T-Mobile's Samsung Galaxy S III Pricing Confirmed; Makes Your Wallet Cringe

[dgstorm]

We thought we would share this because sometimes Verizon gets the rep for being a bit pricy on new phones (which is true sometimes), but this time, it's T-Mobile going over the top with release date pricing on a new phone.

It is usually not a surprise when a carrier does things a bit differently from the other carriers when they are selling the same phone. For example, last year there were multiple names for the Samsung Galaxy S II on the different carriers, and of course each carrier might add on their specific package of bloatware. However, today's confirmation coming from T-Mobile regarding their version of the Samsung Galaxy S III is most assuredly a shock, and will likely make your back account recoil in fear.

For some odd reason that we can't fathom T-Mobile is selling their version of the SGS3 for a whole lot more than the other carriers. Without fail so far, the other carriers have announced pricing at $200 bucks for the 16GB version and $250 for the 32GB version. That is not the case with T-Mo. Here is their confirmed pricing plan,

Starting tomorrow, T-Mobile will offer the Samsung Galaxy S III in 16GB or 32GB memory options paired with T-Mobile’s Value or Classic service plans.

Available with a qualifying Value voice and data plan with a two year service agreement, the Galaxy S III will cost an out-of-pocket down payment of $229.99 (16GB) or $279.99 (32GB) with 20 equal monthly payments of $20 per month via T-Mobile’s Equipment Installment Plan (EIP).

Also offered with a qualifying Classic voice and data plan, the Galaxy S III will cost $279.99 (16GB) after a $50 mail-in-rebate card or $329.99 (32GB) after a $50 mail-in-rebate card with a two-year service agreement.

So... basically, if you want to get the 16GB SGS3 you will initially have to pay $329.99 and then wait for a $50 dollar mail-in rebate, or $379.99 before the mail-in rebate for the 32GB version. That is a whopping $130 bucks more at the time of purchase than any of the other carriers, and still $80 bucks more after you get the rebate back. Is there something wrong with this picture?

Source: S3Forums via AndroidCentral and Engadget (pic)

 

[gadgetrants]

Whoever at T-Mobile is responsible for using the terms "POS," "Early Upgrade POS," and the most egregious "Early Upgrade Plus POS" needs to spend more time at urbandictionary.com.

-Matt

 

[johnomaz]

Its one of those things you have to live with if you want inexpensive plans. Cheap plans means less subsidies for the phone.

 

[AuxiliaryPie]

Whoever at T-Mobile is responsible for using the terms "POS," "Early Upgrade POS," and the most egregious "Early Upgrade Plus POS" needs to spend more time at urbandictionary.com.

-Matt

POS means Point Of Sale, its standard across anywhere with a cash register

Its one of those things you have to live with if you want inexpensive plans. Cheap plans means less subsidies for the phone.

yeah but these installment plans don't extend your contract, i believe. i think if you were to do a classic NE2 upgrade you could get a 200/300 price point..not tooooo sure on that one though

 

[acousticshade]

I'm actually surprised that these phones are going for $200 on the other networks. With all the $300 Tier I phones that came out last November, then stayed at that price for 3 months or more, I was sure these were going to start at $300.

With all the plan structure/price changes coming out, it looks like most carriers think they can make more money in monthly billing fees rather than by raising the price of phone, except obviously in T-Mobiles case.