Options/opinions on where to purchase the EVO 4G LTE - Page 7

ovrrdrive · June 26th, 2012, 07:51 PM

Thinking of buying an LTevo but I'm not up for renewal just yet. I was just wondering what kinds of deals you guys are finding and what the best upgrade route would be. I can either trade in the E3d or sell it outright. TIA.

omiller315 · June 26th, 2012, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ovrrdrive

Thinking of buying an LTevo but I'm not up for renewal just yet. I was just wondering what kinds of deals you guys are finding and what the best upgrade route would be. I can either trade in the E3d or sell it outright. TIA.

I would assume buy it on Ebay and then sell the 3D on Ebay. I found most phones can fetch more money there vs any trade in site. Saw a 4G around $400 on there and a 3D selling for 140ish. So for around $300 net you can get a 4g. See cheaper ones with bad ESN #. Not sure if that is fixable to use on Sprint though

Granite1 · June 26th, 2012, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by omiller315

I would assume buy it on Ebay and then sell the 3D on Ebay. I found most phones can fetch more money there vs any trade in site. Saw a 4G around $400 on there and a 3D selling for 140ish. So for around $300 net you can get a 4g. See cheaper ones with bad ESN #. Not sure if that is fixable to use on Sprint though

Bad ESN is a killer. Once it's flagged you might as well give it to the kids as a WiFi gaming device. ESN is the Electronic Serial Number and once it's been flagged it can't be reactivated.

It's kinda like trying to polish a turd. No matter how long you polish that sucker, it's still just a turd.

I know there are deals to be had on ebay and Amazon, but with all of the shenanigans going on out there, I'd be reluctant to buy something of this magnitude from either site. I'd just as soon save up and get it from a corporate store or an authorized vendor like BestBuy. This way, you've got a better chance at a warranty / RMA if the thing is indeed a turd.

ovrrdrive · June 26th, 2012, 09:30 PM

I was thinking the ebay thing too but for some reason most of the sellers have pretty new accounts with marginal feedback. Sprint is offering it for $549 and I think $90 for trade in so that would net $450 for it and a guaranteed good phone. Unless Bestbuy is doing something under the counter they're asking $699 for it. I usually get my phones from there when they're an upgrade under contract but it seems like they don't want to sell many outright.

I was more wondering about anywhere else that's legit that may be cheaper than Sprint. With the way things are going I'd like to keep my contract with an early expiration date if I can. Contract is up in December and I'd like to keep my options open.

I have a little extra cash right now anyway so why not?

Granite1 · June 26th, 2012, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ovrrdrive

I was thinking the ebay thing too but for some reason most of the sellers have pretty new accounts with marginal feedback. Sprint is offering it for $549 and I think $90 for trade in so that would net $450 for it and a guaranteed good phone. Unless Bestbuy is doing something under the counter they're asking $699 for it. I usually get my phones from there when they're an upgrade under contract but it seems like they don't want to sell many outright.

I was more wondering about anywhere else that's legit that may be cheaper than Sprint. With the way things are going I'd like to keep my contract with an early expiration date if I can. Contract is up in December and I'd like to keep my options open.

I have a little extra cash right now anyway so why not?

There is an option to buy out the rest of your contract and get a reset on your upgrade. I can't remember where I read it, but it couldn't have been more than a few weeks ago. I'll dig around and see if I can find it.

EDIT:
Found it.

It was from ISN in one of the email notifications I was getting from his site. New program is like this:

Advanced Devices
09-11 mos. RLOF: $275 UPGRADENOW; CSM charge code: BUY275
12-14 mos. RLOF: $225 UPGRADENOW; CSM charge code: BUY225
15-17 mos. RLOF: $175 UPGRADENOW; CSM charge code: BUY175
18-21 mos. RLOF: $100 UPGRADENOW; CSM charge code: BUY100

The month listed is the amount of time you've been on your contract. So if you've been on for 6 months, you'll pay $275 + $199.99 to get the El TEvo = $474.99 which isn't that much less than just getting it outright. That is of course the worst case scenerio.
You are probably in a better position, so you'll need to decide what you're willing to pay, and how much time you want to spend talking to customer service.

ovrrdrive · June 27th, 2012, 04:15 AM

That's an interesting option... Thanks.

I'm thinking though that I don't want to extend the contract on any of my phones for now. The wireless game is changing and although Sprint seems pretty solid for now they've been in pretty dire straights lately and I'm thinking it might be smart to keep my options open. Who knows what will happen in this game 2 years from now. I doubt I'll leave sprint anytime soon but 2 years is a long time.

