Related
PLEASE DON"T BASH ME FOR MY CAPITALIST THOUGHTS, HELPFUL CRITICISM WELCOME
Hello Everyone. I've been doing research for the past couple of days and I've noticed that on ebay, a brand new unlocked iPhone 4 is selling for upwards of $1,000 while a brand new Captivate can be had for about $300-400.
I am still within the 30 day return period for my phone. I am thinking about returning my phone, getting the iPhone 4, unlocking it and selling it on ebay, then buying my dearly beloved Captivate for non-contract price on ebay or somewhere else.
By doing this I could make a profit of minimum $200 and max about $500. Are there any laws forbidding this? If not, then it's definitely in a legal grey area. Has anyone out there ever done this before? Thanks for the help
Update 1: Ok, purchased my second Captivate on Ebay for $380
Update 2: Traded in my first Captivate for an iPhone 4. They had to activate the iPhone in store, thus rendering my original SIM unusable and leaving me with a microSIM. I was bummed out. I thought I had to go to an AT&T store for them to transfer me back to a regular SIM. It turns out that microSIMs work in the Captivate! All you have to do is position it right Took me 3 tries to get it to work.
Phase 3: Sell iPhone 4 on ebay for a profit
What laws would prevent you from selling your property? You get the phone subsidized because you pay the 2 year contract. If you are still in your window feel free to do that, if you think it is your best option and you will actually make that amount of money on the phone.
You're not breaking any laws at all, you're maneuvering within your rights. Knock yourself out.
Thank you for the positive feedback, I feel this plan is coming to fruition
Er, I'm not sure why consulting Jesus is necessary. There is nothing morally incorrect about this.
As for legality: In some cases, eBay will prevent you from doing this (they did so with the Xbox 360, Wii, and PS3, I believe), but it is usually due to the companies contacting them and asking them to do so. In other words, it is usually something voluntarily enforced by certain companies for whatever reasons. In most cases, however, they will not do this, and I don't believe they're doing so for the iPhone 4.
I understand there are also some out there who find the concept of buying something then selling it higher elsewhere due to shortages is morally objectionable, but frankly, I haven't heard a good argument for why it is yet.
To get to the point, if you so desire to get an iPhone 4 and sell it on eBay for profit, it is entirely up to you.
good luck being able to unlock the iphone.
the jailbreak is broken on 4.02 and you need to jailbreak to unlock
all phones are shiping at least with 4.02 and soon 4.1
Yea, unlocking it is your main issue.
The only reason the phones that exist sell so high is because they're unlocked... An ATT user won't buy a locked phone for $1000 when they can buy it for $200 from ATT...
WWJD?
Seems o.k. to me...thanks for asking.
Jack
I live by WWZ(Zilch)D. So far I've gotten 2 STD's, bricked my captivate 37 times and it's caught fire (twice). This isn't working out so good for me.
I don't see any reason why this would be morally objectionable or against any laws.
Morally speaking, cell phones are not a necessity, they are luxury, so it is worth whatever people are willing to pay for it; its not like you are overcharging for medicine, food, or shelter.
Legally speaking, you purchased the phone and I am pretty sure it does not say anywhere in the contract that you must keep the phone until your contract is up; or else they wouldn't offer early upgrades since that would endorse contract violations.
And as far as WWJD, he would probably give the phone away for free and buy a new one, and I don't think you want to do that...
Lets get this straight, I'm pretty sure Jesus would use his magic to turn a huge profit and blow it on drugs and hookers. Isn't that what revelations was about? It's been a while since sunday school.
I did this back when I had an iPhone 3g. I sold it when My contract ended to get a backflip for $100 on a new 2 year, then turned around and sold it for $300+, so I had around $550 to play around with, and at&t didn't care.
Also, installed clockworkmod and quickboot on a captivate at at&t today, but didn't have time to root it
I'd say go ahead with it. I mean, $1000 for an okay phone is stupid, but if people are buying it, then it makes them stupid (or ignorant, as they apparently aren't aware of the Galaxy S series). In fact, this sounds like a good idea...I might want to do it!
IMO, the iPhone 4 should sell for around $500 unlocked on eBay...
So you do have a backup phone right?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Hydrocharged said:
I'd say go ahead with it. I mean, $1000 for an okay phone is stupid, but if people are buying it, then it makes them stupid (or ignorant, as they apparently aren't aware of the Galaxy S series). In fact, this sounds like a good idea...I might want to do it!
IMO, the iPhone 4 should sell for around $500 unlocked on eBay...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah my projected value of $1000 may seem a bit high, they average around $600-$800 for unlocked 16GB brand new iPhone 4
sevenvt said:
So you do have a backup phone right?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah I foresaw this as a problem as well, I figured I would just purchase a captivate at non-contract price now, and wipe and exchange the original Cappy for the iPhone 4 so I won't go through any withdrawal symptoms while the iphone is selling on ebay. Yeah I'll have to front some money but I should double my investment. Plus, I got $250 for selling my 1 yr old unlocked iphone 3G so I already have some spending money. Man people will pay lots of money for iCrap
Ryukeima said:
Legally speaking, you purchased the phone and I am pretty sure it does not say anywhere in the contract that you must keep the phone until your contract is up; or else they wouldn't offer early upgrades since that would endorse contract violations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually, and correct me if I'm wrong, fairly certain the terms of service for buying a SUBSIDIZED phone (which, if you buy as an upgrade is subsidized) requires you to activate and use it on your line. they claim if you don't use it on one of your lines, they will charge you the difference or equivalent early termination fee.
now for how they enforce that or how often is probably extremely low. for instance, my sister used my mother's upgrade option to buy an iPhone 4 and the AT&T corporate store even did the process for us in the store. clearly they don't genuinely care, but I believe it's within their right to charge you for breaking the terms of the contract.
And then if the iphone doesnt sell and ask those people on ebay are just waiting for rubes? I would be careful of using ebay as a measuring stick for the actual selling prices on the iphone, considering its off contract price.. Edit: nevermind there is none, all contract. I wish you luck with your iphone... Personally if I was going to buy a 1000 dollar phone I just get an ipad, hope no one is that smart
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
If I were to buy a $1000 phone, it'd be a Samsung Galaxy S with a bug-free Froyo and without any trace of Touchwiz
I'd definitely do that. I actually did it once with the iPhone 3GS, made a really nice profit. I usually find ways to get my phones for decent prices and save my contract for an iPhone to do what you're thinking of doing.
Hydrocharged said:
If I were to buy a $1000 phone, it'd be a Samsung Galaxy S with a bug-free Froyo and without any trace of Touchwiz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No no a galaxy tab
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
So I wired my younger brother the money to pick up my phone in the US and send it back with my grandparents who are there visiting... He went to AT&T today and they denied him the ability to purchase me the phone off contract. He said he tried for a little, but they kept saying that they would not sell it to him off contract. I told him to try and go back if he can, but he might not be able to due to work and my grandparents leaving soon.
