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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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Mar 27, 2023
623 Posts
Joined Jul 2014
Mar 27, 2023
Nitrohamster
Mar 27, 2023
623 Posts
Quote from CyanMeerkat9809 :
I placed an order on Thursday the 23rd of last week, but I haven't received an email from bb yet, and it is estimated that I will pick it up on Wednesday the 29th. Is there anyone like me?
Were u able to get esim?

I tried calling tech support after unlock and cancel and they were like youre not our customer so tough
Mar 27, 2023
623 Posts
Joined Jul 2014
Mar 27, 2023
Nitrohamster
Mar 27, 2023
623 Posts
Were u able to get esim?

I tried calling tech support after unlock and cancel and they were like youre not our customer so tough
Mar 27, 2023
4,178 Posts
Joined Apr 2009
Mar 27, 2023
emofals
Mar 27, 2023
4,178 Posts
I dont have an ATT account and I tried reading pages after pages of post to see if someone has steps I can replicate.. any advise or useful post reference? Also why is this deal marked as dead?
1. Place the order on BB with select new line and select option to transfer/port in.
2...
Last edited by emofals March 27, 2023 at 02:25 PM.
Mar 27, 2023
1,775 Posts
Joined Jul 2019
Mar 27, 2023
Milk4Ever
Mar 27, 2023
1,775 Posts
Quote from garymeter48 :
From EvanW5076, he followed this process and he was able to unlock the Fold 3:

1. Activated his account by inserting the sim card in his Fold 3 phone.
2. Removed the sim card and inserted it into another unlocked phone.
3. Waited a few minutes, until the device showing on his AT&T account was replaced with the new unlocked phone.
4. Submitted via the AT&T unlock portal a request to unlock the Fold 3. Selected he did not have a AT&T number and used the IMEI number to submit for the unlock code.

Can anyone else confirm they followed this process and they were successful?
I did this exact procedure and my request was deisgned due to age of account being less than 60 days.
Mar 27, 2023
4,178 Posts
Joined Apr 2009
Mar 27, 2023
emofals
Mar 27, 2023
4,178 Posts
Quote from donutboi88 :
Yea I made an account before calling them. The only different thing I can think of is that Ebarron25 transferred numbers he got from Tello but I requested a new number when I made the purchase at BB.
Did you go in person
Mar 27, 2023
29 Posts
Joined Aug 2017
Mar 27, 2023
QuincyP1117
Mar 27, 2023
29 Posts
Quote from DaRChSTaR :
Finally got mine unlocked! Called theeir 800 number, asked for tech upport. Support was super helpful, asked for copy of receipt that shows imei and the link to their own unlock policy page. Got it done in about 20 mins. GL to everyone else trying to get their zf3 unlocked!
could you link their own unlock policy page? I only found one that says you have to wait 60 days
Mar 27, 2023
79 Posts
Joined Aug 2021
Mar 27, 2023
UniqueSnow487
Mar 27, 2023
79 Posts
Quote from garymeter48 :
From EvanW5076, he followed this process and he was able to unlock the Fold 3:

1. Activated his account by inserting the sim card in his Fold 3 phone.
2. Removed the sim card and inserted it into another unlocked phone.
3. Waited a few minutes, until the device showing on his AT&T account was replaced with the new unlocked phone.
4. Submitted via the AT&T unlock portal a request to unlock the Fold 3. Selected he did not have a AT&T number and used the IMEI number to submit for the unlock code.

Can anyone else confirm they followed this process and they were successful?
I just did it. It worked. Used the pixel 7 from mint. I received the unlock code in 3 mins.

I tried with the att sim in the fold and got the "less than 60 days" rejection.

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Mar 27, 2023
166 Posts
Joined Oct 2013
Mar 27, 2023
DaRChSTaR
Mar 27, 2023
166 Posts
Quote from 782973907 :
Hi guys thanks for your comments, they really help me a lot.

Just a kind reminder, att phones cannot receive updates without att service even if it is unlocked.

U have to borrow a sim card or buy one, or you can flash global firmware to your phone.

First must be unlocked phone, then download firmware from here (https://samfw.com/firmware/SM-F926U1/XAA [samfw.com]) make sure the model number ends with U1 and select XAA.
Then flash the firmware using a hacked odin3, which is Samsung official software but needs to be hacked to pass the system check. I have it but don't know how to upload it, maybe you can google one.
After that, active without a sim card insert and wifi open, then u are good to go. U can receive system updates without the att network. Moreover, it's an official firmware so no root and no knox safety lock destroy.

