Help with deciding on Watch purchace - General Topics

Hello.
So I had an Amazfit Bip but the screen fell off while I was at work and the screen is now dead. I could replace the screen but I feel like getting a new watch with more features. I was looking at pay monthly ones to make it easier to pay. I've decided on the Galaxy Watch Active 2 but I can only get the 4G model with a sim. The problem is, would it be worth it? I've currently got a Note 10+ on contract with 30GB of data a month and the watch deal is £20 a month with unlimited data. Is there much sense in getting that as I've got the data with my phone plan? Just looking for some advice really.
Thanks

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Cheapest data only setup?

So let's start this off by saying I tend to be a very frugal person. So frugal that about a year and a half ago I opted to get the Galaxy Tab (7 inch) from Verizon on a 2 year contract for only $100 on a $35 a month 3GB data plan. I slapped Skype on it, grabbed an online number and tied that into my Google Voice account and for a total of $41~ a month ($6 a month on average for an online number for Skype and unlimited minutes) I had a device with unlimited calling, unlimited texting, and 3GB of data which turned out to be plenty since I used the wifi when I was at home. This was awesome despite holding up a 7 inch tablet to my head to make phone calls, which I didn't care. I mean yeah people look at you funny but I was the one laughing since I was saving over $50 a month on my phone bill. And I could play Angry Birds on a big screen! I really really loved this setup.
I sold that tablet to my brother 9 months ago now and he just kinda carried over the plan. I did that since I moved to Chile for that amount of time and now I'm moving back to the States come next week and I want a similar setup. No carriers offer data only plans though that work well in my area. I switched from AT&T to Verizon since big red's coverage was 100x better where I mostly used my phone. However the data plan I had gotten with that tablet has gone away due to the "Share Everything" stuff although it still is only $40 a month for the share everything tablet data plan but none of the newer tablets they offer catch my eye since I really want that 7 inch sweet spot which is actually able to still fit in most of my pant's back pockets. This brings me to my best thought so far but there's one large caveat...
Mobile hotspots. I have narrowed down the choice between Verizon's Mifi 4510L and US Cellular's Samsung SCH-LC11 and then using that to connect to a Nexus 7 which looks like a better and more powerful Galaxy Tab that I had only used a year ago. I'm definitely leaning more towards US Cellular though since they offer a 2 GB plan for $25 a month and only an extra $10 per GB used above the 2GB limit while Verizon's crazy pricing for their Mifi 4510L starts at $50 a month for 4 GB of data which I'd probably never use all of it. I never even used 2 GB from what I remember from before. Although that's still a huge bargain compared to pretty much everyone else who has opted for those ridiculously overpriced plans for their rinky dinky smartphones. I kid of course. The base pricing for the devices is $188.99 out the door for a pre-owned certified Mifi 4510L without a contract and $200 (after $50 MiR) for the Samsung on a 2 year contract. After a year the Samsung would save me $300 but that's also stuck on a 2 year contract, although if I had to cancel it'd only be $150 to do so and I'd still be ahead $150 above big red. But the one large caveat to this is the battery life which on the Samsung is about 3 and half hours active usage and the Mifi 4510L says 5 hours but the Samsung has a removable battery. Now I drive fairly often and at my work and home I'll more than likely have wifi access, thus negating the need to plug in the mobile hotspot, the tablet however would also use up more battery due to the wifi being on all the time. It's definitely a trade off but one I'm willing to make I believe since on the US Cellular (Which has really great service where I live although I don't believe I can get 4G from either) side of things I'd be saving $900 a year.* So what does xda think about this? Any thoughts or insight? Other suggestions that I more than likely missed? Or mistakes in my plan? (I've been known to make plenty of those.)
Now I do know that it doesn't have to be a tablet. I'm tempted to get the Galaxy S III off-contract and just use it wirelessly the same way. However I'll still be lugging the mobile hotspot wherever I'll be. Other bonuses to the hotspot is... It's a hotspot. Super easy to share my connection. Although I was able to do that with my old Galaxy Tab very easily as well so not a huge deal. Thanks to those that stuck through my huge post and seemingly large amount of rambling. I didn't mean to post this much but it just turned out this way.
*This is accounting that I never have to pay an extra $10 for a GB over the 2GB use and accounting for a $100 for a normal plan. I could go ahead and say I'd be saving $1800 over a normal smartphone plan although I have around $400 to put down at first so saying an average smartphone goes for $200 with a 2 year plan I'm still saving $1600 once those 2 years are up.
TL;DR - I'm cheap and want to get a mobile hotspot and use a tablet (Nexus 7) connected to it via wifi as my phone to get the cheapest monthly data plan and run all my talk and texts through Google Voice / Skype.

[Q] How often can you transfer and use upgrades between lines on Verizon?

So I am on a Grandfathered unlimited plan on VZW and therefor can not upgrade on my line.. But my dad is on a 4gb Tiered plan, and my mom and sister have feature phones..
So we have 2 upgrades currently. So since I just destroyed the screen on my GNex that I bought used a year ago, I am going to try to preform some trickery..
I have intentions of preordering the Note 2 here in a few day on my dads line, activating it on his line, then moving it over to my line for my use.. But I was wondering how often can you move a upgrade over to a line and upgrade on that line?
There are rumors of being able to get an S3 for $50 or even $1 on black friday with an upgrade, and I was thinking if it was possible, It would be awesome to pick up an S3 on the cheap, Maybe use it as a smaller alternative to the Note 2, or probably sell it and use the funds to fix my GNex screen and put the rest towards school (most likely situation, I loved my GNex)
Anyone have any idea on if this wouldnt work? Does verizon only let a line use an upgrade every xdays?

[Q] Best Phone Swapping Service?

My brother started his contract on a function phone and upgraded to a smartphone plan recently. Because he didn't get a subsidized phone, he had to go with our mom's old iphone 4.
He really wants to have an S3 instead though. What is the best way/service to swap the old iphone for this device? Should the two phones be worth about the same amount? How much extra should I expect to pay?
The iPhone 4 is in literally perfect condition by the way.
Thanks in Advance,
Probably Swappa or Ebay if I had to guess.

[Completed] [Q] Need advice on lowering cell bill

Hi. I'm with tmo and have the gs6 64gb. Got the free upgrade to 64gb. I need to lower my bill. I'm trying to save so I can move out of my parents.
I am wanting as cheap as possible. I don't use the phone but I text and rarely use data. The phone is emergency pretty much but have talked on it couple times. Have to use WiFi calling right now.
I'd like a dumb phone with touch screen qwerty keyboard. Is this possible? I hate t9 or whatever. But then I don't mind going to a low end smart phone I guess. I tried virgin with the s3 and $35 plan but sprint don't cover my home.
I'd like to be able to buy from best buy since I have a best buy card and I don't use cash.
Anyway I just would like to know what to do for lowering my bill. I pay about $77 monthly right now and would love to go to $60 or less. Total.
Thanks.
Hi,
Ask in this thread for more relevant answers: Best Way to Reduce My Cell Bill?
Good luck

[Q] Pre-order the S8+ from Samsung or T-Mobile?

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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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+.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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)
Click to expand...
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+.
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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?

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