Can AT&T actually deny selling the phone off contract? I told him that if he is able to go back, to tell them that it is being sold from AT&T stores for $549.00 and to ask how it is possible for them to deny the sale.
I understand that they dont make money selling phones, but rather the service, but to just deny him is crazy...
Thoughts? Opinions? Suggestions?
Thanks everyone! Have been at this android thing for almost a year and I am still without one...
I have never heard of them denying someone to purchase a phone off contract. Tell him to go to Target or Wal Mart they sell att phones off contract.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
I'm not sure if there is one near him unfortunately... I guess I should mention he lives in Boston at the moment, not cool on the part of the AT&T he went to.
Do you happen to know how much Walmart and Target are selling them for?
they can deny anything to anyone. but you can buy it on there website. they dont want to run out and are hoping that this will attract many new contracts so they prefer to sell to new subscribers. my att reps dont care either way and i had the option to buy outright, i shoulda taken that option but it is too late now. im not sure if i can cancel an early upgrade in the first month like a new contract.
Heuser1 said:
I'm not sure if there is one near him unfortunately... I guess I should mention he lives in Boston at the moment, not cool on the part of the AT&T he went to.
Do you happen to know how much Walmart and Target are selling them for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
about $50-$100 more as far as i can tell but some regions are jacking up the price even in the at store. i think it is $579 on att's website. my store is $549 but some stores may be $600 or more
Is he a ATT customer. It is true they wont sell to non customers and they dont have to.
Crazy how some places jack up the price like that. The reason I cannot order it online is because I would have to pay a 16% tax for it to get through customs here in the Dominican Republic. So i have been trying to coordinate with friends and family that have been in the US and this was my big chance so say.
Pretty annoyed about this, seems like everytime I try to get a phone i am unsuccesful for one reason or another. Already had the issue with the G2X not being quad-band.
I hope he was able to go back this evening and get it... Not sure what to do next if that doesn't work out.
Ya. Inspire was $399 off contract at att. Went to buy at best buy because I had a 10% coupon and they wanted $599 for the thing! No.thanks! I'd call corporate and complain about the store. Either way its bad customer service for them to turn you down like that. "Can I give you $550 for this item" rep "no" ... "only $199" doesn't make sense. I'd raise hell. I realize they make money off the data plans and.contracts and how att works but either way you look at it that's poor customer relations and incorrect information directly from a.corporate store.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA Premium App
Best buy will always price match. I have done it with many off contract phones there.
jthornton71707 said:
Ya. Inspire was $399 off contract at att. Went to buy at best buy because I had a 10% coupon and they wanted $599 for the thing! No.thanks! I'd call corporate and complain about the store. Either way its bad customer service for them to turn you down like that. "Can I give you $550 for this item" rep "no" ... "only $199" doesn't make sense. I'd raise hell. I realize they make money off the data plans and.contracts and how att works but either way you look at it that's poor customer relations and incorrect information directly from a.corporate store.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think the infuse is only 399 off contract anywhere. I just looked online on att.com and its 550. If you can show me where to get it for 400 bucks I'm buying right now.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Alex2x3 said:
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Off topic - I hate you because you have a Transformer and I don't.
I'm not sure I'd plunk down that much for the infuse anyway. It has the same gps issues as the captivate and nexus s phone. To me I'd buy an iPhone and have your brother send it along with your grandparents or even an atrix. I like my phones to work right.
galaxyjeff said:
I'm not sure I'd plunk down that much for the infuse anyway. It has the same gps issues as the captivate and nexus s phone. To me I'd buy an iPhone and have your brother send it along with your grandparents or even an atrix. I like my phones to work right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the gps if far better than the galaxy s phones. trust me on that. it can use altered settings as it has quirks but the gps is not the same hardware or drivers and is by far improved
Alex2x3 said:
I don't think the infuse is only 399 off contract anywhere. I just looked online on att.com and its 550. If you can show me where to get it for 400 bucks I'm buying right now.
The inspire not infuse
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA Premium App
Was at at&t store and thought I remember seeing off contract price of $549.00 I am in KC, Mo.
Sent from my Infuse 4G using XDA Premium
As long as you have a active account with AT&T then they will sell you a phone out of contract or no commitment pricing. If you don't have a account they don't have to sell it to you
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App
Dani897 said:
they can deny anything to anyone. but you can buy it on there website. they dont want to run out and are hoping that this will attract many new contracts so they prefer to sell to new subscribers. my att reps dont care either way and i had the option to buy outright, i shoulda taken that option but it is too late now. im not sure if i can cancel an early upgrade in the first month like a new contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+++ Inventory is thin right now. They would rather sell that phone with a contract, which they probably did short after. Or if not, at least sell to a current customer.
Heuser1 said:
I'm not sure if there is one near him unfortunately... I guess I should mention he lives in Boston at the moment, not cool on the part of the AT&T he went to.
Do you happen to know how much Walmart and Target are selling them for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you happen to know what store in Boston he went to? I live in Boston and was able to buy one from the Downtown Crossing store with no issues. Just be nice to the AT&T reps and don't look/act like a grey market reseller
Heuser1 said:
So I wired my younger brother the money to pick up my phone in the US and send it back with my grandparents who are there visiting... He went to AT&T today and they denied him the ability to purchase me the phone off contract. He said he tried for a little, but they kept saying that they would not sell it to him off contract. I told him to try and go back if he can, but he might not be able to due to work and my grandparents leaving soon.
Can AT&T actually deny selling the phone off contract? I told him that if he is able to go back, to tell them that it is being sold from AT&T stores for $549.00 and to ask how it is possible for them to deny the sale.
I understand that they dont make money selling phones, but rather the service, but to just deny him is crazy...
Thoughts? Opinions? Suggestions?
Thanks everyone! Have been at this android thing for almost a year and I am still without one...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, AT&T rep told me that first couple of weeks no AT&T store will sell a new phone without contract.
You have to go to bestbuy for that. I bought mine there for $599 without contract.
Another option is online purchase from AT&T's website for $549 without contract, but there may be some issues with that.
Heuser1 said:
So I wired my younger brother the money to pick up my phone in the US and send it back with my grandparents who are there visiting... He went to AT&T today and they denied him the ability to purchase me the phone off contract. He said he tried for a little, but they kept saying that they would not sell it to him off contract. I told him to try and go back if he can, but he might not be able to due to work and my grandparents leaving soon.
Can AT&T actually deny selling the phone off contract? I told him that if he is able to go back, to tell them that it is being sold from AT&T stores for $549.00 and to ask how it is possible for them to deny the sale.
I understand that they dont make money selling phones, but rather the service, but to just deny him is crazy...
Thoughts? Opinions? Suggestions?
Thanks everyone! Have been at this android thing for almost a year and I am still without one...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just happened to me today as i got my Infuse...
