• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

Buyer's Remorse/Unlimited Data

I've read that buying off contract and keeping unlimited will save you money in the long run.
Your data usage will always go up. Better cameras, better webpages, LTE, all use more data.

I bought my first smartphone after Verizon ended unlimited data. But given the choice, I'd buy a used phone and keep unlimited.
Edit: but somehow I bought my contract during a double data promotion, so I get 4 GB for $30/mo. I constantly go over 2 GB.
 
I bought this phone at the subsidized price, and gave up unlimited data, and have never regretted it for a minute. Not only is this an amazing phone imo, but I no longer have to worry about VZW throttling my data speeds (which they love to do to the unlmtd customers). I also have in home wifi, and if you have that, you are not likely to exceed your data limit. VZW will send you a message should you ever get close to the limit, and the S3 has a data limit meter built right into the phone that you can set yourself.
 
All I'm saying is that if I had unlimited data, I wouldn't give it up. Imagine you're on vacation and don't have Wi-Fi, or the hotel's Wi-Fi is so horrible you'd rather use your data.
I tether a lot too. And although you're not supposed to with unlimited data plan, I'm 100% sure I'd break that rule.

The downside being buying without subsidised pricing. Buying a used phone means no warranty.

So it's just weighing out your options. If I were in your shoes, I'd cancel the order before it ships. Check sites like newegg.com, they've got really cheap deals. EBay or Craigslist for used devices. I bought this phone off Craigslist used. I have no warranty, but I could still get insurance on it and pay $100 for an insurance replacement.
 
Thanks for all the weigh ins. The phone shipped before I could cancel it, but I called amazon and they said as long as I refuse shipment or return it before its been activated no changes to my plant will go into effect.

So, after much obsessing I think I'm going to return it and try and get one from ebay/craigslist.

I'd probably be ok most months with just 2gb, but I think its worth the peace of mind to keep the unlimited for as long as possible. Also, this way I'm not stuck on contract....

Wow, just noticed that swappa site, that's awesome, thank you! My droid charge is actually in great cosmetic condition, but I never thought it was worth much. Looks like I might actually be able to get around $100 for it.
 
Like I said though, big problem with buying used is no warranty. Throw that in when you're haggling.
"Why would I pay $350 for this thing used, without warranty, when I can buy it brand new for $450 and not have to pay $100 for an insurance replacement?"
 
jova33 said:
Like I said though, big problem with buying used is no warranty. Throw that in when you're haggling.
"Why would I pay $350 for this thing used, without warranty, when I can buy it brand new for $450 and not have to pay $100 for an insurance replacement?"
Click to expand...

No warranty does scare me a little, especially when just meeting up with someone off of craiglist. I had the weirdest craiglist experience a few years ago. I naively bought a phone without checking the ESN number first. However, when I called the seller back, they actually answered. They gave me some crazy story, but after a few days actually met me and gave me money back. It was a miracle...but then the guy texted me and asked me out (after previously mentioned having a gf). Also, met at the shadiest 7-11 possible. I'm probably lucky I'm alive.

However, I will probably root the thing anyway and end up voiding the warranty. If I found a really good deal, I think I will risk it.
 
I always meet Craigslist people INSIDE the grocery store. Well the last one, that I bought this phone from, I met at his work, so it seemed real legit. And I called Verizon right there to confirm he owned the phone and we were activating it on my account.
When I was selling my last phone off Craigslist, someone suggested I try hipswap. I put an ad on there, but it didn't sell. It's a lot like Craigslist, but you can use PayPal, and they take a percentage.
 
I got mine from swappa, but i noticed that he lived within a 2 hour drive so I met the guy at a local verizon store to check the ESN there and get it activated easy.
 
I have bought from both eBay and craigslist without issue. But yeah outside Verizon stores are ALWAYS the safest if you are meeting in person. A legit person will agree, as it makes it easier if you run into issues activating.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom