Slickdeals is community-supported.  We may get paid by brands for deals, including promoted items.
Missed This Deal? Get alerts when similar deals are posted.
expired
treo 331K Views
Mar 23, 2023 2:59 PM

256GB Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G 2-in-1 Smartphone (Various Carriers)

from $300

$1,800

(Activation Required) + Free Shippingat Best Buy
Visit Best Buy
Good Deal?
1,737Comments
Save
Share
Deal Details
Best Buy has 256GB Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G 2-in-1 Foldable Smartphone Tablet (AT&T or Verizon) on sale from $299.99. Shipping is free or select free store pickup where available.

Thanks to Community Member treo for finding this deal.

Note: Activation on cellular carrier is required. Be sure to select your carrier and select 'Activate Today' to see pricing. Availability for store pickup may vary by location.

Available Carriers:Available Colors:
  • Phantom Black
  • Phantom Green
  • Phantom Silver
Specs:
  • Screens:
    • Main: 7.6" Infinity Flex display - Cover: 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED
    • 120Hz AMOLED 2X Screen
  • Memory: 12GB
  • Storage: 256GB
  • Main Camera: 12MP Wide, 12MP UW, 12MP Tele + 2x optical zoom, 10x digital zoom, 10MP Front
  • Battery: 4,400mAh / 25W Super Fast Charge
  • S Pen Support
  • IPX8 rating

Editor's Notes

Written by powerfuldoppler | Staff
  • About this deal:
    • Activation on a cellular carrier is required for from $299.99 pricing. Activation fees may apply and vary by carrier.
  • About this product:
    • Rating of 4.4 from over 140 Best Buy customer reviews.
  • Additional Note:

Original Post

Written by treo
Product Info
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Product Info
Community Notes
About the Poster
Best Buy has 256GB Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G 2-in-1 Foldable Smartphone Tablet (AT&T or Verizon) on sale from $299.99. Shipping is free or select free store pickup where available.

Thanks to Community Member treo for finding this deal.

Note: Activation on cellular carrier is required. Be sure to select your carrier and select 'Activate Today' to see pricing. Availability for store pickup may vary by location.

Available Carriers:Available Colors:
  • Phantom Black
  • Phantom Green
  • Phantom Silver
Specs:
  • Screens:
    • Main: 7.6" Infinity Flex display - Cover: 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED
    • 120Hz AMOLED 2X Screen
  • Memory: 12GB
  • Storage: 256GB
  • Main Camera: 12MP Wide, 12MP UW, 12MP Tele + 2x optical zoom, 10x digital zoom, 10MP Front
  • Battery: 4,400mAh / 25W Super Fast Charge
  • S Pen Support
  • IPX8 rating

Editor's Notes

Written by powerfuldoppler | Staff
  • About this deal:
    • Activation on a cellular carrier is required for from $299.99 pricing. Activation fees may apply and vary by carrier.
  • About this product:
    • Rating of 4.4 from over 140 Best Buy customer reviews.
  • Additional Note:

Original Post

Written by treo

Community Voting

Deal Score
+132
Good Deal

Top Comments

Join The Conversation

Share your experience with the Slickdeals community

Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!

1.7K Comments

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Mar 24, 2023 7:02 PM
2.7K Comments
Joined Jul 2016
Meribela_SMar 24, 2023 7:02 PM
2.7K Comments
Quote from tim_iman View quoted comment :
Great summary!
We need someone who will receive clarification from AT&T. For now most likely it's option 3

This deal like emotional rollercoaster, from slickdeals to feel scammed
The guy that said he works for ATT should be able to provide answers but he hasn't. Wish he did.
Mar 24, 2023 7:04 PM
292 Comments
Joined Apr 2009
evets88Mar 24, 2023 7:04 PM
292 Comments
Has anyone called customer service to unlock? Their website specifically says " Was paid in full when you bought it (not on an installment plan). You don't have to wait 60 days to unlock it".
Mar 24, 2023 7:09 PM
84 Comments
Joined May 2020
tim_imanMar 24, 2023 7:09 PM
84 Comments
It's my second Z Fold 3, the first one I had was factory unlocked.

