I've found bits and pieces of info, but nothing really direct, so here's my situation.
I'm up for an upgrade with tmobile. There's some good black friday deals coming up, the s3 for $50, for instance (with new contract, not sure if thats an upgrade price as well). I don't really want the s3, so I'm considering buying any hot phone and flipping it so I can get what I want, maybe even buy a used mid-range smartphone and pocket some cash. I know many people have done this, but I'm worried about potential problems that can occur.
What are the chances of being caught by tmobile and being suspended? If I receive my upgrade by mail (which is most likely), do I need to worry about activating/deactivating it before I switch phones and sell it? I don't really care about opening the package, probably will in any case to remove the sim. Is there any way I can get the retail store to unlock it? Tell them I'm going to use it overseas or something? Any other issues anybody knows of?
The biggest risk is probably buying a used phone off ebay or craigslist, which, even if everything is clean and straightforward, I know can end up badly. Ideally, I would just buy one from a retailer, giving me peace of mind and a warranty. But, if the difference is spending $200 vs. pocketing $200 plus an upgraded phone (I'm still using the G1 by the way), then I would seriously consider doing any work necessary.
Anyone have some experience?
I've got a Galaxy SIII on contract that used to expire in December but now expires in April. If I choose to take the Edge Program and upgrade "early", would I have to turn in my SIII or could I sell it on my own and apply that money toward a new phone?
I am torn between liking the ability to upgrade sooner, and hating the fact that my basic plan rate will not change even if I purchase the phone. It used to be that we subsidized our phones over two years on the plan, now, we pay subsidized rates PLUS Edge rates. So, effectively Verizon has raised our rates, if we choose to go Edge, right? Well, I digress... I am mainly interested in whether or not I can sell my phone or if I have to turn it in, and is the Edge Program really worth it for someone who can't stomach having a phone that is two years old... LOL
So with Edge you can get more frequent upgrades through verizon but it's as if you're buying the device off-contract and paying for it over time. Once you've paid at least half of the device's full price + at least 6 months has gone by you can choose to "Edge up" and get a new phone immediately by trading in your old phone. Thing is the cost you're paying monthly has been refreshed to the full price of the new device.
It's not really a good deal since you're essentially paying $300 + your old phone for a new one, plus it guarantees Verizon more income since each edge ensures you're paying full price.
You can get the same deal by waiting 6 months, selling your phone, buying a new one off contract. In many cases this may actually be cheaper. The GS3 is on the verge of going below $300 on eBay (in fact I think it already has). But of course that's an added hassle some don't want to deal with.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4
Div033 said:
So with Edge you can get more frequent upgrades through verizon but it's as if you're buying the device off-contract and paying for it over time. Once you've paid at least half of the device's full price + at least 6 months has gone by you can choose to "Edge up" and get a new phone immediately by trading in your old phone. Thing is the cost you're paying monthly has been refreshed to the full price of the new device.
It's not really a good deal since you're essentially paying $300 + your old phone for a new one, plus it guarantees Verizon more income since each edge ensures you're paying full price.
You can get the same deal by waiting 6 months, selling your phone, buying a new one off contract. In many cases this may actually be cheaper. The GS3 is on the verge of going below $300 on eBay (in fact I think it already has). But of course that's an added hassle some don't want to deal with.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4
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Ah, OK. That makes sense. I'm gunning for the Note 3 when it arrives. Then I guess I can put the Note 3 on their device payment plan like I did my Note 10.1 (instead of Edge). The advantage being I get something from my old phone. Cool.
If you have a minute read post 1 and post 3 that I wrote on the ac forums. The edge program is beyond a ripoff. It's designed to rob you blind and get you trapped even without a contract and with no device subsidy (because let's be honest if you could whip out a wad of cash any time you wanted you probably wouldn't be on this kind of plan anyways). http://forums.androidcentral.com/showthread.php?t=297933
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
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I see Samsung $200 rebate on Note 4. Would they have a similar rebate on Edge as well? Or since this will be limited edition they might not.
JoganJani said:
I see Samsung $200 rebate on Note 4. Would they have a similar rebate on Edge as well? Or since this will be limited edition they might not.
