Develop Bugs

[Q] Conspiracy Theory regarding launch of Galaxy Nexus

Hi all,
I keep looking at UK mobile operator websites and they have sections that say Upgrade to the IPhone 4s and so on which leads me to believe they are under contract to heavily push the IPhone above all else as if its better.
I also then noticed on the Vodafone site that the Lumia is on coming soon.
I believe that the Nexus is being held back till after both these launches and I believe that this is due to the operators being pushed by Apple and Microsoft. It seems sad that that Google either feels it doesn't need to do anything about this or is so complacent to think that marketing won't beat technical superiority. Betamax vs VHS proves this not to be true.
Anybody else noticed this or am I a conspiracy theorist of one
Cheers
Dred

Making a ton of cash off the iPhone isn't a conspiracy--it's business.
--
Sent from my Droid Bionic.

Maybe conspiracy is strong
But it seems to me that ICS seems to be put to the back of the queue.
There are more android phones than Iphone sales so I am not sure its business in that sense.
I would suggest they are being lent on in a way that google isnt doing.
You are prob right its business at the root of the cause but is it me or has anyone else experienced it.

The conspiracy theory makes sense but it could be any other reason. I think there is definitely something delaying things. Maybe last minute tweaks by Google.
In the UK it is coming out on O2. I'm not sure if O2 will put their crap on it or if they'll give us the stock Android.

I think it is a few last-minute tweaks. Like the launch of the Nexus S last year, there are always some tweaks and logistics to work out prior to launch. Also remember that the engineers seemed rather annoyed with the face unlock's refusal to cooperate during the announcement presentation, among other little things. These might be those teaks we are waiting on...

it's not just iphone 4s. it's also the droid bionic, razr, and for at&t, sgs2. they just released these well-equipped phones, but won't get a chance to sell them once the galaxy nexus comes out.
it's nothing more than carriers pushing sales for products they already have on the shelves today.

The other thing that might be note worthy is just like most apple fanboys, in or out of contract they'll buy it... Close to a big phone release tmobile always offers some of their best smart phones for better discounts to new customers/upgrades I think. In my opinion this is so they can get the people at launch of the much better phone to pay full price /shrugs that's what I've noticed at least.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

Precisely why Verizon hasn't said much about the Galaxy Nexus in the US. They want to get as many iPhone sales as possible right now, there's nothing that can compare at the moment. I will most likely be leave VZW for an unlocked GSM version anyway.

lorddart said:
The other thing that might be note worthy is just like most apple fanboys, in or out of contract they'll buy it... Close to a big phone release tmobile always offers some of their best smart phones for better discounts to new customers/upgrades I think. In my opinion this is so they can get the people at launch of the much better phone to pay full price /shrugs that's what I've noticed at least.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who do you think benefits from customers paying full price for their phones? The providers, like T-mobile and VZW? I always thought that all they cared about was getting you to sign a new 2yr contract... because I don't think they get a cut of an unsubsidized phone sale. I could be wrong though...

they just want people to buy the locked down crap so they come back later and pay full price for a nexus

clearym said:
Who do you think benefits from customers paying full price for their phones? The providers, like T-mobile and VZW? I always thought that all they cared about was getting you to sign a new 2yr contract... because I don't think they get a cut of an unsubsidized phone sale. I could be wrong though...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure they get percent either way but if they've screwed you into contract with a lesser phone and can have you coming back for another phone in a month off contract they're doing pretty well for themselves. Especially with the people that sell their phones back to the dealer for half street value... Ouch
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

clearym said:
Who do you think benefits from customers paying full price for their phones? The providers, like T-mobile and VZW? I always thought that all they cared about was getting you to sign a new 2yr contract... because I don't think they get a cut of an unsubsidized phone sale. I could be wrong though...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If they don't get a cut of an unsubsidized phone sale, then that means they don't get to pay less for a subsidized phone sale either, so either way the carrier is paying out of pocket for a phone subsidy.
Think about it this way, the phone manufacturer doesn't care whether you buy the phone from your carrier subsidized or unsubsidized, that means the manufacturer will charge the carrier the same price either way. So the difference between what the carrier makes from a subsidized phone sale and a unsubsidized phone sale is exactly the difference between the prices it charges you, regardless of how much of a cut they get from the phone sale.
This is, of course, ignoring more complicated revenue sharing and carrier branding schemes that might exist between a carrier and a manufacturer.

