a product like this?
Old MuckenMire said:
Yeah god forbid companies try and make a profit on the products they make or sell
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am all for companies making money. But I must say, knowing that the device cost BB 550$.. I am no longer okay with Verizon forcing me to buy unwanted 3g for a month cranking up the already high price an unnecessary, and frankly incredibly expensive 1GB of data.
setite said:
Since when did Best Buy negotiate prices on a product like this?
I am all for companies making money. But I must say, knowing that the device cost BB 550$.. I am no longer okay with Verizon forcing me to buy unwanted 3g for a month cranking up the already high price an unnecessary, and frankly incredibly expensive 1GB of data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well you have to take into consideration that BB is probably not going to make a killing on this product. If they were confident that they would sell a lot of Xooms, the price would be less. They would be able to make up for it in volume.
I agree about the mandatory Verizon data but from my understanding you have three days to cancel it and get your money back for that. I myself am going to keep the months worth of data...I've always been with AT&T and am curious about Verizon's service in my area.
setite said:
Since when did Best Buy negotiate prices on a product like this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might be surprised what they will do if there is still profit to be made. You can negotiate on just about all big ticket items, especially at the end of the quarter when they want to increase revenue numbers. Never hurts to ask for something like 5 or 10 percent off. Worked for me on a digital camera I wanted and a stove. They took another $200 off my stove, even beat the internet prices I found.
Sent from my EVO using XDA App
Old MuckenMire said:
well you have to take into consideration that BB is probably not going to make a killing on this product. If they were confident that they would sell a lot of Xooms, the price would be less. They would be able to make up for it in volume.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said earlier pricing is controlled by Verizon
And that employee cost that you see, is not always the price that Best Buy pays for an item. Tablets that require internet activation are in an entire different realm of pricing structures (especially since this is a Verizon tablet).
Sirchuk said:
You might be surprised what they will do if there is still profit to be made. You can negotiate on just about all big ticket items, especially at the end of the quarter when they want to increase revenue numbers. Never hurts to ask for something like 5 or 10 percent off. Worked for me on a digital camera I wanted and a stove. They took another $200 off my stove, even beat the internet prices I found.
Sent from my EVO using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only way money is coming off the xoom is price matching verizon, which is going to be selling it at the same price
deadpixell said:
As I said earlier pricing is controlled by Verizon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
trust me, BB gives it's opinion to Verizon on what it wants to sell any given item for in their store and Verizon takes that opinion into account when pricing. BB doesn't have to carry any given device.... and Verizon or any other carrier has to work with them on price(as well as many other aspects) if Verizon wants that device in store. You can be sure Verizon's pricing would be different if they anticipated BB would sell tons more of them than they will currently.
All I am saying is this: if this tab was going to sell like the iPad, the price would be less. Verizon nor BB have the luxury of making their profit thru volume with this device.
Old MuckenMire said:
trust me, BB gives it's opinion to Verizon on what it wants to sell any given item for in their store and Verizon takes that opinion into account when pricing. BB doesn't have to carry any given device.... and Verizon or any other carrier has to work with them on price(as well as many other aspects) if Verizon wants that device in store. You can be sure Verizon's pricing would be different if they anticipated BB would sell tons more of them than they will currently.
All I am saying is this: if this tab was going to sell like the iPad, the price would be less. Verizon nor BB have the luxury of making their profit thru volume with this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know Best buy gives its opinion, but at the end of the day, its out of my hand. There are certain things like I said, that are price controlled regardless of how much Best Buy buys the item from. I'm sure Verizon also wants best buy to sell tons of xooms. During this past holiday I saw more people sold on buying tablets than laptops, sure the initial price is high, relative to what you get, but I'm sure it will come down.
And for what its worth, even though people here are complaining about the high price, this device will be extremely popular.
That being said if I see anything more in best buys system I'll try and post/make note of it

Breaking contract with Att

After waiting for the one x for months, I am disgusted with what they delivered. Tons of issues out of the box, no unlocked bootloader, no sd card, and miserable multitasking. Sprint is getting the s4 lte one x with bootloader unlock, and ad card. Verizon is getting it also with possibly a s5 cpu.
Any recommendations on sprint vs Verizon as far as service quality and price for the ny metro/long island area?
