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Hello all,
I have my Rhodium(vodaphone TP2, unlocked with stuff) up for sale in the marketplace as I am rocking a HD2 now:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=670836
It is waiting for a good offer:
I have had people offering me silly cash for this nearly mint device (£100???)
Now I am thinking, is it really worth so little?
Most of the Rhodiums up 4 sale are in the US and around $300. I guess that we have too many phones in the UK available on a free contract.
I want £150 at least for it and need to get rid of it asap.....
Has anyone bought one recently in UK? What did you pay for it?
Is there any hope I might get some cash back on this now unloved device?
Kind regards all //
The HTC Desire has really killed sales of previous generation phones and the inexperienced/new user is now wowed by Android or Iphones.
Many people are also wary of buying second hand phones as one person's description of 'mint' may not be another person's idea (not saying anything at all about your advert here BTW, this is just a general point).
Many people are also frightened by scare stories of buying second hand phones
Branded phones can be a 'put-off' too even though they are only really cosmetic issues (although some people may worry about unlocking etc. and be concerned that it may not work with their sim when it arrives and then can't return it)
The rhodium is a super device, but there is only a very small market for them as only the smallest percentage of the phone buying public is even aware of the phone and then when added to the points above, I am not surprised that you are getting low offers, but I can also understand how disappointing this would be for a seller.
I went through something similar when selling my touch HD as I wanted it to go to someone who would love it as much as I did!
I think you have 2 options here;
Wait for someone who is looking for a rhodium and you can meet up in person (thus negating all the general points above)
Flog it to somewhere like CEX who might give you a decent (ish) price for it;
http://www.cex.co.uk/products/Phone... Touch Pro2, Vodafone Good Condition&mode=buy
Shame you are in London though, as I would have taken a look at this if you had been nearer to sunny Gloucestershire
Best of luck with your sale
Spud
i haven't looked into the prices for a used touch pro 2 but whenever I try to sell something online, i always get "low-ballers" THey email you some excuse that they're a student, just lost their job, just had a baby, etc and are tight on cash and want to only pay a quarter of the price i'm asking.
Its just the way things are, if you need to sell it asap, maybe lower the price a bit, but if i were you, i'd stay firm on your asking price until someone that has the money and knows the value of the device goes ahead an purchases it.
i bought one from ebay is it worth it?could i have gotten a better one?
condition is mint no scratches or anything
hey,
i bought the phone a few month ago for about $300...
and of course you could have gooten a better one...
But here's the BIG BUT:
-when you want to have a hardfware keyboard then theres only one other phone...the desire z (about $600)
-if you dont need the keyboard then u could get the HD2 if u want it to hgave windows mobile
-or you could get the desire wich in my eyes is a high end device without any limits for now...
--->but thats all a matter of what you want to spend for a new phone...
but i can only tell you that it is a great phone i use it every day and its just great to have the keyboard...
and for that price $200 you couldnt get a better phone then this one!
just flash a cusom rom and the phone is just awesome!
nick
Not a bad price; was it a 'bid' or 'buy it now' option?
I was lucky to snag one with a bunch of accessories (including 2 batteries, 3 cables, 2 AC chargers, a spare battery cover, extra stylises, & an Otterbox) in mint condition for about $150 shipped. It was a buy-it-now sale, so I assume that I got that deal because the seller really didn't know what it was worth. The seller was changing carriers and just wanted to get rid of the phone.
Since the phone has been discontinued and the new Windows 7 phones are out, the prices are coming down quickly. I'm not ready to jump into a W7 device, so I'm happy with my purchase.
Keep reading the forums and, if you're brave about customizing it, I'm sure you'll be happy with this device, too. Enjoy!
Debbie
the-nj said:
hey,
i bought the phone a few month ago for about $300...
and of course you could have gooten a better one...
But here's the BIG BUT:
-when you want to have a hardfware keyboard then theres only one other phone...the desire z (about $600)
-if you dont need the keyboard then u could get the HD2 if u want it to hgave windows mobile
-or you could get the desire wich in my eyes is a high end device without any limits for now...
