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Palmetto Fellow
Android Expert
Two months is a lifetime in cell phone land. The iPhone 5 is being released in a week. There's no way that's going to bring down the s3 price. Virgin is just now ushering in their next generation.
Also, where did the s2 start at? It was $329 just a couple of months ago. .. and dropped to $200 only because of the s3.
I stopped caring about phone prices, if you want a phone, buy in early. How do you assign the price of phone usage? What is your opportunity cost waiting 2 months to save $50? You could have been rocking an s3, or other phone for that time. Keep in mind. .. the later you buy in, the longer you'll want to keep it which will put you behind the curve for the next generation (s4). Virgin had shown that they can run out of replacements for a phone. I wouldn't want to wait 6 months to save $100 and then be on the tail end of the deployment. I now sorta understand the Apple folks who have to upgrade to the latest iPhone on day one.
Unfortunately, as an s3 user, my time in this forum is coming to an end. It's sorta sad really. My first goal is to turn off the damn shutter sound that ONLY the Sprint s3s have as mandatory.
Palmetto Fellow
Android Expert
Only the root forums are carrier specific. Just go to the Samsung galaxy s3 forum and you should see it.
For most phones, not all, two months is not a very long time. The iPhones are basically on a one year upgrade cycle so if you buy two months in, you still get the newest phone for 10 months. For Nexus phones, it's also one year (every November). I would still buy a phone a couple of months late as it's already a one year old phone so there's really no need to have it two months earlier. Now, compared with other manufacturers such as HTC, they too are on a one year fixed schedule.
It's not "rocking" to be taken to the cleaners when using a budget service like Virgin is supposed to save us money. As said a couple posts after mine, the price dropped to $229 in July. There were no competitors released. It just happened and it happened even quicker than I recalled. A 25% drop in price right after I buy an unsubsidized phone is not something I take lightly. Now with the S3 we're talking about a $400 device so the damage from any immediate price drop will be amplified. I think I'll pass and let the dust settle. As a bonus, any price increase may coincide with LTE rollout being completed in my area.
+1
The price drops are stunning on VM. For example, I do want to try an iPhone (I know, I know) and was excited when the 4S arrived at VM. However, I went for the EVO as the 4S was listed at over $600 - too rich for my blood. Today the 4S is $380. Thats quite a drop! When we see the iPhone 5 on VM, Im hoping for the 4S to be under $300.
So the S3 is going to be discontinued already? The lifespan of these devices just gets shorter and shorter:
Samsung Galaxy S3 gets Android 4.2.2 in August after both discontinued - Stabley Times | Stabley Times
Samsung Galaxy S3 gets Android 4.2.2 in August after both discontinued - Stabley Times | Stabley Times
SuperAfnan
Android Expert
Virgin only sells us devices on their deathbed or from the grave. The s3 will be there soon. Think of it as Thanksgiving leftovers.
Palmetto Fellow
Android Expert
I understand what you're saying. I too wouldn't buy a $400 S3. I got a 10% discount for opening a Radio Shack CC, and there was a $50 Visa Giftcard for all purchases over $349 promotion that just ended...so I paid $310 for my S3.
If I waited, I am sure I could have gotten a lower price...but I'd rather be rocking a new stylish phone. That's the opportunity cost. The chance of saving $50-100 was not as important (to me) as getting a nice new phone with really good battery life and an AMOLED screen. I could always save 10% by opening a CC with RadioShack, but the Visa Giftcard propotion isn't always ongoing. Keep in mind...if you buy the phone for $348 or less...you don't qualify for the VISA giftcard, so that's another $50 savings for those who pay a higher price anyway.
In the end, someone could wait 3-6 months and get the phone for $10 less than I paid for it ($300)...but that's 3-6 months that he didn't get to use the S3. Or maybe he can buy it for $300 plus take 10% off for the CC offer from Radio Shack. That's only $40 less than I paid...and that's 3-6 months of non-use. I don't see the S3 dropping much below $300 until the S4 is released for VM...the S2 stayed at $329 for a long time, with an occassional sale down to $279 before going back to $329. It wasn't until the S3 was announced that they started clearing room and dropping the price permanently.
I understand that everyone is not on the same level financially, and that's probably the biggest disconnect here. With 12 months no interest on my S3...I can pay it off tomorrow if I want, or stretch it out at about $33/mo. It's up to me.
I'll probably pay it off in like 3 months or so. You also have to realize that I've been having some issues with my EVO V in that randomly it would draw 500 mA while in sleep mode (5X more than normal). I use it as an alarm, and can't take the risk of waking up to a dead battery. It's happened a few times in the past.
We're all different, and we all have different needs and desires. I've wanted an S3 for...well, a whole year now. Moving to VM in January was the first step. It let me save over $60/mo over what I paid Sprint. That savings more than paid for my EVO V in the 5 months I used it...and now, I've moved on and bought an S3.
I'll probably be selling the EVO V for $125-150 depending on the accessories I bundle with it. My wife may use the EVO V and switch to VM as well. She said Sprint doesn't work well at her work, so perhaps she'll move to Straight Talk where she can keep Verizon towers.