I can't stomach giving Att more money after the CEO received a 22 million dollar bonus for a FAILED merger with tmobile that cost Att 4 billion dollars + in penalties. The customers get to foot the bill for his incompetence, and he gets rewarded 22 million for costing us 4billion+? Ponderous. Enough is enough already with this garbage. And on top of it all, we get a failure of a phone, while sprint and Verizon will again get the better equipment! Screw Att, I am done with those thieves.
Any feedback is appreciated.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA
c5satellite2 said:
After waiting for the one x for months, I am disgusted with what they delivered. Tons of issues out of the box, no unlocked bootloader, no sd card, and miserable multitasking. Sprint is getting the s4 lte one x with bootloader unlock, and ad card. Verizon is getting it also with possibly a s5 cpu.
Any recommendations on sprint vs Verizon as far as service quality and price for the ny metro/long island area?
I can't stomach giving Att more money after the CEO received a 22 million dollar bonus for a FAILED merger with tmobile that cost Att 4 billion dollars + in penalties. The customers get to foot the bill for his incompetence, and he gets rewarded 22 million for costing us 4billion+? Ponderous. Enough is enough already with this garbage. And on top of it all, we get a failure of a phone, while sprint and Verizon will again get the better equipment! Screw Att, I am done with those thieves.
Any feedback is appreciated.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can go to sprints website and view a map of their coverage. Same for verizon. However it should go without saying that the coverage should be next to perfect since not only are you in a very busy but city but also a well known area. I live in Atlanta, GA and Sprint 4G is golden over here. There are small pocket areas where coverage drops. And some where it drops for sprint too. As for local deals and plans you will have to check that in your area. It varies. I did break my contract with ATT though and switched to sprint. I had a hefty ETF to pay but it was worth it. Unlimited data, text, and tethering is worth it. I also like Sprint's tight google voice integration. I was using it on ATT and it was really limited but it's much more integrated on sprint.
So for me it was worth it. Love my Epic Touch 4G. To give ATT a little bit of credit they do seem to be snatching up some in demand android phones. I had no idea that ATT's version of the HTCOneX was that different either. This whole "lets change the internals of the phone for every carrier" is really annoying. The Epic Touch 4G looks different from the galaxy s2 skyrocket. And I think the global version is different too. The only downside about sprint's epic touch 4G is no NFC
But GS3 is coming soon. Hope this helped.
c5satellite2 said:
I can't stomach giving Att more money after the CEO received a 22 million dollar bonus for a FAILED merger with tmobile that cost Att 4 billion dollars + in penalties.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This type of thing happens at all telecom companies. Enjoy having no LTE over at Sprint.
c5satellite2 said:
And on top of it all, we get a failure of a phone, while sprint and Verizon will again get the better equipment!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It happens all the time. In a year at&t will get the sweet device and Sprint users will be sad. I haven't noticed any major trends in who gets what equipment amongst the major carriers... and Sprint. Well besides the iphone. Would I change if I really wanted a device at another company? Maybe. I have an unlimited data contract and a corporate discount though so I can't really see anyone giving me a better deal.
sitizenx said:
This type of thing happens at all telecom companies. Enjoy having no LTE over at Sprint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T LTE is kinda laughable though. I wish they left HSPA+ alone in the One X and gave me a quad-core instead.
Verizon in coverage and LTE. Sprint with prices and unlimited data.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
KayxGee1 said:
Verizon in coverage and LTE. Sprint with prices and unlimited data.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This.
Sent from my ADR6400L
T-Mobile is where it's at! I have their value plan and pay $70 a month after taxes for unlimited everything and 2 GB of 4G. Can't beat that.
Not sure where you're getting your info, OP, but Verizon's CEO just put out a press release stating that VZ will not be getting any new HTC phones in the short term, namely the HTC One series.
It depends on what your needs are. Do you use your data alot? Do you need the fast LTE speeds? Do you need a lot of minutes? Obviously phone choice is a huge deciding factor. All those questions could help us help you.
I have unlimited(limited) data and need 5gb+, need 900 minutes, would love lte(not a dealbreaker), 500+ text messages, free mobile to mobile calling, and be less than what I'm paying now, about $97.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA
And Verizon is going to get a "one x" phone, it just won't be marketed as that. Look for a HTC phone similar in specs to LTE one x, but with a newer version CPU called S4 PRO(with new 320 gpu). Removable battery, sd card slot, 4.7" or bigger display.
