[POLL] Upgrade to S3 now or wait for S4? - Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III

I am due for an upgrade with Sprint. I am currently on the Evo 4g. There seems to be some good holiday deals on the S3 right now. I was thinking about jumping on one of these. However, after doing some reading it looks like the S4 may not be too far around the corner. Any thoughts on waiting it out or even waiting for the first of the year for some of the new HTC line? I know waiting with a subsidized carrier like Sprint means you're basically losing money, so I'm trying to decide the best course of action.

I would say just get the s3 its an amazing phone I'm running cm10 on it right now and its super fast stable and the battery life is amazing! The s4 most likely won't be out until next summer if you want a major upgrade I would say wait for the galaxy note3 or the nexus5!
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium

I got mine on black friday so it was impossible to turn down. I had the evo, but it just wasn't cutting it. Rooted and everything stripped out of it, I still couldn't have facebook, google music, google maps, and skype installed at the same time because of storage issues. I really like the s3, and if you can get a good deal on it, you might as well. My gf still has the evo, and she's now eyeing my s3. If you want to wait for the s4, you might as well wait for the s5 or s6, or whatever... My philosophy with tech has always been, what will benefit me the most now, because if you always have in the back of your head that you plan to upgrade, you never will. Do it now, or do it never lol

I'm currently leaning toward the upgrade, but I may have just been dealt a blow. I checked with Amazon and they said I'm not eligible for the $50 price because I'm a current customer (despite that I'm up for a two year contract extension). Does anyone else have any experience with this? Is this true?

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ctasich said:
I'm currently leaning toward the upgrade, but I may have just been dealt a blow. I checked with Amazon and they said I'm not eligible for the $50 price because I'm a current customer (despite that I'm up for a two year contract extension). Does anyone else have any experience with this? Is this true?
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That doesn't make sense. Could you print out price from Amazon and go to best buy for price match?
I could see if they still had premier upgrades after first year but you have fulfilled your 2 year obligation to sprint. You're a free agent now.
Sent from my LG-VM670 using xda premium

daryllh said:
That doesn't make sense. Could you print out price from Amazon and go to best buy for price match?
I could see if they still had premier upgrades after first year but you have fulfilled your 2 year obligation to sprint. You're a free agent now.
Sent from my LG-VM670 using xda premium
Click to expand...
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That's what I figured as well. I haven't really found any information on the internet about people upgrading after a 2-year contract either. Has anyone successfully done so through Amazon or any other retailer? Perhaps I was mistaken when I thought the discounted price applied to me?
Also, will it matter that I am on a SERO plan? Don't want to lose that guy!

ctasich said:
That's what I figured as well. I haven't really found any information on the internet about people upgrading after a 2-year contract either. Has anyone successfully done so through Amazon or any other retailer? Perhaps I was mistaken when I thought the discounted price applied to me?
Also, will it matter that I am on a SERO plan? Don't want to lose that guy!
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Best buy is supposed to be having a sale on the Galaxy S3 this Sunday....it'll be $50 in store.

Got mine for $30 through Amazon about 3 weeks ago. But I was a new sprint customer.

ctasich said:
I am due for an upgrade with Sprint. I am currently on the Evo 4g. There seems to be some good holiday deals on the S3 right now. I was thinking about jumping on one of these. However, after doing some reading it looks like the S4 may not be too far around the corner. Any thoughts on waiting it out or even waiting for the first of the year for some of the new HTC line? I know waiting with a subsidized carrier like Sprint means you're basically losing money, so I'm trying to decide the best course of action.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easy call, if you see an outstanding deal on the S3 ($50 or under) then snag one. If a deal doesn't come your way then hold off. I'm on the SGS3 right now and it is a pretty amazing device. I was able to get it for $50 through Sprint on the Black Friday stuff, my wife's SGS3 on the other hand we shelled out $250 for, and we just wish we had waited the extra couple of months *Grin*.. Of course if you are like some and Money isn't an issue Get Both !