ATT store said that they do not sell new phones off contract for the first month after release....
I had to go to Radio Shack to buy the phone...
Hello everyone,
Times are tough. I need my phone for work but at the same time I also need some cash. Sadly I have to stick with my old Captivate. My plan was to sell my skyrocket, which I am already falling in love with.
I renewed my contract with ATT today at a ATT authorized small carrier dealer (Chinese shop). They ended up giving me the skyrocket for free. But the guy warned me that if I tried to sell the skyrocket then AT&T will terminate my contract. On my contract with this shop (AWG in San Gabrial Valley, CA), it says if my contract gets terminated in any kind of way within 180 days then I will owe AWG $300 for each PCS line. I have a family plan. He said if I wait 2 months then I can sell the phone, but not to sell it right away and that I need to use the phone during this 2 month period. He also said if I had an iPhone I would have to keep it for 6 months!
I don't know if this is true because I see people selling phones on craigslist left and right. Does anyone have any advice for me? Would AT&T really terminate my contract just because I choose to use my old phone?
SORRY FOR THE LONG POST! I hope you guys can help me here.
Its not true u can sell it your stuck with the sim card and bill for 2 years but u can sell the device ive done it so have many many others. Thats the great thing about phones with sim cards u can sell or trade them at your discretion. I traded my sgs2 for the skyrocket.
You should be able to sell it. The phone its self is not bindingly tied to the sim card it has. People do it with iphones, and well, every phone out there. I don't think at&t would terminate you for selling a phone. Now, if you sold/lost your phone with the sim card still in it and someone were to rack up alot of charges, then yeah, you might be penalized. If you do intact get charged, att cancels your contract, your cat gets eaten by a dog that subsequently gets hit by a car that gets hit by a semi, don't blame me as, I just was browsing and chimed in
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
bzmotoninja83 said:
You should be able to sell it. The phone its self is not bindingly tied to the sim card it has. People do it with iphones, and well, every phone out there. I don't think at&t would terminate you for selling a phone. Now, if you sold/lost your phone with the sim card still in it and someone were to rack up alot of charges, then yeah, you might be penalized. If you do intact get charged, att cancels your contract, your cat gets eaten by a dog that subsequently gets hit by a car that gets hit by a semi, don't blame me as, I just was browsing and chimed in
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
silver03wrx said:
Its not true u can sell it your stuck with the sim card and bill for 2 years but u can sell the device ive done it so have many many others. Thats the great thing about phones with sim cards u can sell or trade them at your discretion. I traded my sgs2 for the skyrocket.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks guys. Yeah, I don't understand why ATT would terminate my contract out of the blue, specially for using my old phone. It just doesn't make sense or add up. I really wish I could have been apart of this great community. I hope ICS comes to you guys real soon.
Also, your sig on your internet speed and it being comcast = hilarious haha. For a second I thought it was your mobile phones speed!
Please, if anyone has a horror story of this actually going wrong. Chime in and let me hear. But if you guys have successfully sold your phones or traded them with no problems then let me know also.
Ahmen!
this is my phone speed 35.21mbps download
You would only be penalized if the line in question is cancelled. I work for At&t in the city of long beach (company owned retail) and we get customers in our stores that do the same thing... if its not blackberries, its iPhones... but yeah. You could definately sell the phone, but u gotta keep the 2 year commitment.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S2 Skyrocket using xda premium
Your contract and at least the $15 per month smart phone data plan as well, from how I understand.
Sent from my páhhōniē
Will a LTE sim work in a 3g phone? I know commingle from an infuse to a Skyrocket I had to get a new simcard. Not sure if that would affect your contract
SKYROCKET
whodat006 said:
Will a LTE sim work in a 3g phone? I know commingle from an infuse to a Skyrocket I had to get a new simcard. Not sure if that would affect your contract
SKYROCKET
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes! I took the sim out of my phone LTE Skyrocket and put it in my old cappy to get my contacts on it..LONG STORY WHY I WENT THIS WAY...but none the less..I kept the SIM in the phone for 3 days with no issues. Works fine!
imjester77 said:
Yes! I took the sim out of my phone LTE Skyrocket and put it in my old cappy to get my contacts on it..LONG STORY WHY I WENT THIS WAY...but none the less..I kept the SIM in the phone for 3 days with no issues. Works fine!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice
SKYROCKET
theli0ntamer said:
You would only be penalized if the line in question is cancelled. I work for At&t in the city of long beach (company owned retail) and we get customers in our stores that do the same thing... if its not blackberries, its iPhones... but yeah. You could definately sell the phone, but u gotta keep the 2 year commitment.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S2 Skyrocket using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I think you gave me more better reinforcement along with everyone else here. I'll be sure to hit the thanks meter on all you guys.
I can't believe someone would blantantly lie like that. That's absurd.
Sent from my Galaxy S2
Simba501 said:
I can't believe someone would blantantly lie like that. That's absurd. AT&T would lose a lot of customers if what that guy told you was the case.
Sent from my Galaxy S2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You also have to remember it came out of a retailers mouth not a corporate agent. I will only deal with cor stores. The hell with retailers
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
gr8hairy1 said:
Your contract and at least the $15 per month smart phone data plan as well, from how I understand.
Sent from my páhhōniē
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You Dont have to keep the data plan. Very common misconception.
Newter55 is correct. Remove that data plan and save yourself $25 (or $15) a month. As long as the line in question is active, you will be fine. I know going into corporate retail can be a major drag, but it beats dealing with authorized retailers... it seems like lately 95% of fraud gets tracked back to dealers... everytime I get manager escalation regarding fraud, its the first question I ask my customers.. and 9 times out of 10, it all goes back to them. The funny part is when u try to contact the dealer and they act like you are speaking Swahili lol...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
Read your contract very carefully. If it's something like the contract that I signed with Amazon, if I remove my phone/data package within the first 6 months, I will get charged $250 (from Amazon, not from AT&T). This is partly because I got the phone for $.01, instead of $249 like I would have paid directly through AT&T.
This is usually only the case with e-tailers. I have not yet seen this type of thing from authorized retailer stores, but there's a first time for everything.
I work in customer care at ATT
Lol naa. You can sell it but u have to pay for you plan for the 2 years. People do it all the time aell/trade phones. If you pay your bill for the length u signed for u can sell it now
shimmyx20 said:
Read your contract very carefully. If it's something like the contract that I signed with Amazon, if I remove my phone/data package within the first 6 months, I will get charged $250 (from Amazon, not from AT&T). This is partly because I got the phone for $.01, instead of $249 like I would have paid directly through AT&T.
This is usually only the case with e-tailers. I have not yet seen this type of thing from authorized retailer stores, but there's a first time for everything.
I work in customer care at ATT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
silver03wrx said:
Lol naa. You can sell it but u have to pay for you plan for the 2 years. People do it all the time aell/trade phones. If you pay your bill for the length u signed for u can sell it now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly my concern is too. I got the phone from Amazon for $0.1 and I am thinking about selling it and getting either the LG Nitro or Samsung Note but I'm worried about Amazon charging me $250.
