FREE $25 GC to Microsoft Store if you own a working Smartphone (Android, Blackberry, iPhone, PalmOS, WebOS, some Symbian) - B&M Only "Smoked by Windows Phone" thru May 10, 2012

Quote from theBlizz : Really? I just bought a Galaxy S2 (switching to Straight Talk from Virgin)... I'd love to swap my Optimus V for a new phone.

Yes, really.

Quote from arribasn : Would a trio 700w count? (windows mobile 6)

My local MS store was quite explicit about following the rules. No Windows Mobile phones of any sort and they did spot check the phones to make sure they were activated. They told everything that the phones used "had to be able to make a call."

Quote from vicsunus : is this for real? I have a $30 optimus V. So I can trade it in for a brand new windows phone that has like 2x the processor speed?

Yes. Totally for real. I've got a HTC Titan on order right now (and a $10 gift card for my trouble since they didn't have it in store today). No cost whatsoever aside from time and my old phone.

Quote from skyang : So no Sprint phone?

You can use a Sprint phone for the challenge, but they didn't have any HTC Arrives in stock. Honestly, if you're on Sprint, you're better off doing the challenge and getting a Titan or Focus S on ATT. Then, just sell that on CL or eBay and buy the Sprint phone that you want.

Quote from runtohell121 : I'm surprise this thread haven't been merged with the other one...

The other thread OP was focused on the contest aspect (winning the laptop) and posted in the lower traffic Contest forum since the "prize" is not guaranteed. This thread OP is focused on the free phone upgrade, which is guaranteed to everyone and it's in the main Hot Deals forum so more people will see it. After all, that's what SD is all about, right? Sharing the love.

With this deal there is no chance of missing out, no risk, no YMMV. Follow the rules and you're going to get a free upgrade at no cost and no contract.

Quote from BigBuford : Do you have to pay any difference ? I can swap a old iphone 3GS

Nope. You don't have to pay anything. In fact, I ended up getting an additional $10 GC because the phone I wanted (Titan) wasn't in stock and they had to order it for me.

Quote from johnnash : Any way someone without a local microsoft store to benefit from these?

No. B&M only.

Quote from mike.one : is this legit? any success stories..

Yup. I was in the store today. Took about 5 minutes to do the challenge (wait, paperwork, challenge) and about 5 minutes to do the paperwork to order the new phone.

Quote from dreamexecution : is there a limit to 10 per day or is that just the computer?

There is NO LIMIT to the free phone upgrades, aside from the previously stated one upgrade per person (and they do take your ID info for this). As long as the promotion is running, you can do a phone swap.

Quote from lmanlo : Yeah this sounds a good way to get a phone without the contract as read the rules and that's what it seems like it but you have to recycle your phone through them to be able to get it for free. I right now stuck until October with the Samsung Fascinate and might be something good to get to be able to wait until that time and be able to get a better phone. The phone that I would be able to get is the HTC Trophy as that's the only Windows Phone for Verizon. Mostly why I might do this is because my phone freezes a lot and restarts by itself. Love Android but not the phone. Do you think the HTC Trophy is a good phone? Also if I do this will be the 2nd windows phone but my first one was the WIndows 6.1 with the HTC Touch(As no need for data plan). What do you guys think about this promotion. I know I won't win, will have to backup my phone and at least most of the apps I have are free but the ones from Amazon Appstore will not work and will have to find ways to get free apps. Is there a deal like the Amazon Free App. Thanks everyone.

The Trophy is the oldest Windows Phone on offer. Honestly, if you're on VZW, I'd suggest the same as the guy on Sprint. Do the challenge, get the Titan or Focus S, flip and buy the VZW phone you want.

Quote from 916 : is this for real?

Yes, for real.

Quote from yrv : I don't understand. I can give them my old Android phone I was going to throw away and get a new unlocked $500 phone and sell it on ebay? Where is the catch?? No really, i don't understand, explain please

No catch, aside from the time it takes you to go to the store.

Quote from JewwBacca : Even a cracked screen phone?!

As long as it powers on and works. You need to be able to turn the phone on, make a call and browse the web.

Quote from FierceDeityLink : Yes, saw a few cracked iPhones today and my TouchPro 2 had a crack in it.