Just got mines Today at Best Buy for $49.99. One day sale!!!

Got mine black friday, price matched from sams at walmart. Got a $100 gifrcard too. Freakin sweet! Id say get this phone, its gonna be one people still want a year from now. Promise.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

Get it!!! You won't regret it.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

I also had the original Evo 4G for two years wating on the SIII to come out.
At this point, you might as well wait for the SIV to use your upgrade option. Shop around for deals on SIII online and you might just be able to snag both phones.
It is an amazing phone though. I can say with confidence that i'll keep it until I get a good deal on a SIV, after the first few months after the launch date.

Well after talking with Sprint Employee Account (I'm on a SERO-P plan), they offered me $75 off my bill for the next two months to effectively make the S3 $50. I went ahead and took the plunge! I should have the phone tomorrow.

ctasich said:
I'm currently leaning toward the upgrade, but I may have just been dealt a blow. I checked with Amazon and they said I'm not eligible for the $50 price because I'm a current customer (despite that I'm up for a two year contract extension). Does anyone else have any experience with this? Is this true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your still a current customer
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

I think you made the right choice! You will be really happy with this phone. I rooted mine the first day I had it

I will not buy it because its size.. Im comfortable with my S2
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

Just get the s3. Still a strong selling phone. Stay away from HTC. They tend to stop updates to there phones after they have been out for a short time. I don't think the note3 will be out anytime soon since the note2 just came out. S4 won't be out until sometime next year probably.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

I decided to go ahead and take the plunge for the S3. I was eligible for the early upgrade and I had the Buy Back program from Best Buy. If I waited for the "next" phone I would have lost the Buy Back. Turned out the S3 was $99 and the Buy Back gave me $130 on my old Epic 4G, so I made out pretty well. Got the phone and had some left over cash to use on a case.

Related

Opinions on buying a nib SGS2 on ebay?