It all depends where you bought it; read your contract. Do you have a contract with just AT&T, or do you have one with your retailer as well? If you have a contract with your retailer, for instance Amazon has contracts, you will pay a penalty if you change anything or take the phone off the line, even if you change the number. If you don't have a contract with your retailer, then you just have to deal with AT&T--for instance you bought the phone at Best Buy or a Corporate store. They don't seem to care what you do, as long as you pay your bill. Be careful, many AT&T stores look corporate, but are actually third party retailers.
Again, read your contract/contracts. Don't trust the advice of people who haven't read YOUR contract.
Nakel said:
It all depends where you bought it; read your contract. Do you have a contract with just AT&T, or do you have one with your retailer as well? If you have a contract with your retailer, for instance Amazon has contracts, you will pay a penalty if you change anything or take the phone off the line, even if you change the number. If you don't have a contract with your retailer, then you just have to deal with AT&T--for instance you bought the phone at Best Buy or a Corporate store. They don't seem to care what you do, as long as you pay your bill. Be careful, many AT&T stores look corporate, but are actually third party retailers.
Again, read your contract/contracts. Don't trust the advice of people who haven't read YOUR contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree completly i bought a tmobile phone from amazon and sold it no penality same with att. They dont even know you sold it amazon cant monitor you att acount too see if you changed devices on your account. You sir are wrong. That would mean if you had an old phone and wanted to pop your sim out of your new one and use the old one amazon would charge you 250 because ur not using that phonE. Amazon does not know they get money from ATT for selling you the 2 year contract.... if you terminate you contract before the 2 years then yes they can charge you for it
Hello all, and first off, let me say congratulations on getting official CM10 and CWM support!
Here's my story (and before anyone asks, I have searched the forums for an answer, but was unsuccessful with finding my specific questions): I am currently on AT&T (was Alltel before they were bought out) with an HTC Aria and my contract for a grandfathered plan was up long ago. It is time for me to upgrade to something a little more modern and I have settled on the Blaze because of its size (I'd like a GNex, but my hands are too small) and a number of reasons. But the biggest reason is that, as I understand, it has full compatibility with both AT&T and T-mobile's 3g (4g for t-mobile) and 2g/EDGE networks.
I don't really like AT&T as a company and I also really like the monthly 4g plans that t-mobile offers. My problem is that according to t-mobile's prepaid coverage map, I won't have data service for most of the area I travel back and forth in (upper midwest USA). And as much as I dislike AT&T, they have good 3g service almost everywhere I go. So, I'd like to be able to take my current sim card and switch it and a t-mobile sim at will while I test out both service providers.
Therefore, my questions are as follows:
1) Where is the best place to buy a blaze off contract? I'd like to get one on ebay because of the price (~$200 is what I have set aside for a new phone), but there aren't that many there, and even fewer that specifically say they are unlocked - which leads to question 2.
2) Can I unlock any phone that is not on a contract (basically anything I would buy used online)? I spoke with a rep from T-mobile and he seemed to indicate that I could only unlock a phone if I was the original purchaser of it and the plan (and account) to go with it. Therefore, according to him, I would have to make sure the phone I bought was already unlocked, otherwise there would be no chance of unlocking it in the future. I would think (possibly incorrectly) that as long as I have a t-mobile account (I plan on buying and activating the $30 monthly 4g plan as soon as I receive the device to compliment my current ATT service), they shouldn't have a problem with giving me the unlock code because they did not subsidize the phone. Could anyone clear this up?
3) There are a number of sites claiming to sell unlock codes for a myriad of devices. I would consider something like that if there was no other way to unlock a second hand phone, but only if I was sure it would work and the site was legit. Are any of these sites legitimate and have you had experience with any of them?
It would be considerably cheaper and easier to find a used device that isn't unlocked, but like I said, I'm not sure if that would bite me in the rear because there is a strong chance that I will stick with AT&T due to them having service where I travel. Thanks for taking the time to read this text wall, and I can't wait to join the Blaze community! Keep up the good work!
Goodbye_Alltel said:
Hello all, and first off, let me say congratulations on getting official CM10 and CWM support!
Here's my story (and before anyone asks, I have searched the forums for an answer, but was unsuccessful with finding my specific questions): I am currently on AT&T (was Alltel before they were bought out) with an HTC Aria and my contract for a grandfathered plan was up long ago. It is time for me to upgrade to something a little more modern and I have settled on the Blaze because of its size (I'd like a GNex, but my hands are too small) and a number of reasons. But the biggest reason is that, as I understand, it has full compatibility with both AT&T and T-mobile's 3g (4g for t-mobile) and 2g/EDGE networks.
I don't really like AT&T as a company and I also really like the monthly 4g plans that t-mobile offers. My problem is that according to t-mobile's prepaid coverage map, I won't have data service for most of the area I travel back and forth in (upper midwest USA). And as much as I dislike AT&T, they have good 3g service almost everywhere I go. So, I'd like to be able to take my current sim card and switch it and a t-mobile sim at will while I test out both service providers.
Therefore, my questions are as follows:
1) Where is the best place to buy a blaze off contract? I'd like to get one on ebay because of the price (~$200 is what I have set aside for a new phone), but there aren't that many there, and even fewer that specifically say they are unlocked - which leads to question 2.
2) Can I unlock any phone that is not on a contract (basically anything I would buy used online)? I spoke with a rep from T-mobile and he seemed to indicate that I could only unlock a phone if I was the original purchaser of it and the plan (and account) to go with it. Therefore, according to him, I would have to make sure the phone I bought was already unlocked, otherwise there would be no chance of unlocking it in the future. I would think (possibly incorrectly) that as long as I have a t-mobile account (I plan on buying and activating the $30 monthly 4g plan as soon as I receive the device to compliment my current ATT service), they shouldn't have a problem with giving me the unlock code because they did not subsidize the phone. Could anyone clear this up?
3) There are a number of sites claiming to sell unlock codes for a myriad of devices. I would consider something like that if there was no other way to unlock a second hand phone, but only if I was sure it would work and the site was legit. Are any of these sites legitimate and have you had experience with any of them?
It would be considerably cheaper and easier to find a used device that isn't unlocked, but like I said, I'm not sure if that would bite me in the rear because there is a strong chance that I will stick with AT&T due to them having service where I travel. Thanks for taking the time to read this text wall, and I can't wait to join the Blaze community! Keep up the good work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.) Good luck. Not many people are willing to sell their blaze, especially after the past couple weeks three weeks ago you could have had a lot of takers ebay would be your best bet
2.) Tmobile rep led to you like they're supposed to. anybody can request an unlock code for their phone. Naturally if you're on their plan, they'll verify that you are the owner of the account, but still. That being said, just because you can ask doesn't mean they'll give out. If you had a plan (not prepaid) for a year or two in good standings with no late payments and said you were going out of the country for a couple months and want to use your phone on a foreign gsm network, they'd bee more inclined. As a brand new prepaid customer, good luck. Best of buying it unlocked or getting the unlock code elsewhere.
