Best Buy is offering their Google Pixel 8 Unlocked Smartphone (2023) (various colors) on sale listed below after trading Apple iPhone 11 Smartphone Device (in a form of a refund for$415 Off). Shipping is free.
Thanks to community member karthekean for finding this deal
Note, trade in device must be in good/working condition. Damage will incur reduced value.
This collaborative space allows users to contribute additional information, tips, and insights to enhance the original deal post. Feel free to share your knowledge and help fellow shoppers make informed decisions.
Best Buy is offering their Google Pixel 8 Unlocked Smartphone (2023) (various colors) on sale listed below after trading Apple iPhone 11 Smartphone Device (in a form of a refund for$415 Off). Shipping is free.
Thanks to community member karthekean for finding this deal
Note, trade in device must be in good/working condition. Damage will incur reduced value.
Deal History includes data from multiple reputable stores, such as Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. The lowest price among stores for a given day is selected as the "Sale Price".
Sale Price does not include sale prices at Amazon unless a deal was posted by a community member.
I was not already a Verizon customer. I picked the lowest-cost plan ($75 w/o autopay) when ordering the phone on Best Buy web site. When I picked up the phone, a Verizon SIM was attached to the box, without any kind of instructions to activate. But I got some helpful info from member ProudToBeAnIdian on how to proceed. Here's how it went.
* I created a Verizon account on Verizon web site. They asked for my name, address, email, etc but the SS# and DL info were already provided when ordering through Best Buy in order for Verizon to check my credit. Then it asked me to provide my new Verizon phone number or accout number. I checked "I'lll do it later", then logged out.
* I put the SIM in an unlocked old phone (because I want to sell the Pixel 8 as new-in-box). The SIM was automatically activated and assigned a new Verizon phone number.
* I logged back into my VZ account and linked the new phone number to the account. I looked at a preview of the 1st bill and it was $126.86 including taxes & fees and $35 activation fee. Each month after that is $81.37. Damn, they're expensive for just one line.
* I selected Chat while logged in, told the bot that I wanted to cancel service, it gave me the option to cancel service myself or via a rep, I chose to do it myself WHICH WAS A BAD DECISION. The bot submitted the cancel request but said service would be disconnected on Aug 17, that means I have to pay the full 1st month. That's NOT what I wanted.
* I started a new Chat and asked for "Agent". A live agent connected (without a name, let's assume it was a female) and asked what I needed. I told her that I wanted to cancel because the VZ signal is so weak at my location. She wanted to try some trouble shooting first. I said OK. She told me to do a Network Reset on the phone and let her know if it got better. I did the reset and told her that I still got only 1 bar with VZ but the same phone got 4 bars with T-mo. She said she needed to get a supervisor to cancel the pending request that the bot submitted.
* After 5 minutes or so, she said she got the pending request deleted and was ready to cancel service right away. I asked her to proceed which she did. After that, my account showed service disconnected and the bill preview showed an expected bill of $7.56 (for one day of service + taxes & fees I guess). Since the account shows No Payment Method On File, I guess they'll mail me a bill, but I plan to log in after a few days and pay the bill online if I can.
The issues with the phone come with cellular usage. The modem is weak, so it doesn't latch on to 5G very well in low coverage area. The phone keeps on getting warm and loses battery rather rapidly. Also in general, the Tensor thermals are poor. So on a hot day in the car, the phone will overheat even when used normally to do VOIP calls, play music etc without even using GPS. If using GPS, it is even worse.
Unfortunately the first thing that the Pixels do on overheating is shut down the cellular signal. The phone is then totally crippled until you switch it off and let it cool down. Had some rough experiences on the road with the phone overheating and needing to shut it down and having to disconnect calls.
On a cool day or while being indoors with strong wifi signal, the phone will do well. It is otherwise pretty smooth with great software. All in all, a nice phone with excellent software is hampered badly by a mediocre processor with awful thermals and a very inferior modem.
If you plan to use the phone for yourself, I would honestly wait till Pixel 10 where the processor would be TMSC based vs the current Tensor projected to be used in Pixel 9.