Not confirmed of course, just adds up from various info and comments that have been made by qcomm, Verizon, and HTC. The biggest being they are due to release the replacement for the rezound in Q3. Everyone is bringing the 4.7"+slcd2 screen with qcomm s4 lte to market because it is a great combo, I don't think Big Red will miss out on the fun.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA
c5satellite2 said:
I can't stomach giving Att more money after the CEO received a 22 million dollar bonus for a FAILED merger with tmobile that cost Att 4 billion dollars + in penalties. The customers get to foot the bill for his incompetence, and he gets rewarded 22 million for costing us 4billion+? Ponderous. Enough is enough already with this garbage. And on top of it all, we get a failure of a phone, while sprint and Verizon will again get the better equipment! Screw Att, I am done with those thieves.
Any feedback is appreciated.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, you can thank your new BFF "Sprint" for having a hand in that.
Asides from having really huge balls, I can't see how a failed merger undermines his abilities as a CEO? How do you think mergers work?
And unless you sir, own a significant amount of shares in AT&T, I don't understand how any of that $4 billion is even remotely 'yours'. Everything the company charges you are in exchange for their services, not stocks.
Lastly, could you provide me with an example where it shows the penalty fee being relayed onto the customer?
Thanks!
if you just want a lower monthly bill, I would try calling customer service, follow the prompts until you hear the one for cancel you account press 5, etc., it will direct you to the correct person, then say you're thinking about canceling because its too expensive, they will probably offer you some disscounts. last time I did it, they gave me $20 off credit for 6 months, free messaging 6 months, and a one time $40 credit I think.
worth a shot.
Ive been with them 6 years, I like GSM for the fact I can buy and use international devices, I dont like how they put non LTE unlmited plans on 3GB.
Every 1 of the big 4 has its pros and cons.
Agree about the gsm benefits.
And where dou think the 4 billion is coming from? Us. And we will pay twice, the 4bil+ in fines, and another 4bil+ to build the network he failed to acquire. I have a big problem with the "liar" receiving 22mil for failing. A better reward would have been a pink slip like everyone else would have received. Look up Randall Stephensons comments, he flat out lies, and had no clue how anything actually works. Just another entitled wall street moron ruining a great company in order to line their pockets via wall street. This is exactly why America is failing. Provide the lowest quality as long as it means higher stock prices. And even well performing stocks don't keep up with inflation, resulting in stealing from customers, as well as the shareholders. Do the research and WAKE UP ALREADY. STOP ALLOWING YOURSELF TO BE CONNED BY WALL STREET AND THE ENTITLED ULTRA RICH!
Any one here get a 22million bonus after costing your company 4+bil? No, you would have been fired!
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA
c5satellite2 said:
Agree about the gsm benefits.
And where dou think the 4 billion is coming from? Us. And we will pay twice, the 4bil+ in fines, and another 4bil+ to build the network he failed to acquire. I have a big problem with the "liar" receiving 22mil for failing. A better reward would have been a pink slip like everyone else would have received. Look up Randall Stephensons comments, he flat out lies, and had no clue how anything actually works. Just another entitled wall street moron ruining a great company in order to line their pockets via wall street. This is exactly why America is failing. Provide the lowest quality as long as it means higher stock prices. And even well performing stocks don't keep up with inflation, resulting in stealing from customers, as well as the shareholders. Do the research and WAKE UP ALREADY. STOP ALLOWING YOURSELF TO BE CONNED BY WALL STREET AND THE ENTITLED ULTRA RICH!
Any one here get a 22million bonus after costing your company 4+bil? No, you would have been fired!
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh god, are you one of those antiwallstreet idiots 99 percenters camping?
I won't even bother arguing the logistics with you and pointing out your failed logic on the nature of economics. Have a good day.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Guesss you are a Wall Street(rigged casino) idiot. I can't stand occupy, it is a scam funded by certain political groups to pass more regulations.
The market doesn't keep up with inflation. Good luck giving your money to the rich. Effing economists.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA
Contrary to popular beliefs,
Economists are more likely to be liberals.
