Note: I take no responsibility if you try this and it doesn't work for you...
So this was totally accidental. But I essentially bought my Note 5 for $300 after trading in two other devices for it. I ordered the note 5 on the edge plan so I could take advantage of the $200 device trade-in. As soon as I got the phone, I paid off the remaining balance so that my monthly fee essentially stayed the same (actually, it somehow got cheaper). In essence, I bought the phone outright for $496 plus tax.
But then about a week or so later, I received a text message saying "Congratulations on buying a new Note 5, you are now eligible for a $200 trade-in" along with a promo code to enter at their website. Mind you, I was skeptical at first since I already traded a phone in, but I went ahead and gave it a shot anyway figuring I've got nothing to lose. I went to the website and put in the promo code (the value of my trade-in device jumped from $1 to $200 lol), received the packaging material in the mail, sent in a pos phone, and received a $200 verizon gift card. This brought my total out of pocket with tax down to $330 for a brand new Note 5. My next step is convincing them to unlock it as I will be doing a lot of international travelling and if they think I'm going to be paying Verizon international roaming fees they are out of their damn minds.
So while I hate Verizon for locking bootloaders, disabling features, and blocking Samsung pay, along with all of their other gimmicks, I am at least a little internally satisfied that I DID get my money's worth on this particular phone. Thank you Verizon. You still suck!
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
I did something similar. About to send in my m7 and s3
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
Verizon phones are globally unlocked now I believe. Has been that way for a while now.
This has been true for the past few releases since the note 2. However nobody I have talked to at Verizon has been able to give me a straight answer on whether or not the note 5 is factory unlocked which raises my suspicion. In the past, that information was readily available and was actually used as a selling point.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
I got the same text. I wish I had a junk smartphone laying around. I thought about buying a phone on ebay, but didn't want to take the risk.
toskabab said:
This has been true for the past few releases since the note 2. However nobody I have talked to at Verizon has been able to give me a straight answer on whether or not the note 5 is factory unlocked which raises my suspicion. In the past, that information was readily available and was actually used as a selling point.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is def unlocked. Verizon was forced to unlock all LTE phones. It was part of an agreement for frequencies or bands.
Due to Lte 700 Mhz C block rules, the Verizon LTE phones have been sim/carrier unlocked.
That doesn't mean it supports all LTE bands though. You have to check the bands the phones support if you want to use them on another carrier.
I found this cool website willmyphonework.net. to check for frequencies in various countries.
Verizon Note 5 is sim unlocked but i believe they have Knox locked. Meaning you cant root the device and install custom ROMs.
This worked for me!
Thanks!
If you are on one of old's Verizon plan, I am on 1400 family plan, then I upgraded my wife's and my sister in law's phones to note 5 through Costco in California and they signed 2 years contract and got the phones subsidized at $277 including tax with free external charger. I didn't lose my unlimited data either when they upgraded.
I have edge plus that I bought at full price from best buy
Sent from my SM-G928V using Tapatalk
Related
Anyone else upgrading to a different phone within the next few months? If so which phone? Ill be upgrading to the galaxy s4 once its released
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda app-developers app
I'm downgrading actually to the iPhone 6 lol jk I want Note 3 figured if I save a dollar a day from here til it comes out I'll still be like $400 short lol
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Haha, the note 2 is already like $700, the note 3 going to be like $900? I may acquire an s4 or something new like it, but not sure whats going to be out in 5-6 months as im going army reserves and will be gone for some time
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda app-developers app
idk my contract ends on September but i asked on t-mobile and they said the earliest i can renew my contract with full discount and everything will be in march on my b-day but i might just wait till a holiday so i can get those juicy specials so maybe the s4 or note 3 on the 4th of july
anybody wanna make a new holiday?:laugh::laugh: lol
So... by the time you're renewing your contract, will T-Mo have scrapped their classic plans and phone subsidies completely yet?
