Related
Hi Guys,
I've been trying to get a phone for development for around 250ish but havn't been successful. Well, it seems my chance might be comming up since T-Mobile is having a Free Smart Phone sale this weekend.
My plan is to go buy the phone, use it for 16 days and cancel my contract. If everything's done fair, it should cost $200 + 16 days of service + any taxes/activation fees.
So I have a few questions.
1) Has anyone done this before? Where there any suprises?
2) Is WP7 functional with Wifi? (i.e. marketplace, games, internet, etc).
3) Think I'll still be able to get updates or what not?
4) Anything else I should be looking for?
Thanks!
A bill from t-mobile for full price of the phone.
I don't get it, you want to develop for 16 days?
vetvito said:
A bill from t-mobile for full price of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From experience?
orangekid said:
I don't get it, you want to develop for 16 days?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm, no, T-Mobile requires you return hardware when you cancel your contract within 15 days. But they don't charge a fee.
If you keep the phone, that whole special goes out the window. Read the contract. They will charge you full price.
cohowap said:
Umm, no, T-Mobile requires you return hardware when you cancel your contract within 15 days. But they don't charge a fee.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't they charge an ETF when you sign a contract and cancel it after 16 days?
orangekid said:
don't they charge an ETF when you sign a contract and cancel it after 16 days?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, they don't charge an etf if you cancel and return everything before the 15th day.
cohowap said:
No, they don't charge an etf if you cancel and return everything before the 15th day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok now im confused...
you want to get a phone on a discount with a contract, then return it for a refund? I don't get what you're trying to do here.
orangekid said:
ok now im confused...
you want to get a phone on a discount with a contract, then return it for a refund? I don't get what you're trying to do here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
looks like the op is trying to get the phone for just the subsidized price... then kill contract, and not owe tmo money. good luck, not going to happen. they'll bill for the difference.
orangekid said:
ok now im confused...
you want to get a phone on a discount with a contract, then return it for a refund? I don't get what you're trying to do here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No... I'm trying to get a WP7 phone to develop with. But I don't have the 600 bucks to buy if "off contract".
So, if I enter a contract, get the phone discounted for FREE this weekend, then "Terminate" the contract a month later, I have to pay the $200 ETF + the month bill + taxes which would be significantly less than the 600 bucks off contract.
Once I terminate the contract, I have no obligation on returning the device, I was asking to see what the outcome would be. T-Mobile online rep blantly said, I'd be responsible for the ETF + Monthly Fee + Taxes, but god knows if they are right, I wanted to see if anyone else tried this.
cohowap said:
No... I'm trying to get a WP7 phone to develop with. But I don't have the 600 bucks to buy if "off contract".
So, if I enter a contract, get the phone discounted for FREE this weekend, then "Terminate" the contract a month later, I have to pay the $200 ETF + the month bill + taxes which would be significantly less than the 600 bucks off contract.
Once I terminate the contract, I have no obligation on returning the device, I was asking to see what the outcome would be. T-Mobile online rep blantly said, I'd be responsible for the ETF + Monthly Fee + Taxes, but god knows if they are right, I wanted to see if anyone else tried this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see, let's take a look though.
$200 ETF
$80 monthly fee (cheapest monthly price you can get on WP7 with tmobile)
$35 activation fee
$35 (approx.) taxes and fees
$350 total for the phone.
not sure where you live but here you could get it for something like this:
http://houston.craigslist.org/mob/2205022524.html
or
http://houston.craigslist.org/mob/2202253067.html
of course there are people asking fro $400 but I can guarantee they will not get near that money for this phone.
If you really want to try what you're talking about then go for it, it seems like it would work, but:
1) they may have a stipulation where you cannot cancel your contract for X months due to the "free" phone or you owe the difference, I'd check the fine print on that one.
2) seems like too much work and drama.
retail for an HD7 on tmobile is $500,
This is why Verizon & att (real carriers in the usa) have $350+ ETFs.
watch for mail in rebate that will void if your contract is expired before xx days
orangekid pointed out the actual higher cost though. You might want to check ATT price for a Focus off-contract i've heard can be had for $399 but ymmv. better phone and more coverage if you ever needed to use it as a phone later.
