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expired Posted by treo • Mar 23, 2023
expired Posted by treo • Mar 23, 2023

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

(Activation Required) + Free Shipping

from $300

$1,800

Best Buy
1,739 Comments 315,202 Views
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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
Visit Best Buy

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Top Comments

stealth805
136 Posts
95 Reputation
Want this phone for $299 and not have to pay the monthly fee and be able to use another carrier??
Let me save y'all about 4 hours, which is how long it took me to finally get to the right people to make this happen. Here is how I got this handled
I ordered a $5 Tello number, selected e-sim, received number within a few minutes. Make sure to register the pin they give you in the email, it gives you all the port out info access. Theres a code there that is needed to enter in Best Buy portal when you port it over to ATT.
Ported that number in to ATT via Best Buy portal
Picked up phone
Powered on Phone with ATT sim
Finished ALL account creation, including pin number creation etc via ATT email
Spent 3 hours getting tossed around 10 different reps and departments and supervisors via online chat, disconnected multiple times, told no multiple times, etc etc etc.
Don't bother submitting request online for unlock, it will be denied.
Just call technical support, JUST CALL!!! 1800-288-2020. Call from a phone other that the Z Fold 3. Reason you call from other phone is you will want to pop your sim in from other provider to get to the sim unlock prompt while you are on the phone with them. Tell them you need technical support, you may get tossed around one more time, but you WILL get someone that can help you.
Have your link ready that states phones paid in full at purchase can be unlocked without waiting 60 days. I had to legit provide not just the wording, but the exact link. The rep will literally navigate to it and will be super surprised and state that this is the first they've ever heard of this policy and that they always get hassled by the unlock team and ultimately never get the unlock code for the customer.
Have your receipt from Best Buy ready ready to go (I had to legit take pics with my phone and text them to a number they gave me).
After about 10 minutes with the rep, they provided the unlock code.
Make sure to input the unlock code prior to getting transferred over to cancellation department.
Get sent over to cancellation department and submit for cancellation under buyer's remorse policy.
Done and done. Save yourself a lot of time and just call them. I paid $299 plus tax and have a fully unlocked phone on T-mobile with no issues at all. ATT service is shut down, I didn't care about the Tello number, much easier to pay the $5 for a Tello than mess with a number you actually care about keeping. Just cancel the service and it is over and done with.
I obviously can't promise this is gonna work for every single person. I suppose a non-cooperative rep might not wanna go the extra mile for you, but my telephone rep was super helpful and patient. She admitted I had done my diligence with researching the terms and pushed the "unlock team" to help her with the code. YMMV of course, but this worked for me. Just be patient and courteous to the rep. I was frustrated with how long it was taking but you need to acknowledge that each new person you talk to, it is their first interaction with you, they have no idea how long you've been dealing with people. You can avoid a lot of frustration by just calling to start out instead of trying to manage the situation via online chat.
Questions, feel free to ask, perhaps I wasn't completely thorough, but that was basically what I went through. Good luck all.
quantecipher
2786 Posts
1616 Reputation
As soon as yo have the phone in hand.

Port out the line to cancel. Line automatically cancels as soon as the number it ported out (5-10 mins). You can port to Tello for $2.50.
https://slickdeals.net/f/16531969-tello-50-off-selected-plans

These phones are subsidized by the carriers and hoping people would switch or add more lines and stay with them, etc; therefore different carrier may offer different prices.

You can request unlock right away because it's paid in full with no money owed; i.e., no monthly installment,

Yes.

Port out the number to cancel right away (5-10 min, as soon as the number is ported) so that you don't have to deal with rep that doesn't allow you to cancel. You can port to Tello for $2.50.
https://slickdeals.net/f/16531969-tello-50-off-selected-plans

Yes, but you can cancel right away.
snoopykul
26 Posts
18 Reputation
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.