--->but thats all a matter of what you want to spend for a new phone...
but i can only tell you that it is a great phone i use it every day and its just great to have the keyboard...
and for that price $200 you couldnt get a better phone then this one!
just flash a cusom rom and the phone is just awesome!
nick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what phone could i have gotten for $200 better than this?i thought this was the max
DebbieNY13 said:
Not a bad price; was it a 'bid' or 'buy it now' option?
I was lucky to snag one with a bunch of accessories (including 2 batteries, 3 cables, 2 AC chargers, a spare battery cover, extra stylises, & an Otterbox) in mint condition for about $150 shipped. It was a buy-it-now sale, so I assume that I got that deal because the seller really didn't know what it was worth. The seller was changing carriers and just wanted to get rid of the phone.
Since the phone has been discontinued and the new Windows 7 phones are out, the prices are coming down quickly. I'm not ready to jump into a W7 device, so I'm happy with my purchase.
Keep reading the forums and, if you're brave about customizing it, I'm sure you'll be happy with this device, too. Enjoy!
Debbie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it was at buy it now price
And thank you for replying
Well, after reading this thread, I decided to buy one off ebay too. Then to see how the xdandroid stuff is working...
bought my tp2 before they hit the U.S for $600,been pleased ever since.You got one for $200,you got lucky,great buy
Was it an unlocked device? It wasn't a BAD price, really but I don't know if I would consider it a great one either. The phone is a bit on the slow side these days, but not excessively so. They are still selling new Android phones with even slower CPUs. But it's no Snapdragon either. The hardware keyboard is nice. I thought about moving to a Focus with WP7 but I really don't like the soft keyboards and I am not impressed with the Quantum.
So, yeah, not a real helpful post, but the TP2 remains one of if not the overall best WM 6 device out there. AT&T is still selling it for $199 and you would be locked into a 2 year contract for it so if you got it for $199 I suppose you did okay. Especially if, as previously mentioned, you aren't adverse to a bit of out of warranty modding and custom ROMs.
Avatar28 said:
Was it an unlocked device? It wasn't a BAD price, really but I don't know if I would consider it a great one either. The phone is a bit on the slow side these days, but not excessively so. They are still selling new Android phones with even slower CPUs. But it's no Snapdragon either. The hardware keyboard is nice. I thought about moving to a Focus with WP7 but I really don't like the soft keyboards and I am not impressed with the Quantum.
So, yeah, not a real helpful post, but the TP2 remains one of if not the overall best WM 6 device out there. AT&T is still selling it for $199 and you would be locked into a 2 year contract for it so if you got it for $199 I suppose you did okay. Especially if, as previously mentioned, you aren't adverse to a bit of out of warranty modding and custom ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it was unlocked
Is it worth it to get a WP7 device at this moment in time? Are there any new phones I should be looking at? I don't want to get the DVP then feel like an android user when a new better phone comes out next week.
If it is worth it to buy a WP7 device right now, then tell me, is this a good deal? My samsung vibrant for a venue pro plus 100 bucks on my end. I see the vibrant go used on craigslist/ebay for 300 bucks, and he wants me to put 100 also, so couldn't I just sell my phone and then I would have 400 bucks, 50 dollars more and I have a brand new Venue Pro. So tell me, is this a good deal or not?
Also, I found out that my TMobile account doesn't have a contract (I didn't set it up, parents did). Should I jump ship to AT&T for their WP7 devices? Thanks!
nickdog670 said:
Is it worth it to get a WP7 device at this moment in time? Are there any new phones I should be looking at? I don't want to get the DVP then feel like an android user when a new better phone comes out next week.
If it is worth it to buy a WP7 device right now, then tell me, is this a good deal? My samsung vibrant for a venue pro plus 100 bucks on my end. I see the vibrant go used on craigslist/ebay for 300 bucks, and he wants me to put 100 also, so couldn't I just sell my phone and then I would have 400 bucks, 50 dollars more and I have a brand new Venue Pro. So tell me, is this a good deal or not?