I have two questions.
I have been eyeing either this phone or the GN for a while now, and I am about ready to just shut up and grab the SGS2 already.
Looking online, the only thing that should be coming out anytime too soon is the Blaze which I am still assuming is not an upgraded SGS2 (I don't know if people are just paranoid, or ready for another Vibrant 4g situation). So it seems like I won't be kicking myself in a few months about the SGS2 (minus, MAYBE, a GN release).
So long story short.
Question 1: Have I missed evidence on why I should wait 1 or 2 months to grab a new phone?
Question 2: What would be the smartest way to get one?
Short story long again:
Ebay has new in box phones starting at 499 with shipping, but one has no returns and the other has 3 days. Will ebay/paypal protection save me if I find out there are problems with the phone outside those few days?
I hate asking this, but what problems would I want to look for? Unless they develop over time I don't want to know about the screen issues I have heard mentioned vaguely, but others seem to imply it's not a big deal so if I never notice it then it's not hurting me.
I am wanting to use Ebay because it is 100 bucks cheaper than Amazon but Tmobile would only be like 598 or something. Should I stop being so paranoid and just grab it from ebay?
Sorry, I stayed up way too late with my finger over the mouse button and I am now just about ready to start pacing but I am not getting google search results to do anything to calm or warn me yet. Is it worth the 100 bucks to buy it from Ebay instead of straight from Tmobile?
Sorry, I will stop spazzing.
Those people who have unopened boxes of galaxy s 2 are people who are eligible for an upgrade but like their current phone so they decide to make money of their contract. I recently did this.my mom didn't want a new phone so I used her upgrade to buy a new gs2 and sold out on Ebay for $500. These people are legit and Ebay will make sure you don't get scammed.you should just buy it
Question 1: Tmobile is not releasing a new amazing phone for awhile. (unless somehow the galaxy s2 HD comes over). But that is not likely at all.so there is no need to wait.unless you want to wait another year for the galaxy s3. Ice cream sandwich is just around the corner. Right now is the best time to get it.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
Thanks for the response, I am just worried I get it and, say, the speaker phone is messed up and I learn about it a day or two after the return window and then I have trouble getting it fixed instead of just returning it or exchanging it.
I have never had to do that though, so 100 bucks is a lot to KNOW I can.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda premium
Branso07 said:
Those people who have unopened boxes of galaxy s 2 are people who are eligible for an upgrade but like their current phone so they decide to make money of their contract. I recently did this.my mom didn't want a new phone so I used her upgrade to buy a new gs2 and sold out on Ebay for $500. These people are legit and Ebay will make sure you don't get scammed.you should just buy it
Question 1: Tmobile is not releasing a new amazing phone for awhile. (unless somehow the galaxy s2 HD comes over). But that is not likely at all.so there is no need to wait.unless you want to wait another year for the galaxy s3. Ice cream sandwich is just around the corner. Right now is the best time to get it.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
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Seriously? You'd advocate risking getting your phone's IMEI number blacklisted to save $30?
The phones are $529 from t-mobile.
Why risk it for $30??? These "new" phones can be reported as lost then the insurance replaces it and they block the IMEI number and the sucker is out $400-$500.
BTW, Getting a "free" phone on a subsidy plan doesn't make the phone free, you're still paying for it over the 2 year term. With T-mobiles Unlimited Talk,Text, Web for $50 + buying the phone outright, over the 2 years a contract would run, you are paying out $1200+$530 for the phone so $1730. For the equivilant plan with a "free" phone you're paying $80 a month over 24 months so $1920.
So $1920 - $1730 = $190 You pay more for the phone than if you bought the phone with cash. And just looking now, you have to pony up $280 to buy the phone when you "upgrade" then a $50 rebate, so you're paying even more.
Heck, with T-mobile you can ge tthe non subsidized plan for $0 a month, pay $200 down, and finance the phone with T-mobile for $20 a month and come out ahead if you are looking for the least amount up front.
BTW, Ebay buyer protection is only good for 30 days after the sale, on day 31 the seller can report the phone "lost" and have it turned off and get their replacement.
i agree with gallaxxeess
no point saving $30 if you have a high risk of having your IMEI black listed
there's a topic about it in General
gallaxxeess said:
Seriously? You'd advocate risking getting your phone's IMEI number blacklisted to save $30?
The phones are $529 from t-mobile.
Why risk it for $30??? These "new" phones can be reported as lost then the insurance replaces it and they block the IMEI number and the sucker is out $400-$500.
BTW, Getting a "free" phone on a subsidy plan doesn't make the phone free, you're still paying for it over the 2 year term. With T-mobiles Unlimited Talk,Text, Web for $50 + buying the phone outright, over the 2 years a contract would run, you are paying out $1200+$530 for the phone so $1730. For the equivilant plan with a "free" phone you're paying $80 a month over 24 months so $1920.
So $1920 - $1730 = $190 You pay more for the phone than if you bought the phone with cash. And just looking now, you have to pony up $280 to buy the phone when you "upgrade" then a $50 rebate, so you're paying even more.
Heck, with T-mobile you can ge tthe non subsidized plan for $0 a month, pay $200 down, and finance the phone with T-mobile for $20 a month and come out ahead if you are looking for the least amount up front.