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They will do the same thing but when you get down to it its not worth it.
What they are saying in the fine print.
You must trade in a working phone that has a trade in value of $10 or more.
They will only give you a prepaid visa card for the difference.
So if you trade in a iphone 5 and they give you $200 for it. Then samsung will give you nothing.
If you trade in a LG flex and say they give you $150 for it. then samsung will give you the rest to make it 200 which would be $50.
Also you have to wait a few weeks after submitting all the paper work to get it.
I normally just sell my old phone on ebay and get way more money.
Ive S4. At&t version, unlocked. I do not think I can get more $200 for it, so I'll just trade in in case there is a rebate/trade-in program .
You should use Swappa (xda-developers online marketplace). Especially if it bootloader unlocked, means more valuable and I would not give those away to recyclers. Finite number of bootloader unlocked s4's out there.
I really wish price being in this range, Samsung gives some trade in rebate.
cyanprinter said:
You should use Swappa (xda-developers online marketplace). Especially if it bootloader unlocked, means more valuable and I would not give those away to recyclers. Finite number of bootloader unlocked s4's out there.
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And I am one of the lucky unlocked S4 guys. Thinking about holding on to it as a spare since it's such a good phone. I still have my bootloader unlocked i777 too....thinking about holding onto that as well... these things are hard to find.
About the rebate...I'd just pick up an Iphone 4 and use that as a trade in.
Why Samsung is not offering rebate like they did for Note 4 and S5.
I'm thinking to get the 8+. I currently have the 7 Edge and have been with Tmo for several years.
I've always purchased my phones from Tmo directly. In fact, I've always purchased directly from the Carrier I've been on.
I'm thinking to pre-order the 8+ from Samsung, primarily to save the $130 down, and pay the increased monthly payments.
I'm on the original Jump, includes 2 upgrades annually without paying any balance due on device jumping from.
Are there any drawbacks/downsides regarding going directly to Samsung?
Does Samsung check credit or does Tmo as before, and does my plan, including Jump stay the same, including using Jump to pre-order the 8+ and not owe any money on the 7 Edge?
Biker1 said:
I'm thinking to get the 8+. I currently have the 7 Edge and have been with Tmo for several years.
I've always purchased my phones from Tmo directly. In fact, I've always purchased directly from the Carrier I've been on.
I'm thinking to pre-order the 8+ from Samsung, primarily to save the $130 down, and pay the increased monthly payments.
I'm on the original Jump, includes 2 upgrades annually without paying any balance due on device jumping from.
Are there any drawbacks/downsides regarding going directly to Samsung?
Does Samsung check credit or does Tmo as before, and does my plan, including Jump stay the same, including using Jump to pre-order the 8+ and not owe any money on the 7 Edge?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buying on samsung is not the same as buying from T-Mobile. You pay with a credit card or PayPal or Samsung Finance. Nothing to do with jump or T-Mobile, but they do ship the Free promo stuff with the phone.
Biker1 said:
I'm thinking to get the 8+. I currently have the 7 Edge and have been with Tmo for several years.
I've always purchased my phones from Tmo directly. In fact, I've always purchased directly from the Carrier I've been on.
I'm thinking to pre-order the 8+ from Samsung, primarily to save the $130 down, and pay the increased monthly payments.
I'm on the original Jump, includes 2 upgrades annually without paying any balance due on device jumping from.
Are there any drawbacks/downsides regarding going directly to Samsung?
Does Samsung check credit or does Tmo as before, and does my plan, including Jump stay the same, including using Jump to pre-order the 8+ and not owe any money on the 7 Edge?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ordering from Samsung you pay the phone off in full upfront or if you use Samsungs financing you will have a bill completely separate from T-Mobile for your S8+.
And thats the better option to finance it separate so it can be network unlocked in case you decide to switch carriera
Biker1 said:
I'm thinking to get the 8+. I currently have the 7 Edge and have been with Tmo for several years.
I've always purchased my phones from Tmo directly. In fact, I've always purchased directly from the Carrier I've been on.
