[Q] Buying the phone, no contract from T-mobile? - T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S 4

Im switching from sprint and I plan on getting the S4 and using it on the $30 prepaid plan. I looked around and it appears the cheapest place to buy a T-mobile or unlocked S4 is from T-mobile for $630. Of course I tried to order it online and they want me to attach a plan.. I know theres a thread where most people bought it and then cancelled the plan immediately, but can I just go to a T-mobile store and buy it from them without signing up for a plan?
Thank you!

test878 said:
Im switching from sprint and I plan on getting the S4 and using it on the $30 prepaid plan. I looked around and it appears the cheapest place to buy a T-mobile or unlocked S4 is from T-mobile for $630. Of course I tried to order it online and they want me to attach a plan.. I know theres a thread where most people bought it and then cancelled the plan immediately, but can I just go to a T-mobile store and buy it from them without signing up for a plan?
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought my online.
most store don't have it in store yet.
None of store near me has they said they wil get it by 15 yes u can buy from store but they will still try to attach u with 50$ plan so might as well just order online next day free shipping and cancel plan. Or never activate sim lol
That's what I did.

maxshah912 said:
I just bought my online.
most store don't have it in store yet.
None of store near me has they said they wil get it by 15 yes u can buy from store but they will still try to attach u with 50$ plan so might as well just order online next day free shipping and cancel plan. Or never activate sim lol
That's what I did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought the SIM that comes with the phone is already pre-activated. I don't know if not using it will stop service.

GG2012 said:
I thought the SIM that comes with the phone is already pre-activated. I don't know if not using it will stop service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO MINE did not came pre activated they send me activation card and stuff.
If it comes pre activated it is still cancel it

Back!
been a long time since I left XDA developers... purchased the i-phone 4 three years ago, and now own the Samsung Galaxy IV phone..
somehow, I knew that I would be pulled back into this forum..
I purchased my SGIV on release date Monday with t-mobile, surprised me the next day it arrived. Everything pre-loaded, sim, you name it
no hassle.
Honestly, I think T-mobile is the best out there right now then the other big three AT&T,Sprint, and Verizon is offering. Especially, not having to deal with a contract to break free from T-mobile.
Best bet is to purchase it on-line because many major metro areas will carry it vs. smaller cities..
Thats my .2
tvos

Related

[Q] Availability of Contract Free Atrix in USA for UK buyer?

Hi
My friend is going to Florida for a holiday next week and will bring me back an Atrix which will be quicker than waiting for UK release(June). AT&T are selling the Atrix contract free for $499.00. I there any availability problems for this mobile or will he just be able to buy one?
Thanks in advance for your help
He can buy one without any problems, however 3G won't work in UK since US and UK frequencies are different.
You will also need to sim unlock it but I guess you are aware of that.
t-mobile uk use 2100 for 3g I thought the atrix can use this?
Hmm if it 2100 yes Atrix supports that, sorry for the misinformation.
I'm not sure an AT&T store will let your friend simply buy a phone and walk out the door. AT&T's no-contract price still requires the purchaser to sign up for a new data plan, even though there's no commitment to a 2-year contract. He might have to sign up for a plan, then cancel it a little later.
GoodFoot said:
I'm not sure an AT&T store will let your friend simply buy a phone and walk out the door. AT&T's no-contract price still requires the purchaser to sign up for a new data plan, even though there's no commitment to a 2-year contract. He might have to sign up for a plan, then cancel it a little later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really, I bought one without giving my account info at all. Guy at the store asked it but I just said I don't want to tell it he said ok
fincan said:
Not really, I bought one without giving my account info at all. Guy at the store asked it but I just said I don't want to tell it he said ok
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much did you pay for the Atrix?
GoodFoot said:
How much did you pay for the Atrix?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$499 + tax
You can absolutely walk right into an AT&T store and buy one outright without giving ANY information. I used to work for AT&T and I have even done this as recently as 4 months ago.

