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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 314,455 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 31, 2023
4,178 Posts
Joined Apr 2009
Mar 31, 2023
emofals
Mar 31, 2023
4,178 Posts
Quote from mydealcollections :
I got home and tried to use the program from my PC. it downloads 100% and then gives me "notice: Failed to run firmware upgrade: Unknown error occurred.

Any help?
Same message for me as well...
Mar 31, 2023
34 Posts
Joined Sep 2014
Mar 31, 2023
Lost_Tribe
Mar 31, 2023
34 Posts
So, I just activated my phone.

1st, activate your AT&T service.
2. Take out Sim and put it in an unlocked iPhone.
3. Wait for your Att account to show the iPhone.
4. Request unlock via the imei number
5. Enjoy
Mar 31, 2023
1,182 Posts
Joined Nov 2011
Mar 31, 2023
Xeno057
Mar 31, 2023
1,182 Posts
Quote from lou2004 :
that's bad. from slickdeal to nightmare.
Oh yeah. I put in a complain with the FCC and FTC. I don't understand how both companies just shrug this off...
Pro
Mar 31, 2023
3,097 Posts
Joined Nov 2012
Mar 31, 2023
gadgetNerd
Pro
Mar 31, 2023
3,097 Posts
Quote from emofals :
Same message for me as well...
I was getting the same error. I went via the flash. It's pretty easy to do and the unlocked AND uncarrier ROM that I flashed with (the one that's available) is actually the Thome Brown edition so you get a premium version of z fold 3 SW on top of Android 13 with eSIM goodness! So here are the steps if you are feeling adventurous.

1. There are many models of z fold 3 but in US two models are imp. F926U is carrier locked version and F926U1 is the unlocked US version. The firmware for these versions are interchangeable so you can flash the ATT model with F926U1 firmware.
2. Download patched odin v3.14.1_3B_PatchedD.zip from https://forum.xda-developers.com/...1.3762572/ as regular odin does not allow flashing mismatched firmware.
3. Download the firmware from F96U1 XAA version from https://samfrew.com/download/Gala...OYZ2FWB3/. Extract as there will be multiple files.
4. Connect z fold 3 to the windows PC.
5 .Put z fold 3 in download/recovery/odin mode. Power down. Press Volume up and down together and then press Volume up to go into recovery (a green screen would appear).
6. Start odin and then select different files for different categories and then start.
7, It should be now the US unlocked version.

Someone was saying the Mac smart switch might get it to update but I've not tried it as I wanted to get rid of ATT bloat.
Pro
Mar 31, 2023
3,097 Posts
Joined Nov 2012
Mar 31, 2023
gadgetNerd
Pro
Mar 31, 2023
3,097 Posts
Quote from MNFRUGALSHOPPER :
Will the "Smart Switch" app work with a locked Fold 3? Can it unlock it?
Nope, you will have to flash. Follow the instructions I mentioned above if you want to do it.
Pro
Mar 31, 2023
3,097 Posts
Joined Nov 2012
Mar 31, 2023
gadgetNerd
Pro
Mar 31, 2023
3,097 Posts
Quote from gadgetNerd :
Nope, you will have to flash. Follow the instructions I mentioned above if you want to do it.
I meant a carrier unlocked image. I don't think flashing will allow you to "netowrk-unlock" it. You will need to get the code from ATT using the method mentioned before.
Mar 31, 2023
312 Posts
Joined Dec 2018
Mar 31, 2023
samthekiller
Mar 31, 2023
312 Posts
Filed FCC complaint over the weekend. got a call from office of president and was asked to submit proof of purchase as in their system it shows as the item is still in BestBuy inventory. got unlock code after couple of hours and a call, she refused to waive the $3 bill on my account.