The phone will be fully functional (on wifi) but sim locked to the carrier.
gcianc said:
This is why Verizon & att (real carriers in the usa) have $350+ ETFs.
watch for mail in rebate that will void if your contract is expired before xx days
orangekid pointed out the actual higher cost though. You might want to check ATT price for a Focus off-contract i've heard can be had for $399 but ymmv. better phone and more coverage if you ever needed to use it as a phone later.
The phone will be fully functional (on wifi) but sim locked to the carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know what you mean by "real carrier" @ att, since in my city they drop more calls than tmobile ever does even though they probably have more subscribers. ATT's monthly rates (as verizon's) are insanely high too, and they have tiered data, whereas tmobile does not.
off contract they usually give you the sim unlock code, but on contract they generally don't from my experience.
Ugh 2 pages and no answer. The answer to your question is this.
1. You don't need an actual phone to develop apps. The development tool package comes with a simulator.
2. You cannot install apps you are developing on the phone without having it being flagged for development. This process costs 99$ a year and requires you send some identification data to the company that verifies your identity.
So buying a phone for 16 days is pointless. Even if you had the phone you couldn't put any apps on it without paying Microsoft 99$. Personally I would use the simulator to learn how to develop an app, develop one and then buy the phone when you're ready to release. The advantage here is obviously newer better phones in the future compared to right now.
hope that helps
very good points, I figured since OP is trying to scratch, claw, gamble, and steal his way to get the phone, he was just going to use Chevron on it instead of dropping $99 on the fee.
What would be the Early Termination Fee for a Skyrocket if canceled in the first 30 days. Per at&t policy i read it would be 0. I plan on buying a White Skyrocket and cancel the contract on the first week of purchase. But most importantly to Keep the Phone.
Will at&t allow me to keep the phone? I would like to keep the phone,unlock it and finally use it in my main country. I was thinking of buying a Galaxy Nexus but it is still expensive and the Skyrocket strategy plan B would be a cheaper solution if possible.
Feel free to comment. Thanks
less then 30 days you pay a restocking fee at most unless you damaged the phone, then not sure.
you have to return the phone or pay for it outright.
handheld google device
No, AT&T or any other US carrier for that matter will not let you keep the phone if you plan to cancel within 30 days. You will have to bring the phone back to the store to cancel if still within the 30 day period. They will issue a refund for the phone first, then will they cancel the contract.
Is there anyway i can keep the phone without paying the full off-contract price?
In 2007 i brought a couple of iPhones to my country. They were not activated in store and i could keep them. I dont remember much, but i did get to keep my iPhones and then unlocked them myself
Only way I know how is to look on craigslist and find someone selling theirs. That is what I did. I was able to get a skyrocket for $300. It is not as good as as paying $150, but I did not have to sign a contract.
mvtm said:
Is there anyway i can keep the phone without paying the full off-contract price?
In 2007 i brought a couple of iPhones to my country. They were not activated in store and i could keep them. I dont remember much, but i did get to keep my iPhones and then unlocked them myself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you want to cancel the 2 year contract you signed, keep the $600 phone that you only payed $150-$250 for as incentive for signing the contract, and pay no termination fee?
Good luck with that!
mvtm said:
What would be the Early Termination Fee for a Skyrocket if canceled in the first 30 days. Per at&t policy i read it would be 0. I plan on buying a White Skyrocket and cancel the contract on the first week of purchase. But most importantly to Keep the Phone.
Will at&t allow me to keep the phone? I would like to keep the phone,unlock it and finally use it in my main country. I was thinking of buying a Galaxy Nexus but it is still expensive and the Skyrocket strategy plan B would be a cheaper solution if possible.
Feel free to comment. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
per at&t policy u must give the phone back during the 30 days if u cancel or change mind trust me if this was not the case people would do this all the time and i would have about 10 new devices right now
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
AT&T will bill your account the $325 Early Termination Fee, and will only remove it once you return the device. If you don't return it. I imagine they'll continue to add late fees to the bill, or eventually send you to collections if it remains unpaid. You're better off trying to find a used one on CL or eBay. Otherwise save yourself the hassle and buy it outright.