BTW, Ebay buyer protection is only good for 30 days after the sale, on day 31 the seller can report the phone "lost" and have it turned off and get their replacement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're assuming it's claimed as insurance fraud... and with taxes it's a 100 dollar difference. I do agree there is a risk though.
Edit: so thinking about that possibility I realized its sort of dumb for me to not just call up T-Mobile and see what they say about these sort if things (knowing they'd rather I give them NY money). I am legitimately thanking you for helping me solidify my paranoia to a point.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda premium
If you wanna be happy, keep your vibrant and wait a few months. I recommend getting the GN if you have the money because it has a better screen, but if you want you could wait until ICS is offically released and then buy it.
If you have been used to the iphone screen, or any good res LCD screen, youll notice issues with the display on our GS2.
I get the phones for free by price matching at best buy.thus makes them have no mail in rebate and no monthly additional fee.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
Husam2011 said:
If you wanna be happy, keep your vibrant and wait a few months. I recommend getting the GN if you have the money because it has a better screen, but if you want you could wait until ICS is offically released and then buy it.
If you have been used to the iphone screen, or any good res LCD screen, youll notice issues with the display on our GS2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the opinion, although I am banking on "ignorance is bliss" when it comes to higher res screens. The expandable storage and currently only over seas options of the GN are why I am just going with the SGS2, but with sprint releasing one it is making me wonder if waiting would be smart. I would be happy with whatever I get, but I am pretty sick of my poor old vibrant.
Branso07 said:
I get the phones for free by price matching at best buy.thus makes them have no mail in rebate and no monthly additional fee.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App[/QUOTE
Didn't mean to thanks you, if anyone wonders why, but what do you mean? As much as I hate big corporation and all, I just can't pull myself to do scams or I would "lose" my current phone. Not saying that's what you're doing, but so far that's what it sounds like.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda premium
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Similar situation. I just traded some BMW work for a NIB SGS2 off of craigslist. Upgrade phone he didnt want.
Just contacted CS
I asked about what they said and all they could say is "maybe...". They can't/won't verify that I purchased the phone so if the person were to claim it was stolen I would be SOL (I have read about a guy who got the seller in trouble in a similar situation with Sprint, but I don't want to go off something like that).
I guess I just have to re-budget 600 instead of 500.
why not just print the page ur phone is advertised on ? if its ebay the guy would have to setup an account every time he wantes to scam someone
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
Pay with paypal. If the seller claims insurance fraud Paypal will get you your money back (may take time while they investigate but they will get it). Ebay is safe to buy from with all the fraud protection especially when you pay with paypal. DON"T DO IT ON CRAIGSLIST!!!
Don't wait for the Blaze, trust me, just get the SGSII or GN.
FYI, T-Mobile doesn't make money off handsets. When will people learn this. They make money off the monthly service. They are a SERVICE company, NOT a phone manufacturer. Go ahead and ask any question you want. In fact, T-Mobile prefer you have your own phone so they don't have to subsidize you!
setzer715 said:
Pay with paypal. If the seller claims insurance fraud Paypal will get you your money back (may take time while they investigate but they will get it). Ebay is safe to buy from with all the fraud protection especially when you pay with paypal. DON"T DO IT ON CRAIGSLIST!!!
Don't wait for the Blaze, trust me, just get the SGSII or GN.
FYI, T-Mobile doesn't make money off handsets. When will people learn this. They make money off the monthly service. They are a SERVICE company, NOT a phone manufacturer. Go ahead and ask any question you want. In fact, T-Mobile prefer you have your own phone so they don't have to subsidize you!
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+1 . EBay is safe if you pay with paypal. Stay away from Craigslist!
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
I bought my s2 from craigslist for $550 (white). It came brand new in a box, however headphones were missing. I have bunch of good headphones here and there so i didn't care. But the phone was in original packaging and I got within 3 days. I am happy with my purchase.
The last time i bought my galaxy 4g first series from someone advertising on craigslist, brand new phone but when i brought it home and try to use, the phone mic never worked. I called samsung and they told me to ship it to them and I received my phone back within 5 business days. They fixed it for free and even paid for overnight shipping.
I never had any issue with Samsung or Apple.
You don't wanna know my story with Dell and ATT when I ended up paying almost $2000 for a Dell Streak phone I never received.
Galaxy blaze is coming soon...wait for that
There's a leaked tmo map that shows 3 devices to b released in the next 2 months. One on the 18th 2 more in Feb.
Sent from my T959 using XDA App
accordex said:
Galaxy blaze is coming soon...wait for that
There's a leaked tmo map that shows 3 devices to b released in the next 2 months. One on the 18th 2 more in Feb.
Sent from my T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am still pretty sure the blaze will not be an upgrade, probably just a 4" phone...
Any way, doesn't matter, I went to Tmobile and bought myself a new SGS2... having trouble with my new plan though... ugh...
I just bought this white gs2 in the marketplace from another xda member. Bnib as stated, no problems & for around $450
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