You got lucky with the TP2, as they're not supposed to accept any Windows phones of any kind. The stores are refusing most people who bring in WinMo 5 and 6.x devices.

Quote from SDzZz : Does the phone have to be in working condition? I have a blackberry that won't turn on.

Yes. Officialy, it has to be working, able to make a call and browse the web. They are only spot checking devices, so you may be able to get away with an unactivated phone, but if they check you and you're not activated, you don't get the free upgrade.

Quote from PogiBoy : I have a iphone3g that i used when i was with att. How can i use that phone for this deal?

If you're with ATT, just put your SIM in it and go to the MS store.

If you're not with ATT, unlock it and use a pre-paid TMO SIM on the $2/day unlimited plan and go to the MS store.

Quote from jmman : This deal is probably better that the last deal where they let you trade in junk phones for a $25 gift card each. I traded in a phone last time that had been run over by a car.....lol

Yeah, I'd say this is better by just a bit.

Quote from srmmrthy : Can I swap my phone even if I am currently under a contract? It would be great if I could swap the sim card and just continue with my contract. Thanks.

Yes. This does not impact your carrier contract in any way. It does not extend it, renew it or cancel it. They are merely giving you new hardware. If you're using a GSM phone all you have to do is swap SIMs if you get a device that's branded for the same carrier. If you want a device from another carrer (ie if you're on TMO and want one of the ATT devices or vice versa) you'll have to get the new phone unlocked before you can use your SIM in it.

Quote from WackyP : I don't think you need a data plan for the challenge. Just use the store's wi-fi. My phone had a prepaid sim with NO minutes left on it. Somebody else on the other thread did not even have a sim installed in the phone.

Officially you're supposed to have it. Some stores are being more picky about this than others so if you're lucky you can get away without having it.

Quote from dealwars : There is NO LIMIT to the free phone upgrades, aside from the previously stated one upgrade per person (and they do take your ID info for this). As long as the promotion is running, you can do a phone swap.

was today the last day or the 29th? I'm getting mixed messages

Quote from dreamexecution : was today the last day or the 29th? I'm getting mixed messages

29th..

I've got a droid x with half the screen not working . Can I just walk in and swap for a Windows phone? There is no service on it since I've already purchased a new phone.

Quote from koric : I've got a droid x with half the screen not working . Can I just walk in and swap for a Windows phone? There is no service on it since I've already purchased a new phone.

read the thread

Quote from dreamexecution : was today the last day or the 29th? I'm getting mixed messages

I was told by the one nearest me that today was the last day for the promotion. Keep in mind that the promotion ends either on the 29th or when 10 laptops have been given out, whichever comes first.

would be great if someone could confirm tomorrow if it still works at valley fair... I don't want to drive over a hour to get there

Quote from xSeongminx : I was told by the one nearest me that today was the last day for the promotion. Keep in mind that the promotion ends either on the 29th or when 10 laptops have been given out, whichever comes first.

Which store? (there are only like 15 across the country...)

perfect swap for me to move from my grandfathered VM plan to AtnT 5GB data plan.

Cool!! I am gonna try this tomorrow..

Quote from metaldood : Code: http://skattertech.com/2012/03/i-won-the-windows-phone-challenge-but-lost-just-because/

Yeah, this crybaby is going to be why they stop doing this.

Oh wow this is perfect.I have two Microsoft stores within 20 min of me and we can trade in my dad's old blackberry for a $500 phone. Awesome!

Quote from metaldood : Code: http://skattertech.com/2012/03/i-won-the-windows-phone-challenge-but-lost-just-because/

Yeah yeah..Microsoft Store employees were not briefed on rules etc. The point is they don't want you to win. What better way to skew numbers and say "99% of phones lost to Windows Phone" then by choosing to make up excuses on why their phone won.

That's the ultimate goal here. I want a Windows Phone, but Microsoft just wants some publicity, so that's how they're going to get it.

Quote from Dozens : Yeah, this crybaby is going to be why they stop doing this.

..why? Because he was trying to win instead of purposely lose like everyone else?

How about this. What if a casino told you you just won a brand new car, and then said "Oh sorry... we meant the little die cast model from our gift shop"..instead. Would YOU not be pissed?