Here in Cincinnati, Cincinnati Bell will buy out your current contract with competitors, maybe you can do the same with a carrier near you. It will require a contract signed with the next carrier, with termination fees probably including the cost to buy out original contract. CBell is GSM, it might work here dependent of frequencies. Thats the only way out as I see it and keeping the device.
"Sticking it to the man" threads are not looked too good upon here.
I was looking to buy a GS3 from craigslist. But, my friend just bought a GS3 with verizon on a 2 year contract. He is switching to AT&T with an international GS3. He offered to sell me his verizon GS3, even though he is tied to a 2-year contract on it with verizon. I assume he is not going to fulfill his contract with verizon and jump ship to AT&T. My question is, can I just put my SIM into the phone and keep it for myself, or will the phone not work because I did not transfer the ESN to my account? And finally, will verizon allow me to transfer the phone to my account even though it is tied to a 2-year contract on another account. I guess I want to know all this because he wants to sell it to me at his cost, which is the $148 he paid at Walmart, and I won't be tied to a contract extension and get a great deal on the phone. Thanks for your input.
if you already have an account with verizon, then your friend will just have to pay his early termination fee and you can buy his phone and put your SIM in it. If you do not have Verizon or a SIM card, his plan can be transferred to you
I don't think he has the intention to pay the early termination fee. He just wants to sell me the phone and leave verizon. I already have verizon, so I wondering if I can just take the phone with no issues on my end, even if he defaults on his account.
ms2knights said:
I don't think he has the intention to pay the early termination fee. He just wants to sell me the phone and leave verizon. I already have verizon, so I wondering if I can just take the phone with no issues on my end, even if he defaults on his account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, verizon will blacklist the imei until the amount is paid up.
ms2knights said:
I don't think he has the intention to pay the early termination fee. He just wants to sell me the phone and leave verizon. I already have verizon, so I wondering if I can just take the phone with no issues on my end, even if he defaults on his account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not good for his credit
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
xXJay_RXx said:
That's not good for his credit
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess he doesn't really care about it, lol. I was hoping this could work out in my favor, but it seems that it will not. I thought that I could just pop my sim in the phone and use it as my own. I guess I can't get that deal.
Not at all, but if it's in nice shape you could pay his 300 or so termination fee and still be ahead, it's an expensive phone
I appreciate everyone's input. I think I may steer away from this, to avoid any problems.
People like your friend are the reason why verizon has a 350.00 early termination fee.
All he has to do is activate another phone on his line. Like an old flip phone. The SG3 will be taken off his line. And the you can add it to yours with no probelm.
Then he has to deal with ending his contract. The phones are separate from the contracts.
Rocking T2 on the S3 (V)
so if your friend wants to cancel its gonna be $350 no matter what phone he currently has (feature or smart) there might be activation fees also when switching phone on top of that
http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/16/att-next-upgrade-program/
AT&T:
http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/next.html?sf15024656=1#fbid=PD71HEOU89k
Interesting...
Also... top comment on Engadget:
OK, so I work for ATT I'll just clarify this for you guys a little. This is what we reps have been told. Basically whatever the normal price plan is for the phone you add 1/20th of the phones price to that normal plan pricing. After 12 months minimum but before 20 months you can choose to trade in your old phone and get a new one. There are no down payments for either phone so there is that, you can get an iphone 5 64GB for no money down if you have good credit XD. BUT you would then pay an extra 40 some per month to make up for it. The average installments would be $20 with smartphones usually costing about 400 or more so after 12 months you would have paid $280 or more and if you sold your old phone you could buy a new one.
POINT: This is a blatant rip off, save up your money those months and sell the phone you save money, the price you pay for this simply gives ATT a larger profit, they will then resell the old phones you turn in which by the way have to be in perfect shape or there will be an additional charge for repairs. Anyone with sense will no do this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh and how this effect the unlock policy, currently any non iphone can be unlocked after 90 days of service in good standing. On this ATT NEXT plan you cannot unlock it until after the full 20 months.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FAQ
What is AT&T Next?
AT&T offers you another choice for smartphone and tablet pricing. AT&T Next is a new way for you to get a new device every year. You have the choice after 12 monthly payments to trade it in for a new device or choose to keep it, and after 20 months, there are no more installment payments. No down payment, activation, upgrade, or financing fees are required — only sales tax on the device is due at time of purchase.