3.) I've had success and failure here. Most places are what they say, but some won't deliver. Always do research. Google that site or business to see if anybody has complained. And use paypal when you can, you could always claim you didn't get the service you paid for. Same goes with ebay buyer protection.
that chapter book out of the way, always always always research as much as you can. For all you know, I could be lying through my teeth right now
Sent from my CM10 powered Galaxy S Blaze 4G
jparnell8839 said:
1.) Good luck. Not many people are willing to sell their blaze, especially after the past couple weeks three weeks ago you could have had a lot of takers ebay would be your best bet
2.) Tmobile rep led to you like they're supposed to. anybody can request an unlock code for their phone. Naturally if you're on their plan, they'll verify that you are the owner of the account, but still. That being said, just because you can ask doesn't mean they'll give out. If you had a plan (not prepaid) for a year or two in good standings with no late payments and said you were going out of the country for a couple months and want to use your phone on a foreign gsm network, they'd bee more inclined. As a brand new prepaid customer, good luck. Best of buying it unlocked or getting the unlock code elsewhere.
3.) I've had success and failure here. Most places are what they say, but some won't deliver. Always do research. Google that site or business to see if anybody has complained. And use paypal when you can, you could always claim you didn't get the service you paid for. Same goes with ebay buyer protection.
that chapter book out of the way, always always always research as much as you can. For all you know, I could be lying through my teeth right now
Sent from my CM10 powered Galaxy S Blaze 4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice. I would also consider buying one brand new from t-mobile if I knew I could unlock it right away. Do you think they would unlock a prepaid blaze if I bought it brand new and at full price from them through this link? http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-phone/Samsung-Galaxy-S-Blaze-4G-No-Annual-Contract
Otherwise I'll be sure to buy one unlocked off ebay, as it seems that most unlock codes are $25 to $50, which would negate pretty much any cost savings by buying one off ebay that wasn't unlocked.
Code:
[INDENT][/INDENT]
Goodbye_Alltel said:
Thanks for the advice. I would also consider buying one brand new from t-mobile if I knew I could unlock it right away. Do you think they would unlock a prepaid blaze if I bought it brand new and at full price from them through this link? http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-phone/Samsung-Galaxy-S-Blaze-4G-No-Annual-Contract
Otherwise I'll be sure to buy one unlocked off ebay, as it seems that most unlock codes are $25 to $50, which would negate pretty much any cost savings by buying one off ebay that wasn't unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like the other reply. If you bought it from t mobile and said you had to go out of county for work. And would appreciate the unlock code to use other GSM networks. While away. They get commission, so if unlock is the deal breaker, they'll prob give it to you. Or if you ask enough pple. Nicely I'm sure someones bound to give it to you.
I don't recall an unlock code thread here on xda
I've been with t mobile for 12 years if I happen to stop at a t mobile (which I plan too) ill ask for code
Goodbye_Alltel said:
Hello all, and first off, let me say congratulations on getting official CM10 and CWM support!
Here's my story (and before anyone asks, I have searched the forums for an answer, but was unsuccessful with finding my specific questions): I am currently on AT&T (was Alltel before they were bought out) with an HTC Aria and my contract for a grandfathered plan was up long ago. It is time for me to upgrade to something a little more modern and I have settled on the Blaze because of its size (I'd like a GNex, but my hands are too small) and a number of reasons. But the biggest reason is that, as I understand, it has full compatibility with both AT&T and T-mobile's 3g (4g for t-mobile) and 2g/EDGE networks.
I don't really like AT&T as a company and I also really like the monthly 4g plans that t-mobile offers. My problem is that according to t-mobile's prepaid coverage map, I won't have data service for most of the area I travel back and forth in (upper midwest USA). And as much as I dislike AT&T, they have good 3g service almost everywhere I go. So, I'd like to be able to take my current sim card and switch it and a t-mobile sim at will while I test out both service providers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you considered a carrier like StraightTalk? StraightTalk is a MVNO which resells both T-Mobile AND AT&T service. You can specify what kind of SIM you want when you order it online. Their service prices are pretty good, and in theory their network is basically either AT&T or T-Mo depending on which one you pick.
I've seen mixed reviews on their service and whether or not they'd throttle you on excessive service... some great, some bad, so it'd be caveat emptor, but if your usage pattern doesn't change, you'll likely be fine. Either way, it's up to you to do your own research (as someone else mentioned).
Goodbye_Alltel said:
Therefore, my questions are as follows:
1) Where is the best place to buy a blaze off contract? I'd like to get one on ebay because of the price (~$200 is what I have set aside for a new phone), but there aren't that many there, and even fewer that specifically say they are unlocked - which leads to question 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like eBay. Craigslist can be a little scary because the phone may or may not be stolen. T-Mobile and AT&T have already started disabling phones by their IMEI that have been reported stolen by the user or by the insurance. Soon they'll also start sharing that database, so the phone won't work anywhere in North America if that's the case. There are plenty of scams when it comes to craigslist where a "brand new phone" is purchased and then suddenly reported stolen because it was noticed missing from a back room.
This was my biggest fear in buying my S3. On eBay you get to see things like ratings on the sellers so you can find someone trustworthy, like I did Also, make sure to exercise common sense. If something's too good to be true, it very well may be.
Goodbye_Alltel said:
2) Can I unlock any phone that is not on a contract (basically anything I would buy used online)? I spoke with a rep from T-mobile and he seemed to indicate that I could only unlock a phone if I was the original purchaser of it and the plan (and account) to go with it. Therefore, according to him, I would have to make sure the phone I bought was already unlocked, otherwise there would be no chance of unlocking it in the future. I would think (possibly incorrectly) that as long as I have a t-mobile account (I plan on buying and activating the $30 monthly 4g plan as soon as I receive the device to compliment my current ATT service), they shouldn't have a problem with giving me the unlock code because they did not subsidize the phone. Could anyone clear this up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can unlock any phone you buy, legal or otherwise. T-Mobile has never cared if I was the original purchaser or not, and they shouldn't. They'll only care if it's an original T-Mobile phone or not. T-Mobile will give you an unlock code for a phone as long as you've had 90 days of uninterrupted service. On prepaid they want you to have 60 days (I think) with enough of a balance in your account to pay for another month's service. Not sure about the prepaid requirements, but you can look those up online.
Also, if you just wanna test service, I wouldn't do the monthly 4g $30, I'd do a daily. $3/day gets you relatively unlimited access, and you only need a few days worth to make a decision. Plus, you likely wanna switch to one of the better all-you-can-eat plans, and wouldn't want to be stuck for a month with the cheaper plan. It isn't easy to switch until the month is up.
