How do you guys purchase your phone? Directly from Samsung or from carrier?

[blueyzfr6]

So I am with T-MOBILE and every year I get the newest Ultra. The 1st time upgrading I went through TMO and it was a total PITA. Since I got the phone and there were bill credits, and the credits disappear of I get a new phone. Total cluster. Now I just get it through Samsung.com. I use the 0%, cause why not use free money.

 

[jamezr]

So I am with T-MOBILE and every year I get the newest Ultra. The 1st time upgrading I went through TMO and it was a total PITA. Since I got the phone and there were bill credits, and the credits disappear of I get a new phone. Total cluster. Now I just get it through Samsung.com. I use the 0%, cause why not use free money.

I absolutely HATE bill credits...its like locking you in for a 3 year contract...with a $$$ penalty if you upgrade early

 

[mustang7757]

I buy unlocked direct from Samsung shop app

 

[BerryBubbles]

I buy unlocked direct from Samsung shop app

Same! My last 3 pre-ordered devices, I ordered through the Samsung Shop app.

 

[mustang7757]

Same! My last 3 pre-ordered devices, I ordered through the Samsung Shop app.

It's been a long time since I had a carrier phone.

 

[BerryBubbles]

It's been a long time since I had a carrier phone.

I bet!

My last carrier device was my s9+. Seems so long ago.

 

[edubfromktown]

It's been a long time since I had a carrier phone.

Same for me. Samsung preorder direct is the most cost effective in my experience with any mobile phone purchases.

I run the numbers occasionally for 3-year use of a direct device purchase and prepaid service vs 3-year carrier "deals". Posted about it recently here:

Post in thread 'Buying direct from Samsung?'

Feb 21, 2026

Then apparently carriers are giving a promo rate which requires 3 years of device payment credits. If you keep your phone for 3 plus years then carriers are a better deal for sure.

The "value" is primarily for those who consume most/all of the large amount of bandwidth that carriers include as part of the pricey mandatory plan in order to meet device discount elegibility requirements.

On average I use 2.5 GB per month. I pay $180/year ($15 flat fee monthly) for 10 GB of data, unlimited talk, text and hotspot capabilities.

So for a 3-year plan comparison:

S25U with all the...

• edubfromktown

It rarely tilts in favor of the latter. Only exception could potentially be when carriers offer max discount for any phone regardless of its operational and physical status.

 

[Joshua Luther1]

If I know I'm going to keep one phone for long enough, I'll get it through the carrier. For the most part, after you pay on it for year or so, you can generally pay it off and sell it for what you owe on it. That's what I've done a few times. I usually end up racking up more debt buying it from Samsung or Google because I get bored with the phone and then when the new shiny phone comes out, it's too tempting to upgrade. So buying mine from the carrier keeps me from switching phones too often and adding on more debt.

 

[EazyD33]

Unlocked from the Samsung shop app for me.

 

[uvarules]

Unlocked from the Samsung shop app for me.

Same here...

 

[notforhire]

unlocked from Samsung or Best Buy. the insane Samsung trade-ins aren't there (for me) anymore. as a result, I'm still rolling with my S24U. given the very incremental annual upgrades from all OEMs, carrier deals could be very tempting, and your phone should last for the entire term. at this point (again, for me), unlocked only gives you the ability to switch carriers on a dime should circumstances require such.

 

[martint235]

Either from the manufacturer or Amazon but always unlocked. OnePlus often do great deals on their site but Amazon sometimes have Samsung on sale. I can't remember the last time I locked my phone to my contract

 

[PhabPhan]

Unlocked directly from Samsung.com

 

[nuangel2]

I have not had a carrier phone in a long time. I have ordered my last 4 or 5 unlocked phones from Samsung Direct no issues. I am T mobile.

 

[mustang7757]

unlocked from Samsung or Best Buy. the insane Samsung trade-ins aren't there (for me) anymore. as a result, I'm still rolling with my S24U. given the very incremental annual upgrades from all OEMs, carrier deals could be very tempting, and your phone should last for the entire term. at this point (again, for me), unlocked only gives you the ability to switch carriers on a dime should circumstances require such.

Staying on the s24u or s25u definitely good choices

 

[andee1517]

I buy unlocked direct from Samsung shop app

Same here too. Been doing it that way for awhile. Trade-in can be a bit nerve wracking but overall simple process.

 

[mustang7757]

Same here too. Been doing it that way for awhile. Trade-in can be a bit nerve wracking but overall simple process.

I agree and definitely trade-in are nerve wracking

 

[swebb]

It certainly depends on the individual. Myself, I prefer unlocked and will buy from whatever reputable seller offers the lowest net price, including possible trade-in. A simple trade-in process is nice. For example, Best Buy and Google are both offering the same list price, trade-in value for my existing phone, and gift card value for Pixel 10a, With BB, all I'd have to do is show up and give them my old phone, versus mailing the trade-in. Much simpler. Plus, the BB gift card is better for me as I like the much wider choices at BB.

I've had good experiences buying from Samsung, Google, Best Buy, and Amazon. I don't do carrier offers, but I can see scenarios that work for some.

 

[AspenQn]

Directly through Samsung BUT and this is a big BUT check Cashback Monitor to see which cashback rebate website is offering best rebate and use that to help get a hefty chunk back!

 

[notforhire]

Directly through Samsung BUT and this is a big BUT check Cashback Monitor to see which cashback rebate website is offering best rebate and use that to help get a hefty chunk back!

I like big BUTs

I'll show myself out................