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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 314,589 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 29, 2023
57 Posts
Joined Apr 2017
Mar 29, 2023
chiddizzle
Mar 29, 2023
57 Posts
Quote :
Quote :
Quote from SeriousKitten2924 :
https://www.att.com/support/artic...ce=4485850 [att.com]

Just in the beginning of this article...

"Personal device requirements

Your device:

Is an AT&T phone or device and isn't active on another AT&T account.

Was paid in full when you bought it (not on an installment plan). You don't have to wait 60 days to unlock it."

It's clearly states that YOU DONT HAVE TO WAIT 60 DAYS TO UNLOCK IT.
vinnieuserAnyone have link to the AT&T unlock policy. This is the one I have but it looks like it's for PREPAID:
https://www.att.com/support/artic...KM1262649/ [att.com]
vinnieuserAnyone have link to the AT&T unlock policy. This is the one I have but it looks like it's for PREPAID:
https://www.att.com/support/artic...KM1262649/ [att.com]
They changed the wording today. It no longer 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" It noy says "Was paid in full when you bought it (it was not purchased on an installment plan). You must wait 60 days from your purchase date to submit an unlock request." They changed the wording today. Do you or anyone have a screenshot of the old one which was the policy when I bought mine?


I need a screenshot of the old policy before today.
Mar 29, 2023
2,786 Posts
Joined Jul 2017
Mar 29, 2023
quantecipher
Mar 29, 2023
2,786 Posts
Quote from amtu15ive :
Does anyone have a screenshot or pdf of the old policy. I think I'm good but I want to follow up with the fcc on ATT shady practices. I submitted a screen shot of the old policy and requirements but now to see they updated the page proves they are pushing more of them not wanting to honor anything. I believe this will help all that are looking to get a unlock code. Submitting both old and new policies as a follow up.
Quote from chiddizzle :
They changed the wording today. It no longer 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" It noy says "Was paid in full when you bought it (it was not purchased on an installment plan). You must wait 60 days from your purchase date to submit an unlock request." They changed the wording today. Do you or anyone have a screenshot of the old one which was the policy when I bought mine?


I need a screenshot of the old policy before today.
https://web.archive.org/web/20230.../KM1262649

If SD breaks the link, copy and paste the following:
Code:
https://web.archive.org/web/20230223144317/https://www.att.com/support/article/wireless/KM1262649
Good luck.
Mar 29, 2023
32 Posts
Joined Nov 2016
Mar 29, 2023
amtu15ive
Mar 29, 2023
32 Posts
Quote from quantecipher :
https://web.archive.org/web/20230.../KM1262649 [archive.org]

If SD breaks the link, copy and paste the following:Code:https://web.archive.org/web/20230.../KM1262649 Good luck.
It loads for me and disappears.
Mar 29, 2023
57 Posts
Joined Apr 2017
Mar 29, 2023
chiddizzle
Mar 29, 2023
57 Posts
Quote from beemin :
Which is precisely why we archive! https://archive.is/ucvkn
Thank you. I was looking for a screenshot of the old policy but this is even better.
Mar 29, 2023
2,786 Posts
Joined Jul 2017
Mar 29, 2023
quantecipher
Mar 29, 2023
2,786 Posts
Quote from amtu15ive :
It loads for me and disappears.
Which browser are you using? Try stopping it while it's loading, before it disappears.

or use the following:
https://archive.is/ucvkn
Last edited by quantecipher March 28, 2023 at 09:04 PM.
Mar 29, 2023
59 Posts
Joined Mar 2021
Mar 29, 2023
CrimsonWren899
Mar 29, 2023
59 Posts
Did Att update its policy now I see we need to wait for 60 days. Was paid in full when you bought it (it was not purchased on an installment plan). You must wait 60 days from your purchase date to submit an unlock request.
Mar 29, 2023
2,786 Posts
Joined Jul 2017
Mar 29, 2023
quantecipher
Mar 29, 2023
2,786 Posts
Quote from CrimsonWren899 :
Did Att update its policy now I see we need to wait for 60 days. Was paid in full when you bought it (it was not purchased on an installment plan). You must wait 60 days from your purchase date to submit an unlock request.
They did. Read a few posts above yours.