I'll keep that in mind though.

H0ND0 · June 27th, 2012, 08:46 AM

Anyone ever use Amazon Wireless? Was checking prices to take to BB to see if they would match, and Amazon has this phone for $49.99 with a new contract. Not sure that BB would match that but am leery of not having someone local to go to with any problems.

desert dogs · June 27th, 2012, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H0ND0

Anyone ever use Amazon Wireless? Was checking prices to take to BB to see if they would match, and Amazon has this phone for $49.99 with a new contract. Not sure that BB would match that but am leery of not having someone local to go to with any problems.

I have bought/upgraded all of my phones at Best Buy and have had nothing but positive experiences. Yesterday, I used my last sprint premier upgrade to get the LTEVO. I knew that amazon was selling for $149.99 so I asked for a price match. No hesitation - done.

I also was able to use the phone freedom promo I signed up for for $50, plus the $50 off special they are running until July. I also had the phone buy back deal I got with my original EVO for $180. All together I had $280 in credit, plus the price match. Walked out the door with $ in my pocket. Well, store credit.

I would take the new contract offer from amazon into a Best Buy and see what they will do. I would bet they will match it. Good Luck!

emerilnut · June 27th, 2012, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H0ND0

Anyone ever use Amazon Wireless? Was checking prices to take to BB to see if they would match, and Amazon has this phone for $49.99 with a new contract. Not sure that BB would match that but am leery of not having someone local to go to with any problems.

Wouldn't you always be able to go to a Sprint store if you had problems with either the service or the phone?

emerilnut · June 27th, 2012, 01:28 PM

I'm in a funky quandary.

My 2 years with TMo ends next Friday, July 6th.

I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to order the LTEvo now (since it's down to $49.99 on amazon wireless) and just let it sit there until July 7th before I activate it. Cuz I'm thinking the account doesn't transfer until I actually turn on the phone and activate it.....

So here's what I'm not sure of:
When I order it from amazon wireless, I'm going to want to port my current number and they're going to take that information down at the time of the order.

Does the change of accounts take place when I actually power up the phone and activate it? (I'm thinking so)
Does anyone know why the sudden price drop on Amazon? Is there a sale that's going to end?

I'm like itching to do it, but hesitating at the same time.

H0ND0 · June 27th, 2012, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emerilnut

Wouldn't you always be able to go to a Sprint store if you had problems with either the service or the phone?

I have no idea. I'm about as new to all this as you can be. I'm still rockin' an LG Voyager with no data on Verizon. I just figured between the LTEVO and the SG3 now would be the time to jump in. And $49 for the LTEVO was the best deal that I've seen. I just wasn't sure if anyone had any problems with signing up thru Amazon or not since I've read that Best Buy generally doesn't like to match online prices.

I may take Desert Dog's advice and wander into Best Buy to give it a shot.

desert dogs · June 27th, 2012, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H0ND0

I have no idea. I'm about as new to all this as you can be. I'm still rockin' an LG Voyager with no data on Verizon. I just figured between the LTEVO and the SG3 now would be the time to jump in. And $49 for the LTEVO was the best deal that I've seen. I just wasn't sure if anyone had any problems with signing up thru Amazon or not since I've read that Best Buy generally doesn't like to match online prices.

I may take Desert Dog's advice and wander into Best Buy to give it a shot.

Hey there Hondo. When I price matched at Best Buy, I just mentioned the online price and was given the $149.99 price. It is always good to take a print out, I just didn't have access to a printer. I did have it queued up on my phone though

. Let us know what happens.

ovrrdrive · July 1st, 2012, 07:04 PM

So, I went to Best Buy and asked the guy what the best deal they could do on an off contract phone was and at first he was like "We have a $50 gift card and that's about it." I asked if they would at least match Sprint's price on the phone at $549 and he asked around and the answer was that they couldn't do it on an off contract deal, and they couldn't even give me the $50 card either. I went to sprint and bought it for $549 and traded in my wife's epic 4g for $60. Out the door at $522 was the best deal I could find locally.

Best Buy is going to go out if they think they can sell phones like this for $699. What a joke.