Was leaning toward GNEX but now considering SIII, need advice

I have been researching for the past couple of months and now something I just saw completely threw a wrench in my plans!
My wife and I have been on Sprint the past couple of years, both with OG Evo's. I decided to save up and buy our next phones outright and go with an MVNO plan. I narrowed that down to Straight Talk based on price and reviews and had decided to get a GNEX for $350 a pop since it was by far the cheapest badass phone on the market by a long shot. I've done a lot of lurking in the XDA GNEX forum to get ready for this switch, until...
Today, I saw that Wal-mart has an in-store promo for the AT&T SIII for $148, which has a $200 early termination fee. If I buy the phones and immediately cancel and pay the ETF, I'm paying exactly the same as I would the GNEX.
My question is, what holes can you poke in my reasoning or what haven't I thought of? The only concern I have now is whether AT&T will give me flak about any phone issues I have while under warranty that they may not want to deal with since I wouldn't be a current customer, although I'm thinking I might be able to run those through Wal-mart.
I think the only hole in youre reasoning is the fact that you think you could get your hands on a GS3 for 350$. Thats simply impossible. The GS2 is still 329$ and the GS3 is 599$. The early termination is is probably a fees you'd pay for breaking the contract, but you'll still have to pay off the balance of the phone, so in fact the phone would have ended up costing you 799$
(deleted, I misread your post)
My wife and I both had a GNexus, she just upgraded to the S3 on T-Mobile. You really can't go wrong with the GNex and development is good and updates first from Google.
If you wait another month or to, 2nd hand s3 might be available for 375 - 400.
As for myself, I'm waiting for the next GNexus.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
My wife has gnex and I have the s3 and imo the only thing the gnex has on the s3 is the official jb software which isn't going to last for long. I say go for the s3 you won't regret it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
polish_pat said:
I think the only hole in youre reasoning is the fact that you think you could get your hands on a GS3 for 350$. Thats simply impossible. The GS2 is still 329$ and the GS3 is 599$. The early termination is is probably a fees you'd pay for breaking the contract, but you'll still have to pay off the balance of the phone, so in fact the phone would have ended up costing you 799$
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In reading the AT&T contract directly, it appears that the ETF is actually $325 now. It does say that if you cancel w/in 30 days of starting the contract, you have to return the phone or pay the balance of the retail price of the phone, but it takes that stipulation off after 30 days. I'll have to confirm that with them directly, but it seems like they won't be able to go after me for that extra amount.
both of them.
wendellc said:
My wife and I both had a GNexus, she just upgraded to the S3 on T-Mobile. You really can't go wrong with the GNex and development is good and updates first from Google.
If you wait another month or to, 2nd hand s3 might be available for 375 - 400.
As for myself, I'm waiting for the next GNexus.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I definitely don't think I'd be unhappy with the GNEX or that it'd be a bad decision to go with it, I just think that, if I can get an SIII for at least close to the GNEX price, I'd prefer the SIII.
Agreed. The s3 isn't double the price of a gnex but now since a bnib s3 is like $400 (clist) vs $300 gnex I'd definately get the s3 for a little more.... or you can upgrade to the next iphone sell it and use the money to get the phone you want with probably left over cash.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
bonillamktg said:
I have been researching for the past couple of months and now something I just saw completely threw a wrench in my plans!
My wife and I have been on Sprint the past couple of years, both with OG Evo's. I decided to save up and buy our next phones outright and go with an MVNO plan. I narrowed that down to Straight Talk based on price and reviews and had decided to get a GNEX for $350 a pop since it was by far the cheapest badass phone on the market by a long shot. I've done a lot of lurking in the XDA GNEX forum to get ready for this switch, until...
Today, I saw that Wal-mart has an in-store promo for the AT&T SIII for $148, which has a $200 early termination fee. If I buy the phones and immediately cancel and pay the ETF, I'm paying exactly the same as I would the GNEX.
My question is, what holes can you poke in my reasoning or what haven't I thought of? The only concern I have now is whether AT&T will give me flak about any phone issues I have while under warranty that they may not want to deal with since I wouldn't be a current customer, although I'm thinking I might be able to run those through Wal-mart.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The etf for smartphones on ATT is 350. And an additional 200 to walmart. Your plan won't work.
The carriers do this because if you did what you planned on doing the carrier would lose money.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
Thoughts from a GS3 Owner
Yaken said:
The etf for smartphones on ATT is 350. And an additional 200 to walmart. Your plan won't work.
The carriers do this because if you did what you planned on doing the carrier would lose money.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed,
But to compare phones by spec, the GNEX is not on par with the GS3.
The only thing they have in relative commonality is their screens.
As well, the GNEX is on schedule to be refreshed soon (so rumor has it).
Since you've waited this long, you might as well wait a little longer and get whatever else might be released in Q4 of 2012.
But this is all mostly my opinion.
On the flip side, the GSM GNEX by far has the most developer support/love.