How can I take advantage of AT&T Next?
Visit att.com or a participating AT&T Company Owned Retail location to learn more about AT&T Next and to find out if you are eligible.
Are there additional charges?
Sales tax is charged on your new phone or tablet at the time of sale. There's no down payment and no activation fee.
Is a contract required with AT&T Next?
AT&T Next requires that you sign an installment agreement to pay for the device over 20 monthly payments. If you cancel your wireless service, the remaining unpaid balance on the device is due. A Wireless Customer Service Agreement (voice and data service) is required.
How many AT&T Next installment plans may I have on my account?
There's a limit of two per account.
What devices are eligible for AT&T Next?
At this time, customers can buy a smartphone or tablet with AT&T Next.
Do I own the device? Or is this a leasing offer?
The device is yours and you’re responsible for 20 monthly payments. You’re also responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to the device — both during the installment agreement period and after. We recommend you purchase the optional Mobile Insurance to protect your investment.
How do I get a new device every year with the program?
After your twelfth (12) installment payment, but before your twentieth (20) installment payment, if your wireless account is in good standing you may trade in the device. The device must be fully functional and in good physical condition. Select a new smartphone or tablet and a new 20-month agreement will start.
When I trade in my device after 12 months and get a new one, what is the length of my new installment plan?
When you trade in your device, no further installments are billed for the original device. You will start over with a new 20-month installment plan on your new device.
Will I be able to pay off this device early?
Yes, you have the option to pay off your installment agreement, but the full outstanding balance will be due immediately.
What payments are due if I cancel AT&T Next?
The full outstanding balance on your installment agreement becomes due.
What if I don't want to trade in my device after 12 months and I want to keep it?
You have the choice to either trade your phone in or keep your phone. If you keep it, after 20 months, it’s yours and no more installment payments are required.
What if my phone is damaged (e.g. cracked screen)? Can I still trade it in after 12 months?
Yes. However, we reserve the right to charge a fee to repair the device and return it to fully functional and good physical condition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a ripoff. Why is everyone trying to follow TMobile's BS? There's a reason why offer crap service.
I'm going to stick with my normal 2 year upgrades. AT&T has always offered me an early upgrade from 6 months-1year at the 2 year price. If that goes away and I have to put up with this BS, I'll be pissed.
mr_blanket said:
http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/16/att-next-upgrade-program/
Interesting...
Also... top comment on Engadget:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting... I called this when T-mobile started this. It is almost better to pay full price for phones now... If you sell your current phone 300-450 and put the rest on a credit card you will still be saving money or just pay it up front. But the cancel at any time is pretty cool idea
But this may lead us to buy unlocked devices and not deal with locked bootloaders....
AutoUnion said:
This is a ripoff. Why is everyone trying to follow TMobile's BS? There's a reason why offer crap service.
I'm going to stick with my normal 2 year upgrades. AT&T has always offered me an early upgrade from 6 months-1year at the 2 year price. If that goes away and I have to put up with this BS, I'll be pissed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am willing to bet that soon that will go away... Not sure how soon but eventually
joshuadjohnson22 said:
I am willing to bet that soon that will go away... Not sure how soon but eventually
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, this sucks. I might just start paying full price and sell the old phone. Much easier.
some quick calculations
S4 is $32/month. Would have paid $384 in a year.
If I just bought a Galaxy S4 for $629. I could sell it in a year for ~$400, so $229.
or
use your upgrade. $149 is what I spent on my Galaxy S4. Sell it for $450 in the Fall, pick up GNote3 on CL, etc. $500-550. Only out about ~$100-150. Sell GNote3 in the Spring for $450-500 for GS5.
AutoUnion said:
Yeah, this sucks. I might just start paying full price and sell the old phone. Much easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same here, as I posted above... why not get the international unlocked version and be able to flash out of the box? Now with international phone having LTE I don't see a need to get carrier phones if it will cost us so much
joshuadjohnson22 said:
same here, as I posted above... why not get the international unlocked version and be able to flash out of the box? Now with international phone having LTE I don't see a need to get carrier phones if it will cost us so much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if this also means that those early upgrades they used to give to iPhone owners are gone to. I have iPhones on the other lines on my family plan, so if I don't have an upgrade, I could bank on using one of those
AutoUnion said:
I wonder if this also means that those early upgrades they used to give to iPhone owners are gone to. I have iPhones on the other lines on my family plan, so if I don't have an upgrade, I could bank on using one of those
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think those things will die off slowly. But I doubt it will be right away
I'm curious to see what else they talk about at their keynote.