Goodbye_Alltel said:
3) There are a number of sites claiming to sell unlock codes for a myriad of devices. I would consider something like that if there was no other way to unlock a second hand phone, but only if I was sure it would work and the site was legit. Are any of these sites legitimate and have you had experience with any of them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had good luck purchasing codes from eBay. Never had them not work. But with everything eBay, make sure you're using someone reputable.
Goodbye_Alltel said:
It would be considerably cheaper and easier to find a used device that isn't unlocked, but like I said, I'm not sure if that would bite me in the rear because there is a strong chance that I will stick with AT&T due to them having service where I travel. Thanks for taking the time to read this text wall, and I can't wait to join the Blaze community! Keep up the good work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's cheaper to find it locked, then just get it locked and buy an unlock code later. If you aren't going to use AT&T service, then you don't need to SIM unlock the phone anyways. The phone will automatically work on t-mobile, unlocked or not. Finding a good carrier is difficult, I know.
If you decide to try straight talk, you could probably go with a T-Mobile SIM that wouldn't require unlocking the phone. If you find the service lacking, you could switch to an AT&T sim and then deal with unlocking the phone.
Hope this helps.
Good point about Straight Talk. I didn't mention it in my original post, but that was my third option for service. As for getting an unlocked device, I'll probably have to buy one whether it's locked or not pretty soon, after seeing how much activity has been going on here lately, lol. Ebay again seems to be the cheapest route for getting an unlock code, and I'll have their buyer protection and Paypal in case the code does not work. (I will first, of course, call and/or online request t-mobile for an unlock after I get my T-mo account setup. Maybe I'll get lucky about unlocking before their traditional 60 days of prepaid service - if not, off to ebay it is cause I need to get my current ATT sim + number on it asap)
As for ebay codes, I've seen some cheap services that promise to unlock a phone by setting up some software on my computer and plugging the phone into the computer. They then do the unlock online. They are a lot cheaper than the regular "give us carrier and IMEI and we email code" services also found on ebay and the like. Can I trust this unknown software to be running on my computer and hacking into my phone?
I have not seen or heard of T-mobile's daily plans (like the $3/day you mention). Could you provide a link to where I can find more info on these plans? Also, if you think the $30/monthly unlimited text, data, and 100 minutes plan isn't that great, what plan(s) would you recommend? I am certainly never going to sign another contract, so prepaid or monthly is the only long term option if I decide to kill my grandfathered AT&T data plan (which is looking less likely as I know that I can expect good service where I go). I'm thinking you may be pointing me to one of their plans that allows data roaming on T-mobile affiliates? Because their post-paid data map looks a lot better, even comparable to AT&T.
If it's a T-Mobile phone and you have T-Mobile as your carrier, you can call customer care and tell them you just got service with them and are going overseas and need it unlocked so you can use a foreign sim card in it. Thay usually works well.
If not, ask to speak to a supervisor. When transferred, ask the person if they are a supervisor or just an escalation rep. If they are not a supervisor, ask them if they can help you still.
If they won't, ask to speak to an actual supervisor and try again. If all else fails, you do have a window of time to cancel, so you can always tell them you are thinking of canceling and they will probably transfer you to a retention rep. That one's a gamble since you're bluffing.
If retention won't help, hang up in the middle of a sentence and call back. Chances are, you will get a different call center and you can say you got disconnected and try the process again.
That gives you up to 6 potential reps who can help... and they can. I was customer care for a couple years and then in corporate engineering for several years. They are flexible, you just have to play the game.
Probably not the answer you want, but it's what you will have to do to get it unlocked quickly
Goodbye_Alltel said:
Good point about Straight Talk. I didn't mention it in my original post, but that was my third option for service. As for getting an unlocked device, I'll probably have to buy one whether it's locked or not pretty soon, after seeing how much activity has been going on here lately, lol. Ebay again seems to be the cheapest route for getting an unlock code, and I'll have their buyer protection and Paypal in case the code does not work. (I will first, of course, call and/or online request t-mobile for an unlock after I get my T-mo account setup. Maybe I'll get lucky about unlocking before their traditional 60 days of prepaid service - if not, off to ebay it is cause I need to get my current ATT sim + number on it asap)
As for ebay codes, I've seen some cheap services that promise to unlock a phone by setting up some software on my computer and plugging the phone into the computer. They then do the unlock online. They are a lot cheaper than the regular "give us carrier and IMEI and we email code" services also found on ebay and the like. Can I trust this unknown software to be running on my computer and hacking into my phone?
I have not seen or heard of T-mobile's daily plans (like the $3/day you mention). Could you provide a link to where I can find more info on these plans? Also, if you think the $30/monthly unlimited text, data, and 100 minutes plan isn't that great, what plan(s) would you recommend? I am certainly never going to sign another contract, so prepaid or monthly is the only long term option if I decide to kill my grandfathered AT&T data plan (which is looking less likely as I know that I can expect good service where I go). I'm thinking you may be pointing me to one of their plans that allows data roaming on T-mobile affiliates? Because their post-paid data map looks a lot better, even comparable to AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have always stayed away from anything that requires a cable. If they can't get you a code based on your IMEI, I don't bother. I used one of those once and I don't remember if it ever worked or not.
The daily plans don't seem to be well advertised on the site. I found them this time around by going to the "no annual contract plans" and then scrolling down to the bottom for daily and other services. Check it out here. I believe their prepaid coverage map hasn't been updated in ages on the site. Supposedly their prepaid coverage map is about 98-99% like their postpaid one. The main difference between the two is that prepaid doesn't allow you to do conditional call forwarding. This is necessary if you want to use another service for voice mail instead of T-Mobile's crappy voicemail.
When I signed up for Tmo they gave me 30 days to confirm if I wanted the contract. You can get a plan and if you dont like it you can just return it before the first 30 days are up and only pay for the minutes you used. This was a big deal for me as I cam from ATT like you, but needed to knwo how well the Tmo service was. I would suggest getting the unlimited everything for $60 a month. Tmo I must say has pretty good customer service. I have had a few problems with them but all it takes is a little social engineering on the phone (saying sprint/whoever will pay your ETF) and you can get some pretty good stuff
I got $10 knocked off my bill for the duration (18months or so) off my bill for an overcharge I got. I also got two free blazes 2 months before my contract was up for free as well. Plus, when/if they are bought out there is a good chance contracts will be altered/changed allowing you to get out of your contract early
Thanks for all the advice, guys. I feel like I have all the knowledge I need to go ahead with my plans. Now I just have to play the waiting game for the "right" one to pop up on Ebay. I will report back to this thread when I receive my blaze and whether I was successful with unlocking it, and any first impressions.