I'm thinking to pre-order the 8+ from Samsung, primarily to save the $130 down, and pay the increased monthly payments.
I'm on the original Jump, includes 2 upgrades annually without paying any balance due on device jumping from.
Are there any drawbacks/downsides regarding going directly to Samsung?
Does Samsung check credit or does Tmo as before, and does my plan, including Jump stay the same, including using Jump to pre-order the 8+ and not owe any money on the 7 Edge?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy from Samsung amd you will (probably) get firmware updates more quickly than wa8t8ng for carrier to add their bloatware and test it all before release for OTA
On the other hand will your carrier lock you out of VoLTE, WiFi calls etc if you dont have their firmware?
I am In UK and ordered from Smasung using their annual upgrade program £77.95 up front then £33.50 a month for 24 months (but you can get the latest handset every 12 months and extend the payments for another 24 months)
954wrecker said:
Buying on samsung is not the same as buying from T-Mobile. You pay with a credit card or PayPal or Samsung Finance. Nothing to do with jump or T-Mobile, but they do ship the Free promo stuff with the phone.
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Thanks for that info.
Gargamel198024 said:
Ordering from Samsung you pay the phone off in full upfront or if you use Samsungs financing you will have a bill completely separate from T-Mobile for your S8+.
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I appreciate your reply.
johnwayne27 said:
And thats the better option to finance it separate so it can be network unlocked in case you decide to switch carriera
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I'll probably stay with Tmo for the foreseeable future.
dezborders said:
Buy from Samsung amd you will (probably) get firmware updates more quickly than wa8t8ng for carrier to add their bloatware and test it all before release for OTA
On the other hand will your carrier lock you out of VoLTE, WiFi calls etc if you dont have their firmware?
I am In UK and ordered from Smasung using their annual upgrade program £77.95 up front then £33.50 a month for 24 months (but you can get the latest handset every 12 months and extend the payments for another 24 months)
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Click to collapse
I appreciate the info.
After reading everyone's replies, I'll most likely purchase the S8+ from Tmo, after taking all the info into consideration.
I have 2 other questions/comments regarding pre-ordering from Tmo:
1) Is there any other way to save the $130 up front payment, considering I'll likely Jump in a year or so, which is my average?
2) I like to have the time for transferring the info from my S7 Edge to the S8+ in the comfort of my home instead of at the store where I'm hurried and transferring all info can be difficult considering I'd have to hand in the phone to complete the purchase prior to transferring the information.
If I pre-order from Tmo via online or customer service via phone call, would that be the same as walking into a store to pre-order and pick up the S8+ in regards to using my Jump to pre-order, and my account remaining exactly the same.
This way I can transfer all the info in home, and then mail in my S7 Edge within the allotted time.
Meh, it's cheaper from Samsung, I pre-ordered from Sprint and it is costing me more but I'm gonna try and get the upgraded stuff for pre ordering for 99$ the headphones and SD card and stuff though... Either way it's all gravy
I have Jump with Tmo, so if I purchase from Samsung, I can't use Jump, meaning I'd owe the balance on my S7 Edge. So that's a no go.
Does the unlocked version get the same benefits as the T-Mobile version, like VoLTE, WiFi calling, same networking capabilities, etc.?
As I understand it, there is only one US version of the phone so all the T-Mobile network extras will be there if you buy from Samsung. I plan on buying an unlocked model from BB or Samsung once they go on sale early May to avoid carrier added bloatware.
Funny thing just happened a couple of hours ago.
I got a faint pink vertical line, from top to bottom, approx. 1/2" from the right edge on my Samsung S7 Edge. First time I noticed it. It lasted a few minutes, disappeared, returned, then disappeared again. I'm certain it will return. I did some research and saw this is an issue for some and is a hardware problem, something to do with a vertical driver, etc., which can only be remedied with a replacement LCD or device.
I purchased the device on April 6, 2016 and have the original Jump with insurance.
I called Tmo and resolved the issue within 15 minutes. Seamless customer service with very knowledgeable reps.
A replacement S7 Edge will be shipped to the Tmo store near me and will arrive tomorrow.