Main issue with AT&T variant that it can't be updated to the latest software, I received one update, but now stucked on Android 12 and One UI 4.0, security patch Dec 2021. I don't know maybe I should wait a bit to receive update, for now security patches outdated on AT&T phone, just keep it in mind
Last edited by tim_iman March 24, 2023 at 12:24 PM.
1
Mar 24, 2023 7:09 PM
481 Comments
Joined Dec 2007
penbralatMar 24, 2023 7:09 PM
481 Comments
Sigh...I decided to try as well. Found a BB 25 min from my house that had (1) in stock and will go pick it up later today once I get the confirmation e-mail from them that it's ready for pickup. Not waiting to cancel, either. Will port out the # today to ensure the service is cancelled ASAP. Will report back my findings. Still wondering if we'll still be on the hook for the $60 for (1) month of service and the $30 activation fee, though. We shall see.
Mar 24, 2023 7:19 PM
1.8K Comments
Joined Dec 2014
joshs1930Mar 24, 2023 7:19 PM
1.8K Comments
Quote from sonnaly View quoted comment :
It is complicated. It is wired that I have both service with the old carrier(tracfone) and new carrier(ATT). But anyway, after arguing and verification, both lines are cancelled.
I have now confirmed one of the device is already unlocked. But the other one is denied
as the device is not in ATT system.
----------------------
Request date & time
03-24-2023 12:26:10 PM
Status
Denied
So that means we have to open the box and make sure the phone connects to the at&t network, guessing that's what needs to be done in order to get it unlocked.
Mar 24, 2023 7:22 PM
2K Comments
Joined Jul 2019
Milk4EverMar 24, 2023 7:22 PM
2K Comments
Quote from tim_iman View quoted comment :
It's my second Z Fold 3, the first one I had was factory unlocked.

Main issue with AT&T variant that it can't be updated to the latest software, I received one update, but now stucked on Android 12 and One UI 4.0, security patch Dec 2021. I don't know maybe I should wait a bit to receive update, for now security patches outdated on AT&T phone just keep it in mind
I've heard that you only need an AT&T sim card (even if not active) in the phone to be able to update. Have you tried that?
Edit: I thought you meant after unlocking and using another operator. That's still a concern for most people.
Mar 24, 2023 7:22 PM
84 Comments
Joined May 2020
tim_imanMar 24, 2023 7:22 PM
84 Comments
Quote from bjsguess View quoted comment :
Man this is a frustrating thread. After reading and rereading this thread the possible outcomes are many:

1. Buy it, unlock it, port out / cancel. Get your activation and 1st month back. Total cost is $300+tax.
2. Buy it, unlock it, port out. Stuck with the activation and 1st month. Total cost is $390+tax.
3. Buy it, wait the 60 days, port out. Stuck with activation and at least 2 months of service. Total cost is $450-$510.

Option 1 is a great deal. Option 2 is an OK deal. Option 3 is probably a pass for most people. So frustrating that we can't get a definitive answer. I really wish that I understood AT&T's policies better. Want to jump on the deal but afraid that option 3 will play out and I'm stuck with a bad deal.
If the 3rd option is the way it works, might be better to use it as a tablet and cancel the service, it will be still possible to trade-in later

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Mar 24, 2023 7:24 PM
167 Comments
Joined Feb 2015
Jony_rider77Mar 24, 2023 7:24 PM
167 Comments
Quote from tim_iman View quoted comment :
It's my second Z Fold 3, the first one I had was factory unlocked.

Main issue with AT&T variant that it can't be updated to the latest software, I received one update, but now stucked on Android 12 and One UI 4.0, security patch Dec 2021. I don't know maybe I should wait a bit to receive update, for now security patches outdated on AT&T phone just keep it in mind
This is News for me. Once phone is unlocked why would ATT come in picture for software updates??
Mar 24, 2023 7:24 PM
2K Comments
Joined Jul 2019
Milk4EverMar 24, 2023 7:24 PM
2K Comments
Quote from tim_iman View quoted comment :
If the 3rd option is the way it works, might be better to use it as a tablet and cancel the service, it will be still possible to trade-in later
Can we trade-in a network-locked phone? i have never tried it.
Mar 24, 2023 7:27 PM
28 Comments
Joined Sep 2009
snoopykulMar 24, 2023 7:27 PM
28 Comments

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank

Quote from bjsguess View quoted comment :
Man this is a frustrating thread. After reading and rereading this thread the possible outcomes are many:

1. Buy it, unlock it, port out / cancel. Get your activation and 1st month back. Total cost is $300+tax.
2. Buy it, unlock it, port out. Stuck with the activation and 1st month. Total cost is $390+tax.
3. Buy it, wait the 60 days, port out. Stuck with activation and at least 2 months of service. Total cost is $450-$510.

Option 1 is a great deal. Option 2 is an OK deal. Option 3 is probably a pass for most people. So frustrating that we can't get a definitive answer. I really wish that I understood AT&T's policies better. Want to jump on the deal but afraid that option 3 will play out and I'm stuck with a bad deal.
Option 1 worked for me

I picked up my Fold 3 this morning from bestbuy. ATT variant.
Ordered online with the porting in option as it wouldn't let me order otherwise. Used a random boost mobile number I had and have no intention of porting in a number.
BB didn't ask for anything in store, just gave me the phone and i walked out.

Received att emails after pickup, created account, created ATT PIN, jotted down account number, and saw $60 plan but $0 due.

unboxed and booted with t-mobile sim card, asked for unlock code.

tried to unlock from my att portal, but denied.
tried to unlock using the request unlock website for non att members, but denied via email

Started a chat with att to cancel service and request unlock.
I mentioned having bad service reception in my area and wanted to cancel and wanted to unlock phone to use it for work which was a different provider.
They wanted me to reset the network, but i said not interested just want to cancel.