On a side note, does anyone know if the new 64 GB microSDXC cards are supported by the blaze? I just know that I'm gonna feel the pinch of 32 GB eventually, lol. (I already had to be picky and choosy about what was on my 16 GB card before it died)
dispozable said:
When I signed up for Tmo they gave me 30 days to confirm if I wanted the contract. You can get a plan and if you dont like it you can just return it before the first 30 days are up and only pay for the minutes you used. This was a big deal for me as I cam from ATT like you, but needed to knwo how well the Tmo service was. I would suggest getting the unlimited everything for $60 a month. Tmo I must say has pretty good customer service. I have had a few problems with them but all it takes is a little social engineering on the phone (saying sprint/whoever will pay your ETF) and you can get some pretty good stuff
I got $10 knocked off my bill for the duration (18months or so) off my bill for an overcharge I got. I also got two free blazes 2 months before my contract was up for free as well. Plus, when/if they are bought out there is a good chance contracts will be altered/changed allowing you to get out of your contract early
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when I had tmo a couple years ago it was 30 days. I just signed up early september, its down to 7 days :/
Goodbye_Alltel said:
Thanks for all the advice, guys. I feel like I have all the knowledge I need to go ahead with my plans. Now I just have to play the waiting game for the "right" one to pop up on Ebay. I will report back to this thread when I receive my blaze and whether I was successful with unlocking it, and any first impressions.
On a side note, does anyone know if the new 64 GB microSDXC cards are supported by the blaze? I just know that I'm gonna feel the pinch of 32 GB eventually, lol. (I already had to be picky and choosy about what was on my 16 GB card before it died)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope. there's not many devices out there that support SDXC yet. As time goes on, it'll gain more popularity, but lets face it, as awesome as it is, the blaze is only a mid range device. I wouldnt trade it for any other phone out there, i love my blaze, but still.
jparnell8839 said:
when I had tmo a couple years ago it was 30 days. I just signed up early september, its down to 7 days :/
nope. there's not many devices out there that support SDXC yet. As time goes on, it'll gain more popularity, but lets face it, as awesome as it is, the blaze is only a mid range device. I wouldnt trade it for any other phone out there, i love my blaze, but still.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that's mildly disappointing, but it doesn't affect my decision making about the phone. I'll have to somehow get by with only 32GB of storage. Speaking of which, how close is a solution to the camera only being able to save to the paltry internal storage? I do like to take lots of pictures with my phone, so this is obviously something I would hope to find a solution to.
Goodbye_Alltel said:
Well, that's mildly disappointing, but it doesn't affect my decision making about the phone. I'll have to somehow get by with only 32GB of storage. Speaking of which, how close is a solution to the camera only being able to save to the paltry internal storage? I do like to take lots of pictures with my phone, so this is obviously something I would hope to find a solution to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do that with cm9. Idk why cm10 doesn't have it :/
Sent from my CM10 powered Galaxy S Blaze 4G
jparnell8839 said:
You can do that with cm9. Idk why cm10 doesn't have it :/
Sent from my CM10 powered Galaxy S Blaze 4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. In a sense, CM9 has a bunch more features. When CM10 started, they basically started from scratch, and the focus was on project butter and some other things. Then they had to start forward porting their CM9 additions into CM10. There are a bunch of things in CM10 now that weren't there just a week or two ago. I think the camera thing will come, just like other features. It seems like the features are starting to come quicker too.
Keep an eye on the changelog. It lists the changes with each release
Goodbye_Alltel said:
On a side note, does anyone know if the new 64 GB microSDXC cards are supported by the blaze? I just know that I'm gonna feel the pinch of 32 GB eventually, lol. (I already had to be picky and choosy about what was on my 16 GB card before it died)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought a 64gig card off Newegg about 3 months ago and it's been working just fine in this phone. In fact, what I read online indicated that just about every "recent" Android phone had no problems reading them at all.
So hey, ther'es that.
And yeah, having 64gigs is nice, especially since this phone has such small amount of user storage on the phone.
Cirkustanz said:
I bought a 64gig card off Newegg about 3 months ago and it's been working just fine in this phone. In fact, what I read online indicated that just about every "recent" Android phone had no problems reading them at all.
So hey, ther'es that.
And yeah, having 64gigs is nice, especially since this phone has such small amount of user storage on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it standard sd or sdxc? I read the specs said it doesn't support it :/ but, trial and error trumps all I suppose
Sent from my CM10 powered Galaxy S Blaze 4G
jparnell8839 said:
Is it standard sd or sdxc? I read the specs said it doesn't support it :/ but, trial and error trumps all I suppose
Sent from my CM10 powered Galaxy S Blaze 4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all 64gb microsd are categorized as sdxc, and most of recent android phones do work with them.
I just switched to T-Mobile and got 3 Blaze phones. They should arrive today. I only took them because they were free, and I didn't want to pay for GS3's. I'll be selling one right away after the Note 2 is released. If your still looking for one in a couple weeks, lemme know.
Rob the plumber said:
I just switched to T-Mobile and got 3 Blaze phones. They should arrive today. I only took them because they were free, and I didn't want to pay for GS3's. I'll be selling one right away after the Note 2 is released. If your still looking for one in a couple weeks, lemme know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, can I ask a HUGE favor? can you not root them immediately?
I'm trying to help the dude that's been helping me with the CM access. He wants to get a copy of a partition in a virgin state (ie... not rooted or modified at all). He's trying to find a way to reset the flash counter. I'm trying to assemble a stock ROM that will be pre-rooted and won't trigger the counter.
If you can avoid rooting 1 (or better yet, 2 in case more testing necessary), I'd really appreciate it. And it'll help the community in the end
I won't root them. What do you need?
Sent from my SGH-T769 using Tapatalk 2
Hey guys, now that the pixel 3 is $500, i think i'm ready.
I figure it should hold me over until 5g is ready in my area. I don't feel they need right now to drop $1300 on a 5g phone that won't get any 5g for a long time.
During internet searches i find conflicting info on whether or not an the unlocked pixel 3 at best buy is unbranded and unlocked or just unlocked.
I use ATT and prefer my phone not be branded to any carrier.
Which if i'm reading right is the way google sells them.
But some say the unlocked one at best buy is really a verizon version, just unlocked.
I'm going on vacation in a week, so just driving over and buying it would speed things up. I'd like to have a week to make sure all as good as for i'm not bringing 2 phones with me. Also time to get silicone case to protect it.
Any input is appreciated,
Thanks,
Joe
BTW, if this has been covered before and you know where to find the thread, just please link me.
I keep coming up with pixel and pixel 2 answers, not the 3.
jcar302 said:
Hey guys, now that the pixel 3 is $500, i think i'm ready.
I figure it should hold me over until 5g is ready in my area. I don't feel they need right now to drop $1300 on a 5g phone that won't get any 5g for a long time.
During internet searches i find conflicting info on whether or not an the unlocked pixel 3 at best buy is unbranded and unlocked or just unlocked.
I use ATT and prefer my phone not be branded to any carrier.