I have the Pixel 7 Pro and the Pixel 8 Pro both. Google's Tensor G2/G3 is significantly inferior to the Qualcomm's Snapdragon chip in terms of performance, thermals and battery life. To add insult to injury, the model in the Pixel phones is by Samsung and really does a bad job in low signal areas and with 5G. So you have the phone with weak signal, constantly overheating and losing battery.
Google always has trade in deals where they give a lot of $$ for older iphones but very little $$ for their own Pixels. So I'm sure you will find similar deals with Pixel 9 as well. Keep in mind the Pixel 9 is 6.03" screen size, so smaller than the Pixel 8.
I have "Your First Bill Estimate", but I don't have the real or actual bill yet. Did you cancel via chat based on your estimated bill, or did you wait until the actual bill appeared in your account?
Did you create a Verizon phone number? If not, then how did it activate the service without a new number or a transfer?
Does anyone have experience with Metro's shipping speeds? My local Bestbuy pick up order is only available until Friday. And I couldn't find anything on Metro's website that said I am required to subscribe longer than a month. Nothing I missed right? And can the company that buys these trade in phones unlock them? I'm guessing they have a way?
You can extend the pickup deadline for another two weeks on the web site.
Did you create a Verizon phone number? If not, then how did it activate the service without a new number or a transfer?
Yes, I had already created a new number. Just canceled via chat with only the estimated bill showing ($122), and after the agent finalized the cancellation the verizon bill estimate dropped to $8.15.
I have "Your First Bill Estimate", but I don't have the real or actual bill yet. Did you cancel via chat based on your estimated bill, or did you wait until the actual bill appeared in your account?
I cancelled about an hour after I activated the SIM. I looked at the estimated bill amount but it wasn't the reason for me to cancel. I knew it would be high (at least $75 plan + $35 activation fee) and I didn't want to pay that. You don't need any info from the bill in order to contact Chat to cancel.
I cancelled about an hour after I activated the SIM. I looked at the estimated bill amount but it wasn't the reason for me to cancel. I knew it would be high (at least $75 plan + $35 activation fee) and I didn't want to pay that. You don't need any info from the bill in order to contact Chat to cancel.
I just posted above - cancelled and the verizon estimated bill dropped from $122 to $8.15.
You have been a gigantic asset in all these smartphone threads and, once again I just want to say THANK YOU!
I have a brand new in the box iphone 11 that I have never opened. I keep it as a backup bc most of the fam uses iphones. I use Android but just got a new phone already. Is this a killer deal? Should I jump on this? I just dont know how much iphone holds it value against android (Google pixel) phones. I dont think anyone would use a google pixel 8 in the fam, but if it has better resale value maybe i could flip it for an iphone 12 or 13
Last edited by dealz4home July 20, 2024 at 05:52 PM.
Yes, I had already created a new number. Just canceled via chat with only the estimated bill showing ($122), and after the agent finalized the cancellation the verizon bill estimate dropped to $8.15.
Thank you. Is the chat available on the weekend? Did they really press you on the reason for cancellation and keep on insisting that you don't need to cancel?
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Just picked up a local iPhone 11 for $190. Craigslist dealer was asking for $200 but I bargained $10 off since he didn't include a charger. Purchased a Verizon phone through the website and trade in and only paid $47 after trade in difference. Cancelled the new line after calling in to customer service and just told them I was going to join a family plan for the reason. Preview bill showed $9. This was too easy.
$246 out of pocket for an unlocked Pixel 8. Slick.
whenry (OP), ProudtobeIndian and hpham are the MVP's of this thread.
Last edited by WiseMusic367 July 20, 2024 at 06:03 PM.
Thank you. Is the chat available on the weekend? Did they really press you on the reason for cancellation and keep on insisting that you don't need to cancel?
You're welcome. I just cancelled via chat about 30-40 minutes ago, so they're definitely available at some point on the weekend. I looked around for official hours, but couldn't find any.
They did ask very politely why I wanted to cancel and I told them the internet speeds were inadequate. They countered just once by suggesting I go with a better plan, which I guess isn't throttled, but I declined and they followed through with the cancellation right away. Pretty painless overall.
Got a message stating "your wireless carrier has declined your application" when trying to do this online and create a new VZ account. Also tried with my wife's info, same message and we both have great credit.
