I emailed Best Buy Mobile earlier in the week to get definite answers, because that is where I intend to pick up my phone, but no one at my local best buy knew anything about the phone aside from the fact it exists. The first email I sent was just a general inquiry on if or when they will be receiving it. This is what I received back:
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Thank-you for contacting Best Buy Mobile Customer Care, my name is Tara, and I will be happy to help you with this question.
That's a great question!!! We will be carrying the phone on July 18th and it will be in store only. And the phone will be for $199.99 for new contract or upgrade. Are you currently eligible for an upgrade? If you would like to send me that information I can check that upgrade for you. I will also get incontact with that local store and see if they have received education on the phone. And if not I will inform them for you.
Hopefully, this has answered all of your questions. If you need any more information, you can respond to this message, or call Best Buy Mobile 1-888-BESTBUY. Thank you again for contacting Best Buy Mobile.
Thank you,
Tara
Best Buy Mobile Customer Care Team
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I then replied back asking further questions about when I could pre-order one and what the off-contract pricing would be. This is what I got back:
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Thank you for your response back on you inquiry.
I am glad I was able to answer that question for you. As we have been told the full retail price is going to be $499.99 or $599.99. I have not got the final price yet. I called the store and they will not be doing pre orders. But, they did say you can call them a day before and they can put your name one. And if they are authorized to they can sell it to you that day.
If you need anymore information about the phone or accessories feel free to email me back I will be more than Happy to help you!!!!!
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Now, I would think that pre-ordering and "putting my name on one", especially if they let me pay in advance, are pretty much the same thing... but hey, I'm not complaining if they let me do it and I get one.