Which if i'm reading right is the way google sells them.
But some say the unlocked one at best buy is really a verizon version, just unlocked.
I'm going on vacation in a week, so just driving over and buying it would speed things up. I'd like to have a week to make sure all as good as for i'm not bringing 2 phones with me. Also time to get silicone case to protect it.
Any input is appreciated,
Thanks,
Joe
BTW, if this has been covered before and you know where to find the thread, just please link me.
I keep coming up with pixel and pixel 2 answers, not the 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy it from Google. Save yourself a lot of aggravation in the long run. If you can't get it in time then either have it shipped to where you'll be or wait until you get home.
bobby janow said:
Buy it from Google. Save yourself a lot of aggravation in the long run. If you can't get it in time then either have it shipped to where you'll be or wait until you get home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can live with the waiting if need be. (although it would be nice to take pics of the kids with something alot less beat than my s7)
But out of curiosity, any particular reason you feel this way?
jcar302 said:
Hey guys, now that the pixel 3 is $500, i think i'm ready.
I figure it should hold me over until 5g is ready in my area. I don't feel they need right now to drop $1300 on a 5g phone that won't get any 5g for a long time.
During internet searches i find conflicting info on whether or not an the unlocked pixel 3 at best buy is unbranded and unlocked or just unlocked.
I use ATT and prefer my phone not be branded to any carrier.
Which if i'm reading right is the way google sells them.
But some say the unlocked one at best buy is really a verizon version, just unlocked.
I'm going on vacation in a week, so just driving over and buying it would speed things up. I'd like to have a week to make sure all as good as for i'm not bringing 2 phones with me. Also time to get silicone case to protect it.
Any input is appreciated,
Thanks,
Joe
BTW, if this has been covered before and you know where to find the thread, just please link me.
I keep coming up with pixel and pixel 2 answers, not the 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Verizon deal for $499.99 is only if activated on Sprint. They sell an "activate later" phone that should be unbranded since it is not available on an installment plan, but that is $599.99. The one with in-store AT&T activation may or may not be branded and is $549.99 Notice the "starting at" $499.99 disclaimer on the main phone page. Either way, if branding (or lack of) is important to you I would want to see it come out of the box in person. Also keep in mind that none of these are definitely the same as the Google version with unlockable bootlader. They might be, but only way to find out for sure is to try unlocking or to at least see the imei number to get an idea.
https://www.bestbuy.com/wireless/tr...aseType=FULL_SRP&numberOfPayments=1#/carriers
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/google...e-unlocked-just-black/6319226.p?skuId=6319226
You are looking at the xl.
No big deal, but I just want the 3. (i was starting to wonder if i was crazy, since my page said $399 activated now and $499 no activation)
Regardless, if there is confusion or a chance i won't get an unmolested pixel 3, i'll order straight from google.
Any clue how fast google gets you a phone? I'd hope they have regional distributors.
Thanks,
Joe
jcar302 said:
You are looking at the xl.
No big deal, but I just want the 3. (i was starting to wonder if i was crazy, since my page said $399 activated now and $499 no activation)
Regardless, if there is confusion or a chance i won't get an unmolested pixel 3, i'll order straight from google.
Any clue how fast google gets you a phone? I'd hope they have regional distributors.
Thanks,
Joe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do not buy from Best Buy if you care about a "clean" unbranded phone. That's all there is to it. Get it from Google for $499 and wait for it and forget the pics if you can't get it in time. Unless you can have them send it to your vacay location depending on your travel plans. Don't bother looking at a device in BB before you buy it. They are each and every one branded with restrictions across the board. Not sure about local distributors most are sent from Illinois.
bobby janow said:
Do not buy from Best Buy if you care about a "clean" unbranded phone. That's all there is to it. Get it from Google for $499 and wait for it and forget the pics if you can't get it in time. Unless you can have them send it to your vacay location depending on your travel plans. Don't bother looking at a device in BB before you buy it. They are each and every one branded with restrictions across the board. Not sure about local distributors most are sent from Illinois.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all the advice, i ordered through google this morning.
Says delivery 14-15th so that's not too bad.
I'm also not feeling real guilty about $500. Phones have gotten so expensive, but the reality is that i only go on the internet, make phone calls and use apps that control other devices. Not really some kind of power user and i'd bet any phone feels good coming from a 3+ year old s7.
Just didn't want something $1000+
I bought from Best Buy, it's the same as the one sold from Google. It's unlocked with an unlockable bootloader and I use it on VZW. There's a lot of misinformation in this thread.
jakdillard said:
I bought from Best Buy, it's the same as the one sold from Google. It's unlocked with an unlockable bootloader and I use it on VZW. There's a lot of misinformation in this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's entirely possible but, unfortunately, BB sales people are basically clueless when it comes to those issues. What about the eSim is that available as well on the device you bought?
There have been too many horror stories coming out of the BB buying experience so unless you know exactly what you're looking for and can look at the device before purchase then it is best to avoid the possibility of failure. I'm also not sure about the RMA experience at BB. I know if you buy it from Google and something goes wrong they will advance ship you a replacement. Then you can transfer and send back your old phone with no downtime. Does BB offer that as well if you don't buy the $9/month warranty service? If BB says you have to replace it through Google then the device is not the same since you have to send back the old one before they ship you a replacement. If you're buying an unlocked phone I don't see any reason to buy it from any place other than Google.
The Google devices have an IMEI that begins with 99. If yours is that then you have a Google device. If not then it's not the same.
bobby janow said:
That's entirely possible but, unfortunately, BB sales people are basically clueless when it comes to those issues. What about the eSim is that available as well on the device you bought?
There have been too many horror stories coming out of the BB buying experience so unless you know exactly what you're looking for and can look at the device before purchase then it is best to avoid the possibility of failure. I'm also not sure about the RMA experience at BB. I know if you buy it from Google and something goes wrong they will advance ship you a replacement. Then you can transfer and send back your old phone with no downtime. Does BB offer that as well if you don't buy the $9/month warranty service? If BB says you have to replace it through Google then the device is not the same since you have to send back the old one before they ship you a replacement. If you're buying an unlocked phone I don't see any reason to buy it from any place other than Google.
The Google devices have an IMEI that begins with 99. If yours is that then you have a Google device. If not then it's not the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man look esim✓ unlocked phone✓ unlockable bootloader✓ IMEI 990✓ SKU GA00457-US✓ it's the same phone. I don't post much anymore, but at one point in time I used to be a ROM developer. I know phones very well. Also just as to see the box, all the info you need is on it.
jakdillard said:
Man look esim✓ unlocked phone✓ unlockable bootloader✓ IMEI 990✓ SKU GA00457-US✓ it's the same phone. I don't post much anymore, but at one point in time I used to be a ROM developer. I know phones very well. Also just as to see the box, all the info you need is on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good information for us, thanks. I'd not seen that posted here before, at least not in the entirety like you just did.