Sorry for the short version, u can find more detail on google.
I have my TMobile sim, connected to wifi and its installing the update right now.
Mar 27, 2023
166 Posts
Joined Oct 2013
Mar 27, 2023
DaRChSTaR
Mar 27, 2023
166 Posts
Quote from QuincyP1117 :
could you link their own unlock policy page? I only found one that says you have to wait 60 days
Just google att unlock policy. I just did a screenshot of the first page that states fully paid device dont need to wait 60 days.
Mar 27, 2023
166 Posts
Joined Oct 2013
Mar 27, 2023
DaRChSTaR
Mar 27, 2023
166 Posts
Quote from Milk4Ever :
I did this exact procedure and my request was deisgned due to age of account being less than 60 days.
My account was activated this morning. You will probably get better results via tech support route.
Mar 27, 2023
1,775 Posts
Joined Jul 2019
Mar 27, 2023
Milk4Ever
Mar 27, 2023
1,775 Posts
Quote from Samosa23 :
Hi Everyone,

So here is my scenario.

I have ordered through best buy online and created new account.

I got an email from ATT to create an accouny.

I did not get any email from then to create a pin for account.

Now when I login to account, it says my line is suspended.

My device should be delivered tomorrow. i got a tracking number but no update on the ups tracking website.

I called the att service representative,
They could not reset my pin. They are saying the last 4 digits of ssn dont match but the account got created after giving ssn. So not sure whats going on there.

Any suggestions on what to do?
Look up my story. You'll need to call the at&t automated line transfer ot finish transfering your line. Then you'll receive the passcode reset email.
Mar 27, 2023
1,478 Posts
Joined Dec 2011
Mar 27, 2023
garymeter48
Mar 27, 2023
1,478 Posts
Quote from UniqueSnow487 :
I just did it. It worked. Used the pixel 7 from mint. I received the unlock code in 3 mins.

I tried with the att sim in the fold and got the "less than 60 days" rejection.
Congratulations! What the heck is going on, there does not appear to be a consistent pattern? Could it have something to do with the port in process, or maybe setting up the account and pin before activation? Or possibly the unlocked phone type, manufacturer?

It's been my experience with so much input, we can usually figure out the process and pattern. I'm baffled.
Mar 27, 2023
9 Posts
Joined Aug 2018
Mar 27, 2023
donutboi88
Mar 27, 2023
9 Posts
Quote from emofals :
Did you go in person
yes
Mar 27, 2023
17 Posts
Joined Nov 2014
Mar 27, 2023
noveltech
Mar 27, 2023
17 Posts
I got a call from Best Buy telling me that the activation port failed on my new Tello number. After calling Tello and ATT, Best Buy said that the only thing that could be done was to cancel the order and try repurchasing. When I went to repurchase, the phone was out of stock, and Best Buy said there was nothing they could do. After some time, I was able to repurchase the phone using a brand new Tello number as the first one wouldn't let me proceed. I'm guessing I purchased the phone that got canceled. The new delivery date is April 4; hoping they don't patch this before then.

Those having issues with porting may need to go through this process.

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Mar 27, 2023
8 Posts
Joined Mar 2023
Mar 27, 2023
HappyMountain148
Mar 27, 2023
8 Posts
Quote from 782973907 :
Hi guys thanks for your comments, they really help me a lot.

Just a kind reminder, att phones cannot receive updates without att service even if it is unlocked.

U have to borrow a sim card or buy one, or you can flash global firmware to your phone.

First must be unlocked phone, then download firmware from here (https://samfw.com/firmware/SM-F926U1/XAA [samfw.com]) make sure the model number ends with U1 and select XAA.
Then flash the firmware using a hacked odin3, which is Samsung official software but needs to be hacked to pass the system check. I have it but don't know how to upload it, maybe you can google one.
After that, active without a sim card insert and wifi open, then u are good to go. U can receive system updates without the att network. Moreover, it's an official firmware so no root and no knox safety lock destroy.

Sorry for the short version, u can find more detail on google.
Where I can find a hacked Odin3,Can you provide me a link 🔗 for it

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