My contract is due next week. I want a Nexus 4 and use it with a prepaid service. Here in PR, TMo signal is not good or maybe is this phone not being able to pick 3G. I don't know. My mom has AT&T and she has signal everywhere with her Samsung Focus. So, I think Nexus 4 with one of those minor carriers that uses AT&T network. Won't go back to a two year contract hopefully never in my life. It's been a pain in the...
My gf got a Note 2 and it's great, but without contract is too expensive, worth 2 N4. So Nexus it shall be.
Im waiting on my N4 to get here. Ive already bought the sim from straight talk. I advise any of you guys that plan on using straight talk to goto walmart.com and buy the att micro sim while its in stock. After they are gone no more att straight talk byod sims. Apparently they lost a contract with att to sell just the sims. Ill be picking up two more in the coming weeks if they are still available just because.
Chris if you are going to goto a att mvno make sure you can bring your own phone. Most of them restrict you to their phones. Atleast in the states they do.
My contract expired over a month ago and as always it will depend on $$$. I want my next device to be LTE capable. It's great that T-Mobile is finally implementing LTE yet it's only in a few markets right now. last time I looked the Note 2 was the only LTE device T-Mobile had. I heard they'll be getting the LTE capable Galaxy S3 soon. Until T-Mobile steps up with adequate devices it's pointless to upgrade yet. Just my opinion.
I'm on Chris' s same track. I also live in PR and Tmo's signal is unpredictable. My contract expired 3 weeks ago, and my wife bought me the Note 2. I can't complain, I'm in love again with my device as i was with my SGS4G. Battery life is amazing, considering the 3100mAh and running pure stock, with some bloat removed. :thumbup:
I still lurk around this community and test some of the Roms here, as I gave my SGS4 to my son.
Sent from my Die Hard Galaxy Note II
eollie said:
Im waiting on my N4 to get here. Ive already bought the sim from straight talk. I advise any of you guys that plan on using straight talk to goto walmart.com and buy the att micro sim while its in stock. After they are gone no more att straight talk byod sims. Apparently they lost a contract with att to sell just the sims.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can buy a SIM cutter for a few dollars that will punch a micro out of a standard one.
For example, http://www.amazon.com/Noosy-Generation-Micro-Cutter-adapters/dp/B005EMS1YG/ or http://www.amazon.com/QQ-Tech®-Cutter-Standard-iPhone-Adapters/dp/B009P16FKY/
(I have not used one of these, but the reviews seem good)
Posted from my SGS4G, thanks to Team Acid development
jeffsf said:
You can buy a SIM cutter for a few dollars that will punch a micro out of a standard one.
Posted from my SGS4G, thanks to Team Acid development
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or download templates online or borrow a micro one and line it up and cut it with scissors or just wing it. lol. I have an old prepaid card that I use for unlocking iPhones with (still legal in Canada) and I just winged it and cut it and it works.
jeffsf said:
You can buy a SIM cutter for a few dollars that will punch a micro out of a standard one.
Posted from my SGS4G, thanks to Team Acid development
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not a matter of the sim size. They are going to stop selling the att brand sims. It will be only T-Mobile brand sim cards.
eollie said:
Its not a matter of the sim size. They are going to stop selling the att brand sims. It will be only T-Mobile brand sim cards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does that mean that they'll also loose the tower contract with ATT? I haven't looked into it at all but isn't the tower contract part of anti monopoly law? If so is this ATT's way of finding a workaround?
I've got to say that getting off the subsidy-based plan makes far too much sense to me now, especially with T-Mobile re-farming the spectrum in the US. With better alignment of the bands, I find it hard to consider a T-Mobile-crippled phone (both hardware and firmware). When you take into account the difference in price in the plans over a two-year period, even if it is only $20 a month (and it is significantly more for me), that is $480 -- which is probably more than the subsidy would "buy" you anyways.
jeffsf said:
I've got to say that getting off the subsidy-based plan makes far too much sense to me now, especially with T-Mobile re-farming the spectrum in the US. With better alignment of the bands, I find it hard to consider a T-Mobile-crippled phone (both hardware and firmware). When you take into account the difference in price in the plans over a two-year period, even if it is only $20 a month (and it is significantly more for me), that is $480 -- which is probably more than the subsidy would "buy" you anyways.