But your statements are hollow and illogical. Even a bleeding heart would disagree with what you're stating.
By your logic, you're stating company revenue=customer investment.
You paid for a service, NOT for investment shares. Your service charges do not accrue to company shares. Once that money is paid and becomes company profit/revenue they can do whatever the hell they wanna do with it and no legal obligation binds them to spend it in your best interest. The loss is the company's loss, not your loss.
I don't understand how market parity and inflation has anything to do with this.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
God I hate liberals and their phony agenda. They claim to be liberal, want a million rules and regs, and tell you what to do. The only thing they are libral with is other peoples money. Anyone need more social assistance programs?
Don't like either Republicans or Democrats, they are all liars.
How about following the constitution and logic? Political parties only divide us as Americans and prevent anything from getting done.
Rep and Dem both laugh at us together all the way to the bank. Any more ultra rich need a billion dollar "bailout"?
We pay for all this crap. Period. We the people, not we the minority ultra rich!
Defend these morons all you want. Try looking past the curtain, there is more to it than what they let you see. You are being fleeced every day. Stand up for yourself, stop accepting what they "give" you. Earn what is yours, and don't let them steal it. I work 3 jobs. I work hard. I don't ask for handouts. Corporate America takes what they want, from who they want, and when they want. They run companies into the ground only to receive bonuses and bailouts. Enough is enough. I stand up for myself. You will not stand in my way.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA
This has to be the funniest thread I've read in a while, and I've been a lurker on this site since 2009, but ultimately you're going to be footing the bill for your foot out the door. Either way, by your logic, you're going to be losing money. Unless you can convince a friendly CS Rep to cancel your contract without the ETF. Here's a hint: I wouldn't rattle on about the reasons you're leaving and instead make up a blatent lie. Also, put on your super nice voice.... if you have one.
Sprint, NO
its horrible. So-Called 4g

Why are the prices higher?

I was thinking about it and its one of 2 things imo. I think they are using the extra bucks for the future LTE expansion, building towers and whatnot. But most likely they are a bunch of grubby pricks that want to nickel and dime us
Sent from my HTC Sensation using XDA
I've read through a lot of the huge thread, and a lot of people were saying that t-mobile tends to offer the new, hip device for an outrageous cost for the first few weeks.
If you are a current customer you might have luck calling customer service and passively threatening to switch carriers. Many people here have had luck getting $200 off the phone and a few other perks. The last 10 pages of so of the big thread are full of those stories.
I bought the phone outright. The value plan I'm on is sweet- I'm saving $450 over 2 years.
Lets hope for the first and realize this phone is actually a phone that I might keep for the 2 years for a 1st haha. There is no real reason I don't think except the fact that T-Mobile has the cheaper of the plans when it comes to the competing 3, so the 80$ more that I have to spend to get the phone compared to the 25-50$ a month I save (comparing to my friends who have Verizon and At&t I'm okay with the difference... But still wish it wasn't the case.
I'm rocking the Motorola Cliq. This phone is going to seem so amazingly quick. If I can get 2 1/2 years out of a pos phone like the Cliq I can get 2 years out of this sexy phone.
I'm just happy that I am still out of contract.
mhuckins said:
I'm rocking the Motorola Cliq. This phone is going to seem so amazingly quick. If I can get 2 1/2 years out of a pos phone like the Cliq I can get 2 years out of this sexy phone.
I'm just happy that I am still out of contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GOOOooo should've went to the G1 haha.
mt3g said:
GOOOooo should've went to the G1 haha.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I almost did! I didn't want to move away from the qwerty keyboard. I've spent so much time on the computer in the last year I couldn't justify another partial upgrade. I was so close to buying an iPhone (they get upgrades, my cliq is like 1.8 or some lousy shiat) and then the SGSIII came along. I haven't slept in weeks. It's like the raspberry pi all over again.
MacTheRipperr said:
I was thinking about it and its one of 2 things imo. I think they are using the extra bucks for the future LTE expansion, building towers and whatnot. But most likely they are a bunch of grubby pricks that want to nickel and dime us
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Spit-balling...
T-Mobile's Value plan is supposed to encourage customer's to avoid the recent spate of aggressive phone upgrades, and they are realizing that smartphone users are unaffected by the economic argument as the situation stands.