Lovin' the phone though. It's what HTC has been trying to make for several years.

drexappeal · July 1st, 2012, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ovrrdrive

So, I went to Best Buy and asked the guy what the best deal they could do on an off contract phone was and at first he was like "We have a $50 gift card and that's about it." I asked if they would at least match Sprint's price on the phone at $549 and he asked around and the answer was that they couldn't do it on an off contract deal, and they couldn't even give me the $50 card either. I went to sprint and bought it for $549 and traded in my wife's epic 4g for $60. Out the door at $522 was the best deal I could find locally.

Best Buy is going to go out if they think they can sell phones like this for $699. What a joke.

Lovin' the phone though. It's what HTC has been trying to make for several years.

I disagree. There's more value to them selling the upgrade price with a 2 year extension, than the off contract phone sale.

ovrrdrive · July 2nd, 2012, 04:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drexappeal

I disagree. There's more value to them selling the upgrade price with a 2 year extension, than the off contract phone sale.

I never said there wasn't... When I said they aren't going to be able to sell these at $699 it was kind of implied that I was referring to off contract sales.

Still that doesn't explain why they aren't price matching on off contract phones but they do on everything else. "I don't want to" isn't really a good excuse.

pastafarian · July 2nd, 2012, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H0ND0

Anyone ever use Amazon Wireless? Was checking prices to take to BB to see if they would match, and Amazon has this phone for $49.99 with a new contract. Not sure that BB would match that but am leery of not having someone local to go to with any problems.

Bought several phones from them and bought a LTEvo yesterday through them (should arrive today or tomorrow). If there's a problem with the phone, you can absolutely go to any Sprint repair center. I always have TEP on my phone for the first 6m-1yr and that's also through Sprint directly. Basically, you're trading $50 savings for a 1-2 day wait...that's it.

Mr. Ed · July 2nd, 2012, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Granite1

There is an option to buy out the rest of your contract and get a reset on your upgrade. I can't remember where I read it, but it couldn't have been more than a few weeks ago. I'll dig around and see if I can find it.

EDIT:
Found it.

It was from ISN in one of the email notifications I was getting from his site. New program is like this:

Advanced Devices
09-11 mos. RLOF: $275 UPGRADENOW; CSM charge code: BUY275
12-14 mos. RLOF: $225 UPGRADENOW; CSM charge code: BUY225
15-17 mos. RLOF: $175 UPGRADENOW; CSM charge code: BUY175
18-21 mos. RLOF: $100 UPGRADENOW; CSM charge code: BUY100

The month listed is the amount of time you've been on your contract. So if you've been on for 6 months, you'll pay $275 + $199.99 to get the El TEvo = $474.99 which isn't that much less than just getting it outright. That is of course the worst case scenerio.
You are probably in a better position, so you'll need to decide what you're willing to pay, and how much time you want to spend talking to customer service.

Just a heads up..the upgrade now does not apply to all subscribers, it is hit or miss and will show up for the retailer if the subscriber is eligible...it also REQUIRES that Sprint buyback the old device attached to that number

PyroSporker · July 2nd, 2012, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Ed

Just a heads up..the upgrade now does not apply to all subscribers, it is hit or miss and will show up for the retailer if the subscriber is eligible...it also REQUIRES that Sprint buyback the old device attached to that number

Hey Mr. Ed

Mr. Ed · July 2nd, 2012, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PyroSporker

Hey Mr. Ed

Howdie

Letstalk has it for $89.99 now new or add a line, then use JUL4SALE to save an additional $15, anyone find a better deal? The amazon $49 deal expired Saturday night.

that seems to be the best deal. I am trying to determine if I should grab one now or just wait a bit.

EarlyMon · July 2nd, 2012, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ovrrdrive

Still that doesn't explain why they aren't price matching on off contract phones but they do on everything else. "I don't want to" isn't really a good excuse.

I don't know the reason, but I've formed a guess that it may have to do with terms of the sale or something. I think _maybe_ if you buy it at Sprint, you have to have a Sprint account, whereas at BB, you just buy an electronics unit. I'm sure (as you are, I imagine) that they've covered themselves legally, and that it's all part of the contract handling that let's them sell Sprint phones and contracts in the first place. If my guess is wrong, it's probably related. And they don't get to make T-Mo deals at BB - bet the same set of loopholes can't exist or something to make that all work out.

Just guessing.

And - hiya Mr. Ed!

And welcome to the LTEvo, pasta!

Mr. Ed · July 2nd, 2012, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EarlyMon

And - hiya Mr. Ed!

And welcome to the LTEvo, pasta!

thank ya thank ya...glad to be back

I work at Sprint now

EarlyMon · July 2nd, 2012, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Ed

thank ya thank ya...glad to be back

I work at Sprint now

Lollicopters to Mars - you da man!