1,738 Comments

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Pro
Mar 26, 2023
3,115 Posts
Joined Nov 2012
Mar 26, 2023
gadgetNerd
Pro
Mar 26, 2023
3,115 Posts
Quote from QuincyP1117 :
What exactly did you say/options did you select when submitting the unlock code request? Your experience definitely makes me want to lock in for one lol

edit: did it seem like it was a written email or auto generated sent?
I didnt jump on this yet, just have been following the thread. So many reported initially that they could not get the unlock to work after they activated the device, then people reported unlocking works after cancelling the service. Now there are reports that it complains service has been cancelled within 14 days if you go this route. The only way it seems to work with the unlock portal if you add a new line to existing ATT service. Many have reported success with this and I'm yet to hear a problem so that will be safest way to go if you can add to an existing account.
Last edited by gadgetNerd March 25, 2023 at 06:49 PM.
Mar 26, 2023
47 Posts
Joined Feb 2021
Mar 26, 2023
Nandyd
Mar 26, 2023
47 Posts
Didn't need it; price was just so tempting to not give it a try. Btw; for those who are looking for a case: woot has the s-pen and case for $9 for the Z Fold 3

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Phone Case with S Pen - $9.99 - Free shipping for Prime members https://electronics.woot.com/offe...source=app
Mar 26, 2023
101 Posts
Joined Oct 2018
Mar 26, 2023
spcl_agnt
Mar 26, 2023
101 Posts
Why wouldn't boost port in work on this ?
Mar 26, 2023
623 Posts
Joined Jul 2014
Mar 26, 2023
Nitrohamster
Mar 26, 2023
623 Posts
talked to 3 managers.
showed them the webpage and they are trying to say that even though it is in writing is is against their company policy. punks.
Mar 26, 2023
8 Posts
Joined Mar 2021
Mar 26, 2023
NervousStag2984
Mar 26, 2023
8 Posts
Was able to unlock after 1.5 hours on the phone. After they initially refused, tell them it worked for your friend who's also just got the phone. Ask them to try contacting back office for an exception, then they will probably contact tech support. At that point be ready to get refused again by the 60 days rule, have the link ready and show them. They'll contact tech support again and you need to have your receipt with imei # ready, they'll want to see you indeed paid off in full. Be very polite and ask nicely, my rep eventually got a tech support manager involved and eventually got the unlock code.
Mar 26, 2023
446 Posts
Joined Nov 2014
Mar 26, 2023
linshaodong
Mar 26, 2023
446 Posts
Quote from NervousStag2984 :
Was able to unlock after 1.5 hours on the phone. After they initially refused, tell them it worked for your friend who's also just got the phone. Ask them to try contacting back office for an exception, then they will probably contact tech support. At that point be ready to get refused again by the 60 days rule, have the link ready and show them. They'll contact tech support again and you need to have your receipt with imei # ready, they'll want to see you indeed paid off in full. Be very polite and ask nicely, my rep eventually got a tech support manager involved and eventually got the unlock code.
You are lucky , I canceled the service and now I have a locked att small tablet
Mar 26, 2023
359 Posts
Joined Dec 2021
Mar 26, 2023
SeriousKitten2924
Mar 26, 2023
359 Posts
Quote from linshaodong :
You are lucky , I canceled the service and now I have a locked att small tablet
You have no active account with ATT and now, perhaps, eBay unlocking services would work for you. They're cheep, starting from $6. Give it a try.

