Best Deals on the Samsung Galaxy Note10

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Samsung’s Galaxy Note10 phones are about to reach stores. And, just like Note phones of the past, the new versions of the popular phablet are going to cost some serious money.

But there are sale prices to be had, especially if you preorder. It’s just a matter of finding the deal that works best for you.

For the first time, the South Korean tech giant is rolling out three versions of a Note phone. There’s the Galaxy Note10 (which is a tiny bit smaller than last year’s Note9), the supersized Galaxy Note10+, and the Note10+ 5G. 

The Note10+ 5G, as the name implies, adds the newest form of cellular connectivity to the bigger model. It will start off as an exclusive Verizon model, but other carriers will start selling their own versions later this year.

The three Notes are siblings to the Samsung Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10 5G phones launched this past spring. As with previous generations of the Note, they are likely to appeal to fans who appreciate large screens and the ability to doodle with a stylus.

Samsung says that, compared with the Note9, the Note10 phones offers better battery life and quicker charging, along with speedier processors, smaller bezels, a redesigned S-Pen, and new camera tricks. We'll be testing those claims after the phones go on sale Aug. 23, when we buy them at retail and conduct our lab testing.

In the meantime, if you preorder, the Note10—which comes with 256GB of storage—costs $950. The Note10+, which will be available with either 256GB or 512GB of storage, starts at $1,100. And the 5G version of that phone starts at $1,300. (More on these deals below.)

Preordering comes with some perks, whether you purchase directly from Samsung or from a cellular carrier. Whichever you choose, make sure you read the fine print before you fork over the cash. Many offers come with a catch or two, and good credit is often required. And remember, if a company is offering money or discounts in exchange for trading in your old phone, it needs to be in good working order.

If you're interested in one of these sales, don't wait too long before you buy. Many of the deals below are just for preorders and expire when the phones reach stores Aug. 23.

Samsung

In the age of unlocked phones, there’s little reason to buy from your carrier unless you're getting a discount or other incentives. Purchasing directly from the manufacturer can save you money in some cases, and unlocked models give you the freedom to switch to a new wireless provider without switching to a different phone.

Samsung is selling unlocked Note10 phones, as well as those tied to carriers, directly through its website. Both the Note10 and Note10+ are available. You also can get a Note10+ 5G, but it’ll still be exclusive to the Verizon network.

Order a Note10 before Aug. 23 and Samsung will give you a $100 credit to spend in its online store. Or buy a Note10+ or Note10+ 5G and get a $150 credit. The credit will come in the form of a coupon code that will be sent to you digitally 15 to 21 days after you buy your phone. The code expires Dec. 20. 

Samsung is also throwing in a six-month Spotify Premium subscription with the purchase of any Note10 phone. But it’s good only for new Spotify Premium customers. 

The company is also offering up to $600 off your new Note10, if you trade in your old phone. This year’s Galaxy S10 phones are eligible for the full amount, as is last year’s Note9. You can also get it for iPhones dating back to the X, or this year’s Pixel 3 phones. Other phones are worth less money. 

The Carriers

AT&T. This carrier is offering what's essentially a buy-one, get-one offer on the new phones. Purchases of both the Note10 and Note10+ are eligible; the "free" phone comes in the form of $950 in bill credits spread over the 30 months you’ll finance the phones.

You have to establish at least one new line of service, and both phones have to be set up for an unlimited plan. If you cancel your service early, you’ll lose any remaining discounts and have to pay off both phones immediately.

If you order online, AT&T will throw in a $150 Visa reward card, which you can spend like cash anywhere Visa cards are accepted. To get your card, you’ll need to redeem a promotional card online within 75 days of your purchase. The card will come by mail within three to four weeks and expire six months after it’s issued.

Sprint. Buy through this carrier and you can get 50 percent off an 18-month lease of a Note10 or Note10+. That takes your monthly payments to about $20 and $26, respectively.

After the 18 months is up, you can either pay off the phone in one lump sum or over a period of six months. You’ll also have the option of turning in the phone and leasing something new.

This deal also requires at least one new line of service, and if you cancel early, your balance is due.

T-Mobile. This carrier’s offer is more modest. T-Mobile will give you up to $300 off with the trade-in of an old phone. Older phones made by Apple, Samsung, LG, and others are eligible.

If you have a more recent and valuable phone, you may be better off selling it separately and just using that cash toward the purchase of your new Note10.

T-Mobile says it also plans to start offering a buy-one, get-one deal starting Aug. 23. The free phone will come in the form of $950 in credits spread over 24 months. At least one new line is required, as are unlimited plans, and you lose your discounts if you cancel early.

Verizon. This carrier is the only one to currently offer the Galaxy Note10 5G. And the company is offering a buy-one, get-one deal for all three Note10 phones.

Buy any of the three phones and you get up to $950 off the cost of a second phone—if it's a Note10, it’s basically free. With the more expensive models, you pay the difference. Smaller credits are also available for less expensive models, such as the Galaxy S10e.

The "free" phone comes in the form of a monthly credit that’s spread over 24 months. Buy a Note10+ 5G and you also have the option of financing the phones for 36 months.

In either case, if you discontinue your Verizon service before the phones are paid off, you lose any remaining discounts and the balances become due. And the deal requires you to set up a new line of service on an unlimited data plan for at least one of the phones.

Verizon also is offering a $200 Mastercard gift card for those who switch to the carrier and set up at least one line of unlimited service. Once you make the purchase, you’ll get a promotional code that you have to enter online; the card will ship in about eight weeks.



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