Mr. Ed · July 2nd, 2012, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Ed

Howdie

Letstalk has it for $89.99 now new or add a line, then use JUL4SALE to save an additional $15, anyone find a better deal? The amazon $49 deal expired Saturday night.

that seems to be the best deal. I am trying to determine if I should grab one now or just wait a bit.

use Cell Phones from wireless carriers Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, BlackBerry to save an additional $25 (i think)

pastafarian · July 3rd, 2012, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EarlyMon

And welcome to the LTEvo, pasta!

Out for delivery....Almost there!

pastafarian · July 3rd, 2012, 02:19 PM

Evo arrived....and the screen is non functional, sort of white with multicolored snow mixed in. Tried a hard reset, no good. The phone was on with the screen lit when I removed it from the box. Already got an RMA along with a $20 gift certificate. Would have had the replacement overnight, but it's the 4th, so I have to wait till Thursday. I am soooooooooooo disappointed right now that I didn't buy locally.

EarlyMon · July 3rd, 2012, 02:29 PM

Bummed for you.

dan330 · July 3rd, 2012, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pastafarian

Evo arrived....and the screen is non functional, sort of white with multicolored snow mixed in. Tried a hard reset, no good. The phone was on with the screen lit when I removed it from the box. Already got an RMA along with a $20 gift certificate. Would have had the replacement overnight, but it's the 4th, so I have to wait till Thursday. I am soooooooooooo disappointed right now that I didn't buy locally.

Take to a corporate sprint store for quick replacement.. And deny the one that comes in the mail

pastafarian · July 3rd, 2012, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan330

Take to a corporate sprint store for quick replacement.. And deny the one that comes in the mail

Too late, it's already on the way back. I'll do this when the replacement inevitably arrives DOA too. I also ordered a small bluetooth (or so I thought) speaker along with the phone. It arrived and I found it's not bluetooth at all and it's also on the way back. Can you say cascade fail? Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Mr. Ed · July 3rd, 2012, 11:11 PM

boooo...let's talk did not process my order until today...sad part..it's less that 50 miles away...sadder part..UPS does not deliver on the 4th

I too will get mine Thursday

bearballz · July 4th, 2012, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ovrrdrive

I never said there wasn't... When I said they aren't going to be able to sell these at $699 it was kind of implied that I was referring to off contract sales.

Still that doesn't explain why they aren't price matching on off contract phones but they do on everything else. "I don't want to" isn't really a good excuse.

Well considering this is a Sprint exclusive phone, they probably have the flexability to sell it cheaper outright, unlike BB or Radioshack since they're resellers and have to pay a certain $ amount for each phone.

But like all phones, wait and see what happens the next couple of months. If the 4GLTE isn't selling that well they'll probably lower the price, especially come Fall when all the carriers unveil their new phones for the holiday season.

pastafarian · July 9th, 2012, 07:26 PM

Got my replacement LTEvo Thursday after the first arrived Tuesday DOA. I finally had a full work day with the LTEvo today and....I may be falling in love! The battery life is astounding. To get anywhere near this with my OG Evo required turning into a brick with an extended battery. Since I tend to carry my phone in my shirt pocket, that got old fast. At last, a light pocket able phone that I can charge over night and not have to look for a charger or use added batteries for the entire day. Bluetooth is another surprise. I never had a problem with it with the OG, but the LTEvo definitely puts out a stronger signal. With the OG, while using a bt headset turning a certain way could cause a little audio breakup. Not anymore. The build quality is also impressive, this thing is almost jewel like. I remember being so impressed with the OG's build when I got it, and the LTEvo makes it look cheap and flimsy in comparison. Wish I didn't have to, but it was certainly worth the wait.

billythec11 · August 8th, 2012, 02:29 PM

anyone have any recent "deals" through the sprint store? It shows $199 for an upgrade.

PyroSporker · August 8th, 2012, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billythec11

Anyone have any recent "deals" through the sprint store? It shows $199 for an upgrade.

