Cheap Galaxy S3 / Notes 2 with ETF?

[aquahiker]

Hi all - I've been on a basic android device for a year now and am thinking about jumping to S3 or Notes 2 - have a few questions since I'm not familiar with all the different carriers and their tech:

1 - Cheaper Phone - example, Notes 2 will probably retail for $750 unlocked and $300 on contract. What's preventing me from getting one on contract for $300 + $200 early termination fee? I know other carriers have a $350 ETF - I mean, can I get an AT&T / T-Mobile / Sprint one, terminate it, and go to T-Mobile's $30 monthly 4G no-contract plan? Or would I have to get it unlocked? I saw a deal for the Galaxy S3 last week for only $100 on contract! That would've been only $100 + $200.

2 - I'm moving to Africa for 6 months in May - I think most carriers will even waive the termination fee if I can prove that I'm moving to another country. Would these phones work overseas?

Thanks.

G

 

[geekymcfly]

If I was moving to Africa in the next 6 months I would go for a unlocked international gs3/note 2. That way you won't be tied down to a US carrier and have to consider a etf. Plus it'll work pretty much every where you go

"may the odds be in your favor"

 

[chunkcohen]

Hi all - I've been on a basic android device for a year now and am thinking about jumping to S3 or Notes 2 - have a few questions since I'm not familiar with all the different carriers and their tech:

1 - Cheaper Phone - example, Notes 2 will probably retail for $750 unlocked and $300 on contract. What's preventing me from getting one on contract for $300 + $200 early termination fee? I know other carriers have a $350 ETF - I mean, can I get an AT&T / T-Mobile / Sprint one, terminate it, and go to T-Mobile's $30 monthly 4G no-contract plan? Or would I have to get it unlocked? I saw a deal for the Galaxy S3 last week for only $100 on contract! That would've been only $100 + $200.

Yes, $500 total with ETF would be cheaper than $750. But this is also assuming that a) the Note 2 will sell at $300 on-contract through T-Mo; and b) unlocked Note 2s will cost $750. T-Mobile hasn't released pricing info yet. US Cellular is offering it up on preorder for $299 (subsidized), but there's no telling yet what T-Mo will do.

T-Mo branded phones are SIM-locked. I know that some US-based MVNOs like Straight Talk will work on SIM-locked phones with their T-Mo specific SIM, but you may require a carrier unlock code to use an overseas SIM.

2 - I'm moving to Africa for 6 months in May - I think most carriers will even waive the termination fee if I can prove that I'm moving to another country. Would these phones work overseas?

Thanks.

G

I wouldn't really count on a waiver like that happening. But it doesn't hurt to ask. And as I stated earlier in this post, you should be able to use a T-Mo branded phone overseas, but it may require an unlock code from the carrier.