Galaxy Note II Off Contract Availability

Guys, where are you getting your Note off contract? Hopefully this thread can help members in the same situation get a galaxy note 2.
I have a pre-paid plan and do not want to be locked into any 2 year plan.
So far, it seem like only T-mobile stores are selling them for $650 + tax and that's if they want to sell it to you. What about Bestbuy? Walmart? etc.
initial_k said:
Guys, where are you getting your Note off contract? Hopefully this thread can help members in the same situation get a galaxy note 2.
I have a pre-paid plan and do not want to be locked into any 2 year plan.
So far, it seem like only T-mobile stores are selling them for $650 + tax and that's if they want to sell it to you. What about Bestbuy? Walmart? etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got mine from the T-Mobile store. I'm not sure if this really answers your question, though. It seems like you already know that the only place that's selling them right now (that I know of) are T-Mobile stores.
initial_k said:
Guys, where are you getting your Note off contract? Hopefully this thread can help members in the same situation get a galaxy note 2.
I have a pre-paid plan and do not want to be locked into any 2 year plan.
So far, it seem like only T-mobile stores are selling them for $650 + tax and that's if they want to sell it to you. What about Bestbuy? Walmart? etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am currently switching from Sprint so I'm not a customer. My local T-mobile store sold it to me off contract but I had to buy a $10 pre paid card to get it activated at the store. I had already ordered a micro sim activation kit online and was planning on activating it myself.
I think it's on a store by store basis.
blazinazn said:
I am currently switching from Sprint so I'm not a customer. My local T-mobile store sold it to me off contract but I had to buy a $10 pre paid card to get it activated at the store. I had already ordered a micro sim activation kit online and was planning on activating it myself.
I think it's on a store by store basis.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Note
I will be Joining you soon leaving Sprint to get this Next Month is my final contract Month.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda app-developers app
I bought mine at a T in Albany NY. First I went in to said they had 2 in stock. I said I would like one and will be paying retail. Suddenly the 2 they had in stock had been shipped to another store. I asked if they could call the store to se if they were in stock. The store they shipped them to had already sold them The next store I went to said they had one. I waited for him to get the phone out before I said "I think I'll pay retail". Now I have one and love it.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 07:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:30 PM ----------
Also, I did not have to pay any kind of fee to get it activated.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
21stNow said:
I got mine from the T-Mobile store. I'm not sure if this really answers your question, though. It seems like you already know that the only place that's selling them right now (that I know of) are T-Mobile stores.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try wirefly which will be cheaper.Got my at Tmo retail 703 $
21stNow said:
I got mine from the T-Mobile store. I'm not sure if this really answers your question, though. It seems like you already know that the only place that's selling them right now (that I know of) are T-Mobile stores.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I'm wondering if there's any other places that I can buy the phone off contract and maybe even avoid sales tax (via online purchase). Everyone is paying about 700 for theirs.
I've visit one store yesterday but all they had were Gray only. I believe the white one are rare at the moment. They were saving it for new customers or those that are extending their contract.
simplelife said:
Try wirefly which will be cheaper.Got my at Tmo retail 703 $
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure how that's cheaper... from a T-Mobile store it costs $649.99 off-contract, it's $703 off wirefly. Even with California tax (8.75%) that makes the Note II $707 from the T-Mobile store. Not to mention that wirefly charges tax to CA, so... for me the wirefly price would be $764...
But yeah, my store wouldnt sell to me, as they were saving it for new and upgrading customers.
Full Purchase Price at T-Mobile Store
I purchased my GN2 yesterday at my local T-Mobile store in the white color 16GB configuration for $683.00 after taxes. I have a SanDisk Ultra 64GB microSDHX memory card class 10 for $50 from Amazon inside it....The only problem I had was when I wanted to purchase it the sales rep at the T-Mobile store wanted me to use my upgrade and I said because I buy my phones outright and he had this shocked look on his and I was like OK....But I did purchase it with no problem though and it took all of ten minutes for me....
Got mine at the T-Mo store last night. Was just over $700 with tax. Wirefly doesn't charge tax in my state but they want I think $729 off contract for it so it was still cheaper to get it from T-Mobile and note have to wait.
Called and visited several Tmo stores. All stores had stock. Most stores had both white and grey in stock. Most said their manager would not let them sell at retail while it was "new". From the way the conversations went, I think I could have talked most stores into selling me one.
One store agreed to let me purchase a white one but not a grey one.
None of the stores seemed to be running out of stock.
$649+tax.
_Motoki_ said:
Got mine at the T-Mo store last night. Was just over $700 with tax. Wirefly doesn't charge tax in my state but they want I think $729 off contract for it so it was still cheaper to get it from T-Mobile and note have to wait.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, there's a coupon that brings it down to $704 or something on wirefly, but still, rather have it now than wait 2-3 days for $3 savings or so.
Not to mention if i have a problem, simple as walking in and exchanging.
achusaysblessyou said:
Exactly, there's a coupon that brings it down to $704 or something on wirefly, but still, rather have it now than wait 2-3 days for $3 savings or so.
Not to mention if i have a problem, simple as walking in and exchanging.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought my wife one on T-Mobile website, and it came out to $684.94 shipped. I think some places will hold their inventory for "new" or upgrading customers, but most places will allow you to purchase outright.
Tidbits said:
I bought my wife one on T-Mobile website, and it came out to $684.94 shipped. I think some places will hold their inventory for "new" or upgrading customers, but most places will allow you to purchase outright.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it's up to the managers and the two near me are greedier than most i guess.
I woke up at 10:00 in the morning and called my closest store and they had 3 Titanium Grey in stock for New activations or upgrades so I thought I would be out of luck but I went in anyways and I "upgraded" my pre-paid account to the Note 2. That is funny as hell cause that really should not be considered an upgrade as I already have to pay full price for my phones... I took em to school on that one! LOL
Yea they don't get commission when they are sold outright. At least that's the way it was when I sold phones for RadioShack.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
05GT said:
Yea they don't get commission when they are sold outright. At least that's the way it was when I sold phones for RadioShack.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not only commissions but if they run out and someone wants to come in to start a new plan then they also lose a new subscriber. I wish I could afford it at $700 but thats like paying $30/mo for two years just for the phone.
one80oneday said:
Not only commissions but if they run out and someone wants to come in to start a new plan then they also lose a new subscriber. I wish I could afford it at $700 but thats like paying $30/mo for two years just for the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The funny thing is that some people can afford to pay a monthly bill of $100.00/month or more but if you buy your phone outright you cut that monthly fee in half and that is what pays for your phone plus more... No contract for me! :good:
Got my wife's for $702.34 at the Tmobile store inside Meadows Mall in Las Vegas.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
Bought mine on launch day at a Tmo store. They were happy to sell it to me for $650 and setup my new micro sim for me, no contract of course.