I'll go to the store within 14 days, pick up the new or refurbished? S7 Edge, hand in my 7 Edge, and the store will handle the rest. They'll help me with the transferring of data if needed.
The total cost will be $5.
Because the issue is a hardware problem, the Tmo insurance extends the Samsung 1 year warranty for as long as I have insurance.
I mention the above because Murphy shows up when you least expect it and Tmo insurance is worth having, for extending the Samsung warranty without having a deductible, unlike with a loss, broken screen, damage, etc., which incurs a $175 deductible.
Transferring data is a pain, and now I'll have to do it twice if I pre-order the S8+.
Biker1 said:
Funny thing just happened a couple of hours ago.
I got a faint pink vertical line, from top to bottom, approx. 1/2" from the right edge on my Samsung S7 Edge. First time I noticed it. It lasted a few minutes, disappeared, returned, then disappeared again. I'm certain it will return. I did some research and saw this is an issue for some and is a hardware problem, something to do with a vertical driver, etc., which can only be remedied with a replacement LCD or device.
I purchased the device on April 6, 2016 and have the original Jump with insurance.
I called Tmo and resolved the issue within 15 minutes. Seamless customer service with very knowledgeable reps.
A replacement S7 Edge will be shipped to the Tmo store near me and will arrive tomorrow.
I'll go to the store within 14 days, pick up the new or refurbished? S7 Edge, hand in my 7 Edge, and the store will handle the rest. They'll help me with the transferring of data if needed.
The total cost will be $5.
Because the issue is a hardware problem, the Tmo insurance extends the Samsung 1 year warranty for as long as I have insurance.
I mention the above because Murphy shows up when you least expect it and Tmo insurance is worth having, for extending the Samsung warranty without having a deductible, unlike with a loss, broken screen, damage, etc., which incurs a $175 deductible.
Transferring data is a pain, and now I'll have to do it twice if I pre-order the S8+.
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Click to collapse
Interesting... the same thing happened to me about a week ago. Pink line that started intermittent and then stayed. Same exact experience at TMO. I thought about waiting and just swapping for the S8+, but might as well use the Jump I've been paying for
BTW, the phone I got looked new and needed to be upgraded to Nougat before I was able to do the Samsung Switch restore, so plan on some time at the store.
Biker1 said:
I'm thinking to get the 8+. I currently have the 7 Edge and have been with Tmo for several years.
I've always purchased my phones from Tmo directly. In fact, I've always purchased directly from the Carrier I've been on.
I'm thinking to pre-order the 8+ from Samsung, primarily to save the $130 down, and pay the increased monthly payments.
I'm on the original Jump, includes 2 upgrades annually without paying any balance due on device jumping from.
Are there any drawbacks/downsides regarding going directly to Samsung?
Does Samsung check credit or does Tmo as before, and does my plan, including Jump stay the same, including using Jump to pre-order the 8+ and not owe any money on the 7 Edge?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldnt buy from either because they will both be snapdragon and have locked bootloaders.
Go exynos, no point in getting snapdragon samsung devices now.
Sent from my Note 7, S7 Edge or S6
force70 said:
I wouldnt buy from either because they will both be snapdragon and have locked bootloaders.
Go exynos, no point in getting snapdragon samsung devices now.
Sent from my Note 7, S7 Edge or S6
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Click to collapse
Not a bad idea, just not easy to accomplish in the US. While the odds are much better its not 100% that the international version wont be locked down just like ours.
force70 said:
I wouldnt buy from either because they will both be snapdragon and have locked bootloaders.
Go exynos, no point in getting snapdragon samsung devices now.
Sent from my Note 7, S7 Edge or S6
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Click to collapse
I hear ya, but I'll be getting the phone from Tmo so I can keep my Jump, insurance, etc., unless there's a way to get a Exynos device from them.
954wrecker said:
Not a bad idea, just not easy to accomplish in the US. While the odds are much better its not 100% that the international version wont be locked down just like ours.
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True im just going by the s7 amd note 7..
If they lock the exynos i wont be buying another samsung device.