The phones actually are more expensive than we tend to think, and even "no-commitment" pricing has been subsidized.
The worldwide currency shifts have affected the cost of phones, and most carriers have been reluctant to reflect reality in a highly competitive market.
High demand and low supply resulted in either a money-grab or an attempt to prevent people from buying up the limited supply and selling on eBay (the latter being, admittedly, unlikely given the nature of the mobile market).
Executives have started to notice that the "free phone" weekends have been eating into profits and T-Mobile is attempting to capitalize on eager buyers that clearly aren't willing to wait until the inevitable deal comes along.
The unusual modem and/or overall lower volume of T-Mobile's sales meant that they weren't able to negotiate a deal as aggressive as the larger players.
T-Mobile has an interest in seeing HTC succeed and are attempting to subtly curb the Goliath that is Samsung in an attempt to keep their leverage going.
Pricing is not related to anything other than an attempt to place devices into tiers (with the S2 at $550, the One S at $600, and the S3 as the perceived-best phone), and they didn't expect a backlash against the better phones costing more money.
T-Mobile is attempting to expand its image as the "value" service by leaving room for negotiation so that bargain-conscious customers talk them up.
Don't take any of the above too seriously. It is kind of late, I haven't put much thought into it, and I've had a lot to drink.
In any case, relative value is relative value. I don't care that Redbox is losing money renting to me for $0.70, it makes me unwilling to pay for Blockbuster Express at $3. I don't care that an album costs $7 at my preferred service of Amazon MP3, I am unwilling to buy because Google Music has it $4. At the end of the day, the (vocal) minority of us that hang it forums like this will sweat the price difference because we spend all of our time comparing like items.
It isn't even remotely fair to T-Mobile (or whomever), but it is human.
Voltage Spike said:
Spit-balling...
T-Mobile's Value plan is supposed to encourage customer's to avoid the recent spate of aggressive phone upgrades, and they are realizing that smartphone users are unaffected by the economic argument as the situation stands.
The phones actually are more expensive than we tend to think, and even "no-commitment" pricing has been subsidized.
The worldwide currency shifts have affected the cost of phones, and most carriers have been reluctant to reflect reality in a highly competitive market.
High demand and low supply resulted in either a money-grab or an attempt to prevent people from buying up the limited supply and selling on eBay (the latter being, admittedly, unlikely given the nature of the mobile market).
Executives have started to notice that the "free phone" weekends have been eating into profits and T-Mobile is attempting to capitalize on eager buyers that clearly aren't willing to wait until the inevitable deal comes along.
The unusual modem and/or overall lower volume of T-Mobile's sales meant that they weren't able to negotiate a deal as aggressive as the larger players.
T-Mobile has an interest in seeing HTC succeed and are attempting to subtly curb the Goliath that is Samsung in an attempt to keep their leverage going.
Pricing is not related to anything other than an attempt to place devices into tiers (with the S2 at $550, the One S at $600, and the S3 as the perceived-best phone), and they didn't expect a backlash against the better phones costing more money.
T-Mobile is attempting to expand its image as the "value" service by leaving room for negotiation so that bargain-conscious customers talk them up.
Don't take any of the above too seriously. It is kind of late, I haven't put much thought into it, and I've had a lot to drink.
In any case, relative value is relative value. I don't care that Redbox is losing money renting to me for $0.70, it makes me unwilling to pay for Blockbuster Express at $3. I don't care that an album costs $7 at my preferred service of Amazon MP3, I am unwilling to buy because Google Music has it $4. At the end of the day, the (vocal) minority of us that hang it forums like this will sweat the price difference because we spend all of our time comparing like items.
It isn't even remotely fair to T-Mobile (or whomever), but it is human.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish I could write so eloquently when drunk. What's your fark handle?
It's sort of amazing to see people complaining about the "high" price without factoring in the total price of the contract or looking at the ETF. Worrisome.
Last year the GS2 and Amaze 4G were priced in the mid $200s so this seems pretty normal for T-mobile. T-mobile has also mused about contract pricing and how it is affecting their competitiveness and bottomline. Since the phone is untouched mostly there were probably other concessions that T-mobile wanted with Samsung on pricing. Then of course this phone is even more feature packed than the last, and you can't remove components once you place it in your previous flagship model (the GS2) so they are getting more and more expensive.