Amazon has it for $ .01 on a new line, that's right a penny! ($149.99 for upgrade - black handset only)
I've never used Amazon for a handset, but since they are so large and they are basically only online based, they are good about customer service and will return a lemon with little to no hassle. Plus you can still get insurance through a local Sprint store if you are motivated in that direction.
AmazonWireless: HTC EVO LTE 4G Android Phone (Sprint)

rami082709 · August 8th, 2012, 09:21 PM

So I've been shopping around and I saw this and cant believe it. Has anyone bought any phone from Amazon Wireless? Is it legit? Only thing is I want the white one, but for that price I'll just buy a case LOL

Rxpert83 · August 8th, 2012, 09:32 PM

Is it for new sprint customers only? That seems to be the trend with Amazons really good deals

Edit: Upgrade price is still $149.99

New sprint customers get it for $0.01

rami082709 · August 8th, 2012, 09:40 PM

Yeah i meant for new customers, so I think I will go through with it, hopefully get it soon, bye bye Evo 4G, hello Evo 4G LTE

Rxpert83 · August 8th, 2012, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rami082709

Yeah i meant for new customers, so I think I will go through with it, hopefully get it soon, bye bye Evo 4G, hello Evo 4G LTE

Wouldn't that be considered an upgrade though?

EVO 4G->EVO 4G LTE

Edit: unless your flashed to a different carrier

dan330 · August 9th, 2012, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rami082709

Yeah i meant for new customers, so I think I will go through with it, hopefully get it soon, bye bye Evo 4G, hello Evo 4G LTE

if you are currently a sprint customer.. then you do not qualify as a NEW sprint promotion. sorry.

also, the amazon price is good. and there are no issues buying new phones from them.. all warranty and issues will be supported by the carrier!

1 but NOTE!!!
because amazon is also giving you a discount and eating some of the cost.. on TOP of sprint's cancellation policy and FEEs... Amazon has their own cancellation FEEs!!!!! read them well! it is extra $$$ in addition to sprints!!

pastafarian · August 9th, 2012, 12:53 PM

We've bought our last couple of phones from amazon with no serious issues. My first LTEvo arrived doa, the overnighted a replacement and gave me $20 credit for my trouble. On interesting thing? When my wife's e4gt was selling for $. 01 for new customers, the upgrade price was $79.

billythec11 · August 9th, 2012, 01:19 PM

My problem with Amazon is they wont allow you to have a service address and area code different than your credit card, - my corporate card billing address is not our home office and they cant handle that.

I suppose I could switch it there and back again after setup, using my personal card. ugh

Question for sprint employees: is going to the store and "negotiating" any more fruitful than using Sprint.com for an upgrade?

rami082709 · August 10th, 2012, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan330

if you are currently a sprint customer.. then you do not qualify as a NEW sprint promotion. sorry.

also, the amazon price is good. and there are no issues buying new phones from them.. all warranty and issues will be supported by the carrier!

1 but NOTE!!!
because amazon is also giving you a discount and eating some of the cost.. on TOP of sprint's cancellation policy and FEEs... Amazon has their own cancellation FEEs!!!!! read them well! it is extra $$$ in addition to sprints!!

I do qualify, I have my Evo 4G flashed on boost. I got a new contract. I should have my phone tomorrow, . I cant wait!

dan330 · August 10th, 2012, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rami082709

I do qualify, I have my Evo 4G flashed on boost. I got a new contract. I should have my phone tomorrow, . I cant wait!

that is great...

like i said.. if you are a "sprint customer" .. and you are not!

enjoy your new phone.

simcha · August 23rd, 2012, 06:20 PM

I looked through the threads and I didn't see one about deals.

Currently Best Buy has the Evo 4G LTE for $99 with 2-year contract!

I hope this lasts past 9/1/2012 because I can't get my upgrade until then. I just wanted to share this in case it helps someone else.

Rxpert83 · August 23rd, 2012, 08:04 PM

You should note that this deal is for new sprint customers

The upgrade price is 149.99

I know we have a thread about best places to buy somewhere....lemme look for it

Edit:

Found it

Options/opinions on where to purchase the EVO 4G LTE

notdel · August 24th, 2012, 05:52 PM

Is sprint the only place to buy the white one? Also, just left sam's club. They have Ltevo upgrade for $98.88. The rep said that was correct, so I think I'll go back and get that one.....screw the white one!

pastafarian · August 26th, 2012, 07:35 AM

Get a

$2.25 white TPU case via ebay.

There are

a ton of other white cases available too.

billythec11 · September 18th, 2012, 10:29 AM

Not seeing any good deals, really. Was hoping the Apple announcement would help drive others cheaper.

What the best deal you have seen lately?

Rxpert83 · December 19th, 2012, 12:05 PM

AmazonWireless: HTC EVO LTE 4G Android Phone (Sprint)

On sale today for 0.01 from amazon wireless for upgrades or new customers