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Click to collapse
Yep. Add to that that unlocking a carrier based phone is "illegal" and I'll only be buying non branded phones. Plus the international versions always have better specs than the US versions anyway. I don't live in an LTE area so that is far from a deal breaker for me.
hechoen said:
Does that mean that they'll also loose the tower contract with ATT? I haven't looked into it at all but isn't the tower contract part of anti monopoly law? If so is this ATT's way of finding a workaround?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No just the sims for the byod plans. I just ported my number to straight talk today. It was a pain in the ass but ugh finally. From the limited info given out straight talk just lost sim card contracts. Tower usage is still the same. But if you get the t-mobile sim you CANT connect to the att towers.
Unlocking your phone is not illegal as long as you get permission. I am on the fence on that as I think people shouldnt buy phones subsidized then unlock pay etf and change carriers. But if you have been a customer long enough for them to give the code it shouldnt be a issue.
Is the note 3 and s4 going to be LTE? I live in Tennessee and im sure theres no LTE out here but it wont bother me any.
And isnt it only illegal to unlock a phone if it was bought after a certain date? Or is it legal if you buy it straight out or from another owner
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda app-developers app
I will probably get the s4 when it comes out in April. I like the Note, but it is kinda big.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda premium
gizmoscoop said:
I will probably get the s4 when it comes out in April. I like the Note, but it is kinda big.
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Click to collapse
The note is big, i agree, so im probably getting the s4 as well, the specs are amazing
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I am on the Sprint Network and will stay with them for a variety of reasons. I have always had a contract with them and upgraded whenever that opportunity presented itself. I am no longer on a contract and I'm considering a few options. The Note 3 (probably won't go that way due to problems on voice calls), The LG G2 or the Nexus 5. Advantage of the Nexus 5 is that it is off contract but if I am staying with Sprint anyway what advantage is there to being off contract? Sprint won't discount my monthly bill as far as I know so the off contract advantage has me a bit puzzled from the purely dollars and cents point of view. I'd be happy to hear views from others as to why this seems like a good idea. I'm leaning toward the LG G2 which will likely have a better camera and battery than the Nexus 5 and it's only $99 at Sprint with the 2 year contract. I'd go for the Nexus 5 at 399 for the 32GB model if it meant something off my monthly bill but I don't see Sprint giving me a discount just because I bought the Nexus 5 off contract. What am I missing?
I am in the exact same situation as you, except I bought a Note 3 and just returned it. If the Sprint Nexus 5 is available through google play, you buy that, use your upgrade towards an iphone 5s and sell it sealed. If the Nexus 5 winds up being only available through Sprint, then I'm not so sure what I'm going to do.
You can change your mind and leave whenever you want. And with the nexus you will be able to go to any carrier you want (except Verizon).
All in all, it gives you more options on what service provider you want. I would recommend seeing what offers the best service (data and calls) and pick that carrier or see if you can go prepaid. I know straight talk offers at&t and T-Mobile Sim cards and its like $51 a month after taxes for unlimited everything with 2.5 GB uncapped data.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
ricecake2000 said:
You can change your mind and leave whenever you want. And with the nexus you will be able to go to any carrier you want (except Verizon).
All in all, it gives you more options on what service provider you want. I would recommend seeing what offers the best service (data and calls) and pick that carrier or see if you can go prepaid. I know straight talk offers at&t and T-Mobile Sim cards and its like $51 a month after taxes for unlimited everything with 2.5 GB uncapped data.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I totally agree that there are A LOT of options. I've even thought about picking up Tmo @ $30/month, but I'm on Sero, only pay $50/month for unlimited everything, and my Sprint service has been fantastic since relocating to Orlando, FL. Oh decisions decisions
Jocelyn said:
I am in the exact same situation as you, except I bought a Note 3 and just returned it. If the Sprint Nexus 5 is available through google play, you buy that, use your upgrade towards an iphone 5s and sell it sealed. If the Nexus 5 winds up being only available through Sprint, then I'm not so sure what I'm going to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boom Baby. Haha
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
Trying to weigh my options as well.
