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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
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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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Apr 5, 2023
254 Posts
Joined Jul 2017
Apr 5, 2023
Yoksel
Apr 5, 2023
254 Posts
Quote from perdesi :
With so many people having issues with the Fold, is it event worth the $300?
I don't know yet, just unpacked it this morning and didn't have much time to play with it but so far I really like it. I usually use my phones for 3-4 years and I get Fold 3 won't survive that long but I think it will give me a good idea whether I want to go this route in general or keep using standard phones. If it doesn't survive a year, I have a warranty. Beyond a year mark I'll probably look into trading it in.
Apr 5, 2023
218 Posts
Joined Aug 2009
Apr 5, 2023
slickster112
Apr 5, 2023
218 Posts
Quote from sbihue :
Same issue, canceled service a few hours after portin and was stuck with a 111$ bill.Called in and told them that they were violating their own legal terms, section 2.4.5, which waives charges if canceled within 14 days and activation as well, if canceled within 3 days of activation and thatU would be happy to report this to FCC and the State AG's office.
CSR indicated that the final bill will zero out all charges as this initial bill was system generated.I was also told that the timeline of the port in and cancelation was noted on my account .
I'd day call in to get this fixed and if not corrected immediately wait for your next/final Bill.
Did you get your final bill yet? Wondering when they are sent out in relation to cancellation.
Apr 5, 2023
152 Posts
Joined Sep 2017
Apr 5, 2023
m.rokerya
Apr 5, 2023
152 Posts
Today received the phone. Sim swap method worked like a charm. Almost got unlock code email immediately after confirmation. Now next hurdle to cancel the line and get all $114 removed from the bill.
Apr 5, 2023
359 Posts
Joined Dec 2021
Apr 5, 2023
SeriousKitten2924
Apr 5, 2023
359 Posts
Guys! I've just got my Fold3. It took exactly a week to be delivered. I did everything as you told in this post, with no luck...((

I activated it with bundles SIM from ATT. Then removed and put Sim into my unlocked XR, made a few calls. I ported number from Google Voice. So I was able to call, but when trying to call to this new number it turns on voicemail from Google. Perhaps that's why I have issues? Well, the ATT portal shows that my device is Iphone Xr, but when I try to unlock with IMEI, not ATT customer and different credentials it shows error:

The device you want to unlock is active on another AT&T account. The account owner needs to remove the device from their account first. For assistance, call 800.331.0500.

Wtf?! What should I do to unlock it?

P.S. on main account page I see Fold3 picture, but when going to Manage Device it shows Iphone Xr there.
Last edited by SeriousKitten2924 April 4, 2023 at 10:18 PM.
Apr 5, 2023
8 Posts
Joined Mar 2021
Apr 5, 2023
NervousStag2984
Apr 5, 2023
8 Posts
Quote from SeriousKitten2924 :
Guys! I've just got my Fold3. It took exactly a week to be delivered. I did everything as you told in this post, with no luck...((

I activated it with bundles SIM from ATT. Then removed and put Sim into my unlocked XR, made a few calls. I ported number from Google Voice. So I was able to call, but when trying to call to this new number it turns on voicemail from Google. Perhaps that's why I have issues? Well, the ATT portal shows that my device is Iphone Xr, but when I try to unlock with IMEI, not ATT customer and different credentials it shows error:

The device you want to unlock is active on another AT&T account. The account owner needs to remove the device from their account first. For assistance, call 800.331.0500.

Wtf?! What should I do to unlock it?

P.S. on main account page I see Fold3 picture, but when going to Manage Device it shows Iphone Xr there.
You need to wait till fold3 disappears from your account main page.
Apr 5, 2023
359 Posts
Joined Dec 2021
Apr 5, 2023
SeriousKitten2924
Apr 5, 2023
359 Posts
Quote from NervousStag2984 :
You need to wait till fold3 disappears from your account main page.
But guys here gave thorough instructions that I went through. What's the matter?! May it be because the number port in issues? That I can call with this number, but unable to receive calls.
Pro
Apr 5, 2023
3,109 Posts
Joined Nov 2012
Apr 5, 2023
gadgetNerd
Pro
Apr 5, 2023
3,109 Posts
Quote from m.rokerya :
Today received the phone. Sim swap method worked like a charm. Almost got unlock code email immediately after confirmation. Now next hurdle to cancel the line and get all $114 removed from the bill.
Nice! When did you order?