Shops and operators can be bought with money.
If you own a shop, and Microsoft/Nokia comes around to offer you the largest cash in return to putting Lumia at the shop front, and placing GNex waaaaay at the back next to the dust bin, course you'd take the money.

zeitgeb3r said:
Shops and operators can be bought with money.
If you own a shop, and Microsoft/Nokia comes around to offer you the largest cash in return to putting Lumia at the shop front, and placing GNex waaaaay at the back next to the dust bin, course you'd take the money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I partally agree but would google/samsung allow it and if so then they are properly cheap.
Also has this business thing happened or is it due to real world problems.
It looks fishy that the biggest android thing for a while seems to be getting buried and a spit
*Lumia* wash mouth out is on 'coming soon' on Vodafone but no GalaxyNexus.
Also would the operator potentially alienate their customers ? Are Android customers just wimps???

The reason for GN pushback is cause Sammy introducing Galaxy Note first (logistics reasons)

Or....they are releasing other phones with older android versions first to give them a small chance to sell before becoming near instantly obsoleted and sell tragically low amounts. That doesn't sound too unreasonable.

Steve Jobs, may he rest in peace, swore to destroy Android wich he hated more than anything, and adding to that the fact GN is a samsung, i'd not be suprised if Apple is paying alot of money to keep the media hype down. Just my little conspirecy theory
Sent from my X10i using xda premium

when it comes to verizon... its all about pushing the Razr and rezound as much as they can b4 they drop the galaxy nexus... they will push the hell out of those 2 phones as well as the iphone 4s as much as they can through black friday. then release the GN the week after knowing true blue android fans will come buy them anyway.its business.. can you blame them?

Am I silly to buy a SII now?

Hey guys,
I currently use a Nexus One, however I'm looking to upgrade. The n1 is getting to the point where I'm running out of internal space and I'm disappointed there are no more software updates on it.
I'm really yearning for a HTC One S, but there is a caveat. I am on an older T-Mobile EM+ plan so I do not get a subsidy on my phones and I'm uncertain I want to migrate to a new classic plan. Because of this, I feel like the One S will end up being too expensive. I'm assuming T-Mobile will price it at a minimum of 599 like the current Amaze and SII. Further after the 6% sales tax, I might regret spending 635 dollars on the phone.
The thought of a Galaxy Nexus has crossed my mind, but I figured if I was spending $450 on a phone I should be buying one that is HSPA+ 42, which the galaxy nexus is not. However, vanilla ICS is a big plus in my book.
So then comes the T-989. I found one on Craigslist for 400. It includes a one month old phone, extra battery, 16gb class 2 microsd, charging stand and a body glove case. It seems like the value is there. Furthermore, after contacting the person, they end up going to my university so I have a good feeling about the transaction trust wise. I'm going to check out the phone today.
I'm wondering, is this the phone for me? Am I silly and should wait for the S3, or go for the GN or One S instead? Will I be happy with the SII, especially because it will end up being cheaper than all my other options.
Thanks for the insight,
Mike