My 2 year contract expired many months ago. I can buy the 16g Nexus 5 for $150 if I sign a new 2 year agreement, I can change to the Sprint One Up plan so I can be eligible for a new phone once a year (not sure pricing details), or I can buy through the Google Playstore for $350/$400. I have so many family members tied to the plan I am on I probably wouldn't switch carriers.
So if I bought through Google and in a year's time I wanted to switch phones I guess I could sell the Nexus 5 then use my upgrade to buy whatever phone I wanted. If I buy through Sprint, the upfront cost is cheaper, but I will have to wait a couple years if I want to switch phones.
Decisions, what do ya'll think?
For someone off-contract but that wants to stick with their post-paid account, the only advantage is flexibility. If coverage or financial conditions changed, you have the choice to be able to switch providers with no termination fees.
The only real exception to that would be the newer T-Mobile post-paid accounts where they do offer plans with lower base costs per month because they split off the phone subsidy, so if you bring your own phone you pay less since you aren't using a subsidy.
If you have a high degree of confidence you will be staying with your current contract provider and that other things like your financial situation will remain stable, I would say it makes more sense to just re-up with them and choose whatever phone you want from them. As far as which one, read some reviews and then try them out in-person at your local provider's store. Everyone has slightly different things they want out of phones, so without specific criteria it would be hard to say whether a Nexus 5 would still be the best phone for you.
I agree with you, flexibility is the main advantage of staying off contract. I've had an S3 for the last couple of years and am getting the itch to switch. If the HTC One came out today I would probably get that because I love the looks and build of it and I liked my original Evo, but it's so "old" now I want something newer - LG G2, Nexus 5 or some other upcoming phone.
electricpope said:
For someone off-contract but that wants to stick with their post-paid account, the only advantage is flexibility. If coverage or financial conditions changed, you have the choice to be able to switch providers with no termination fees.
The only real exception to that would be the newer T-Mobile post-paid accounts where they do offer plans with lower base costs per month because they split off the phone subsidy, so if you bring your own phone you pay less since you aren't using a subsidy.
If you have a high degree of confidence you will be staying with your current contract provider and that other things like your financial situation will remain stable, I would say it makes more sense to just re-up with them and choose whatever phone you want from them. As far as which one, read some reviews and then try them out in-person at your local provider's store. Everyone has slightly different things they want out of phones, so without specific criteria it would be hard to say whether a Nexus 5 would still be the best phone for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It always amazes me how people would rather be in a contract that will require them to pay between $1-2,000 more over two years, instead of buying a phone outright and upfront, and save the money. Unless someone is too broke to afford a phone upfront... Of course if you can't afford a phone upfront, you likely can't afford a $100 monthly cell phone bill either.
wvcadle said:
It always amazes me how people would rather be in a contract that will require them to pay between $1-2,000 more over two years, instead of buying a phone outright and upfront, and save the money. Unless someone is too broke to afford a phone upfront... Of course if you can't afford a phone upfront, you likely can't afford a $100 monthly cell phone bill either.
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Click to collapse
Sure, but for people who only pay $50/month for essentially unlimited everything ( 1000 landline minutes, unlimited mobile minutes, texts, and data), subsidizing phones works in our favor.
We've been w/Sprint forever and have numerous phones on the account. I'm one of the ones who pays $50 for unlimited. I'm assuming I would continue to pay $50/month whether I bought a phone outright or through contract. I doubt if I bought a phone off contract my bill would be lower than $50/month.
Jocelyn said:
Sure, but for people who only pay $50/month for essentially unlimited everything ( 1000 landline minutes, unlimited mobile minutes, texts, and data), subsidizing phones works in our favor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your on contract, why not buy the phone through google play and just use that on Sprint til you leave for ATT/Tmo?
I'm off contract, like a year now.