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Pro
Apr 5, 2023
3,109 Posts
Joined Nov 2012
Apr 5, 2023
gadgetNerd
Pro
Apr 5, 2023
3,109 Posts
Quote from SeriousKitten2924 :
But guys here gave thorough instructions that I went through. What's the matter?! May it be because the number port in issues? That I can call with this number, but unable to receive calls.
Given that you are getting google voice voicemail prompt while calling this number it might be your porting is in limbo. Go to ATT.com/portstatus to check. One other last-resort way might be to cancel the service thereby disassociating the phone from the account and try unlock but I'd go the way of cancellation if everything else fails
Apr 5, 2023
359 Posts
Joined Dec 2021
Apr 5, 2023
SeriousKitten2924
Apr 5, 2023
359 Posts
Quote from gadgetNerd :
Given that you are getting google voice voicemail prompt while calling this number it might be your porting is in limbo. Go to ATT.com/portstatus to check. One other last-resort way might be to cancel the service thereby disassociating the phone from the account and try unlock but I'd go the way of cancellation if everything else fails
At last I see iPhone Xr instead of Fold in my account. But now when try to unlock with IMEI it says that I tried too many times (three times I did) and have to wait for 24 hours. My port status shows that my number still transferring, however why can I use it to call as ATT, but Google as receiving only.
Do I really have to wait 24 hours before trying again to unlock?
Apr 5, 2023
20 Posts
Joined Feb 2023
Apr 5, 2023
TenderSink710
Apr 5, 2023
20 Posts
After one week of use, I absolutely love the device and design! However my inside screen protector has already bubbled up from the center crease already, my feeling is that of course these have been sitting for 1-2 years so it's bound to have happen as others reported the screen protector last less then a year or so. I will try to contact Samsung for replacement
Apr 5, 2023
1,391 Posts
Joined Sep 2010
Apr 5, 2023
devious20000
Apr 5, 2023
1,391 Posts
Quote from SeriousKitten2924 :
At last I see iPhone Xr instead of Fold in my account. But now when try to unlock with IMEI it says that I tried too many times (three times I did) and have to wait for 24 hours. My port status shows that my number still transferring, however why can I use it to call as ATT, but Google as receiving only.
Do I really have to wait 24 hours before trying again to unlock?
Yes, I had the same problem, so just wait 24hrs, it will be fine.
Apr 5, 2023
513 Posts
Joined May 2005
Apr 5, 2023
sbihue
Apr 5, 2023
513 Posts
Quote from TenderSink710 :
After one week of use, I absolutely love the device and design! However my inside screen protector has already bubbled up from the center crease already, my feeling is that of course these have been sitting for 1-2 years so it's bound to have happen as others reported the screen protector last less then a year or so. I will try to contact Samsung for replacement
Agree, being in storage could cause this issue. Anyway, Samsung covers one free replacement so call in the and hope you have a repair shop within reasonable distance
Apr 5, 2023
513 Posts
Joined May 2005
Apr 5, 2023
sbihue
Apr 5, 2023
513 Posts
Quote from zettler :
Sorry, one more question (for now) and that is do I download ALL the files at the link in #3 above AND extract them all???

That was really my primary question as I might not read any directions that come with a purchase, I get anal about not missing a step or the like with something like this that has the potential to brick a $322 purchase....LOL

Well, for anyone looking to get rid of AT&T bloatware, you don't necessarily have to flash the unlocked firmware. This is still an AT&T branded phone which is tied to the Phone's model & serial# so flashing the firmware to a different one will very likely cause warranty issues if you need it. Now if you don't care then yes, by all means flash at will.

A simpler way to remove AT&T bloatware is to use ADB. On the Z Fold3, you will need to uninstall the secure folder From the home screen, choose Apps.
  1. Choose Settings.
  2. Choose Lock screen and security.
  3. Choose Secure Folder.
  4. Enter your lock details to access your Secure Folder.
  5. Choose Uninstall.

ADB is part of the Android Windows SDK and can be downloaded here... https://developer.android.com/too...form-tools

Enable Developer mode on the Z Fold (Click NBuild number under Settings, Software Information 7 to 8 times) and enable USB Debug mode.