Also, I found out that my TMobile account doesn't have a contract (I didn't set it up, parents did). Should I jump ship to AT&T for their WP7 devices? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You see them listed on CL for 300, they typically go between 180 and 230 before they sell in most cases. A brand new one can usually be whittled down to 250. Also, what is the memory on the DVP? If it's 16 gigs then those are 500. There's factors that come into play but it's near impossible to sell a vibrant on Craigslist for 300... They're pretty much last gen now...
I was saying 300 bucks on CL and ebay because that's what the guy I am dealing with is telling me. Rather have him think they go for 300$ and have me pay 100$ then have him think they go for 180$ and have me pay 320$, right? haha.
nickdog670 said:
I was saying 300 bucks on CL and ebay because that's what the guy I am dealing with is telling me. Rather have him think they go for 300$ and have me pay 100$ then have him think they go for 180$ and have me pay 320$, right? haha.
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Click to collapse
Definitely agreed. Yeah though, it's a great deal. The DVP is a definite upgrade and is currently the best of all the WP7 line-up.
Great thanks!
Should I wait until the new Dell WP7 phone 'Wrigley' that is supposed to come out in mid april? The only different thing I see on it is the 8mp camera, the leaked timeline didnt specify any other differences.
nickdog670 said:
Great thanks!
Should I wait until the new Dell WP7 phone 'Wrigley' that is supposed to come out in mid april? The only different thing I see on it is the 8mp camera, the leaked timeline didnt specify any other differences.
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Click to collapse
Meh, I'm getting both personally. You can wait but being stuck with a vibrant for however long (and dell is known for product delays) is pretty much self-mutilation.
nickdog670 said:
Great thanks!
Should I wait until the new Dell WP7 phone 'Wrigley' that is supposed to come out in mid april? The only different thing I see on it is the 8mp camera, the leaked timeline didnt specify any other differences.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before you buy the Venue Pro or any other Dell WP7 device take a look at the Dell Venue Pro forum http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=799. The device is not problem free and if you get one of the flaky devices you will be tearing your hair out. If your device runs fine you will be on cloud 9. For most of us current users, we are somewhere in between. I wouldnt use any other current WP7 device, but just FYI.
efjay said:
Before you buy the Venue Pro or any other Dell WP7 device take a look at the Dell Venue Pro forum http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=799. The device is not problem free and if you get one of the flaky devices you will be tearing your hair out. If your device runs fine you will be on cloud 9. For most of us current users, we are somewhere in between. I wouldnt use any other current WP7 device, but just FYI.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for that information. This is a really hard decision since WP7 is fairly new.
Take the plunge. Honestly also it doesn't look like any new super phones are coming out anytime soon so you shouldn't be worried about your phone becoming outdated relatively soon.
Oh and the DVP is one sexy device, when it works. Like others said, be aware of its problems. Also on jumping ship to AT&T, I don't think I would. I have their flagship WP7 device, the Samsung Focus, and it drives me crazy as a phone. Feels really cheap which does not mix with my gadget perfection OCD, heck if you press hard enough on it on certain parts of the phone you can hear the plastic creak!
So I say join us in the WP7 pool, the waters just fine.
I currently have a MT4G with tmobile (and I like the phone...)...but I have wanted a WP7 phone since they came out, but I cannot justify spending 300$ on one .... so I was thinking 'should I get an HD2 and put WP7 on it?' but then I felt that it would be buggy and such and I would like a smooth wp7 experience...
so my question is, what options are there for me (I cannot use an upgrade, I am stuck with tmobile so I need one compatible with them [I guess, right?])...?