I don't think ETF factors much, unless you are some crazy person who likes to break contracts all the time and can't wait out the 2 years. T-mobile contract prices are lower, sure, but not by much.
Why doesn't anyone incorporate how much the plans cost prior to complaining about the cost of the phone?
I remember reading somewhere that stated studies show customers are more prone to sign with a carrier based on the price of the phone instead of the rate plan.
Let's wise up, fellas. Don't be a poor consumer.
tmobile is the only company selling the phone at this point, and in limited markets at that. I am wondering if they're selling the phone at such a high price in the beggining because they know they can. Look at the overwhelming demand coupled with such a limited supply. It's an easy cash cow. Im wondering if I should wait out and see if the price will go down in the next few weeks. ATT and Sprint are both selling 32gb at 600 and tmobile is selling them at 670 but like I said before Tmobile is the only one selling them at this point and they're pretty much done in Manhattan (i called a bunch of stores already).
ttngu234 said:
Why doesn't anyone incorporate how much the plans cost prior to complaining about the cost of the phone?
I remember reading somewhere that stated studies show customers are more prone to sign with a carrier based on the price of the phone instead of the rate plan.
Let's wise up, fellas. Don't be a poor consumer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The purchase of the phone is the only time they have to fork out a bunch of money so it makes sense that the cost will drive many consumers. For the most part, the rate plan costs are similar across the market. Yes, Verizon is the most expensive but they have a reputation for offering the best network and that allows them to charge a premium.
Sergent D said:
The purchase of the phone is the only time they have to fork out a bunch of money so it makes sense that the cost will drive many consumers. For the most part, the rate plan costs are similar across the market. Yes, Verizon is the most expensive but they have a reputation for offering the best network and that allows them to charge a premium.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really. AT&T and Verizon are both equally expensive, and while Sprint is a bit cheaper (comparable unlimited talk/text plans closest to T-Mobile's 5GB web/tethering in this case), you're still paying a substantially bigger amount over the 2 years even with a cheaper phone.

[Q] For those who own one, would the N4 be a good fit for me?

Hey guys, been reading a bunch of reviews and have been wondering about which phone to get for my upgrade. Coming from a T-Mobile G2 (HTC Desire Z), I've really been struggling between all the flagships like S3, Note 2, N4, and even the new Nokia. Some facts:
- I'm on T-Mobile Classic Plan, so an N4 upgrade would cost $200
- No, I don't plan on switching from T-Mobile any time in the near future
- I'm a student, so there is WiFi in 90% of the places I go
- I intend to use the phone primarily for texting, social media, and news
- I don't game on my phone and my music library is under 50 songs
- I am very satisfied with the build quality of my current phone, I have only dropped it 1-2 times in 2 years, but would prefer a phone that can survive a fall or two
- I want a phone that is built to last the next two years before I can upgrade again
If anyone who owns an N4 can tell me if it seems like a good fit for me, I would greatly appreciate it! Reading reviews and posts about specs like AMOLED vs. LCD and benchmarks really doesn't translate into real world use for me.
It seems like a good fit for you. I would just get a case to help project the phone.
Go Nexus 4 if you want the best Android ever built...and also for Development, mods, and etc if you love flashing roms by some of the best devs on xda we have it all here...
other than that go Note 2 its a beast just like the N4 but without all the extra I posted above....
You should probably know that the price is $199 down and 20 payments of $15. The phone will cost you $499.
Ordered my Nexus 4 on the 13th. Still waiting.
Should last 2 years easily, as Google gives updates for a full 2 years. The hardware is top notch as well, so it won't lag behind. I certainly recommend the N4
estallings15 said:
You should probably know that the price is $199 down and 20 payments of $15. The phone will cost you $499.
Ordered my Nexus 4 on the 13th. Still waiting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is? Huh. I thought the down payments applied for people on the Value Plan and the Classic Plan subsidizes the phone cost so you only pay the initial down payment. Could be wrong though.
Well, for $500 bucks ($300ish if I wait a month or so I suppose) a Nexus 4 doesn't seem nearly as attractive anymore.