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Mar 31, 2023
623 Posts
Joined Jul 2014
Mar 31, 2023
Nitrohamster
Mar 31, 2023
623 Posts
Quote from samthekiller :
Filed FCC complaint over the weekend. got a call from office of president and was asked to submit proof of purchase as in their system it shows as the item is still in BestBuy inventory. got unlock code after couple of hours and a call, she refused to waive the $3 bill on my account.
At least it was $3 and not $100 like some people or 36 months of payments for yet others! U got off light son
Mar 31, 2023
334 Posts
Joined Nov 2014
Mar 31, 2023
Anhsirk78
Mar 31, 2023
334 Posts
I have no luck unlocking, AT&T portal says line not active for 60 days, placed sim in unlocked phone. Now the att says phone is on a different account. Called customer service to fix it. Now the device is active on the account. Changed sim to unlocked iPhone. Now ATT webs portal says too many unlocked attempts. Try again after 30 days. I raised complaint in FCC. Let's see what happens.

ATT shows 180 dollars bill. I called customer service and asked what for? They have no clue. says charges should be credited,

AT&T seems to be worse for new line of service if planning to terminate sooner.
Pro
Mar 31, 2023
3,097 Posts
Joined Nov 2012
Mar 31, 2023
gadgetNerd
Pro
Mar 31, 2023
3,097 Posts
Quote from Anhsirk78 :
I have no luck unlocking, AT&T portal says line not active for 60 days, placed sim in unlocked phone. Now the att says phone is on a different account. Called customer service to fix it. Now the device is active on the account. Changed sim to unlocked iPhone. Now ATT webs portal says too many unlocked attempts. Try again after 30 days. I raised complaint in FCC. Let's see what happens.
Once you switch the sim out from a z fold 3 to another unlocked phone, you need to submit the request in the unlock portal as a *not* ATT customer (with the IMEI of fold 3). It seems that FCC complaints are being looked at seriously so hopefully you will get your unlock code soon.
Apr 1, 2023
334 Posts
Joined Nov 2014
Apr 1, 2023
Anhsirk78
Apr 1, 2023
334 Posts
Quote from gadgetNerd :
Once you switch the sim out from a z fold 3 to another unlocked phone, you need to submit the request in the unlock portal as a *not* ATT customer (with the IMEI of fold 3). It seems that FCC complaints are being looked at seriously so hopefully you will get your unlock code soon.
I did that several times, placed sim in unlocked iPhone. The problem was att did not update the phone in their system. Every time I got your phone is not active for 60 days.I tried unlocking 6 times 24 hrs ago. ATT web portal said your phone is active on a different account which is not true. Call customer service, changed the device to Samsung galaxy Z fold three from Apple iPhone. My account is showing Apple iPhone all the time. Finally, they change the phone to Samsung galaxy Zfold3, now submitted a request to unlock after I moved the Sim card to unlock the iPhone. Now att states I submitted too many unlock request in the last 24 hours and I should try after 30 days.

AT&T store screwed my phone line very badly. Hopefully FCC will solve the problem. FCC give a ticket number. Waiting to hear back.
Apr 1, 2023
623 Posts
Joined Jul 2014
Apr 1, 2023
Nitrohamster
Apr 1, 2023
623 Posts
hey guys samsung smart switch actually DOES work. It's just buggy.
At first I got the firmware bug error and thought "aw ATT screwed me again." But just keep mashing the button. reconnect the usb cable if you need to. It might take a few tries, but it WILL eventually update.

You know how Samsung is with hardware problems from washing machines all the way to smartphones. All buggy and it'll take several tries.
Apr 1, 2023
198 Posts
Joined Aug 2011
Apr 1, 2023
mydealcollections
Apr 1, 2023
198 Posts
Quote from emofals :
Were you able to update? Mine keeps failing close to 80% using samsung switch..
No.. ended up flashing firmware using Odin. (like #1297)
Apr 1, 2023
198 Posts
Joined Aug 2011
Apr 1, 2023
mydealcollections
Apr 1, 2023
198 Posts
Quote from Nitrohamster :
hey guys samsung smart switch actually DOES work. It's just buggy.
At first I got the firmware bug error and thought "aw ATT screwed me again." But just keep mashing the button. reconnect the usb cable if you need to. It might take a few tries, but it WILL eventually update.

You know how Samsung is with hardware problems from washing machines all the way to smartphones. All buggy and it'll take several tries.
for me, the backup function worked, but not the firmware update "failed"EEK!

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Apr 1, 2023
18 Posts
Joined Apr 2013
Apr 1, 2023
Nonoima
Apr 1, 2023
18 Posts
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

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