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Mar 29, 2023
22 Posts
Joined Dec 2022
Mar 29, 2023
ScarletPolice7780
Mar 29, 2023
22 Posts
I see that $116.74 is due in my account and my service has been suspended. Why is that happened? I want to cancel the service immediately without paying the due. Would you please guide me how cancel the service? And if I can cancel the service, will I still have to pay the amount?
Mar 29, 2023
2,771 Posts
Joined Jul 2004
Mar 29, 2023
fungo45
Mar 29, 2023
2,771 Posts
Quote from quantecipher :
They did. Read a few posts above yours.
Does this mean it needs to be active for 60 days though? Or can I cancel service, wait 60 days, then unlock?
Mar 29, 2023
1,478 Posts
Joined Dec 2011
Mar 29, 2023
garymeter48
Mar 29, 2023
1,478 Posts
Just tried to get the code from Twiter AT&T. Was told need to wait 60 days. Not looking very good....
Mar 29, 2023
17 Posts
Joined Nov 2014
Mar 29, 2023
noveltech
Mar 29, 2023
17 Posts
Quote from garymeter48 :
I installed my AT&T sim card in a couple of unlocked phones and the service works. I have not installed it in the Fold 3. However, I did install a Boost AT&T sim card in the Fold 3 and it appears to work, no message about unlocking the phone. I did try a Tracfone Verizon sim and received the message about needing the unlock code.

Not sure how this is going to end up for me. I am not keeping the AT&T account. I tried the eBay unlock code seller and he said he could not find my imei in his database. I'm beginning to think I will not be able to get the phone unlocked, unless I have AT&T service for 60 days. We use Boost AT&T and Redpocket AT&T in the house, so one of us will use the Fold 3 with those accounts.
When you installed your sim in your other unlocked devices, did the device manager reflect those new devices or did it still say fold?
Mar 29, 2023
2,786 Posts
Joined Jul 2017
Mar 29, 2023
quantecipher
Mar 29, 2023
2,786 Posts
Quote from fungo45 :
Does this mean it needs to be active for 60 days though? Or can I cancel service, wait 60 days, then unlock?
I don't know. It looks like just wait 60 days from their current language, but since the situation is still fluid, they could edit it further. I hope it's just wait 60 days.
Mar 29, 2023
17 Posts
Joined Nov 2014
Mar 29, 2023
noveltech
Mar 29, 2023
17 Posts
Are Galaxy phones automatically locked to the carrier or only locked after the sim is inserted like iPhones?
Pro
Mar 29, 2023
4,470 Posts
Joined Aug 2014
Mar 29, 2023
iNICK20
Pro
Mar 29, 2023
4,470 Posts
Quote from noveltech :
Are Galaxy phones automatically locked to the carrier or only locked after the sim is inserted like iPhones?
automatically locked to the carrier.

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Mar 29, 2023
100 Posts
Joined Oct 2017
Mar 29, 2023
Vitrano
Mar 29, 2023
100 Posts
I couldn't believe my luck, that I was able to get it unlocked via chat in 10 mins.

Below is my timeline.
  1. Received my phone today. I ported my visible number to ATT.
  2. After activation, I wasn't able to receive the incoming call on my new number. (this is on fold 3)
  3. After that, I removed the sim card from fold and put it into my iPhone. After the ATT portal got updated with my iPhone.
  4. Now I tried to get the phone unlocked from the portal but had no luck I never received unlock code from them.
  5. After this, I started chatting with customer service about the incoming call issue and she started investigating it. While she was investigating, I gently asked her, if she unlock my phone so that I can put my work sim in it, until the incoming issue is resolved.
  6. Voila, next she asked for the IMEI number and shared the unlock code
  7. I tested the phone with a new sim card and it worked.
  8. Later only I have to reach out to the porting department to fix the incoming issue and eventually they fixed it.
  9. After all this, I ported out to US mobile for a free 100 days offer.

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