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Mar 26, 2023
777 Posts
Joined Jul 2022
Mar 26, 2023
GreyField2811
Mar 26, 2023
777 Posts
Quote from SeriousKitten2924 :
You have no active account with ATT and now, perhaps, eBay unlocking services would work for you. They're cheep, starting from $6. Give it a try.
They are using exactly the same website for unlock, but with $6 "convenience fee" to do it on your behalf.
Mar 26, 2023
359 Posts
Joined Dec 2021
Mar 26, 2023
SeriousKitten2924
Mar 26, 2023
359 Posts
Quote from GreyField2811 :
They are using exactly the same website for unlock, but with $6 "convenience fee" to do it on your behalf.
Maybe. I had successful experience with Boost mobile Moto unlock that I got from eBay for $3.
Mar 26, 2023
227 Posts
Joined Jan 2010
Mar 26, 2023
ark1074
Mar 26, 2023
227 Posts
Im confused should i request unlock and cancel or cancel the line and then request unlock, i guess there is no specific order and both sequences work ?
Mar 26, 2023
89 Posts
Joined Jul 2006
Mar 26, 2023
uselessinfodude
Mar 26, 2023
89 Posts
Quote from ark1074 :
Im confused should i request unlock and cancel or cancel the line and then request unlock, i guess there is no specific order and both sequences work ?
Everyone is confused. Basically russian roulette at this point. Maybe you will get it unlocked, maybe not. Maybe it will be easy, maybe you will spend 5 hours on the phone. If you can't get it unlocked I think you would probably be able to get rid of it for the $300 or more, just a matter of what your time is worth and how much hassle you're willing to deal with.
Mar 26, 2023
446 Posts
Joined Nov 2014
Mar 26, 2023
linshaodong
Mar 26, 2023
446 Posts
Quote from ark1074 :
Im confused should i request unlock and cancel or cancel the line and then request unlock, i guess there is no specific order and both sequences work ?
I did unlock request , no luck , then cancle immediately to avoid activation fee plus monthly payment , basically paid 320 for a brick 🧱
Mar 26, 2023
446 Posts
Joined Nov 2014
Mar 26, 2023
linshaodong
Mar 26, 2023
446 Posts
Quote from uselessinfodude :
Everyone is confused. Basically russian roulette at this point. Maybe you will get it unlocked, maybe not. Maybe it will be easy, maybe you will spend 5 hours on the phone. If you can't get it unlocked I think you would probably be able to get rid of it for the $300 or more, just a matter of what your time is worth and how much hassle you're willing to deal with.
That's true , I called 3 hours and give up , I don't want to waste my energy with them anymore , I know if I do it like everyday , I will get it unlocked 😆
Mar 26, 2023
1,431 Posts
Joined Apr 2016
Mar 26, 2023
ctr11
Mar 26, 2023
1,431 Posts
Quote from donutboi88 :
I went through AT&T and they just refused to unlock mine... they kept telling me the 60 day thing over and over even after I showed them the link and mentioning I bought it outright. I went to go ahead and cancel my service and the agent said I can't cancel it immediately and would have to wait until tomorrow and that the activation fee would still be charged plus the 3 days of service. I just called again and had another agent cancel my account immediately and there was nothing due.
I tried to do the device unlock without the account and now it says "We can't unlock your device. Service for this device was canceled within the 14-day return policy period."
Welp
Quote from joshs1930 :
You cancelled before the phones were delivered? Damn that's ballsy lol, I would have thought best buy would have recalled the package.

So I guess the trick for the unlock portal to work is for the lines to be cancelled, and I guess for at least 24 hours?
Quote from Cobe98 :
Cancel service and tell the reason is because you can't unlock. Then once it's cancelled try to unlock online
Quote from linshaodong :
No, you canceled the device in 14 days and you will be screwed , I just tried
Quote from ark1074 :
Im confused should i request unlock and cancel or cancel the line and then request unlock, i guess there is no specific order and both sequences work ?
Quote from Ebarron25 :
Ordered 3 for delivery with 3 lines from tello. Made the ATT account. Once they shipped the next day (yesterday) I called ATT and said I made a mistake, I meant to go to Verizon for work and not ATT. They said no problem and cancelled my lines with no activation fees or charges. They got delivered about 45 minutes ago, I went to the ATT site and submitted a request for all 3 separately to get unlocked. Put I wasn't a customer. 10 minutes later have 3 emails with the unlock codes for each of them.
There are multiple posts here contradicting themselves as a whole, whereby it's hard to know what actually works and what doesn't.

eBarron, you got your phone unlocked via the online portal after cancelling service, but others, like Donutboi88 proceed to cancel service and then try to unlock and the unlock portal tells them they cancelled within 14 days so the device can't be unlocked...how can the portal be doing different things for different people that have done the same inputs? What is the missing piece here, there must be some variable that is different in these 2 similar seeming situations to yield an outcome that is different for one person than another (one's phone is unlocked and another's is locked, all by the same ATT unlock portal)...

I'm trying to think what's different here. eBarron said he made an ATT account before receiving his phone. donutboi, did you make an ATT account as well? Something is missing here...
Last edited by ctr11 March 25, 2023 at 08:56 PM.

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Mar 26, 2023
446 Posts
Joined Nov 2014
Mar 26, 2023
linshaodong
Mar 26, 2023
446 Posts
Do you guys think att retail store can unlock my phone ?

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