Hohumhurrdurr said:
It is? Huh. I thought the down payments applied for people on the Value Plan and the Classic Plan subsidizes the phone cost so you only pay the initial down payment. Could be wrong though.
Well, for $500 bucks ($300ish if I wait a month or so I suppose) a Nexus 4 doesn't seem nearly as attractive anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was under the impression they only offered it with value plans. I'm probably wrong.
Ordered my Nexus 4 on the 13th. Still waiting.
Hohumhurrdurr said:
Hey guys, been reading a bunch of reviews and have been wondering about which phone to get for my upgrade. Coming from a T-Mobile G2 (HTC Desire Z), I've really been struggling between all the flagships like S3, Note 2, N4, and even the new Nokia. Some facts:
- I'm on T-Mobile Classic Plan, so an N4 upgrade would cost $200
- No, I don't plan on switching from T-Mobile any time in the near future
- I'm a student, so there is WiFi in 90% of the places I go
- I intend to use the phone primarily for texting, social media, and news
- I don't game on my phone and my music library is under 50 songs
- I am very satisfied with the build quality of my current phone, I have only dropped it 1-2 times in 2 years, but would prefer a phone that can survive a fall or two
- I want a phone that is built to last the next two years before I can upgrade again
If anyone who owns an N4 can tell me if it seems like a good fit for me, I would greatly appreciate it! Reading reviews and posts about specs like AMOLED vs. LCD and benchmarks really doesn't translate into real world use for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have nexus 4, note ii and siii with me. To answer your questions first thing you want to decide is, are you going to do lot of flashing and rooting and tweaking on your phone? If yes then stop thinking and get nexus 4 right away. There is no better option if you wanna do that. No need to even read further. If not then i would recommend note ii. There are multiple reasons for that. 1) you said you are not going to play lot of games on your phone. Note ii and nexus 4 are similar in many aspects but gpu. Nexus 4 gpu is much much better and hence much better gaming. As gaming is not your concern it would be fine... 2) You are going to do lots of texting, social media and news. In these cases bigger screen comes in handy. Also according to some reviews note ii performs much better with html 5 benchmarks than nexus 4. Also features like pop up browser and all comes in handy. Speaking from experience. 3) You are a student. S-pen might help you a lot for taking notes and all. 4) Nexus 4 has gorgeous build quality. But great things comes with great responsibility. you have to be careful with this device with glass on both sides.
This video might help you a bit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cZp6YGBEW0&feature=youtube_gdata_player
I use both the phones. I have to have one working phone for my business and other reasons. And i also love to do all the rooting and flashing roms. I learnt the hard way not to do this on same phones. I love both phones for completely different reasons.
Hope this helps...
Forgot to add one thing. I am not anal about the displays and color rendering and all. I personally like note ii display. Not for colors and all. I am no professional or expert on all that. I just like bigger screen. Hehe..
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2
It's offered with the classic plans as well. I can confirm that I paid $200 for mine with a two-year extension.
estallings15 said:
I was under the impression they only offered it with value plans. I'm probably wrong.
Ordered my Nexus 4 on the 13th. Still waiting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mandatory prepaid post
I think it's mandatory when someone posts a thread like this for someone to suggest they go prepaid. I guess I'm that guy. So, why not go prepaid?
On the cheapest classic plan, you're paying $70 per month for 500 minutes and 2GB of 4G data. Over two years, that's:
$70*24 + 200 = $1,880.
If you want more minutes or data, of course you're paying more.
You can do Straight Talk and get a T-Mobile SIM card and pay $45 per month. Unlimited voice, uncertain amount of data but probably at least 2GB per month. You buy the phone from Google, of course.
$45*24 + 350 = $1,430.
If you don't like Straight Talk, you can try Solavei for $49 per month or possibly the new Go Smart mobile for $45. They offer at least 4GB of high speed data per month.
And if you end up not liking their service or network, you can switch to AT&T's network any time you want.
The savings are significant enough that I'd seriously consider waiting a month or two to get my phone.
dan in la said:
I think it's mandatory when someone posts a thread like this for someone to suggest they go prepaid. I guess I'm that guy. So, why not go prepaid?