SageWilliams said:
If your on contract, why not buy the phone through google play and just use that on Sprint til you leave for ATT/Tmo?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, pretty rudimentary question, but: I am interested in getting a Nexus 5 because I hear the Nexus line gives you the least trouble among Android phones for installing custom ROMs and doing rooting and such. I am trying to decide whether to buy from Google vs from T-Mobile (my current carrier). Google has the phones available but says they take three weeks to ship. T-mobile sent me an email saying they now have them available; when I called them they said they had already sold out and so could not give me a price, but when in stock again they *might* be able to offer me a discount compared to Google's wholesale price.
Here's my question: T-mobile did say that if I ordered from them, the phone would be carrier-locked. They said they had the ability to unlock the phone "free of charge" (wondering if there's a catch there…). I honestly do not care if the phone is carrier-locked or not, but like I said I specifically am getting this phone in order to minimize nonsense when installing custom ROMs or OSes other than Android. Will buying a "locked" phone, or in general buying a phone from T-mobile rather than direct from Google, create any obstacles to mucking about with the phone's software? Is there some "correct" way to order the Nexus 5 (I know with HTC you have to order a special "developer version" from a separate page) other than just the Play link on the google.com/nexus5 page?
Thanks
I've been a long standing T-Mobile customer for years now. I had NO problems when I purchased my Nexus 5 from Google Play (was one of the first lucky ones). All you do is put your SIM card in the phone before you power it up. Its the new small (micro) SIM cards. I never needed to have my phone unlocked.
Don't you let anyone fool you on thinking its a different phone if you purchase it through T-Mobile instead of the Play Store. It's the same phone.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Difference is it will be about 100 more if you get it from tmo
sent from my beantastic almost retired Bionic
It didn't take weeks to ship maybe two weeks for the black version. I ordered my nexus 5 November 13 and had it in my hands the 15th. Order the white 32gig if you want it fast. Otherwise pay 100$ for the same exact phone though T-Mobile.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
ldubs said:
Difference is it will be about 100 more if you get it from tmo
sent from my beantastic almost retired Bionic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hah!
When I talked to T-mobile on the phone, one of the reps said they could probably get me a discount if I ordered through them, and the other one said it might cost more…
Maybe I'll just go ahead and order rather than wait around just to get a price that might well be higher anyway. Thanks y'all
mcc111 said:
Hah!
When I talked to T-mobile on the phone, one of the reps said they could probably get me a discount if I ordered through them, and the other one said it might cost more…
Maybe I'll just go ahead and order rather than wait around just to get a price that might well be higher anyway. Thanks y'all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no might lol. It will cost more than play store.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
I have what I think may be a complicated question which I can't seem to find the answer to regarding T-Mobile's promo with paying your previous carrier's Early Termination Fee. I'm thinking of switching from Verizon to T-Mobile and currently have a Galaxy S4. I understand in order to qualify for the promotional phone prices you need to trade-in your old device.
Here's the Question of the day...
Before switching over to T-Mobile, can I just swap/activate my (Verizon) Samsung Galaxy S4 with my old (Verizon) Samsung Stratosphere, so THAT'S the phone they take from me? Because I would love to keep my Galaxy S4 to sell or even for just play!
So, in other words...
Does the phone you trade in to T-Mobile NEED to be the exact same model that you had when starting/renewing your most recent 2 year contract with Verizon you think?
calebcabob said:
IDoes the phone you trade in to T-Mobile NEED to be the exact same model that you had when starting/renewing your most recent 2 year contract with Verizon you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently made the switch from Verizon to T-Mobile (best decision I've made in my life). I didn't do the ETF promotion, since I made the switch the day after my contract was over and was bringing my own device. I don't remember exactly what was involved, but I remember that they needed access to my Verizon account info (not just my phone number). I remember having to go to VZW's website on my phone, looking for a previous bill that had my full account number on it, so they could put it in their computer and port everything over to their service.