well there's one thing you can try to do... Tmobile recently altered their terms and condition where data roaming is no longer free. so if you ever used data roaming, you could fight it and get an early termination without ETF and sign up with them again using a different account holder of course. You can legally try to fight it without ever use data roaming because it is a breach in contract... but it is a lot harder to do... you can check out SD, they have a whole giant thread on it.
okay about the phones
1. i would not wait for any HTC phones because their recent releases have been disappointing.. I have used or played with every HTC phone for t-mobile... and they have fallen since the mt4gs.
sooo i wouldn't hold my breath for any htc phones yet.. maybe after some great reviews from xda members..
2. when the s3 is released, it is going to be very expensive... you're talking about not wanting to spend 635 or not even 450 so I would rule the s3 out of your budget.
3. you can't really go wrong with the galaxy nexus or the tmobile t989.. besides we just got ICS.. well still in the works lol
4. ASK yourself.. is there really a need to upgrade from the n1?
yes our phone is everything better than the n1.. but in terms of usability... do you really need to fish out $400+ for a phone you're already questioning about dropping money on. You can do anything on the n1 that you can on the gs2, don't fall for the hype that our phone has because of all the commercials and stuff.
alternatives:
1. why don't you exchange your phone or any cheap "smartphone" (bb, old iphone, etc) with the microsoft store promo, it's free... you should check that out. although they're WP phones... it would be nice to be rocking the htc radar, titan, or samsung focus by trading a crappy phone.
2. Are you out of contract? since you're on the EM+ plan... you can get a lot of deals by extending your contract another 2 years. If so, I can give you few pointers.
---------- Post added at 04:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:45 AM ----------
holy ****, just noticed this is your first post after 1.5 years lol

Thanks for the reply Teo032!
1,2 & 3 - Thank you for the advice. It is very assuring to hear such things.
4 - This is the hardest question to answer. I don't need to upgrade. However, I have the phone bug itch. I want a new phone. You do raise a good point though, the actual functionality won't differ too much.
A1 - I did not know about that challenge! I would definitely do that if I could. A new WP for free is exactly what I need to fix my itch for a new phone. I live in eastern PA. The closest MS Store would be Bridgewater Commons, which is about an hour away. Unfortunately, that store is still stated as "coming soon" and the promotion ends March 29, 2012. Hopefully they extend it once that location opens, since that would have been worth the drive...
A2 - For a contract extension, I'm a little hesitant since I am moving in about 1 yr and don't want to be locked into a 2 yr contract. Although I would probably have no coverage issues, I would not be too happy if I had poor reception at my new place but it wasn't bad enough for t-mobile to allow me to leave w/o an ETF.
Again thanks for the insight. You brought up some really great points. At this point I really don't know if I can answer that I need to upgrade and I think that might be my answer to whether I should buy the SII or not. I'm really disappointed the Bridgewater MS store isn't open yet, since I would have had made that drive today...
P.S. - Yes! My OP was my first post. After years of lurking, I finally made the leap. If I purchase a new phone today or not, I hope to continue contributing to the community through posting.

Why don't you check the coverage at where you're moving? If anything, use wifi calling.
If you're eligible for an upgrade, you won't get "discounted" phones since you're on em+... but if you talk to the retention department, simply ask them, what is the best deal they can give you if you plan to sign up for another 2 years. Each rep will give you different offers, you can call multiple times to try to get better offers. some will match a previous offer or even best it.
Common offers
$250 credit (this is actually the "discount" for the phones, although you would still be paying the full price for the phone but $350 isn't too bad for a new phone)
or $10 off each month for your contract ($240)
Your rate might even be better depending on what you need. My 5 line is actually paying about $20 less with a better plan now, which is NOT available to new contracts, only loyalty plans.
I called about 4 different reps. I made sure I told them to let me think about the deal and to call me back at certain times.
One guy was able to give me $200 credit + $10 off each month.. they're not suppose to do this, it's usually only one choice... but this guy sounded like a supervisor and hooked me up with a lot of stuff. I asked him to call me back, hoping to get $250 + $10/month from another rep.
next rep told me that it is impossible to apply both deals etc etc, And i was like are you sure? he told me yeah because the system only allows us to apply one discount and what the other guy told me was misinformation. He told me I only could get one or the other... The other guy called me back and I told him, I talked to another rep about the situation, and he simply told me, well lets just say I can do more things than any other rep can.
So my rate for 5 lines, unlimited talk text and 5 gb for 3 lines, 2 with premium insurance (7.99 each) is $155 without the tax and fees + 200 credit.
well unlimited for the 2 primary lines, and 500 minutes EACH for the remaining 3, which is still a lot.
EDIT: oh and after a year.. the ETF should be about what? $100? $150?
another tip: in my area, the skyrocket goes for less than the hercules. about $50 less, so I would look into that if you're planning to just CL

throw MIUI on the N1 and hang on to it for a bit longer. will feel like a newer phone.
otherwise yea what he said. S2 is still a great phone and will be for quite some time. best phone i've ever owned and I also love my N1

U not silly, I just bought my sII for 29.99 plus tax on Feb. 17...