Then used ADB to identify the AT&T and other packages that you want to remove and follow these instructions.... https://www.xda-developers.com/un...ot-access/

This does not physically remove the packages but will internally disable them so they wont be available until you do a factory reset. Works great preserving the integrity of the packages incase you need to send it in for warranty.

BTW, thsi is the list of AT&T packages that I found on the Z Fold3 and removed

  • com.att.dh
  • com.att.callprotect
  • com.att.personalcloud
  • com.att.android.attsmartwifi
  • com.dti.att
  • com.dti.folderlauncher
  • com.att.myWireless
  • com.att.csoiam.mobilekey
  • com.att.iqi
  • com.att.android.attsmartwifi

There is additional Samsung bloatware like Bixby etc that you can get rid of as well
Last edited by sbihue April 5, 2023 at 07:54 AM.
Apr 5, 2023
513 Posts
Joined May 2005
Apr 5, 2023
sbihue
Apr 5, 2023
513 Posts
Quote from SeriousKitten2924 :
Guys! I've just got my Fold3. It took exactly a week to be delivered. I did everything as you told in this post, with no luck...((

I activated it with bundles SIM from ATT. Then removed and put Sim into my unlocked XR, made a few calls. I ported number from Google Voice. So I was able to call, but when trying to call to this new number it turns on voicemail from Google. Perhaps that's why I have issues? Well, the ATT portal shows that my device is Iphone Xr, but when I try to unlock with IMEI, not ATT customer and different credentials it shows error:

The device you want to unlock is active on another AT&T account. The account owner needs to remove the device from their account first. For assistance, call 800.331.0500.

Wtf?! What should I do to unlock it?

P.S. on main account page I see Fold3 picture, but when going to Manage Device it shows Iphone Xr there.
if nothing else works, pop-in the sim back into yoru Z FOld3 and use the myAT&T app to submit an unlock request. I had the exact same issue and after being shot down at the device unlock portal & AT&T reps, this is what worked.
If your in-phone request goes through, you will receive an status check URL. DO NOT loose it. Forward it yto your regular phone as backup and keep checking it twice a day. I got my unlock after 2 days by checking that URL, no other email or phone notification.

good luck

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Apr 5, 2023
3,546 Posts
Joined Jan 2005
Apr 5, 2023
zettler
Apr 5, 2023
3,546 Posts
Quote from sbihue :
Well, for anyone looking to get rid of AT&T bloatware, you don't necessarily have to flash the unlocked firmware. This is still an AT&T branded phone which is tied to the Phone's model & serial# so flashing the firmware to a different one will very likely cause warranty issues if you need it. Now if you don't care then yes, by all means flash at will.

A simpler way to remove AT&T bloatware is to use ADB. On the Z Fold3, you will need to uninstall the secure folder From the home screen, choose Apps.
  1. Choose Settings.
  2. Choose Lock screen and security.
  3. Choose Secure Folder.
  4. Enter your lock details to access your Secure Folder.
  5. Choose Uninstall.

ADB is part of the Android Windows SDK and can be downloaded here... https://developer.android.com/too...form-tools

Enable Developer mode on the Z Fold (Click NBuild number under Settings, Software Information 7 to 8 times) and enable USB Debug mode.

Then used ADB to identify the AT&T and other packages that you want to remove and follow these instructions.... https://www.xda-developers.com/un...ot-access/

This does not physically remove the packages but will internally disable them so they wont be available until you do a factory reset. Works great preserving the integrity of the packages incase you need to send it in for warranty.

BTW, thsi is the list of AT&T packages that I found on the Z Fold3 and removed

  • com.att.dh
  • com.att.callprotect
  • com.att.personalcloud
  • com.att.android.attsmartwifi
  • com.dti.att
  • com.dti.folderlauncher
  • com.att.myWireless
  • com.att.csoiam.mobilekey
  • com.att.iqi
  • com.att.android.attsmartwifi

There is additional Samsung bloatware like Bixby etc that you can get rid of as well
WOW! Simply WOW!

Major KUDOS to both you and gadgetnerd for all your assistance, to me personally and everyone else. We need more like you all. We truly do.

Oh, and kudos to all the otbers (too many to list) who have assisted others in this thread. Again, keep up the good work and know that people appreciate your efforts, consideration and support.

I know I do and I've been here a long time, and before that Fat Wallet, Anandtech, and a whole bunch more over the years...

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