T-Mobile contract cancellation

Anybody guys made contract cancellation once you received phone?
Nope. You have 14 days to do so, 30 days to return if you buy outright. Have fun.
This belongs in Q&A.
k0nane said:
Nope. You have 14 days to do so, 30 days to return if you buy outright. Have fun.
This belongs in Q&A.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
I use TMobile prepaid and just would like to cancel contract and keep using GS4 on my existing prepaid. I've paid full price for the GS4. So when I receive it I can just cancel my contract and this will not affect any additional fees and/or blacklisting IMEI etc. ?
BTW sorry for the wrong forum
escknx said:
Thanks.
I use TMobile prepaid and just would like to cancel contract and keep using GS4 on my existing prepaid. I've paid full price for the GS4. So when I receive it I can just cancel my contract and this will not affect any additional fees and/or blacklisting IMEI etc. ?
BTW sorry for the wrong forum
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go talk to a rep in-store. If you signed up for another plan, while also paying full price for the GS4, you have no contract. You can cancel that plan at any time, you own the device.
k0nane said:
Go talk to a rep in-store. If you signed up for another plan, while also paying full price for the GS4, you have no contract. You can cancel that plan at any time, you own the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right I just mentioned that for now GS4 is unavailable for prepaid users so I had to subscribe for a contract to order it.
I did the same thing.
I have a prepaid account but I signed up for a new line and purchased the phone outright.
i know a bunch of other people on this forum did the same thing.
I am wondering if anyone canceled yet also and how they did it.
Can it be done on the live chat?
Yeah I looked on the T-Mobile site...no Galaxy S4 for prepaid phones. You have to give them your State ID and SSN to subscribe to a "no contract plan" where you pay the full price of the phone+$70/month. Which is complete bullcrap, because prepaid is the exact same thing, minus being forced to give T-Mobile your State ID/SSN for no reason at all. It's not just T-Mobile either, it's the same way with Sprint. Carriers want as much of your information as they can get; it's not enough you pay for service and the phone anymore.
My issue was much more interesting that anyone here experienced I believe.
When I ordered to my SSN and ID they haven't approve me and I was very wondering why cause I have a great credit score.
Then I contacted credit bureau and find out that my credit score fall <<400 that is unbelievable. Further speech and I realized that I've become a victim of identity theft. Now they confirmed this and recalculated my credit score as it should be. But to save time I had to order GS4 with my girfriend's papers.
Thanks GS4 that I've found identity theft so early.
The only one thing I have to do is cancel the contract once I receive it tomorrow.
So as I bought phone outright should I call somewhere to cancel it or I can just utilize sim card that I receive?
I'm also a prepaid customer, ended up buying the phone full price. Just hate the fact that even if you're paying the ful price you still have to sign up for service. I hope the only thing we have to do is give them a call and cancel the new line.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
I did the same thing. I've been a prepaid customer for a year or so, and I opened a post-paid plan account so I could get the GS4. I also paid for the phone in full. I received it today and I already put my prepaid plan sim card on it. I need to cancel the post-paid plan but I'm not sure if I should do it now or wait. The sim card that came with the phone is still untouched inside the box.
Masonfield said:
Yeah I looked on the T-Mobile site...no Galaxy S4 for prepaid phones. You have to give them your State ID and SSN to subscribe to a "no contract plan" where you pay the full price of the phone+$70/month. Which is complete bullcrap, because prepaid is the exact same thing, minus being forced to give T-Mobile your State ID/SSN for no reason at all. It's not just T-Mobile either, it's the same way with Sprint. Carriers want as much of your information as they can get; it's not enough you pay for service and the phone anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you paid full price for the phone it's only $50/mo. The other option is to pay $149 up front for the phone, then it's $70/mo.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Towle said:
If you paid full price for the phone it's only $50/mo. The other option is to pay $149 up front for the phone, then it's $70/mo.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plus data fees either way.
I'm on a special plan.
Towle said:
If you paid full price for the phone it's only $50/mo. The other option is to pay $149 up front for the phone, then it's $70/mo.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's only $50 if you unlimited talk/text+500MB data pool. If you want prepaid with unlimited data it's $70.
k0nane said:
Plus data fees either way.
I'm on a special plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The new plan $50/mo including data. But you need to be out of contract to use it.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
---------- Post added at 10:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:57 PM ----------
Masonfield said:
It's only $50 if you unlimited talk/text+500MB data pool. If you want prepaid with unlimited data it's $70.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I was thinking that it included 2.5 gb data, but that's an extra $10. So it's $60 if you want 2.5 gb or $70 if you want unlimited.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
sim locked?
I ordered mine yesterday night am planning to cancel service and use the phone also out of the country. Reading carefully through threads, but cannot find an answer: is the t-mobile S4 sim-locked? If yes and I paid the full price, can I get an unlocking code from t-mobile? Thanks
ua2 said:
I ordered mine yesterday night am planning to cancel service and use the phone also out of the country. Reading carefully through threads, but cannot find an answer: is the t-mobile S4 sim-locked? If yes and I paid the full price, can I get an unlocking code from t-mobile? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think it is SIM unlocked.