Stunned by value of the Nexus

I recently upgraded from my Galaxy Nexus to and S3 and I am trying to sell my Nexus on craigslist. I am stunned at how little interest I am getting how and how low other people are even selling theres. My phone is in mint, near perfect condition and after posting it for $350 and no dropping the price below $300 i still am getting no hits. I sold my wifes Droid Razr not too long ago for $250 and that was with a cracked screen. I don't get it.
Do people not realize what a good phone it is. To me its easy the second best phone in the Verizon line up after the s3. Back in the day I even sold my Thunderbolt the same day I posted it.
Any thoughts on why it has dropped in value and demand so quickly?

Maybe because you can get it for $350 brand new unlocked.... And because you have a **** CDMA one... GSM will always hold its value better. Honestly the Nexus isn't really marketed not many people even know what it is.

Because you can buy one brand new for $350. I'd charge $250 or so. $100 savings might bring some interest.

People would rather buy it for 350 plus the tax on Google because it is a huge international company.

It's 350 unlocked gsm. Resell of contact phones are lucky to fetch 250
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Xparent ICS Tapatalk 2

Carrier locked CDMA phones without international roaming don't have the highest resale value ever.

why does everyone keep saying 350? thats for teh gsm version, if someone wants to have a gnexus on verizon that is useless for them. seeing as verizon is the largest network in america it makes sense there would be a large number of verzion customers who prolly couldnt care about the unlocked gsm version

i got one off craigslist CDMA for 190
BRAND NEW
lol

I have noticed that the GSM version are more popular, probably thanks to big red and all its BS with blocking features and updates. I started it at $350 and has since dropped it to $250 and still nothing. Just urks me when i see crap like the droid charge on there for almost the same price.
As a side note, the people with Verizon contracts don't have the option of buying it new for $350 but I hear what you gues are saying. Guess i can try ebay but craigslist is just so convenient.

shabbypenguin said:
why does everyone keep saying 350? thats for teh gsm version, if someone wants to have a gnexus on verizon that is useless for them. seeing as verizon is the largest network in america it makes sense there would be a large number of verzion customers who prolly couldnt care about the unlocked gsm version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True
-----------
Vaj tswv is the creation of people with nowhere left to turn

I'd chalk it up to bad karma. -1 for getting rid of the Gnex.

To the OP, I just shopped for one on ebay -- ones that are described as being in excellent condition with clean esn are going for about $210 -$240 including shipping. I got lucky and snagged one for $185 but it came with no charger or usb.

Speaking of value if anyone has GSM for sale PM me..........CDMA don't hold value
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

I'll give you seven bucks and a used hotplate for it
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

microdot said:
Any thoughts on why it has dropped in value and demand so quickly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simple: there are newer phones out like the Galaxy S3. Whenever you're in a competitive environment (i.e. your products are not sufficiently differentiated - that is, e.g. when sheeple buy apple regardless of what anyone else has come out with), more competition translates to lower prices. And the new devices that have come out are basically newer and stronger competition.
Not-so-simple: people in Verizon are so locked-in (indeed, I hear non-contracts are more expensive) that they would rather just get the discount that comes with a contract anyway. Not to mention that, unless I am mistaken, the phone would not be usable on any networks except Verizon.
In other words, the perfect storm of low prices.