They also mentioned that i lose my port in number if i cancelled. which was wierd since i never actually ported in the number yet.

Eventually, they said, "Since the total due balance if $0.00 there will be no charges now. Your services with AT&T will be completely shut off."

Then i asked about the network unlock, which they said they sent directly to my phone. Didn't work even though she said it was unlocked on their system. Eventually they provided the unlock code which worked.

Now my fold 3 is cancelled with att service with 0 payments or fees and unlocked so i can use my Tmobile sim.

hope that helps some of ya.
3
Mar 24, 2023 7:30 PM
2K Comments
Joined Jul 2019
Milk4EverMar 24, 2023 7:30 PM
2K Comments
Quote from Jony_rider77 View quoted comment :
This is News for me. Once phone is unlocked why would ATT come in picture for software updates??
I guess because this being an AT&T device, the updates are set to be performed through AT&T severs and the unlocking doesn't change that. But I don't have any direct experience with it. Hopefully others will enlighten us.
Mar 24, 2023 7:31 PM
84 Comments
Joined May 2020
tim_imanMar 24, 2023 7:31 PM
84 Comments
Quote from Milk4Ever View quoted comment :
I've heard that you only need an AT&T sim card (even if not active) in the phone to be able to update. Have you tried that?
Edit: I thought you meant after unlocking and using another operator. That's still a concern for most people.
I am on AT&T sim now, received only one update.

Made a research, it's common situation with AT&T, just have to wait
Mar 24, 2023 7:32 PM
1.5K Comments
Joined May 2018
vaiof1Mar 24, 2023 7:32 PM
1.5K Comments
Quote from snoopykul View quoted comment :
Option 1 worked for me

I picked up my Fold 3 this morning from bestbuy. ATT variant.
Ordered online with the porting in option as it wouldn't let me order otherwise. Used a random boost mobile number I had and have no intention of porting in a number.
BB didn't ask for anything in store, just gave me the phone and i walked out.

Received att emails after pickup, created account, created ATT PIN, jotted down account number, and saw $60 plan but $0 due.

unboxed and booted with t-mobile sim card, asked for unlock code.

tried to unlock from my att portal, but denied.
tried to unlock using the request unlock website for non att members, but denied via email

Started a chat with att to cancel service and request unlock.
I mentioned having bad service reception in my area and wanted to cancel and wanted to unlock phone to use it for work which was a different provider.
They wanted me to reset the network, but i said not interested just want to cancel.

They also mentioned that i lose my port in number if i cancelled. which was wierd since i never actually ported in the number yet.

Eventually, they said, "Since the total due balance if $0.00 there will be no charges now. Your services with AT&T will be completely shut off."

Then i asked about the network unlock, which they said they sent directly to my phone. Didn't work even though she said it was unlocked on their system. Eventually they provided the unlock code which worked.

Now my fold 3 is cancelled with att service with 0 payments or fees and unlocked so i can use my Tmobile sim.

hope that helps some of ya.
Does that result in a hard inquiry?
1
Mar 24, 2023 7:32 PM
84 Comments
Joined May 2020
tim_imanMar 24, 2023 7:32 PM
84 Comments
Quote from Milk4Ever View quoted comment :
Can we trade-in a network-locked phone? i have never tried it.
Yes, we can

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Mar 24, 2023 7:32 PM
473 Comments
Joined Jun 2013
GauravG7068Mar 24, 2023 7:32 PM
473 Comments
Quote from snoopykul View quoted comment :
Option 1 worked for me

I picked up my Fold 3 this morning from bestbuy. ATT variant.
Ordered online with the porting in option as it wouldn't let me order otherwise. Used a random boost mobile number I had and have no intention of porting in a number.
BB didn't ask for anything in store, just gave me the phone and i walked out.

Received att emails after pickup, created account, created ATT PIN, jotted down account number, and saw $60 plan but $0 due.

unboxed and booted with t-mobile sim card, asked for unlock code.

tried to unlock from my att portal, but denied.
tried to unlock using the request unlock website for non att members, but denied via email

Started a chat with att to cancel service and request unlock.
I mentioned having bad service reception in my area and wanted to cancel and wanted to unlock phone to use it for work which was a different provider.
They wanted me to reset the network, but i said not interested just want to cancel.

They also mentioned that i lose my port in number if i cancelled. which was wierd since i never actually ported in the number yet.

Eventually, they said, "Since the total due balance if $0.00 there will be no charges now. Your services with AT&T will be completely shut off."

Then i asked about the network unlock, which they said they sent directly to my phone. Didn't work even though she said it was unlocked on their system. Eventually they provided the unlock code which worked.

Now my fold 3 is cancelled with att service with 0 payments or fees and unlocked so i can use my Tmobile sim.

hope that helps some of ya.
Thank you sir! I tried store pickup in San Jose,CA but they failed to run credit. Placed order online waiting for delivery next week. $328.11 total, hopefully the unlock works
1

Join The Conversation

Share your experience with the Slickdeals community

Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!