I havent read yet on any forums if anyone has been able to have it unlocked yet by t-mobile.
---------- Post added at 10:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:49 AM ----------
ua2 said:
I ordered mine yesterday night am planning to cancel service and use the phone also out of the country. Reading carefully through threads, but cannot find an answer: is the t-mobile S4 sim-locked? If yes and I paid the full price, can I get an unlocking code from t-mobile? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pilot_xphile said:
I did the same thing. I've been a prepaid customer for a year or so, and I opened a post-paid plan account so I could get the GS4. I also paid for the phone in full. I received it today and I already put my prepaid plan sim card on it. I need to cancel the post-paid plan but I'm not sure if I should do it now or wait. The sim card that came with the phone is still untouched inside the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same thing with me. I am trying to decide when to cancel the new line. SIM card is untouched in the box.
Waiting to see who cancels first and how the process went.
escknx said:
My issue was much more interesting that anyone here experienced I believe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think my experience might rival yours in "interesting"...
I also want to use the S4 on the $30 prepaid plan, and therefore intended to go the route of buying the phone with a $50 line and then cancel it.
I tried to buy online, but it told me I needed to contact a sales rep to complete the order. After starting an online chat with a sales rep, it turned out they required me to pay an additional $400 deposit. (I am pretty sure I never had an incidence with my credit rating so I am not sure why) As I intended to move over to pre-paid, I asked about the policy of how to get back the deposit if I cancel the line before the 1 year is up after which you automatically get back the deposit. After that she started to accuse me of committing fraud! and that t-mobile is not in the business of selling phones. I then asked her how asking about cancellation would violate their new un-carrier marketing and she asked me "where I came up with such a thing as un-carrier". She then simply canceled my order and hung up on me.
I don't think I have ever been accused of committing fraud before for wanting to pay a store over $1000 to buy their product!
I then tried to order again to get a more knowledgeable and competent representative. Unfortunately this time my bank decided t-mobile was "committing fraud" because they thought a $1000 was an unreasonably large amount for a internet transaction.
After the bank unblocked my credit card, because I told them I really do want to spend that much on a phone, I tried it again. Unfortunately on the third time the "account verification department " declined my request without an explanation of why they wouldn't take my $1000.
So I spent about 3 hours on the phone with t-mobile on Monday and I still don't have a S4 I don't think I have ever had a company as adamant to not taking my money as t-mobile. Now I'll have to wait till the 15th before I can try and buy it in a store
Does anyone know what might have gone wrong, or how to convince t-mobile to sell me a phone?
apmon said:
I think my experience might rival yours in "interesting"...
I also want to use the S4 on the $30 prepaid plan, and therefore intended to go the route of buying the phone with a $50 line and then cancel it.
I tried to buy online, but it told me I needed to contact a sales rep to complete the order. After starting an online chat with a sales rep, it turned out they required me to pay an additional $400 deposit. (I am pretty sure I never had an incidence with my credit rating so I am not sure why) As I intended to move over to pre-paid, I asked about the policy of how to get back the deposit if I cancel the line before the 1 year is up after which you automatically get back the deposit. After that she started to accuse me of committing fraud! and that t-mobile is not in the business of selling phones. I then asked her how asking about cancellation would violate their new un-carrier marketing and she asked me "where I came up with such a thing as un-carrier". She then simply canceled my order and hung up on me.
I don't think I have ever been accused of committing fraud before for wanting to pay a store over $1000 to buy their product!
I then tried to order again to get a more knowledgeable and competent representative. Unfortunately this time my bank decided t-mobile was "committing fraud" because they thought a $1000 was an unreasonably large amount for a internet transaction.
After the bank unblocked my credit card, because I told them I really do want to spend that much on a phone, I tried it again. Unfortunately on the third time the "account verification department " declined my request without an explanation of why they wouldn't take my $1000.
So I spent about 3 hours on the phone with t-mobile on Monday and I still don't have a S4 I don't think I have ever had a company as adamant to not taking my money as t-mobile. Now I'll have to wait till the 15th before I can try and buy it in a store
Does anyone know what might have gone wrong, or how to convince t-mobile to sell me a phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's horrible. The reps are obviously just confused with the whole new setup. Every rep I talk to gives me a different story on how/when my classic plan will convert over to the new value plan.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Reps are stupid. I would try and see if you can get it price matched at best buy and buy it there. They should since it will be off contract and you're paying full price. I just don't think they have it in stock yet.
apmon said:
I think my experience might rival yours in "interesting"...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like you won't be able to do it before 15 except asking your relative/friend to do it for you, as I've done it.
Their credit dept haven't approve me since I had credit alert on my credit history due to identity fraud.
Your situation, did they tell you why you should pay 400 deposit?
Have u ever had their postpaid account before? Cause if you've never cancelled their contracts before and had no issues with credit score then I'd suggest to contact credit score bureau and figure out from there why you've been declined.