Bought my sprint one for 120! Also brand new. You gotta see what the market is like around you or sell on ebay
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

shabbypenguin said:
why does everyone keep saying 350? thats for teh gsm version, if someone wants to have a gnexus on verizon that is useless for them. seeing as verizon is the largest network in america it makes sense there would be a large number of verzion customers who prolly couldnt care about the unlocked gsm version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everyone on Verizon can go get a VZW GNex for $0.01 today too on contract. If they're set on staying with Verizon that's the best deal.
Not to mention that the market is flooded with people buying them for $0.01 and reselling to make a few extra $$. The resale market for CDMA devices always sucks. When people can buy them for cheap, they're willing to sell them for cheap.

martonikaj said:
Everyone on Verizon can go get a VZW GNex for $0.01 today too on contract. If they're set on staying with Verizon that's the best deal.
Not to mention that the market is flooded with people buying them for $0.01 and reselling to make a few extra $$. The resale market for CDMA devices always sucks. When people can buy them for cheap, they're willing to sell them for cheap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, and the main market for used smartphones is the prepaid market. And the majority of the prepaid market is now GSM.

Did you talk to webmaster in http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1880650 ?
Maybe you two can work something out?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

ExploreMN said:
Did you talk to webmaster in http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1880650 ?
Maybe you two can work something out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's also looking for GSM (I'm pretty sure).

GNEX dilemma!

My trusty Gnex was recently stolen http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1863863, and I am currently facing a troubling dilemma. I realize there are something like 5 "Nexus" devices being released this fall/winter. I also realize that isnt "all" that long from now. However, it is a few months away and a lot will be going on. I have a little one at home and they grow so fast at this age. These next few months have Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years which are all key photo/video opportunities. The phone I am currently using is an old Gingerbread device that is "ok", but certainly not able to take the quality pics and videos like the Gnex.
So my dilemma is do I drop $350 (directly from Google) and pick up a new phone or wait? To be honest, if I could get the Gnex for like $150 or $200 I would be happy to sign a service contract. I am currently on Tmobile and they have told me I am upgrade eligible since I havent had a contract in many years, but they dont sell the Gnex! Due to the fact that all CDMA providers SUCK (and are so expensive) I cant consider moving away from Tmobile, so changing carriers is not an option. I checked around and I cant even find a 3rd party retailer that sells the Gnex AND can provide me with a new Tmobile plan. The biggest problem is I know the minute the new Gnex drops I am going to want it, but I dont know if I can justify spending $350 now plus another $500 (or whatever) in a few months.....

I got one for 220 for sale
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

Jasonhunterx said:
I got one for 220 for sale
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brand new or used?

webmaster said:
So my dilemma is do I drop $350 (directly from Google) and pick up a new phone or wait? To be honest, if I could get the Gnex for like $150 or $200 I would be happy to sign a service contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know why you're even considering this, considering that service contracts cost way more than the $150-$200 that you'd save.
Not going to kid, it does suck that you lost the phone at this particular time. There aren't very good options when the next big thing you want isn't out quite yet; they all cost money. Buying a new Nexus will be $350ish, a new contract will cost $1400ish (depending on the upfront price of the phone and your opportunity costs); that comes out to $800 even if you resell the phone for full price (an unrealistic scenario) when the next Nexus comes out. If I could stand it, I'd just keep using your gingerbread and pray it comes out soon.
Getting a used GN if you want to pay around $200 (as Jason suggests) is also another option. Hell, you might even be able to resell it for a similar price (though naturally there will be a price decrease when the new one comes out).

Used has a corner crack but everything still functional do still a great device
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

I just saw on tmobiles site you can get a Galaxy S III for $99 on contract. That would be the way to go if you don't mind a contract.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

or you could just go buy a camera

Samsung has there new galaxy camera.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

If you don't mind buying something other than a Galaxy Nexus, why get yourself a GS III once it gets cheaper. Its actually going for $99.99 online right now! Sale ends at 11:59pm today!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

i n f a m o u s said:
If you don't mind buying something other than a Galaxy Nexus, why get yourself a GS III once it gets cheaper. Its actually going for $99.99 online right now! Sale ends at 11:59pm today!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GSIII is not cheaper; you have to pay the price of a contract which, as I pointed out above, can exceed $1000.