Thanks for your advice and help...
erebusting said:
I currently have a MT4G with tmobile (and I like the phone...)...but I have wanted a WP7 phone since they came out, but I cannot justify spending 300$ on one .... so I was thinking 'should I get an HD2 and put WP7 on it?' but then I felt that it would be buggy and such and I would like a smooth wp7 experience...
so my question is, what options are there for me (I cannot use an upgrade, I am stuck with tmobile so I need one compatible with them [I guess, right?])...?
Thanks for your advice and help...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are better off staying with a real WP7 device. The HD2, as good a device as it is, can't provide the whole WP7 experience permanently. You'll have to perjure yourself to get a key from MS to use the main features of WP7. And then, after each update...if the updates actually start coming...you'll have to do it all over again and likely MS will nullify the ability to use their keys.
If you start buying apps with a fake WP7, you might lose them later on. Buy an HD7 from T-Mobile or go to AT&T and snag a Focus. You won't regret it once the updates start happening...if ever. WP7 is a super smooth, super clean experience.
erebusting said:
I currently have a MT4G with tmobile (and I like the phone...)...but I have wanted a WP7 phone since they came out, but I cannot justify spending 300$ on one .... so I was thinking 'should I get an HD2 and put WP7 on it?' but then I felt that it would be buggy and such and I would like a smooth wp7 experience...
so my question is, what options are there for me (I cannot use an upgrade, I am stuck with tmobile so I need one compatible with them [I guess, right?])...?
Thanks for your advice and help...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try other stores besides the retail store to see if their flexiable with the upgrade period. Wirefly, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Radio Shack, Etc.
You could ask for the factory unlock from T-Mobile. Unlock the MT4G, sell it on Craiglist and use the money to buy the HD7.
You can also go on a payment plan with them and give them $15 bucks a month until you have the money to pay for a new phone.
I'm doing that right now with my HD7, but only because I have the sneaking suspicion some new phones are going to come out to blow the current crop out of the water.
lekki said:
You could ask for the factory unlock from T-Mobile. Unlock the MT4G, sell it on Craiglist and use the money to buy the HD7.
You can also go on a payment plan with them and give them $15 bucks a month until you have the money to pay for a new phone.
I'm doing that right now with my HD7, but only because I have the sneaking suspicion some new phones are going to come out to blow the current crop out of the water.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which is exactly why I'm saving money for one of them. These current gen phones will be "Kin'd" before too long and the good hardware will move it.
erebusting said:
I currently have a MT4G with tmobile (and I like the phone...)...but I have wanted a WP7 phone since they came out, but I cannot justify spending 300$ on one .... so I was thinking 'should I get an HD2 and put WP7 on it?' but then I felt that it would be buggy and such and I would like a smooth wp7 experience...
so my question is, what options are there for me (I cannot use an upgrade, I am stuck with tmobile so I need one compatible with them [I guess, right?])...?
Thanks for your advice and help...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sell your MT4g on ebay and buy the HD7 there also. Even a used MT4g is only a little cheaper than a new HD7. A lot of people are willing to trade on craigslist also.
I really don't know why you guys complain that much. In Brazil I just bought a WP7 (unsupported here yet). And I paid R$ 1.400,00. That is something about U$ 850,00.
My iPhone 4 I've paid R$ 1.800,00. Or U$ 1.125,00.
And yes, If i were you, I would buy a WP7 in a blink.
mikeeam said:
I really don't know why you guys complain that much. In Brazil I just bought a WP7 (unsupported here yet). And I paid R$ 1.400,00. That is something about U$ 850,00.
My iPhone 4 I've paid R$ 1.800,00. Or U$ 1.125,00.
And yes, If i were you, I would buy a WP7 in a blink.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you have to understand, there ARE differences in economy so over here we have different options on pricing....doesn't mean that just because it costs wayy more in other locations that we should be buying them like crazy over here.... we have to think about things like that (at least I do, especially since I am not rich [yet ])...
So I am thinking of possibly getting a samsung focus (but the 3g would not work with tmobile...right?)...or the HD7... but like 'likki' said, phones are continuously upgrading so saving 15-20$ extra a month sounds pretty practical because by the time it is saved up I may not even want to get another phone (haha) or there will be better options out there....