Anyone else run into this? Thinking about trying in store but worried about getting a clueless rep
Got a message stating "your wireless carrier has declined your application" when trying to do this online and create a new VZ account. Also tried with my wife's info, same message and we both have great credit.
Anyone else run into this? Thinking about trying in store but worried about getting a clueless rep
I think user "..Indian" did it in store. You should be able to do it.
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* I created a Verizon account on Verizon web site. They asked for my name, address, email, etc but the SS# and DL info were already provided when ordering through Best Buy in order for Verizon to check my credit. Then it asked me to provide my new Verizon phone number or accout number. I checked "I'lll do it later", then logged out.
* I put the SIM in an unlocked old phone (because I want to sell the Pixel 8 as new-in-box). The SIM was automatically activated and assigned a new Verizon phone number.
* I logged back into my VZ account and linked the new phone number to the account. I looked at a preview of the 1st bill and it was $126.86 including taxes & fees and $35 activation fee. Each month after that is $81.37. Damn, they're expensive for just one line.
* I selected Chat while logged in, told the bot that I wanted to cancel service, it gave me the option to cancel service myself or via a rep, I chose to do it myself WHICH WAS A BAD DECISION. The bot submitted the cancel request but said service would be disconnected on Aug 17, that means I have to pay the full 1st month. That's NOT what I wanted.
* I started a new Chat and asked for "Agent". A live agent connected (without a name, let's assume it was a female) and asked what I needed. I told her that I wanted to cancel because the VZ signal is so weak at my location. She wanted to try some trouble shooting first. I said OK. She told me to do a Network Reset on the phone and let her know if it got better. I did the reset and told her that I still got only 1 bar with VZ but the same phone got 4 bars with T-mo. She said she needed to get a supervisor to cancel the pending request that the bot submitted.
* After 5 minutes or so, she said she got the pending request deleted and was ready to cancel service right away. I asked her to proceed which she did. After that, my account showed service disconnected and the bill preview showed an expected bill of $7.56 (for one day of service + taxes & fees I guess). Since the account shows No Payment Method On File, I guess they'll mail me a bill, but I plan to log in after a few days and pay the bill online if I can.
I hope all that was helpful to someone.
Unfortunately the first thing that the Pixels do on overheating is shut down the cellular signal. The phone is then totally crippled until you switch it off and let it cool down. Had some rough experiences on the road with the phone overheating and needing to shut it down and having to disconnect calls.
On a cool day or while being indoors with strong wifi signal, the phone will do well. It is otherwise pretty smooth with great software. All in all, a nice phone with excellent software is hampered badly by a mediocre processor with awful thermals and a very inferior modem.
I have the Pixel 7 Pro and the Pixel 8 Pro both. Google's Tensor G2/G3 is significantly inferior to the Qualcomm's Snapdragon chip in terms of performance, thermals and battery life. To add insult to injury, the model in the Pixel phones is by Samsung and really does a bad job in low signal areas and with 5G. So you have the phone with weak signal, constantly overheating and losing battery.
Google always has trade in deals where they give a lot of $$ for older iphones but very little $$ for their own Pixels. So I'm sure you will find similar deals with Pixel 9 as well. Keep in mind the Pixel 9 is 6.03" screen size, so smaller than the Pixel 8.
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I have "Your First Bill Estimate", but I don't have the real or actual bill yet. Did you cancel via chat based on your estimated bill, or did you wait until the actual bill appeared in your account?
You have been a gigantic asset in all these smartphone threads and, once again I just want to say THANK YOU!
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$246 out of pocket for an unlocked Pixel 8. Slick.
whenry (OP), ProudtobeIndian and hpham are the MVP's of this thread.
They did ask very politely why I wanted to cancel and I told them the internet speeds were inadequate. They countered just once by suggesting I go with a better plan, which I guess isn't throttled, but I declined and they followed through with the cancellation right away. Pretty painless overall.
Anyone else run into this? Thinking about trying in store but worried about getting a clueless rep
Anyone else run into this? Thinking about trying in store but worried about getting a clueless rep
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
Join The Conversation
Share your experience with the Slickdeals community
Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!