The OP mentioned he/she is already with T-Mobile and eligible for an upgrade.

i n f a m o u s said:
The OP mentioned he/she is already with T-Mobile and eligible for an upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That does not reduce the opportunity cost of a new contract in any way.

thebobp said:
Don't know why you're even considering this, considering that service contracts cost way more than the $150-$200 that you'd save.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trust me, I am very aware of how annoying contracts are and that is why I have been without one for so many years. However, I currently get a decent discount from a company I used to work at (6 years ago!!) which makes my bill comparatively low. If I switch to the new Tmobile unlimited plan I will be all in (taxes, and everything) for just over $60 per month. I do see that Straight Talk offers "unlimited" everything for $45, but I don't know if that includes taxes or if it is truly unlimited. I have given thought to going to prepaid however, so you do raise a valid point. In either case though, I still need a new GNEX!!

Buy a good older model canon camera. Problem solved. $100
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

i n f a m o u s said:
If you don't mind buying something other than a Galaxy Nexus, why get yourself a GS III once it gets cheaper. Its actually going for $99.99 online right now! Sale ends at 11:59pm today!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The S III seems like a nice enough phone, but its really just not for me. I swore I would never purchase another non-Nexus phone again as I do not care for the horrible "tweaks" these companies do to core Android OS. I would end up rooting it and then installing a vanilla JB ROM on the thing, and then being frustrated that it wasnt actually a Nexus device!

xredjokerx said:
Buy a good older model canon camera. Problem solved. $100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already have a decent digital camera, but using it feels like a throwback to 2002. It far thicker than my (any?) phone, requires I carry two devices, and can't record in proper HD. Yes, it does take nicer pictures but the "cons" of constantly needing to remember to carry it make it frustrating. I also must say that I got used to the convenience of my photos automatically syncing to Dropbox!
Regarding the suggestion for a used GNex, I do like the idea and I am currently searching for one. The problem is that Craigslist is so full of scammers these days. Even the people that DO actually have it will tell you its a "9.5 out of 10" in terms of condition and then when you go meet them the thing looks like it went through a cement mixer.

I definitely would never get a non nexus android phone again including the S3, I would rather go back to using an iPhone than do that.

[Q] T-mobile noob needs buying advice for GN2 -- pay full price?

Howdy,
Noob here, looking to get a Note 2, but need a little advice to make sure I'm not overlooking something.
Background:
I currently have a Galaxy S II that is way too sluggish and frustrating (was my first smart phone, purchased a year ago).
I’m with T-mobile on their “value plan” and have about a year left on my contract. I’ve been with them for over 10 years.
Options:
Is my only option to pretty much pay for a Note 2 at full price ($650)? I cannot find any deals online for a SGH-T889. The guy at the T-mobile store said it wouldn't even make a difference if my contract was up or not -- price for the phone would be the same. Wow.
Any ideas?
I suppose I could try to call their customer retention line but I feel like they are not going to do much for me, since I’m pretty powerless – being locked into a contract with a year left. I really don’t want to leave T-mobile anyway.
The only other thing I can think of...: It sounds like there is probably going to be a rebate sale on Valentines day, but there are no details out yet – just grand speculation that there's going to be a big sale. Does anyone know if to qualify for one of their rebates, you typically have to be out of contract? I'm guessing "yes".
I also looked on craigslist and eBay for used Note 2s, but apparently people think they are made out of gold – barely discounted. For the price they are asking I’d just rather purchase new.
Thanks for the help.
-Nate

first of all, you ask in the wrong section because this is General section...your question should be in T-Mobile Galaxy Note II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting Section
"The guy at the T-mobile store said it wouldn't even make a difference if my contract was up or not -- price for the phone would be the same." i think this isnt right because as a value plan customer you have the right to upgrade your phone anytime and when your 22 months is up you will receive discount to upgrade your phone with lowest price.
i get my note 2 for only $180 with renew 2 years contract at a retail store. you should try to check the price around those retail stores.