Have you ever tried out a HD7? I think it is too big. The Trophy 7 have a perfect size screen. Not too big, nor too small.
Maybe you should try. I wouldn't buy a Samsung because of the update issues (yeah, they may have fixed, still, it was the only one with problem. I wouldn't risk).
Don't worry about the next season of WP7 handsets. Probably they don't need anything beyond our 1 GHz processor. Not for now. And I think this should last for 2 years of software updates until they need to update the hardware too.
I don't know about US 3G network. But, at least here, my Trophy works with every carrier.
And I liked the "yet" hahahah. That's the spirit! Hell yeah!
any advice? should I get an htc surround and be happy with Edge on tmobile or something? (since it may be cheaper than an HD7 ? idk)
Try ebay...
I got my HTC Surround for 180.00
It looks brand new although it had no box and not original charger. Thing works like a champ. My contract actually is up for renewal in May but i decided not to wait as i could resell it if i did not like it. I'm definately not reselling it. It's awesome!
LG Quantums all over Ebay for 180-200 dollars and they're in my opinion the third best US released device
Dell Venue Pro>Focus>Quantum
I want to like HTC's devices but their battery life is just terrible and the Surround feels like a gag phone.
Surround is pretty terrible all around. If you like big screens and you're on T-Mobile, then you have one really good choice and one decent choice.
TBQH, WP7 is so Cloud dependent that I would not want to be stuck on Edge all the time.
I can't even fathom what that experience would be like.
Edge is for Blackberries, Eseries, and Feature phones...
Ok so I have the opportunity to get the dvp or hd7 for the same price...which one should I get ? The dvp doesnt seem to have as much action in the forum ...it has less ram and no htc apps , plus its a lil bulkier....the screen size doesnt bug me becauase they are similar...
Any ideas please
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App
The DVP's screen is much better. The Speakers are better. The Camera is worse. It has a Physical keybaord (quite a nice one). It sitll has 512 RAM which is more than good enough. It comes in a 16 GB variant and if you're feeling Giddy you can upgrade the storage becasue it has an accessible SD Card Slot.
It tends to have better performance than the HTC phones, as well. The build quality is noticeably better.
There is no such thing as a BB Bold 9800, BTW (that's the Torch). Which Blackberry are you actually selling, asd is it a T-Mobile Branded BB?
Personally, if I was faced with that choice, I'd get the Dell.
Focus... Ignore update hocus pocus ... Its the and least expensive phone
Sent from my SGH-i917 using Board Express
Download Launcher 7 for your mt4g.
Makes your android look like a w7 phone lol.
Yes I know it wont transform your phone into a full fledge w7 phone but its a good alternative and its free.
Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using XDA App
DVP over HD7 any day... When you hold both of them you can just tell which one is better at a glance or with use... better performance, better screen, they actually have the same amount of ram, it's just generally one hell of a step up from the HD7 to the DVP.
N8ter said:
The DVP's screen is much better. The Speakers are better. The Camera is worse. It has a Physical keybaord (quite a nice one). It sitll has 512 RAM which is more than good enough. It comes in a 16 GB variant and if you're feeling Giddy you can upgrade the storage becasue it has an accessible SD Card Slot.
It tends to have better performance than the HTC phones, as well. The build quality is noticeably better.
There is no such thing as a BB Bold 9800, BTW (that's the Torch). Which Blackberry are you actually selling, asd is it a T-Mobile Branded BB?
Personally, if I was faced with that choice, I'd get the Dell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for noticing that about my sig...lol...I will change it when I get around to it though...haha
The Robot Cow said:
Download Launcher 7 for your mt4g.
Makes your android look like a w7 phone lol.
Yes I know it wont transform your phone into a full fledge w7 phone but its a good alternative and its free.
Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks, I tried it and it is nice -although I am more interested in the games on WP7... =) ...too bad they cant be emulated (yet... ?)
z33dev33l said:
DVP over HD7 any day... When you hold both of them you can just tell which one is better at a glance or with use... better performance, better screen, they actually have the same amount of ram, it's just generally one hell of a step up from the HD7 to the DVP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I did not notice that they had the same amount of ram...some review(s) I read/watched said that it had 256? idk...
thanks for all of the advice it is really helpful...
(damn, why do all the TMobile WP7 devices have to be the ones at $300 and up...??? it is not that worth it to spend even 200 on a phone to just use edge..-i think)
its a tough decision, considering the prices and then considering the functionality / quality as well.... (although it sucks that the current wp7 devices are not very much up to par with these newer phones....namely the 'no FFC' thing bugs me)
I currently have the HTC Surround, and I have had no complaints with it. I do not understand why everyone is hating it. It has amazing speakers, feels very sturdy, 16 glorious gb's of memory, and has the same exact os as all the others. And some may say that the LCD screen is not as brilliant as the focus's AMOLED screen. But I personally like the screen.
In the end, it is up to your personal preferences.
I was just reading this article:
http://s4gru.com/index.php?/blog/1/...he-midrange-samsung-galaxy-victory-oet-review
And think it's a complete waste of money and resources developing mid and lower range handsets. If I was the CEO of HTC, Moto, or Samsung, I would focus on only 1 (flagship) device in each size category.
It just makes sense on so many levels, economically and marketing wise especially.
For example, the current hottest phone for Samsung is the Galaxy S III, which commands the premium price of being the latest and greatest at $200. They can sell the SGSII for $100 and offer the SGS for free (all on contract of course).
Imagine all the engineers and financial resources they can allocate to flagship devices if they followed this model.
Samsung, Motorola, HTC, please dump all your existing mid and lower range lines of handsets.
Do yourselves and Android lovers a great service!
And lastly, please use the same name for each device for all the carriers. None of this one unique name for each carrier for the same device bullcrap!
It would make sense only if they didn't make a profit on these phones that they push out but obviously they do so they will continue pushing out as many as possible. Luckily it seems Samsung is the only company left doing this.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Apple actually has a patent on that business model.
Some people can't afford to pay flagship model prices.
More handsets with different ranges will appeal to more customers.
There is also those who don't need everything a top of the line phone has.
No way I am going to pay for the top of the line phone for my 12 year old son.
He doesn't need all the features, plus the fact that since he's a kid there is a greater chance of the phone meeting some kind of accident.
lowandbehold said:
Apple actually has a patent on that business model.
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Click to collapse
Apple has a low end, mid range, and high end iPhone in the market (4 - free, 4S - $100, 5 - $200+). Even they couldn't ignore the low end of the market anymore.
This post demonstrates no business knowledge whatsoever. Like previously mentioned not everyone wants a flagship or even a smart phone. You need to cater to a wide range of users.
It's not about focusing all your resources on flagship models for a smaller group. They make a large profit on lower and mid range phones too.
Sdobron said:
This post demonstrates no business knowledge whatsoever. Like previously mentioned not everyone wants a flagship or even a smart phone. You need to cater to a wide range of users.
It's not about focusing all your resources on flagship models for a smaller group. They make a large profit on lower and mid range phones too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agreed, some buy the top end phones and figure there is no need for lower. It is kind of like when you hear "buy a BMW because there is no point to buying a lower quality car" Well what if they put even MORE R&D into it and now the phone was leagues better but cost $900 with a contract renewal? Its about making profit and producing what the market wants. one person once made a ton of money on a pet rock.
Sdobron said:
This post demonstrates no business knowledge whatsoever. Like previously mentioned not everyone wants a flagship or even a smart phone. You need to cater to a wide range of users.
It's not about focusing all your resources on flagship models for a smaller group. They make a large profit on lower and mid range phones too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the point is this.
HTC, Moto, and Samsung can all take huge advantage of economies of scale when they only make flagship model phones. How many components can Samsung share between the Galaxy S I, II, III and soon to be out IV?
