AT&T Community Forums

Buying Galaxy S9 direct from Samsung-Unlocked or Locked to AT&T?

I am planning to buy a Galaxy S9 Plus direct from Samsung due to a special promotion available to me. If I buy an Unlocked phone can I use that on AT&T to start a phone contract? I do not have a mobile contract currently but I am getting one soon. I currently have Uverse for TV and Internet.

Would there be any disadvantages to buying an unlocked phone? Or should I bite the bullet and pay the markup for the locked phone?

Thank you in advance.

Responses

formerlyknownas

ACE - Sage

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113.3K Messages

6 years ago

@SLASH702

@It_1990

@jaeger26

I bought from Best Buy, in store. $100 off for preorder and I have an S7 to trade in for another $300 off. $400 off up front. And I technically still haven’t bought a phone from ATT. 😛

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GLIMMERMAN76

ACE - Expert

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23.8K Messages

6 years ago

@It_1990 wrote:

Lizdance, Is that Pre-order through BB for a carrier configured device or the unlocked version (no carrier) ? Your S7 is worth much more than my Note 5. I'm assuming that extra $100 (Verizon?) is for new activation right?

@It_1990

Nope the best buy deal was for any carrier except sprint and their lease program. Its basically like any other BB promo they did this with the s8 and s8+ at launch also. Its a bribe for you to buy the phone from best buy. The gotcha is you have to uses ATT next and buy the phone. And the s7 should be worth more than the note 5 its a tear newer.

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SLASH702

Contributor

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2 Messages

6 years ago

exactly what I did

ridiculous that ATT would rather loss the sale than match bestbuy deal

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GLIMMERMAN76

ACE - Expert

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23.8K Messages

6 years ago

@SLASH702 wrote:

exactly what I did

ridiculous that ATT would rather loss the sale than match bestbuy deal

@SLASH702

ATT didnt lose the sale of the phone... If you did the deal it has to be on ATT next... Who do you think makes money off the deal? Its not best buy...

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mikestanek1

Tutor

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8 Messages

6 years ago

Quick question. I'm a newbie to unlocked phones. I have the S9+ unlocked pre-ordered to use on at&t. I currently have the S7 with an at&t sim in it. When I get my S9+ do I just switch the sim card over or do I need to buy a new one? Anything special to switching over like this if I already have at&t service?

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formerlyknownas

ACE - Sage

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113.3K Messages

6 years ago

@mikestanek1 Yes, just move your SIM card.

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mikestanek1

Tutor

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8 Messages

6 years ago

Thanks! Do I have to put the sim card in before I turn the new phone on for the first time? Does it matter?

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formerlyknownas

ACE - Sage

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113.3K Messages

6 years ago

@mikestanek1

I usually set up my phone first, then move my sim card. I work of the phone and have to have all my information and apps moved over and signed in. With android it’s up to you.

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