Either way, I'll make good use out of the EVO V...and my overall cost now to own the S3 is less than $200. At some point...having the phone in hand is more important than the money it costs to own it.
Palmetto Fellow
Android Expert
This is nothing new. Most phones live for about 1 year before the manufacturer releases a replacement at which time, production shifts and they stop making them.
Being with a discount carrier has its benefits, but also comes with this drawback. I don't think Apple is still making iPhone 4 models, but VM still offers them.
In the end, buying a phone with a 1 year lifespan...on a 2 year contract is pretty close to buying that same phone a year later off-contract. You may get 2 years of use out of it...but you'll be 1 year behind. My goal now is to stay current with VM...so I jumped on the S3 promptly. I'll be hoping to sell the S3 when the S4 is released and continue this process every year until I get a phone that really makes me want to keep it for more than 1 year.
The US version of the S5 should have an 8 core processor, and that should run Android 6.0 just fine
.This is nothing new. Most phones live for about 1 year before the manufacturer releases a replacement at which time, production shifts and they stop making them.
Being with a discount carrier has its benefits, but also comes with this drawback. I don't think Apple is still making iPhone 4 models, but VM still offers them.
In the end, buying a phone with a 1 year lifespan...on a 2 year contract is pretty close to buying that same phone a year later off-contract. You may get 2 years of use out of it...but you'll be 1 year behind. My goal now is to stay current with VM...so I jumped on the S3 promptly. I'll be hoping to sell the S3 when the S4 is released and continue this process every year until I get a phone that really makes me want to keep it for more than 1 year.
The US version of the S5 should have an 8 core processor, and that should run Android 6.0 just fine
True. I knew when I bought the EVO that it was on the downward turn.
Unfortunately all this talk of changing phones is getting me obsessed to go for the iPhone 4
koopakid08
Android Expert
True. I knew when I bought the EVO that it was on the downward turn.
Unfortunately all this talk of changing phones is getting me obsessed to go for the iPhone 4
You don't want to deal with that old thing, it'll be 3 years behind in October or whenever Apple releases the next iPhone. Unless that was sarcasm, in that case maybe you should upgrade to an optimus v.
I'm taking a break from Android. I did buy the 4S and so far I love it. It just works. 3 days on a single charge and the video is 1080p and stunning.
I loved my EVO too. Just time for a change is all.
As for 'deal with that old thing'. You do realize we are on Virgin Mobile right? VM is the home of all 'old things'.
For another comparison, go check the resale price of an iPhone 4s versus an EVO. iPhones hold their value and will for quite some time.
koopakid08
Android Expert
I'm taking a break from Android. I did buy the 4S and so far I love it. It just works. 3 days on a single charge and the video is 1080p and stunning.
I loved my EVO too. Just time for a change is all.
As for 'deal with that old thing'. You do realize we are on Virgin Mobile right? VM is the home of all 'old things'.
For another comparison, go check the resale price of an iPhone 4s versus an EVO. iPhones hold their value and will for quite some time.
I don't resale my phones so resale value isn't an issue to me.
Virgin isn't really the "home of all old things" anymore. They've really stepped up recently and now we're only about a year behind.
Really? The newly announce 'flagship' S3 is discontinued in August.
Samsung Galaxy S3 gets Android 4.2.2 in August after both discontinued - Stabley Times | Stabley Times
Palmetto Fellow
Android Expert
I'm taking a break from Android. I did buy the 4S and so far I love it. It just works. 3 days on a single charge and the video is 1080p and stunning.
I loved my EVO too. Just time for a change is all.
As for 'deal with that old thing'. You do realize we are on Virgin Mobile right? VM is the home of all 'old things'.
For another comparison, go check the resale price of an iPhone 4s versus an EVO. iPhones hold their value and will for quite some time.
The iPhone 4 and 4s are like 3-4 times the cost of the EVO V...at least when I bought one, that's what the ratio was. I should hope the resale value reflects this.
I can sell my EVO V for $125-150. I paid $150 for it. I do have to sell it soon though, or else I may have to take $100 for it. Damn decisions...Your 4S is a year newer than the 4 he was referring to, but it's still quite old IMHO. At least you picked the newest iPhone available at the time...but in a day, the iPhone 5 is supposed to hit VM from what I've seen people saying. Why not just wait a few days and get something relevant? You're already more than a year behind the curve with that 4S. The 5S is going to be out soon for the big 4.
HOLY CRAP! I just realized that the 4S ($382 phone) doesn't even have Wimax or LTE...my very first Android Phone from 2010 had Wimax
$399 for the Galaxy S3 sounds better every day 
The iPhone 4 and 4s are like 3-4 times the cost of the EVO V...at least when I bought one, that's what the ratio was. I should hope the resale value reflects this.