Thanks man.
You get a deep discount at the end of your contract and you are on a "value" plan? Or are you on a "classic" plan?
Regardless, if I don't want to wait that long, I'm pretty much stuck paying full price, right?
PS -- Sorry if this was the incorrect area; feel free to move post

Value plan you pay full price with money up front then $20 payments a month after.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

I ran into the same thing. On the value plan, you pay retail, but in payments. So you would probably have 200-300 down and 20/mo if you have the available credit on your account. You can upgrade anytime, price is always the same. I am on prepaid ($30/mo 5GB is hard to beat if you don't want lots of minutes). I did the math and figured that I would break even paying out of pocket full price in less than a year. That's worth it to me to save up for a while. At the end of the day, it's up to you. I'm loving the Note2, excellent device. Even better if TMO really does drop LTE as fast as they plan to.

They are just trying to boost there sales rate for personal promotions thats why I hate tmobile sales man they always try to push you into something ur not sure about well just look into it buddy
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

Even with the payment plan, you essentially just pay full price for the phone. There's another option though. You could try going through craigslist or ebay if you trust them. You would save a little plus tax but the down side is that they could report the phone as missing. But in my experience of buying phones off craigslist, or never happened to me. You just have to find a reliable seller. I bought my t mobile note 2 off CL around 2 weeks ago for $400 brand new in box. The seal was still on the box and I tried my sim to make sure it worked and it did. If you go through ebay, you would have buyer protection though ebay, so if anything goes wrong you could dispute with ebay. Buying from ebay would also allow you to buy insurance for your phone through a third party. Square trade is a good company to get the insurance from.

natesi,
The Tmobile rep was right, you are going to more or less pay full regardless of the timing of your purchase. You are on the "Value" plan, pure and simple, its a service only plan and its bare bone. Other plans allows you to get a discount (subsidized priced) phone, but the trade off is higher plan prices.

dandn0ten said:
i think this isnt right because as a value plan customer you have the right to upgrade your phone anytime and when your 22 months is up you will receive discount to upgrade your phone with lowest price.
i get my note 2 for only $180 with renew 2 years contract at a retail store. you should try to check the price around those retail stores.
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That's not correct. Phones are not subsidized on Value Plans. On a Classic Plan, yes. Value Plans require you pay full price for the phone - half down, and $20 a month.

I got a quick question im on tmobile sold my tmobile s3 I haf first got on contract with tmobile and now I got a note 2 just a few weeks ago used but like new I had callef tmobile about my payments and they seen my sim was registered as a note 2 the rep on the phone said by the way u have a great phone the note 2 is awesome well the bottom line is the phone is absolutely clean esn and imei since im using I with tmobile 4g $70 wanted to know if tmobile would let me get the unlock code for my note or do I have to wait a few months ive been with them since august of 2012
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

Look on wirefly. Com and amazon, they always have deals popping up for the GNote2. Use the islickdeals app to help ur search.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using XDA Premium HD app

Im on a classic plan and was 18 months into my contract and they ended up giving me the note 2 for 200 w/ 1 free month back in October. They call it an early upgrade program

Ops sorry guys that was my mistake I was confusing between value plan and classic plan and as i checked my status im on classic plan so thats why I got the phone for cheap price xP
sent from t889 running jedix8

if you can wait a few months to see what the gs4 and gn3 are about may be a good idea?

Thanks everyone, I appreciate all the feed back -- it helped a lot!!! Seriously.
I went into the T-mobile store (again) and asked about the upcoming Valentines Day sale. The sales associate said that to get the rebates you don’t normally have to be out of contract – you just have to *extend* (renew) your contract.
I’m not sure if he is correct or not, but I HOPE so.
Last year, they were giving a couple hundred off phones (with rebates), so although it will be really painful to wait longer, I think I will hold off until I find out what kind of deals they are going to have on the Valentines Day sale.
Unless, that is, I can find a good deal on one sooner. I’ll keep my eyes peeled.
PS -- the "Captcha" on this site is hard!!!

