Considering the unlocked LG G4, need input

[Shermdiggity]

I'm considering buying an unlocked LG G4 (H815). I am off contract on AT&T and I saw the phone on Amazon today for $472.

Here are my questions:

1) Is this a special price or is this typical being 3 months removed from launch? I'm trying to decide if I should jump on this deal or if I can wait and read the reviews of the Moto X Pure after it comes off embargo on September 3rd

2) I've never purchased an unlocked phone before, so I'm curious if there is anything I need to do since my current phone and the LG both use a micro sim card and this phone has all the requisite bands for at&t

3) Any recommendations on phone warranty companies?

Thank you for your help and consideration.

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[Rukbat]

I'm considering buying an unlocked LG G4 (H815). I am off contract on AT&T and I saw the iPhone on Amazon today for $472.

Here are my questions:

1) Is this a special price or is this typical being 3 months removed from launch?

It's an individual thing (some phones drop rapidly in price, some don't drop for a long time). I'm seeing $470-$485 for the G4 unlocked, no warranty from quite a few sellers, so it's about typical (today - no telling if something happens to the foreign exchange rate or something tomorrow).

I'm trying to decide if I should jump on this deal or if I can wait and read the reviews of the Moto X Pure after it comes off embargo on September 3rd

That's a personal thing - which do YOU want to do? Or do you want to wait until September 3rd and see if the G4 has dropped even a little more (probably making your decision even more difficult)?

2) I've never purchased an unlocked phone before, so I'm curious if there is anything I need to do since my current phone and the LG both use a micro sim card and this phone has all the requisite bands for at&t

If the phone is unlocked it won't complain when you put an AT&T SIM in it. That's the only difference between an unlocked phone and a phone locked to a carrier other than (in your case) AT&T. If it's locked to another carrier it asks for the unlock code - then it becomes an unlocked phone. If the phone has Band 17 (the 815 does) you'll get LTE. 3G is no problem with almost any phone produced today, including the 815. (Voice and text are just about universal by now, and the 815 will do them in the US.)

3) Any recommendations on phone warranty companies?

AT&T uses Asurion. You can also buy insurance from Best Buy - they're about the same coverage and the same price. I've never used any other ones, so I can't comment on how easy they are to deal with, but most of them are cheaper.

 

[GrooveRite]

I'm using my H815 with TMO and it's running great! I think you shouldn't have much issues with ATT from what I've read on the boards.

 

[Shermdiggity]

It's an individual thing (some phones drop rapidly in price, some don't drop for a long time). I'm seeing $470-$485 for the G4 unlocked, no warranty from quite a few sellers, so it's about typical (today - no telling if something happens to the foreign exchange rate or something tomorrow).

That's a personal thing - which do YOU want to do? Or do you want to wait until September 3rd and see if the G4 has dropped even a little more (probably making your decision even more difficult)?

If the phone is unlocked it won't complain when you put an AT&T SIM in it. That's the only difference between an unlocked phone and a phone locked to a carrier other than (in your case) AT&T. If it's locked to another carrier it asks for the unlock code - then it becomes an unlocked phone. If the phone has Band 17 (the 815 does) you'll get LTE. 3G is no problem with almost any phone produced today, including the 815. (Voice and text are just about universal by now, and the 815 will do them in the US.)

AT&T uses Asurion. You can also buy insurance from Best Buy - they're about the same coverage and the same price. I've never used any other ones, so I can't comment on how easy they are to deal with, but most of them are cheaper.

Thank you for the feedback. This is very helpful.

Since I have never bought an unlocked before, I wasn't sure if this was unusually low pricing or normal for a phone of the G4's age. It sounds like this pricing isn't altogether abnormal. As such, I do not have to necessarily be in a hurry to jump on this particular deal in advance of the Moto X Pure. I'm curious about the Moto's camera and how it feels in the hand. Otherwise, I'm leaning towards the LG G4 because I believe the overall package (screen quality, non-plastic option, SD card, removable battery, IR blaster, and camera). Given that the Moto won't have the IR blaster and will have the same processor, RAM, and SD card option as the G4, the key differentiators for me would be its camera and build quality.

I'm leaning towards buying this unlocked version but I have waited this long, when my contract was up in May and I was disappointed by the S6 and now the Note 5, that I wonder if I should just wait until Labor Day. If had assurance the pricing will be the same or better, then I would wait.

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[Shermdiggity]

When you purchased insurance from Best Buy, was it as simple as walking into the store and showing the condition of the new phone?

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[Shermdiggity]

Bueller.


Bueller.


Bueller.

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[anon(782252)]

When you purchased insurance from Best Buy, was it as simple as walking into the store and showing the condition of the new phone?

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I'm not sure you can get best buy insurance if you don't purchase the phone there. However, I haven't tried.

 

[anon(782252)]

Also, for my last 2 phones I have been using Protect your bubble for insurance. I pay $4.99/month, $50 deductible, covers everything except cosmetic damage that doesn't effect functionality of the phone and loss/theft. My phone is usually in my pocket at all times outside the house so the lack of loss/theft doesn't really bother me.

Square trade has a pretty good reputation as well.

 

[Shermdiggity]

Also, for my last 2 phones I have been using Protect your bubble for insurance. I pay $4.99/month, $50 deductible, covers everything except cosmetic damage that doesn't effect functionality of the phone and loss/theft. My phone is usually in my pocket at all times outside the house so the lack of loss/theft doesn't really bother me.

Square trade has a pretty good reputation as well.

Thank you for your help. I'll look up that insurance company and coverage.

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[Shermdiggity]

Finally took the big step and ordered the unlocked LG G4 H815. $455 on amazon. I should have it mid next week. Excited!!

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[DamianP]

I got mine too. Compared to the ATT version, I def like the unlocked, no ATT bloat H815 version over the H810 and some additional control of the device. No issues getting LTE(band 17 in my area)

 

[RapidTurtle]

I just picked up the AT&To version yesterday, and so far I'm loving this phone. I was also considering a moto x, but when I saw its low light camera shots, I decided to go with the g4. I love the camera.