S4 on Tmobile prepaid plan

I'm on the $30 prepaid plan. Can I just walk into a Tmobile store, give them my current number, pay cash for the phone, and start using it with the prepaid plan, or do I have to go through the "get a new plan and cancel" routine?
productivity ighlking
I never succeeded in buying the phone outright, not even from their website. Got mine from Newegg, shipped to my door in less than 24 hours.
$695.99 + $9.99 next day shipping, didn't even charge me tax in CA.
Yup, I know from experience.
Ugh, that doesn't sound good. The models listed on Newegg do NOT sound like they support Tmobile 4g.
Maybe I'll get the Google version. Sigh....
RobertR3750 said:
I'm on the $30 prepaid plan. Can I just walk into a Tmobile store, give them my current number, pay cash for the phone, and start using it with the prepaid plan, or do I have to go through the "get a new plan and cancel" routine?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile, as of now, won't sell an S4 unless you get a new plan.
The only way to get an S4 from a T-Mobile store is as follows:
Get the $50 plan and pay for the phone fully up front.
A day or two after, cancel the plan.
Go to a T-Mobile store and buy a new SIM activation kit for $10.
Activate the new SIM card on their website and select the $30 plan.
IMMEDIATELY, call T-Mobile and get them to combine your old account(the one with your phone #, not the one you just canceled) with the new one and make sure they keep your old number, the new plan, and change nothing else.
If you port your # to Google Voice, or don't care about losing your old number, then you don't need to do the last step.
thehelios said:
T-Mobile, as of now, won't sell an S4 unless you get a new plan.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on prepaid - not even the $30/month prepaid but the 10 cents/minute prepaid. Of course, I don't get data but wifi is avail. most of the places I go - and if I really need data I pony up for the $3/day plan. Then switch back to 10 cents/minute plan before midnight. I really enjoy paying only ~$150/year for service. Anyway.
I Walked into the local T-Mobile store on May 15th, told them I was prepaid and wanted to buy it outright. They first rung it up for $659, but I reminded them they quoted me a price of $629 a few weeks before. They also went over to the display model - and sure enough it says $629 - so they changed it. I bought a D30 screen protector and case. They said I could get any other accessory of equal or or less value for free. They transferred my account to the micro-sim card for free and I was out the door. No hassles.
I had a similar experience buying the S3 last year in another local T-Mobile store. They both seemed happy to take my money and help me with a sim transfer even though I was prepaid.
I don't see why they wouldn't allow you to buy the GS4 full price and put it on prepaid. that is what I am planning on doing
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
bthurber said:
I'm on prepaid - not even the $30/month prepaid but the 10 cents/minute prepaid. Of course, I don't get data but wifi is avail. most of the places I go - and if I really need data I pony up for the $3/day plan. Then switch back to 10 cents/minute plan before midnight. I really enjoy paying only ~$150/year for service. Anyway.
I Walked into the local T-Mobile store on May 15th, told them I was prepaid and wanted to buy it outright. They first rung it up for $659, but I reminded them they quoted me a price of $629 a few weeks before. They also went over to the display model - and sure enough it says $629 - so they changed it. I bought a D30 screen protector and case. They said I could get any other accessory of equal or or less value for free. They transferred my account to the micro-sim card for free and I was out the door. No hassles.
I had a similar experience buying the S3 last year in another local T-Mobile store. They both seemed happy to take my money and help me with a sim transfer even though I was prepaid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing your experience. It seems the best strategy will be to attempt what you did (perhaps at more than one store) and resort to getting a new line as a backup plan.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda app-developers app
RobertR3750 said:
Ugh, that doesn't sound good. The models listed on Newegg do NOT sound like they support Tmobile 4g.
Maybe I'll get the Google version. Sigh....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, they do, I just bought one days ago. You select T-Mobile and pick your phone.
jkuczy16 said:
I don't see why they wouldn't allow you to buy the GS4 full price and put it on prepaid. that is what I am planning on doing