FIREONHIGH said:
if you can wait a few months to see what the gs4 and gn3 are about may be a good idea?
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Hmmm... I was thinking about that...
The GS4 is expected in the US around the end of April/May, right?
And the GN3? I was thinking around Sept - Dec release, although I just saw these articles, stating possibly at the end of February (???). That seems insanely soon though, for a phone that just got released not too long ago. Or maybe not?
I'd show you the links I'm referring to, but I'm being blocked from doing so because I don't have 10 posts yet (lame).
The other thing is, the Note 3 will supposedly have a 6.3 inch screen?! Doesn't that seem a tad on the too-large side?
How credible do you think a February-ish release date is for the Note 3, and how soon before it goes on sale in the US, you think?

natesi said:
Thanks everyone, I appreciate all the feed back -- it helped a lot!!! Seriously.
I went into the T-mobile store (again) and asked about the upcoming Valentines Day sale. The sales associate said that to get the rebates you don’t normally have to be out of contract – you just have to *extend* (renew) your contract.
I’m not sure if he is correct or not, but I HOPE so.
Last year, they were giving a couple hundred off phones (with rebates), so although it will be really painful to wait longer, I think I will hold off until I find out what kind of deals they are going to have on the Valentines Day sale.
Unless, that is, I can find a good deal on one sooner. I’ll keep my eyes peeled.
PS -- the "Captcha" on this site is hard!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He was correct. Any of the T-Mobile sales are for existing and new customers. If you're on value, you can just buy it on EIP (payments) and still qualify for the rebate regardless of contract tenure. I'd put my money on $0 down after rebate being the sale for V-Day.

hmmm.... I just saw a Samsung Galaxy "next big thing" Super Bowl ad/video on youtube.
What could they possibly be announcing besides the Note 3, if that is suppose to ship before the S4?

natesi said:
hmmm.... I just saw a Samsung Galaxy "next big thing" Super Bowl ad/video on youtube.
What could they possibly be announcing besides the Note 3, if that is suppose to ship before the S4?
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Why would the GN3 ship before the GN4? the GN2 is not even 6 months out yet. The GN3 is approaching a year. My guess is this rumor is actually caused by the note 8.0 which will likely be made official at MWC.
---------- Post added at 04:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:29 PM ----------
Classick206 said:
He was correct. Any of the T-Mobile sales are for existing and new customers. If you're on value, you can just buy it on EIP (payments) and still qualify for the rebate regardless of contract tenure. I'd put my money on $0 down after rebate being the sale for V-Day.
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Boy do I hope that's true. I passed on the Christmas Sale because it was only $100 down and not $0 down. I'm holding out hope that the V-Day sale goes down to $0. If not though, they will surely at least match the Christmas sale with $100 down. I think I'll pull the trigger at that point. There will likely be another sale for the Value Plan only transition, but I don't know if I can wait that long.

Info for you
Poke_N_PDA said:
Why would the GN3 ship before the GN4? the GN2 is not even 6 months out yet. The GN3 is approaching a year. My guess is this rumor is actually caused by the note 8.0 which will likely be made official at MWC.
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Yeah, I know it is weird that the Note 3 would come out so soon -- I'm just going by what I read in a few articles yesterday.
LIke I said, I cannot post links yet -- not my fault -- I don't have a high enough post count.
Here's how you can find some articles that talks about the possible unvailing later this month:
Google "Note 3 release date"
Click on the first news article from PC Tablet "Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Release Date Could be at Mobile World Congress 2013!"
Then maybe the fourth result down by Trusted Reviews, "Samsung Galaxy Note 3 rumours point to 6.3-inch octa-core handset"
And others...
Google customizes search results so your ordering may be different than mine, but you should be able to find those articles with the info I have specified.
It's all speculation of course.
But what would Samsung Mobile be running an expensive Super Bowl ad for, with major celebrities??? What could be that big -- seriously? The SIII is too old to be pushing so hard. What else could it be?
I guess we'll find out on Sunday.
But man, it is taking every ounce of strength I have to not go buy a Note 2 right now.