On the cheapest classic plan, you're paying $70 per month for 500 minutes and 2GB of 4G data. Over two years, that's:
$70*24 + 200 = $1,880.
If you want more minutes or data, of course you're paying more.
You can do Straight Talk and get a T-Mobile SIM card and pay $45 per month. Unlimited voice, uncertain amount of data but probably at least 2GB per month. You buy the phone from Google, of course.
$45*24 + 350 = $1,430.
If you don't like Straight Talk, you can try Solavei for $49 per month or possibly the new Go Smart mobile for $45. They offer at least 4GB of high speed data per month.
And if you end up not liking their service or network, you can switch to AT&T's network any time you want.
The savings are significant enough that I'd seriously consider waiting a month or two to get my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe? I'm not sure what the costs boil down to in the end, but I know that my whole family (5 people) is is on the Classic Plan with my father simply adding 4 other lines to his plan. I believe additional lines have significantly lower costs, but thanks for the heads-up, I'll check out the costs.
It seems like a good fit BUT you are wasting money staying on the classic plan, you'd be better off paying $300 for the phone and switching to the $30 prepaid or straight talk.
The build quality is better than the G2 by a good margin, I have a G2 and that hinge is janky, but don't expect the N4 to survive multiple drops without a case. The N4 will be the most up to date phone for the next 2 years, that is available today, you might be looking for something else in a phone but to me that was important.
I was fully expecting to spend $650 on a phone, I was going to buy the iphone 5 off contract and still will but it'll be 6mos from now, so I could have bought any of the flagship phones right now and IMO the N4 is the best choice out of the current crop of android phones.
---------- Post added at 11:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:46 PM ----------
Hohumhurrdurr said:
Maybe? I'm not sure what the costs boil down to in the end, but I know that my whole family (5 people) is is on the Classic Plan with my father simply adding 4 other lines to his plan. I believe additional lines have significantly lower costs, but thanks for the heads-up, I'll check out the costs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With tmo usually the 2nd line is cheap to add ($10 or less) but on the 3rd/4th/etc line it is usually the same $10 add on fee plus whatever the data/texting costs are (for me to add a third unl data/taxting line was going to cost ~$50 total.) I would definitely sit down with your dad and see if tmo is really giving him the best deal a lot of people still aren't taking the long view with phone contracts (sure the phone is $200 to start but it costs you an exxtra $2k over the course of 2 years.) AND tmo charges you ~15% in tax, I negated that with a 15% plan employee discount but still with prepaid you can avoid it altogether.
It seems like a good fit for you.
The G2 is pretty old.. you'll have to get used to the lack of a physical keyboard (I used to have a Nokia N97 before switching to touchscreen keyboard).
Hm, if you like flashing roms and having the ability to customize your phone, then I would say N4 is a good fit. Since you're on a classic family plan then having one additional line is just $10 more plus data (do you have family texting bundle?). If you don't mind putting more money down, then I would suggest to not buy it not from t-mobile as it's the exact same phone as what google offers, but the price is so much higher. As long as you don't mind with dealing with buying from third parties. You can either save your upgrade for when the iphone 5 comes out and perhaps resell that at a higher value, or to get something like galaxy s3 now to resell. Also, if you speak with a tmobile loyalty rep over the phone, you may be able to get a phone for less than the standard price since you'll be upgrading.
The N4 definitely has a nicer feel to it, though I don't know how well it will survive against falls due to the front and back glass. But.. you stated you rarely drop your phone so that's good .
i think jalshah05 makes some pretty good points when it comes to the note ii. i mean you get the best of both worlds or a tablet and phone. i had an s3 and it was awesome........until i accidentally dropped it face first onto concrete the day before i was about to sell it. =(
i was able to get a hold of the N4. aside from at&t not recognizing the phone officially and not getting the 4g speed i was paying (i finally switched over and get out of at&t), it's a pretty solid phone. you just have to be careful if you don't have a case since the glass could crack if dropped (some people reporting that). i guess the big thing is that you'll always have first dibs on any android updates that come out. if you like to flash different roms, i guess that won't make much of a difference.
but i'm like you. i don't game much. mainly for texting, calling, web surfing, social media, random internet apps (like looking up movies or sports scores) and i couldn't be happier.
go with Nexus 4!

Categories

Resources