Seeing as how the Stratosphere is 4 years old, and they'll have at least some access to your account information, I really doubt that they'll take your old phone instead of your S4. I can't say for certain, obviously, but I really, really doubt it. I would venture to guess that when you grant them at least some access to your account, they can also see what phone you're on contract with. While the way to "sway/activate" your device is simply swap which phone your SIM card is in, I think they'll still know that you're on contract for the S4, and not the 4 year old Stratosphere.
FWIW, paying the ETF fees for Verizon might be better than simply turning over your S4, but that depends on how much you have left on your contract. If it costs, say, $250 to break your contract, and your phone is in good condition, it might be prudent to pay the ETF and sell the phone after making the switch. But I don't think you'll be able to pull one over on T-Mobile and give them your dinosaur phone. Either you'll have to finish your contract or pay the ETF to keep your phone, or you'll have to turn in in to T-Mobile to have them pay the ETF.
I happily stuck it to "Big Red" when I switched. I needed a warranty replacement on my Droid Razr Maxx (the battery was about to explode). So I went to the store, but the entire country was out, so they had to send me a Razr Maxx HD instead. The day I received the replacement was the day my contract was up, so I switched to T-Mobile, sent back my Razr Maxx, and sold the Maxx HD on eBay for $275. Speeds and coverage in Tucson with T-Mo is better than Verizon, it's cheaper, and I have UNLIMITED EVERYTYING. Best decision of my life.
Was upgrading to the Note 10+ and saw the BOGO offer and also, if you order online, you get $150 Visa Gift card... After looking further, and calling AT&T Directly, I found out that those two promos only apply if you add a new line or are a new customer. Is that the same across the board with all carriers or just with AT&T?
Gargamel198024 said:
Was upgrading to the Note 10+ and saw the BOGO offer and also, if you order online, you get $150 Visa Gift card... After looking further, and calling AT&T Directly, I found out that those two promos only apply if you add a new line or are a new customer. Is that the same across the board with all carriers or just with AT&T?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon was the same. Only the BOGO offer if you add a new line. And Verizon was only going to give me $400 trade-in for my S10+. I preordered through Best Buy and they gave me $600 for my trade-in. Preorder bonuses/gifts suck this time around.
My wife and I are both T users and we both were looking to upgrade - until all the details were released last night.
My prior phones were rooted while my Wife bought a phone from T. I have been debating if I still need a rooted phone or not. The main things the custom XDA roms provide me is availability to use AdBlocker, Hotspot, and of course access to the lastest ROMs and features at the sacrifice of getting the latest and greatest T CSC.
But now I see that the "5G' model is not available on T. It might come out later in the year. But it will locked to T. Getting a 5G phone was a good justification to upgrade even though there will NEVER be 5G service in the sticks where I live.
We think we will hold off for now.
Flame Red said:
My wife and I are both T users and we both were looking to upgrade - until all the details were released last night.
My prior phones were rooted while my Wife bought a phone from T. I have been debating if I still need a rooted phone or not. The main things the custom XDA roms provide me is availability to use AdBlocker, Hotspot, and of course access to the lastest ROMs and features at the sacrifice of getting the latest and greatest T CSC.
But now I see that the "5G' model is not available on T. It might come out later in the year. But it will locked to T. Getting a 5G phone was a good justification to upgrade even though there will NEVER be 5G service in the sticks where I live.
We think we will hold off for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And the T-Mobile version will be an upgraded phone with the Qualcomm x55 modem. It will support more bands and downward compatible. Consume less power I'll give you a better 5G experience.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
aplusmiami said:
And the T-Mobile version will be an upgraded phone with the Qualcomm x55 modem. It will support more bands and downward compatible. Consume less power I'll give you a better 5G experience.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But the US Snapdragon phone are locked and since you won't have root you cannot change the CSC from TMOB to T like you could years ago? Or are you saying you can use the TMOB 5G model on T?
Verizon is giving me 450 off an old Note 8 sitting around here and the 150 dollar credit with Samsung. I didn't qualify for the BOGO, but I'm satisfied.
Take a look at Best Buy, I got $600 off trade-in for my AT&T S10+