If I pay $1200 for a phone i expect to be able to do whatever i want with it
force70 said:
True im just going by the s7 amd note 7..
If they lock the exynos i wont be buying another samsung device.
If I pay $1200 for a phone i expect to be able to do whatever i want with it
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Click to collapse
I'm probably going to cancel my order soon. Was going to test it out see if i can get it early enough to make some cash. Anyone know or trust the Samsung.com refund or restocking fees? Online is different than chat and both are different than phone support so it's really hard not to just cancel it now.
force70 said:
I wouldnt buy from either because they will both be snapdragon and have locked bootloaders.
Go exynos, no point in getting snapdragon samsung devices now.
Sent from my Note 7, S7 Edge or S6
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Click to collapse
Except for...... Samsung Pay and WiFi Calling. Those two things that matter to me YMMV. Having a warranty is nice too.
Yes, I wish I could root so I could get rid of things like the volume too high nag and the soon to be famous "Wipe your camera lens" nag.
But the trade off of Samsung Pay is worth it to me. Touch Wiz has matured now making the UI not so bad. I thought not being able to load a custom ROM on my Note 7 would be awful, but I learned to deal with it.
Deciding which (T-Mo or Samsung) to buy from is where I am at now after eliminating waiting for an unlocked or going international. The T-Mo store told me today that a Samsung purchased phone would not have WiFi calling on their network. Not sure I believe that so I'm digging more. The VR is a nice perk from buying from either over an unlocked version, I'll never be on Sprint or Verizon, so it just leaves the question of ch 12/17. Will the A models not have ch 12 and the T models not have 17 ?? Or will they be interchangeable?
Phredeee said:
Except for...... Samsung Pay and WiFi Calling. Those two things that matter to me YMMV. Having a warranty is nice too.
Yes, I wish I could root so I could get rid of things like the volume too high nag and the soon to be famous "Wipe your camera lens" nag.
But the trade off of Samsung Pay is worth it to me. Touch Wiz has matured now making the UI not so bad. I thought not being able to load a custom ROM on my Note 7 would be awful, but I learned to deal with it.
Deciding which (T-Mo or Samsung) to buy from is where I am at now after eliminating waiting for an unlocked or going international. The T-Mo store told me today that a Samsung purchased phone would not have WiFi calling on their network. Not sure I believe that so I'm digging more. The VR is a nice perk from buying from either over an unlocked version, I'll never be on Sprint or Verizon, so it just leaves the question of ch 12/17. Will the A models not have ch 12 and the T models not have 17 ?? Or will they be interchangeable?
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Sad they are taking orders and can't answer simple questions about what bands each version supports.
954wrecker said:
Sad they are taking orders and can't answer simple questions about what bands each version supports.
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Click to collapse
Very true
I was at T-Mo store today and was told many things I'm not sure I believe. Basically it's tough to get the real answers.
1. Pre-orders must also have a post paid plan at the time of order. No pre-paid plans. It doesn't matter if you pay for the phone in full.
2. You must have the post-paid plan for at least 40 days before unlocking moving to a pre-paid plan.
3. S8s purchased from Samsung .com will not have WiFi calling
4. A SIM kit is $25. listed as $10 online
5. 10GB tethering promo ends 4/6
6. Credit check is mandatory. I've got a 830+FICO score I'm not worried about passing a credit check. I prefer not having penny ante checks on my record.
7. Phone ships 2nd day, web site says next day.
My current pre-paid plan is due to expire. I thought I would buy a T-Mo SIM/prepaid plan for my existing Note 3 (SM-N900A) to confirm good signal etc, then transfer the service to the S8+ when it arrived. I was told that was not possible. Let me count the ways.....
While there I also tried having WiFi and Mobile Hotspot on at the same time on their demo S8+, nope. This is something my AT&T Note 7 would do after the trade in. This is nice for me since it lets me give my Android Head unit internet access without having to manually turn hotspot/WiFi on and off every time I enter/exit my car. I found out that this task can't be automated by Tasker.
I tried getting answers from T-Mo chat and they blew me off saying I needed to call, but the office was closed.
SMH Do they get paid to make things hard?