I would really like them to do what US Cellular did. They brought back Unlimited Data, but it's ONLY valid for the 2 year contract length. After that, it's gone. If you try to break your contract, the ETF is $$$$. Let them charge $40/month for it. Still worth it over Sprint/TMobile, IMO
AutoUnion said:
I'm curious to see what else they talk about at their keynote.
I would really like them to do what US Cellular did. They brought back Unlimited Data, but it's ONLY valid for the 2 year contract length. After that, it's gone. If you try to break your contract, the ETF is $$$$. Let them charge $40/month for it. Still worth it over Sprint/TMobile, IMO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will be "Blah Blah Blah we want more of your money... Blah .... we will take it with force if we have to.... Blah .... what are you going to do about it... Blah Blah.... bend over and take it.... Blah I will be charging you a fee for listening to this keynote it will appear on your bill as a $10 Keynote charge... This will be added to your monthly bill to pay for future keynotes"
I think it's nice for it to be an option. Myself, I just buy out of contract if given a choice. It's nice to offer this and the traditional plan so some people who cant afford a phone outright can get one.
All the carriers new deals are all including trading in smartphones as of late. Usually you get ripped off as you can sell it yourself for more $. Selling my year and a half old iPhone 4S almost paid for my S4 in full out of contract..
20 month = same as unlocked upfront
12 month and upgrade to newer phone = 60% of cost one year lease... what a ripoff
Well it is AT&T
AT&T users better read the fine print before rejoicing. You’re still paying the same high monthly contract price for your no-contract plan. AT&T is double dipping into your wallet when those contract monthly plans has a subsidized phone calculated into them but you’re paying full price for the phone.
AT&T Mobile No Contract.
$70/m unlimited talk.
$20/m unlimted text.
$30/m 3GB data plan.
$32/m Samsung S4 monthly payment Next program.
+$10/m device insurance.
——————————-
$162
Compare with T-Mobile, and the price you pay for unlimited talk, text, and true unlimited, you’re just paying for the talk unlimited portion on AT&T. Not to mention, the insurance is built into the Tmo Jump program.
T-Mobile
$50/m unlimited talk/text.
$20/m unlimited data plan.
$20/m Samsung S4 monthly payment.
$10/m Jump program (includes premium device insurance).
——————————-
$100/m
I guess Att thinks we can't do simple math.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
This is the most telling story I've seen about it so far...
http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/16/4528404/att-next-phone-upgrade-plans-a-huge-ripoff
mr_blanket said:
This is the most telling story I've seen about it so far...
http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/16/4528404/att-next-phone-upgrade-plans-a-huge-ripoff
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We all needs to repost this. Att needs to know we are not going for this crap.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
nthknd said:
We all needs to repost this. Att needs to know we are not going for this crap.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely. Repost, Facebook, Tweet, Link, +1, etc. Maybe this will cause a Xbox One-like backlash.
What I hate the most is that the majority of the people on this forum are stuck with AT&T until 2015 :crying:
You guys do realize this is an OPTION right? They are not forcing you to take this deal. Verizon also has a deal starting like this one as well. At least att is not forcing those with unlimited data to lose it when they want an upgrade like big red does. Att has always given OPTIONS unlike other carriers who force things down your throat. Remember that when you start typing your rant about how att sucks.
Also when was anything perfect at launch? I'm sure as time goes on and voices are heard, this plan will get made to make more sense.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
While it is an option, for now at least, so many people will fall for this scheme. People like my iPhone loving mother who is persuaded by "as seen on TV" adds will probably fall for this no matter what I say. Or teenage girls who beg their parents for the latest and greatest.
All they have to say is "NEW DEVICE EVERY YEAR". That's it. People will be overjoyed and they will make billions. Only our small subset of users will actually do the math.
