Phone Upgrade Price

**Wired03** · 08-06-2012, 12:18 PM

Hello AC!

So, I am in the market for two (2) new cell phones. I will be purchasing these cell phones probably this week. I am currently on Sprint and looking to upgrade our 3 year old HTC Hero’s. The reason for this post is to help find out what everyone is doing to purchase their new cell phones. I plan on getting two (2) white Samsung GS3’s (16GB) phones. Below is a price break down of how much they would cost me per phone. Sorted Highest to Lowest

Walmart
Phone: $234.99
TAX: $12.60
Activation: $36.00
Google Bucks: $10.00
TOTAL: $273.59

Sprint
Phone: $199.99
TAX: $17.50
Activation: $36.00
Google Bucks: $0
Total: $253.49

RadioShack
Phone: $149.99
TAX: $10.50
Activation: $36.00
Google Bucks: $10.00
Total: $186.49

So, If I upgrade and stick with sprint, I’ll pay at a lowest $186.49 per phone. What is everyone else doing to upgrade phones? Are you buying them from someplace else?

**mike340t** · 08-06-2012, 01:10 PM

Personally I've always used Wirefly. Just remember that all 3rd parties require you don't make major changes to your account for 6 months as that's how they get paid..
Also, there is the Android Central/BestBuy route @ as well..

**jonathanm1978** · 08-06-2012, 01:11 PM

How about this:

Sprint SGS3 with upgrade and 2yr extension...

$179.99
Next Business Day Shipping via FedEx FREE
$10 Google Wallet Credit FREE
$36 Activation Fee Credit From Sprint

So it winds up being $179.99, usually there's no sales tax since it's online...but Sprint.com will charge tax according to zip code where Newegg wont.

**Wired03** · 08-06-2012, 02:05 PM

Originally Posted by jonathanm1978

How about this:

Sprint SGS3 with upgrade and 2yr extension...

$179.99
Next Business Day Shipping via FedEx FREE
$10 Google Wallet Credit FREE
$36 Activation Fee Credit From Sprint

So it winds up being $179.99, usually there's no sales tax since it's online...but Sprint.com will charge tax according to zip code where Newegg wont.

I looked at that. I don't see the $36.00 Activation credit.

Edit: I don't see the $36.00 Activation credit on UPGRADES.

**Wired03** · 08-06-2012, 02:06 PM

Originally Posted by mike340t

Personally I've always used Wirefly. Just remember that all 3rd parties require you don't make major changes to your account for 6 months as that's how they get paid..
Also, there is the Android Central/BestBuy route @ as well..

Looking at wirefly and the AC site now. Thank you for the info

**jean15paul** · 08-06-2012, 02:31 PM

Make sure you understand what you're getting into when you buy from a 3rd party. 3rd party retailers often charge you their own ETF in addition to the Sprint ETF if you cancel early (usually but not always within a 6 month period). I'd definitely recommend asking for their contract terms in writing before you purchase.

Also they are much less likely to work with you if you have problems with the phone than Sprint is because they are just trying to make a sale, not keep a customer. They also tend to be less informed. Than the carrier themself.

I know of a few people that have reported very bad experiences, especially with Radio Shack. I'm not saying not to use a 3rd party, but do your research and know exactly what the terms are.

**Wired03** · 08-06-2012, 02:35 PM

I am a tech guy. I plan on rooting and roming my phone (not my wifes) as soon as i get it.

I have wifi pretty much every where I go, so data speeds are not a big deal (reason I am sticking with Sprint). I have also been with Sprint for about 10 years and had the phone I am using now for 3. So ETF isn't a big deal for me.

My biggest issue about all of this is that I could buy the phone as a NEW CUSTOMER for less than I can buy the phone as an upgrade. Really anoying. So much that I am actually considering going to Big Red/ATT.

**Chillidog66** · 08-07-2012, 07:32 PM

If you switch to at&t you will have to pay extra for something that is not as good as Sprint, if your considering switching carriers Verizon is the way to go.

**jerrykur** · 08-07-2012, 08:13 PM

Originally Posted by Chillidog66

If you switch to at&t you will have to pay extra for something that is not as good as Sprint, if your considering switching carriers Verizon is the way to go.

Except for the tiered data plans I would agree.

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**Darth Mo** · 08-08-2012, 06:57 AM

If you've had Sprint for that long and haven't used an upgrade in three years, you can probably get them to credit the activation fee. I've had them for a little longer but they waived the fee for me on the Evo LTE.

I personally by every phone direct from Sprint because of the way they handle warranty issues for manufacturing defects. Being able to go into a store and have a new replacement next day if I have an issue is well worth the $50 to me.

**Chillidog66** · 08-08-2012, 09:06 AM

I bought my phone from Wal-Mart and they charged me for a bunch of weird stuff ie: Wal-Mart quick setup fee 10 $ I did not ask for "quick setup" and by all means it was not quick!

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**eshropshire** · 08-09-2012, 09:25 AM

Funny how the wireless companies do not value their existing customers which seems strange since it is so easy to switch carriers. I have switched multiple times with no interruptions to my service. Very easy to transfer numbers to a new provider. I have had the activation fees waived or gotten stellar deals on phones - neither of which are provided to existing customers.

Originally Posted by Wired03

I am a tech guy. I plan on rooting and roming my phone (not my wifes) as soon as i get it.

I have wifi pretty much every where I go, so data speeds are not a big deal (reason I am sticking with Sprint). I have also been with Sprint for about 10 years and had the phone I am using now for 3. So ETF isn't a big deal for me.

My biggest issue about all of this is that I could buy the phone as a NEW CUSTOMER for less than I can buy the phone as an upgrade. Really anoying. So much that I am actually considering going to Big Red/ATT.

**Darth Mo** · 08-09-2012, 04:34 PM

Originally Posted by eshropshire

Funny how the wireless companies do not value their existing customers which seems strange since it is so easy to switch carriers. I have switched multiple times with no interruptions to my service. Very easy to transfer numbers to a new provider. I have had the activation fees waived or gotten stellar deals on phones - neither of which are provided to existing customers.

They do value their existing customers, they just know that the vast majority of them don't "carrier hop."

If they offered "free" flagship phones to every existing customer they would start hemorrhaging money left and right.

**jonathanm1978** · 08-11-2012, 01:14 PM

Same goes for satellite providers. They offer free gimmicks to new subs but I know from experience, try and get an HD DVR even if you have run out your current contract.
I had to pay dearly, almost $100 bucks and agree to another year of service. You can get the same box for free with Sunday ticket right now.

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