Samsung Galaxy S3 16GB Blue 3G Unlocked Android GSM Smart Phone - $499 at newegg after promo code

Quote from jawshoeaw : Am I missing something here? You can get these phones almost for free (but not unlocked) with 2 year agreement, which you can then bail on. That's a lot cheaper than $499. Is the unlocked thing important or is to get cheaper or no data plan?

Where do you get them for free that does not require 2GB internet or even 5GB (in case with Costco)


no data plan or $5 data plan.
As most people pointed out S3 is like a computer you can carry in your pocket and make calls without frills using cell network.
At $550 or less the phone is cheaper than free with 2yr contract.

2GB internet + 500 Mins = $40+$20 = 60/mo, 2 yrs obligation, must keep data.
200MB internet + 500 Mins = $30+$5 = $35/mo + $22.91 for 24mo = $57.91/mo.
0 Interent + 500 Mins = $30+$22.91 = $52.91/mo for 24mo, then $30.

So unless you get it for free, you are in the green.
the moment you pay more than $50 for the phone, you are in red.

Sure, you can always get $300 Galaxy S2 as well, but over course of 24mo it won't make a big dent. Just $10/mo for much better phone (device).

I would much rather pay $5 more per month if that means I can always cancel data if I don't need it, or change my plan, instead of being locked in 2yr contract and having to pay for data even if I don't need it.

PS: Sony Xperia SL LT26II is on sale for $370, but I would probably choose S2 over that.

Quote from pablocordoba : I would much rather pay $5 more per month if that means I can always cancel data if I don't need it, or change my plan, instead of being locked in 2yr contract and having to pay for data even if I don't need it. PS: Sony Xperia SL LT26II is on sale for $370, but I would probably choose S2 over that.

Huh. I've always needed (sort of) about 1GB data per month. On family plan we each pay $45 a month for talk and 3GB. I agree on solo plan, it's too expensive. Would be hard to wean us off and go no-contract.

Quote from jawshoeaw : Am I missing something here? You can get these phones almost for free (but not unlocked) with 2 year agreement, which you can then bail on. That's a lot cheaper than $499. Is the unlocked thing important or is to get cheaper or no data plan?

Unlocked is a bit different phone. Quad-core instead of dual (but only 1gb of ram), but the biggest reason to go with the unlocked (IMO) is the developer support and direct upgrades from Samsung. My biggest complaint about Android is the current fragmentation of OS support the big providers are causing by not releasing current OS upgrades. Instead they, go figure, want you to spend more money and get an upgraded phone with new software.

Also sometimes with the 2-yr agreement and then canceling, a lot of times you're getting pretty close to this $500 with all the fees and then bring in the hassle of dealing with that it can be better to just go this route.

Quote from wasssup : Try craigslist if you need one. I bought my T-Mobile S3 last month and am trying to sell it on Craigslist for the Nexus 4, and can't seem to get offers over $400 (with a case). Coming from an iPhone, I'm kinda surprised at the (terrible) resale value these Android phones have..

Considering that they sold out across the country within an hour, the Nexus 4's value is in the supply and demand.

Also, you're not going to get more than $400 for your T-Mobile S3. Try more like $350.

Quote from fettucini : Considering that they sold out across the country within an hour, the Nexus 4's value is in the supply and demand. Also, you're not going to get more than $400 for your T-Mobile S3. Try more like $350.

Sad reality but true. I ended up keeping my s3 and the wife picked our Nexus 4 which arrived yesterday. Honestly, I picked up a $30 extended battery on amazon and love the fact that my s3 now lasts two days on a charge.

Quote from wasssup : Sad reality but true. I ended up keeping my s3 and the wife picked our Nexus 4 which arrived yesterday. Honestly, I picked up a $30 extended battery on amazon and love the fact that my s3 now lasts two days on a charge.

Do you have a link for the extended battery? Does it come with cover?

Quote from pablocordoba : Do you have a link for the extended battery? Does it come with cover?

Picked it up on Amazon. I highly recommend the Hyperion one, it's a few bucks more expensive but the guys on XDA tested these batteries out and the Hyperion's are the highest quality ones and last the longest.

Quote from wasssup : Picked it up on Amazon. I highly recommend the Hyperion one, it's a few bucks more expensive but the guys on XDA tested these batteries out and the Hyperion's are the highest quality ones and last the longest.

Thanks, I might pick up for spare use, because the flip cover won't work with this.. It will be a problem and a lot more add'l expense to get this and flip cover. I think I will just get an additional regular battery.

Quote from sprosenb : Unlocked is a bit different phone. Quad-core instead of dual (but only 1gb of ram), but the biggest reason to go with the unlocked (IMO) is the developer support and direct upgrades from Samsung. ... Also sometimes with the 2-yr agreement and then canceling, a lot of times you're getting pretty close to this $500 with all the fees and then bring in the hassle of dealing with that it can be better to just go this route.

I didn't know about the hardware difference - interesting. Right now, the ETF for ATT is around $350, so under some scenarios you could walk away with S3 for $350, but I think that is largely because they are starting to dump them in prep for whatever is next. Normally it would be $500 as you said. but developer support is golden regardless.

I wish Newegg sold Verizon non-contract phones for good price

this BF sams club has both the att and tmobile s3 for 96 cents.
so can one buy and cancel 1 month later and be paying only $351 plus one month cost ($70) ??

Quote from jawshoeaw : I didn't know about the hardware difference - interesting. Right now, the ETF for ATT is around $350, so under some scenarios you could walk away with S3 for $350, but I think that is largely because they are starting to dump them in prep for whatever is next. Normally it would be $500 as you said. but developer support is golden regardless.

No. Plus..

Quote from csaket : this BF sams club has both the att and tmobile s3 for 96 cents. so can one buy and cancel 1 month later and be paying only $351 plus one month cost ($70) ??

You guys think you are smart enough to outwit big corp? I am pretty sure sams club has their own ETF. However I think the wise guys who think they just want to stick it to the man should just get burned once and learn their lesson by having to pay a hefty ETF to 3rd party on top of carrier's ETF..

On the other hand if Sams Club is not charging any ETF, then they are asking for it..