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish I knew. I called 6 of the nearest T-Mobile stores in my area and called in to customer service and they all said they couldn't sell me an S4 unless I got it with one of their post-paid plans. For y'all who were able to do it w/o getting a post-paid plan, you lucky dogs! It makes the process of getting an S4 so much easier.
thehelios said:
I wish I knew. I called 6 of the nearest T-Mobile stores in my area and called in to customer service and they all said they couldn't sell me an S4 unless I got it with one of their post-paid plans. For y'all who were able to do it w/o getting a post-paid plan, you lucky dogs! It makes the process of getting an S4 so much easier.
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Click to collapse
You get one here: http://wireless.newegg.com/eCommerce/SpecialOffer.aspx?cid=35159_80ed17d885e9458f9c935fbee930efc4 and select "replacement device" or buy one on ebay. Then you grab a t-mobile micro sim from their prepaid website for $10 and activate it on the $30 plan boom you got a GS4 on T-Mobile's Prepaid $30.
jrccomputer said:
You get one here: http://wireless.newegg.com/eCommerce/SpecialOffer.aspx?cid=35159_80ed17d885e9458f9c935fbee930efc4 and select "replacement device" or buy one on ebay. Then you grab a t-mobile micro sim from their prepaid website for $10 and activate it on the $30 plan boom you got a GS4 on T-Mobile's Prepaid $30.
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Click to collapse
Thanks, that certainly sounds hassle-free. Since I'm already on the $30 plan, can I safely assume I could simply put my current sim in the phone and be good to go?
RobertR3750 said:
Thanks, that certainly sounds hassle-free. Since I'm already on the $30 plan, can I safely assume I could simply put my current sim in the phone and be good to go?
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What phone do you have now? The gs4 uses a micro sim which might be different then your current sim. If you have a micro sim your good to go.
Sent from my SPH-L300 using Tapatalk 2
jrccomputer said:
What phone do you have now? The gs4 uses a micro sim which might be different then your current sim. If you have a micro sim your good to go.
Sent from my SPH-L300 using Tapatalk 2
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I was thinking I could use a micro sim cutter to cut my current sim down to micro size, but maybe it would be easier and safer to just get a new micro sim. Only cumbersome part would be having to call Tmobile to cancel the old sim and transfer my current number to the new sim, presumably.
RobertR3750 said:
I was thinking I could use a micro sim cutter to cut my current sim down to micro size, but maybe it would be easier and safer to just get a new micro sim. Only cumbersome part would be having to call Tmobile to cancel the old sim and transfer my current number to the new sim, presumably.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, thats a good idea just pick a sim cutter up off amazon. They are safe and work very well.
Sent from my SPH-L300 using Tapatalk 2
This one looks nice and sturdy.
http://dx.com/p/micro-sim-card-cutter-black-126906
Yes. I would grab that one. Should work just fine.
Sent from my SPH-L300 using Tapatalk 2
ive bought the phone outright the day the order page went up. i even choose one of the new plans on the site. got it next day, threw out the sim card that came with it and put in my prepaid sim. ive been on the prepaid 30$ plan since i go the phone and have had absolutely no problems.
the best way to get it onto the prepaid plan is to do it all online, because the service reps have no clue what they are talking about 90 percent of the time
At one of T-Mo stores in my area they said I could get it for $690 + tax without a postpaid plan. At another store, they didn't have it in stock but told me it would be around $660.00 + tax. So I just went to Walmart and purchased the one they sell for the Family Mobile Plan for $629.99 + tax. Since that Family Mobile Walmart plan is powered by T-Mobile, my prepaid microsim worked right away. I did have to buy the $25.00 starter kit buy I returned it the next day.
pilot_xphile said:
At one of T-Mo stores in my area they said I could get it for $690 + tax without a postpaid plan. At another store, they didn't have it in stock but told me it would be around $660.00 + tax. So I just went to Walmart and purchased the one they sell for the Family Mobile Plan for $629.99 + tax. Since that Family Mobile Walmart plan is powered by T-Mobile, my prepaid microsim worked right away. I did have to buy the $25.00 starter kit buy I returned it the next day.
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Fascinating way to get around the Tmobile nonsense! Thanks! BTW, can you check to see if LTE works?

How to get a Note 5 for ATT without contract??