Yeah att is simply bartering...if your selling something at a garage sale you always start with a high price and slowly lower until you reach an agrrement...att wants to make as much money as possible so they will start high and hopefully lower to find a price they still make profit and that people will go for...and as stated this plan is only a choice, we arent being forced to use the next plan
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
I have a $285 etf right now
Say I early upgrade to a s3 mini at $12/mo ($250 full price) with the next promo. I can just pay off the $250 and leave with no penalty? Cheaper than paying my etf and I can sell those phones as new because I wouldn't keep them.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
As the title would suggest, I going give my opinion on buying S9+. Again this is my experience and my opinions. I understand most of the community here is smart and don't need financial advice about how to spend their cash. I'll try to break it down into parts so people understand my opinion. So let's start:
So as many as you know S9 and S9+ was release 3/16/2018. There is 2 version of this phone you can get bloat or no bloatware. What do I mean? In San Diego where I live, my carrier is AT&T. They sell the S9+ at $789.99 if you do one of their payments plans. However if you want buy the device out right then the price is $940.99 this is the att version. I believe the same for Verizon and Tmoblie. But Tmoblie sell it at $839.99. If you are willing g to buy the unlocked version without carrier then it $839.99 however you have to buy it from a retailer like bestbuy or amazon.
My suggestion is to buy the phone out right and unlocked. The main reason is there is no bloatware. If you buy carrier version of the device out right from they add $100 more just to have bloatware. There is no difference hardware specs on the device. So why pay more just to have the carrier bloatware?
Now if that is not an option and you want to make payments, still buy the unlocked version and do payments with credit card. If you cant do that and you have to go thru your carrier then understand the payment plan and I advise against it. Right now all of the major carriers have deal where you can trade in your old Samsung up to $350 towards the S9 & + and its good. The catch is that credit goes towards your bill and not the device. That is crazy. Plus they give you an $150 Visa gift card. So in reality they are only giving $150 for the phone. I'm talking about AT&T. I'm pretty sure it's the same for the other carriers as well. Now my advice is to sell your device yourself and use that money towards the phone or come with at least half when you upgrade setup the payments wait a bill cycle and payoff the other half.
Honesty, buying this phone unlocked is the way to go. There is no reason to buy the carrier version since they just add bloatware and slow down performance. Plus you have the option of leaving your current carrier if they **** up your bill or there is a better deal out there.
I bought the ATT carrier locked version. The only "bloat" I see is a couple of games which I was able to uninstall. Not just deactivate, but actually uninstall. The ATT apps themselves I either uninstalled or use. Again, not disable but uninstall.
If you have the money to buy unlocked, good for you. However, the payment plans are 0% interest. Buying a 800-900 dollar phone on credit, your now paying more than what your claiming to save by buying it unlocked. Again, all the "bloat" I've noticed is uninstallable. On my last phone you could only disable them.
In my case I was able to sell my old device and only pay the difference. I considered just going through the carrier. Honestly I don't want to be held to a two year contract of paying off the device. Your right, buying a device on credit compaired to the carrier is cheaper with 0% interest. That not always going to be the case in the future. Again I'm just suggesting there options out there.
Certain cards, like best buys, offer 0% over 12 months. I upgrade every year with that and sell past generations phone and it covers about ⅔ the cost of the new phone
Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk
Though this doesn't apply to everyone, I agree with OP on going the unlocked route to ensure faster official updates directly from Samsung. I am actually going a step further and getting international unlocked model (with unlocked bootloader) as I can't imagine buying a phone that has manufacturer/carrier enforced locked boot loader.
Not really followed the Galaxy Series as of late but I'm thinking of importing the SD 845 variant (for emulation) and wondering how long until bootoader can be unlocked? Would love project treble ROMs on it.
And does the Google camera work on the SD 845 variant?
There are ups and downs to each way of doing it. Though you mention the upside of doing unlocked, there is a downside if you want to use some functions too.
One upside you didn't mention on the unlocked versions is you get the Caller ID function stock! Most carriers will charge $3 a month for their "supreme" service.
Downside of doing unlocked is you might miss out on additional carrier features as well.
- HD Calling (hit and miss on this odd one at least with Verizon on past phones)
- Wifi / VoLTE Calling
- Hotspot (there can be work around to this)