Apple is making PLENTY of profit ONLY selling to people who want smart phones.
Sm0k3d 0uT said:
Some people can't afford to pay flagship model prices.
More handsets with different ranges will appeal to more customers.
There is also those who don't need everything a top of the line phone has.
No way I am going to pay for the top of the line phone for my 12 year old son.
He doesn't need all the features, plus the fact that since he's a kid there is a greater chance of the phone meeting some kind of accident.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The idea behind this is that everyone gets a flagship phone. You might not have the latest generation of the flagship phone, but it's still a flagship phone from its time.
The Galaxy S I was a flag ship phone and Samsung can now offer it for $0 with contract.
The Galaxy S II was a flag ship phone and Samsung can now offer it for $99 with contract.
The Galaxy S III is the CURRENT flag ship phone and Samsung offers it for $199 with contract.
----------------------
When the Galaxy S IV comes out, just phase out the Galaxy S I and offer this:
The Galaxy S II was a flag ship phone and Samsung can now offer it for $0 with contract.
The Galaxy S III was a flag ship phone and Samsung can now offer it for $99 with contract.
The Galaxy S IV is the CURRENT flag ship phone and Samsung offers it for $199 with contract.
DOES THAT MAKE SENSE? I think it's the best business model out there! You can save more costs due to sharing some components across generations and everyone gets a flagship device. That alone does a lot for the perception of your brand. Apple doesn't make a crappy mid or low range phone, so their brand is never associated with cheapness. But, you can get an iphone 4 for cheap now, it's $0 with contract. It's also 3 generations behind...but that also means the parts inside it are cheaper to buy, because they too, are 3 generations behind.
lowandbehold said:
Apple actually has a patent on that business model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to patent this business model!
Yup this I think, is what needs to happen. Way to may phones coming out every year. It would also help with updates. Cheap phones is what gives android a bad name. After someone buys a cheap crap phone then tries an iphone they always end up switching.
Well, your logic in saying they would save money by mass producing more of just one or fewer models is only partly true. Surely there's some benefit, but as large portions of the guts of these budget phones are just last year's processors and chips...what you're saying is already partly happening. I agree it is quite annoying and confusing to bother rereleasing slightly modified versions of previous models as budget phones, but I'm not sure that they truly would save much in terms of production from simplifying their lineups. There may be a certain logic to the rebranding as many average people don't realize they're buying old tech if it's just released, and look, cheaper!
The real benefits of condensing the amount of models is probably just to gain more notoriety for making one good phone, which I guess really is copying the Apple model. Only one laptop, one phone, yadda...which is kinda boring to me. Thus my preference would be to keep some variety out there, but if they are going to release more devices, add more actual variety, not just useless rebranded old models.
EDIT: Additional complaint...I really hate it when people worry about the extra 100 dollars up front for a phone that costs such a ginormous amount of money on contract
johnchad14 said:
Well, your logic in saying they would save money by mass producing more of just one or fewer models is only partly true. Surely there's some benefit, but as large portions of the guts of these budget phones are just last year's processors and chips...what you're saying is already partly happening. I agree it is quite annoying and confusing to bother rereleasing slightly modified versions of previous models as budget phones, but I'm not sure that they truly would save much in terms of production from simplifying their lineups. There may be a certain logic to the rebranding as many average people don't realize they're buying old tech if it's just released, and look, cheaper!
The real benefits of condensing the amount of models is probably just to gain more notoriety for making one good phone, which I guess really is copying the Apple model. Only one laptop, one phone, yadda...which is kinda boring to me. Thus my preference would be to keep some variety out there, but if they are going to release more devices, add more actual variety, not just useless rebranded old models.
EDIT: Additional complaint...I really hate it when people worry about the extra 100 dollars up front for a phone that costs such a ginormous amount of money on contract
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If you read my OP, I said they should release one flagship phone for each size segment. But for smaller players, like LG, just make one phone. Bigger players, like HTC, Samsung, Motorola....they can make a 4" phone, 5" phone and 4" phone with keyboard.