ATT has really screwed around with their plans and phone upgrades.
They want to boost the "access" charge on the share plans and after you add up the price for the phone charge and the upcharge it's closing in on $975 to get the 64GB phone.
Anyway to do any better than this?
les_garten said:
ATT has really screwed around with their plans and phone upgrades.
They want to boost the "access" charge on the share plans and after you add up the price for the phone charge and the upcharge it's closing in on $975 to get the 64GB phone.
Anyway to do any better than this?
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Yes.. here : https://swappa.com/buy/samsung-galaxy-note-5-att
norbarb said:
Yes.. here : https://swappa.com/buy/samsung-galaxy-note-5-att
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I'm leery of Swappa.
What happens when the phone gets banned by ATT for the orig buyer not fullfilling the contract or reporting it stolen?
les_garten said:
I'm leery of Swappa.
What happens when the phone gets banned by ATT for the orig buyer not fullfilling the contract or reporting it stolen?
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He can't report stolen because you have proof of purchase from PayPal. Swappa is checking if phone is under contract or not. If it is under contract you not allowed to post for sale. Read this : https://swappa.com/faq
I personally buying and selling on swappa and never had problems.
norbarb said:
He can't report stolen because you have proof of purchase from PayPal. Swappa is checking if phone is under contract or not. If it is under contract you not allowed to post for sale. Read this : https://swappa.com/faq
I personally buying and selling on swappa and never had problems.
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I've sold on Swappa but never bought there. Seems like you can still get nailed later
les_garten said:
I've sold on Swappa but never bought there. Seems like you can still get nailed later
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If you scared go to AT&T and pay full price.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using XDA Premium HD app
norbarb said:
If you scared go to AT&T and pay full price.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using XDA Premium HD app
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I would, but doing that changes my plan radically because of the upgrade.
les_garten said:
I've sold on Swappa but never bought there. Seems like you can still get nailed later
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Click to collapse
I wouldn't worry too much on AT&T. They aren't like T-Mobile. If someone stops paying off a phone on AT&T, they don't blacklist the phone. Instead they ding the persons credit and go after them that way. T-Mobile does it different and will blacklist the phone.
WizeGuyDezignz said:
I wouldn't worry too much on AT&T. They aren't like T-Mobile. If someone stops paying off a phone on AT&T, they don't blacklist the phone. Instead they ding the persons credit and go after them that way. T-Mobile does it different and will blacklist the phone.
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Interesting, didn't know that. I thought they all blacklisted them.
les_garten said:
Interesting, didn't know that. I thought they all blacklisted them.
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That is just what I've always been told. But definitely don't take it as gospel as I've never experienced being blacklisted myself.
les_garten said:
Interesting, didn't know that. I thought they all blacklisted them.
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Click to collapse
BTW.. IF you get phone and go at&t store with PayPal receipt and register phone on your account how someone who you get phone from can blacklisted? You legally purchased phone and now is register on your account. Other person have no access to it anymore as he is not owner.
If you want to pay full price, I would say go for t mobile note 5, cheaper and much better as bootloader unlocked, you have chance of getting root or flash rom for faster update.
If you still want at&t note 5, keep eye on bestbuy deals for samsung phones on at&t next plan, on this plan you have to pay for phone in installments over period you decide. In a similar deal at time of launch of note 5, I got $200 for trading in a smartphone (which I purchased on ebay for $30), $45 for getting the phone on at&t next and wireless charger as promo deal. I went for 30% downpayment ($222) + tax on full price ($59.2) and paid with gift cards I got and remaining 36.2 with my credit card. The rest $518, I am paying in installments over 28 months (Which I can pay anytime and get my device unlocked). Basically I got phone for $554, which was sweet deal for me. You will still have to pay $15 activation fee, which is $45 (I guess) for on contract phone.
Ruturaj001 said:
If you want to pay full price, I would say go for t mobile note 5, cheaper and much better as bootloader unlocked, you have chance of getting root or flash rom for faster update.
If you still want at&t note 5, keep eye on bestbuy deals for samsung phones on at&t next plan, on this plan you have to pay for phone in installments over period you decide. In a similar deal at time of launch of note 5, I got $200 for trading in a smartphone (which I purchased on ebay for $30), $45 for getting the phone on at&t next and wireless charger as promo deal. I went for 30% downpayment ($222) + tax on full price ($59.2) and paid with gift cards I got and remaining 36.2 with my credit card. The rest $518, I am paying in installments over 28 months (Which I can pay anytime and get my device unlocked). Basically I got phone for $554, which was sweet deal for me. You will still have to pay $15 activation fee, which is $45 (I guess) for on contract phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got phone for $30(old phone from ebay)+$222 (down payment)+$518 (for 28 months) = $770. Unless I got my math wrong...
I got my phone from swappa for $540, phone was never activated. Brand new.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using XDA Premium HD app
norbarb said:
BTW.. IF you get phone and go at&t store with PayPal receipt and register phone on your account how someone who you get phone from can blacklisted? You legally purchased phone and now is register on your account. Other person have no access to it anymore as he is not owner.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you understand what I am talking about. Lots of people have had this problem. If the contract is not paid off, the person who sold the phone did not own it, get it? AT&T owns it till it is paid off.
Ruturaj001 said:
If you want to pay full price, I would say go for t mobile note 5, cheaper and much better as bootloader unlocked, you have chance of getting root or flash rom for faster update.
If you still want at&t note 5, keep eye on bestbuy deals for samsung phones on at&t next plan, on this plan you have to pay for phone in installments over period you decide. In a similar deal at time of launch of note 5, I got $200 for trading in a smartphone (which I purchased on ebay for $30), $45 for getting the phone on at&t next and wireless charger as promo deal. I went for 30% downpayment ($222) + tax on full price ($59.2) and paid with gift cards I got and remaining 36.2 with my credit card. The rest $518, I am paying in installments over 28 months (Which I can pay anytime and get my device unlocked). Basically I got phone for $554, which was sweet deal for me. You will still have to pay $15 activation fee, which is $45 (I guess) for on contract phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want to do any type of upgrade on my account. I went to upgrade my phones with ATT after fulfilling my last contract and I am getting all kinds of BS about upping the price of my current share plan. That's what started this is their "new" policies about not really providing subsidized phones anymore.
norbarb said:
You got phone for $30(old phone from ebay)+$222 (down payment)+$518 (for 28 months) = $770. Unless I got my math wrong...
I got my phone from swappa for $540, phone was never activated. Brand new.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got it wrong
I paid $30 for phone from ebay + $222 down payment + $59.2 tax + $518 for 28 months - $200 gift card for trade in - $45 giftcard for getting phone on at&t next - Wireless charger ( which I think is worth $30) = $554.2
I used gift card to pay for down payment and tax
---------- Post added 9th November 2015 at 12:02 AM ---------- Previous post was 8th November 2015 at 11:55 PM ----------
les_garten said:
I don't want to do any type of upgrade on my account. I went to upgrade my phones with ATT after fulfilling my last contract and I am getting all kinds of BS about upping the price of my current share plan. That's what started this is their "new" policies about not really providing subsidized phones anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At&t next is different than getting phone on contract. Right now my phone is not on 2 year contract, I am paying $15 for line (and $80 for share data plan), if I have got it on contract that would have raised that to $40.
If you are on very old type of plan, those you can not get now then you shouldn't go with at&t next.
Ruturaj001 said:
At&t nest is different than getting phone on contract. Right now my phone is not on 2 year contract, I am paying $15 for line (and $80 for share data plan), if I have got it on contract that would have raised that to $40.
If you are on very old type of plan, those you can not get now then you shouldn't go with at&t next.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I am on the same plan as you but I have 3 phones on it at $15 per. I read the fine print and if I upgrade, they raise that to $40. I have 10GB shared data plan.
For my Note 3 I bought a T-mobile and a $10 plan and swapped out SIM card. Rooted, etc, etc
Trying to figure out how to go now as cheap as possible without getting a Blacklisted phone. and screwing up my Plan.
les_garten said:
I don't think you understand what I am talking about. Lots of people have had this problem. If the contract is not paid off, the person who sold the phone did not own it, get it? AT&T owns it till it is paid off.
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Click to collapse
No. If you paid in full even from third party you own it. At&t is charging person who you purchased phone full price or remaining of balance on phone on next bill. I had exactly this situation. I purchase phone and ask at&t for unlocking sim card code. Phone was not paid in full and they did not want me to send it. Then I get my pay pal receipt and go to at&t store, present them that I purchase this phone from third party. They switch phone to my account and told me they will charge account that phone was buy on for remaining balance. I get my unlocking code two days later. They told me that phone is on my account and is paid in full according to my account.
norbarb said:
No. If you paid in full even from third party you own it. At&t is charging person who you purchased phone full price or remaining of balance on phone on next bill. I had exactly this situation. I purchase phone and ask at&t for unlocking sim card code. Phone was not paid in full and they did not want me to send it. Then I get my pay pal receipt and go to at&t store, present them that I purchase this phone from third party. They switch phone to my account and told me they will charge account that phone was buy on for remaining balance. I get my unlocking code two days later. They told me that phone is on my account and is paid in full according to my account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad it worked out for you. Others have had different experiences, thus my questions.
Some people don't complete contract, report phone stolen, sell it, , IMEI/ESN is blacklisted.
les_garten said:
Glad it worked out for you. Others have had different experiences, thus my questions.
Some people don't complete contract, report phone stolen, sell it, , IMEI/ESN is blacklisted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Explain to me how they can report stolen if you have prof of purchase and real name and address from who did you get phone ?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using XDA Premium HD app

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