Your 4S is a year newer than the 4 he was referring to, but it's still quite old IMHO. At least you picked the newest iPhone available at the time...but in a day, the iPhone 5 is supposed to hit VM from what I've seen people saying. Why not just wait a few days and get something relevant? You're already more than a year behind the curve with that 4S. The 5S is going to be out soon for the big 4.
HOLY CRAP! I just realized that the 4S ($382 phone) doesn't even have Wimax or LTE...my very first Android Phone from 2010 had Wimax
I dont want to derail the thread with a "iPhone Vs Android" scenario but seeing as you made the following points, here are my rebuttals:
1. "The iPhone 4 and 4s are like 3-4 times the cost of the EVO V" - Incorrect. I paid $299 for my EVO and the iPhone was $382 - that an $83 difference.
2. "Your 4S is a year newer than the 4 he was referring to, but it's still quite old IMHO. At least you picked the newest iPhone available at the time...but in a day, the iPhone 5 is supposed to hit VM from what I've seen people saying. Why not just wait a few days and get something relevant?" - I understand the 4S is older technology as is the S3. As are all phones on VM. Thats why its $35 a month and not $90 as at ATT. I know the IPhone 5 is coming and I also know it will be $600+ - as the 4S was when introduced. I cant afford that nor am I willing to pay that.
3. "HOLY CRAP! I just realized that the 4S ($382 phone) doesn't even have Wimax or LTE...my very first Android Phone from 2010 had Wimax
$399 for the Galaxy S3 sounds better every day" - Correct. However, since VM began throttling Wimax and LTE for data over 2.5GB its irrelevant. I can burn through 2.5GB on my EVO on 4g in a few days. Then Im back to 3G for the remaining 28 days of the month. I first got the EVO for the 4G but after the throttling its pretty much useless.I have had many Android phones over the last 5 yrs and just wanted a change. Apple's iCloud is very slick and "just works" with synching my phone to my other mac toys. The camera is outstanding and the 1080p video is better than my standalone nikon camera. I like iTunes (yes, really) and managing my music is seamless. OS updates are automatic via iTunes and not reliant on VM or the good devs on this forum. Battery life is 3 days easily. Acessories are pennies on the dollar. What's not to like?
Sometimes, you just want a device to work and work well.
OverByter
Resident Slide Rule Guru
Not really relevant, apples and oranges, your comparing the original cost of the Evo a year ago to today's iPhone price.
OB
Not really relevant, apples and oranges, your comparing the original cost of the Evo a year ago to today's iPhone price.
OB
It's very relevant. That's what I paid for each device.
OverByter
Resident Slide Rule Guru
It's very relevant. That's what I paid for each device.
And if you can find one, some Target stores still have them on clearance, you can get the Evo TODAY for under $150, considering mine cost twice that a year ago, not really relevant. My first DynaTac cost me over $1200 more than 20 years ago, plus the $100 a month just for the number and service at $1 a minute, in or out. Not very relevant to the cost of my Evo or your iPhone though!
OB
And if you can find one, some Target stores still have them on clearance, you can get the Evo TODAY for under $150, considering mine cost twice that a year ago, not really relevant. My first DynaTac cost me over $1200 more than 20 years ago, plus the $100 a month just for the number and service at $1 a minute, in or out. Not very relevant to the cost of my Evo or your iPhone though!
OB
I'm still not getting your point. "Relevant" to me is what I paid in my world - my relevance. What the device was on sale at now or before makes no difference to how much I paid for the EVO or how much I paid for the iPhone.
I paid $299 for the EVO and $382 for the iPhone. That's what I paid. It wasnt 3-4 times more costly than my EVO. That the iPhone 4S was once listed at $650 is irrelevant to me because what I actually paid was $382. I wouldnt pay $650 for the 4S.
I challenge the relevance of your point of being relevant.
Palmetto Fellow
Android Expert
I'm still not getting your point. "Relevant" to me is what I paid in my world - my relevance. What the device was on sale at now or before makes no difference to how much I paid for the EVO or how much I paid for the iPhone.
I paid $299 for the EVO and $382 for the iPhone. That's what I paid. It wasnt 3-4 times more costly than my EVO. That the iPhone 4S was once listed at $650 is irrelevant to me because what I actually paid was $382. I wouldnt pay $650 for the 4S.
I challenge the relevance of your point of being relevant.
It doesn't matter what YOU paid. If you're going to compare the highest price for the EVO vs the lowest price for the iPhone, then you are skewing the numbers to support your motives.
Take a snapshot at any point in time...like when I bought my EVO for example. It was $149 and the iPhone was over $500. THat's the 3 times as much difference...but looking at your purcahse date when the EVO was $299 and the iphone was over $600...that's 2 times the price...so I can't understand why you'd compare one extreme to another. My point is that the EVO should always sell for less than half what the iphone does...it cost less than half when new. Your particulr BUY IN price is irrelevant to this.
As you said, let's not make this an apple vs android thread...as you'd be severely outnumbered...and the facts don't stack up well for you either. I'll agree to leave this topic alone if you do too
There are some things I was going to pick a part in something you've said above...but I'll refrain for now.