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
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.

Black Friday Deals?!?!

My wife and I have been eligible for an upgrade for awhile now. Finally a phone came out that's good enough to ditch my OG Epic. It's gonna be hard giving up a hardware keyboard as I'm typing this with it now BUT the note 2 specs are simply amazing!
I'm patiently waiting in hopes of a Black Friday or Cyber Monday deal but I have yet to see or hear of anything for the Note 2. I was hoping to see a buy one get one 1/2 off or 25% off all smart phones or something to that effect so I don't have to come off $600 in upgrading 2 devices.
Now that the multi-window update is out it's even harder to wait but if I can save even $100 I'll gladly wait another week or 2.
So has anyone seen or heard anything that will justify the wait? I'm not a patient person by nature and I've been following this forum since it was created and it's not looking too bad considering the device is still in it's infancy.
- Sent from a 2 year old EOL phone running Jelly Bean with a keyboard! -
I'm sure there will be deals on the GS3, but the GN2 is just too new imo. I also remember reading that Samsung will not let carriers drop the price of the GN2 for 90 days, so who knows.
Edit: Assuming you're not on a special plan like Sero, I'm sure places like Amazon could have a deal on it. I'll post back if I run into any deals
Sent from my Galaxy Note II using Tapatalk
Jocelyn said:
I'm sure there will be deals on the GS3, but the GN2 is just too new imo. I also remember reading that Samsung will not let carriers drop the price of the GN2 for 90 days, so who knows.
Edit: Assuming you're not on a special plan like Sero, I'm sure places like Amazon could have a deal on it. I'll post back if I run into any deals
Sent from my Galaxy Note II using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw the leaked ad for the GS3 for $50 but imo it's not really an upgrade from my epic, I'm running same software with a keyboard. I might ask for an early upgrade on my daughter's intercept tho for the GS3 but not if it's in-store only. I don't get sucked into waiting in lines for hours, especially here in Michigan where there might be snow on the ground by then!
An Amazon deal would be awesome, I did all my holiday shopping on amazon last year and their shipping is super fast! If anyone sees or hears of anything lemme know! Appreciate it!
- Sent from a 2 year old EOL phone running Jelly Bean with a keyboard! -
Wishkah420 said:
I saw the leaked ad for the GS3 for $50 but imo it's not really an upgrade from my epic, I'm running same software with a keyboard. I might ask for an early upgrade on my daughter's intercept tho for the GS3 but not if it's in-store only. I don't get sucked into waiting in lines for hours, especially here in Michigan where there might be snow on the ground by then!
An Amazon deal would be awesome, I did all my holiday shopping on amazon last year and their shipping is super fast! If anyone sees or hears of anything lemme know! Appreciate it!
- Sent from a 2 year old EOL phone running Jelly Bean with a keyboard! -
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The GS3 is a HUGE upgrade from the Epic, unless you're referring to the ET4G. Even so , the S3 is a big leap in hardware from the ET4G.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
ptfdmedic said:
The GS3 is a HUGE upgrade from the Epic, unless you're referring to the ET4G. Even so , the S3 is a big leap in hardware from the ET4G.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Rob!!!!! Nice to see a familiar face! You have a Note 2? Will we be seeing anything midnight? Can you believe I still vote for you almost every day! Lol.
GS3 wasn't a big enough upgrade to lose my keyboard! Lol. But for a 9yr old going from an intercept to a GS3 will be amazing, as long as she keeps her grades up that is.
Back on topic, the GS3 is not
- Sent from a 2 year old EOL phone running Jelly Bean with a keyboard! -
Best Buy price matches amazon and radio shack. Sorry thats all I have.
Having gone from the epic to the gs3, I can say it's an excellent upgrade, especially for $50 on black Friday.
Having gone from the gs3 to the galaxy note II, I can say it's a great upgrade... not as big off a jump as between the epic and the gs3 but a good one
Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2
Check my sig for the best price on Sprint GN2 $249 Tax free is better than you will get on any black friday sale...
Jocelyn said:
I'm sure there will be deals on the GS3, but the GN2 is just too new imo. I also remember reading that Samsung will not let carriers drop the price of the GN2 for 90 days, so who knows.
Edit: Assuming you're not on a special plan like Sero, I'm sure places like Amazon could have a deal on it. I'll post back if I run into any deals
Sent from my Galaxy Note II using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw on Ben's Bargains recently that someone was offering the GN2 for $225. I'm hoping that Sprint matches soon.
EDIT: I'm sorry, Dealsea: http://dealsea.com/view-deal/77108
Best buy is doing 25% off until December 9th on their Best Buy eBay page
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Jcossack88 said:
Best buy is doing 25% off until December 9th on their Best Buy eBay page
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's up on the wirefly for 249.99 minus BOFA additup $50 total 199.99 right now
leond said:
it's up on the wirefly for 249.99 minus BOFA additup $50 total 199.99 right now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
link? Are you allowed to transfer the phone to a different line? we have an upgrade on one line, but want to transfer the phone to another line. Is "bofa additup" the coupon code? it doesnt work.
ok, doesnt do me any good anyways, we cant transfer the phone to another line on the same account.
if I can get the coupon code, we might just be able to swap lines, so we can keep that number.
loveshinesthru said:
link? Are you allowed to transfer the phone to a different line? we have an upgrade on one line, but want to transfer the phone to another line.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are the administrator of both lines then you will be able to do it no problem. Also I think Best Buy charges tax on the full retail of the phone which will add an additional $60 depending on your location. I always get it from the link I posted earlier because it is the most reliable in my humble but accurate opinion. If you need any additional help transferring phones between lines, just PM me. I have a lot of experience helping friends with that.
Techronico said:
If you are the administrator of both lines then you will be able to do it no problem. Also I think Best Buy charges tax on the full retail of the phone which will add an additional $60 depending on your location. I always get it from the link I posted earlier because it is the most reliable in my humble but accurate opinion. If you need any additional help transferring phones between lines, just PM me. I have a lot of experience helping friends with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If they go through simplexity then I dont think it can be done. wirefly goes thru simplexity and they said no. I dont have to worry about tax here, our state is tax free.
ptfdmedic said:
The GS3 is a HUGE upgrade from the Epic, unless you're referring to the ET4G. Even so , the S3 is a big leap in hardware from the ET4G.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol that a joke? S2 S3 so close in hardware. Hardly noticeable differences
Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk
leond said:
it's up on the wirefly for 249.99 minus BOFA additup $50 total 199.99 right now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you do this more than once? On BOFA it says per plan, but what if you do it separately each time?
hajalie24 said:
Can you do this more than once? On BOFA it says per plan, but what if you do it separately each time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how do you get the BOFA?
If you have a bank of america account, go to additup.bankofamerica.com . The wirefly deal will be there.

[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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.

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