They all aren't going to make the exact same size 4" or 5" phones. Just look at all the models in the 4.x" range. You still will have the diversity of Android.
Turb0wned said:
Yup this I think, is what needs to happen. Way to may phones coming out every year. It would also help with updates. Cheap phones is what gives android a bad name. After someone buys a cheap crap phone then tries an iphone they always end up switching.
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You are 100% correct!!!
We should post on Moto, HTC and Samsung's Facebook pages and let them know what we want!
Apple will not have a chance in hell if each company only focused on one kickass, flagship device. Imagine the HUGE benefit to consumer as well!!!
The only problem I see is when your making only one phone or just a few phones and Apple gets them banned your SOL on all sales until its sorted.
In theory, this is a good idea. However, android technology evolves way too fast for this to work. It's possible to get a GS2 for free on contract and a GS3 for like $50 if you look hard enough. If you're really good, you can get really any phone (besides an iPhone) free on contract
People want different things though, i for one think 4.8 inches it's too large, and personally, if they fit some nice specs in a keyboard phone with unlockable bootloader AND removable battery, I'd be all over it. I like the options, and I'm sure many others enjoy having a choice as well.
And keyboard phones don't sell like they use to so they're no longer flagship phones, even the Droid series is dissolving.
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Only if they happened to have designed the perfect budget phone 2 years ago, no changes necessary (or, in the case of apple, if your consumers don't care and would just buy anyway). Reading your example, this new phone was designed precisely because they were able to add newer, better components while still keeping it a budget phone.
Now, your strategy might make sense for some (say, if your company can't afford to spend the money, HTC style) but I doubt you'd convince someone like samsung, whose business model is based on one-upping their opponents in all areas, to do so. As Ashton suggested, Android (unlike the iPhone) is driven too hard by competition, so that the vendors are forced to evolve even their budget lines.
thebobp said:
Only if they happened to have designed the perfect budget phone 2 years ago, no changes necessary (or, in the case of apple, if your consumers don't care and would just buy anyway). Reading your example, this new phone was designed precisely because they were able to add newer, better components while still keeping it a budget phone.
Now, your strategy might make sense for some (say, if your company can't afford to spend the money, HTC style) but I doubt you'd convince someone like samsung, whose business model is based on one-upping their opponents in all areas, to do so. As Ashton suggested, Android (unlike the iPhone) is driven too hard by competition, so that the vendors are forced to evolve even their budget lines.
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So, none of the antagonizing arguments make sense.
If Android vendors are under more competition, then it makes MORE sense to adopt this business model.
It's no wonder Jelly Bean web penetration is only at 1.2% a full two months after its release. Look at the staggering amount of handsets that have to be upgraded. Even the SGS3, a flagship phone, isn't getting JB until October. But, the Nexus S has it already...because Google only makes one model. Say Samsung cut down to only producing the GS and Note series phones and just used the previous gen models to sell as "budget" phones. It would be so much easier to do software upgrades for their customers (which is what everyone wants...check their FB page, number one question is...when is my phone going to get the next update?).
Also, the whole argument about diversity has already addressed. HTC, Moto and Samsung all aren't going to make the same size phones. That's not to mention the smaller players like Sony, LG, etc. They'll all stake a claim somewhere in the 4"-5" range. HTC and Samsung will also stake claims in the 5"+ territory.
AshtonTS said:
In theory, this is a good idea. However, android technology evolves way too fast for this to work. It's possible to get a GS2 for free on contract and a GS3 for like $50 if you look hard enough. If you're really good, you can get really any phone (besides an iPhone) free on contract
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That sounds counter intuitive. If Android tech evolves really fast, then that's actually all the more reason to adopt this model. The budget phone segment will get a new "update" every 9mos or whatever the cycle is at now that new flagship versions are being released. Samsung and others can allocate more engineers to work on just two models and get software updates out faster.