Sprint HTC Hero to be $329.99 off-contract!
We know that Sprint’s Hero will be $179.99 with a 2-year contract, but one of the biggest questions we’ve gotten from our review of Sprint’s HTC Hero is “how much off-contract?” Well, I just got word that the Hero will officially be available for $329.99 off-contract!
Lots of people out there have been Sprint customers for a long time and have grandfathered plans that they will try to keep forever. Many of you just want to purchase the Hero outright for themselves, or for an additional line. A retail price of $329.99 is pretty damn good for any smartphone if you ask us, but especially so considering the fact that importing the UK GSM version of the Hero will run you ~$700 beans.
So there you go guys. Now feel free to do your best grandfathered-plan dance!
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Filed Under: Android Phones • HTC • Sprint
[...] was good news, but a $329.99 no-contract price is just amazing. If the rumors hold true and Leakdroid’s source is reliable as they would like us to believe. On the other hand it seems a bit outlandish [...]
Thats interesting but are they letting the older grandfathered plans work with the Hero? Thats the answer we need to know
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by ybandg and Mobile Links. Mobile Links said: Sprint HTC Hero to be $329.99 off-contract! http://bit.ly/dqpmH [...]
Would it work on Verizon then? Since both are CDMA.. right?
On the Sprint Hero website, they are posting the following: $429.99 – $150.00 (two-year activation) – $100.00 (mail-in rebate) = $179.99 (final price). So if in fact it's a $100.00 cheaper than they are posting, thas good news!!
Hate to be a buzzkill, but that's I think that's the before rebate price, not the no contract price…
Well that is what I was told by my source so I have no reason to believe that it is wrong, unless there is some sort of Internal miscommunication…
Fingers crossed. I already pre-ordered one from Best Buy at $600 so if this is true, I'd be very happy!
Wow that's dedication! It's a catch 22 though, Best Buy allows pre-orders first and scraps the rebates for you, but they pretty much always charge more full retail for their phones. You might want to grab it directly from Sprint. You may lose the $50 if the deposit is non-refundable, but you'll still come out ahead on the cheaper off-contract price in-store w/ Sprint. UNLESS.. you can get Best Buy to price-match w/ Sprint, then you may be able to have your cake and eat it too
Best Buy created the pre-order and gave me a $50 gift card. They told me I could use it for whatever I'd like if I decide not to get the phone. They also told me that my legacy plan would not work and that I would need to sign up for the data plan, take that with a grain of salt though. I tried to call Sprint to find out more information, but unfortunately the rep know nothing about the phone. She originally told me the phone wouldn't be out until November. Of course I corrected her when I finally stopped laughing.
That's pretty cool about the gift card, must mean they will be pushing it hard. A data plan is required for the Hero (officially), do you currently have data on your plan? Since you're a long-time customer hopefully they will work with you on that. The fact that the customer service rep had no idea about the phone isn't surprising, you'll get that with every carrier. I don't know if they are the last to be informed, or if they are just told to play dumb, but that'll be a never-ending battle regardless of what carrier you're with. Anyway, hope they work it out for you and everyone else w/ legacy plans!
Jason, I've been with Sprint for 9 years but don't currently have a data plan. I'm still rockin my Katana from three years ago (pathetic as that is lol). You're right about the CSR's not ever having the info we so desperately seek. I must say that this is the first time in a long time that I am this excited about getting a new piece of equipment.
On a side note, I was reading on the Sprint forums that if you are a Reward Zone member and have pre-ordered the phone, that you can actually get the Hero on Friday the 9th. I signed up for the Reward Zone last night (it's free). I really hope this rumor turns out to be true. You can read more about it here: http://community.sprint.com/baw/thread/22531?tsta...
Yeah $329 sounds like the discount offers to get it to $179. $500 and up sounds like the more norm no contract price. I am not sure if I will go for it knowing that tomorrow Motorola is suppose to unveil andorid Eclair 2.0 shore device with more power and more features for 3D gaming… Guess I have a few days though before making my decision.
[...] [Via Leakdroid] [...]
[...] [Via Leakdroid] [...]
This isn't news really. It's pretty easy to infer from this taken from the spring hero webpage, " $429.99 – $150.00 (two-year activation) – $100.00 (mail-in rebate) = $179.99 (final price)". That without a contract the price would be, " $429.99 – $100.00 (mail-in rebate) = $329.99 (final price)".
[...] [Via Leakdroid] [...]
Ja5on,
In this response, you are saying that you aren't 100% sure this will work on legacy plans?
you dont qualify for the MIR if you do not sign up for a contract. duh!!
Technically, it doesn't say a contract is required, it only says:
"Mail-in Rebate: Requires activation at the time of purchase. Line must be active 30 consecutive days."
This isn't rocket science math folks.
$329.99 = $179.99 (price after rebates and two-year contract discount) + $150.00 early termination fee.
Since they can't keep you from buying the phone with a contract and then cancelling after 30 days, they're just doing the math FOR you and telling you what it will cost…saving them the paperwork of starting a contract and then subsequently cancelling it.
Thus, if you pay more than $329.99 for the phone, you need to have a chat with yourself about common sense.
[...] [Via Leakdroid] [...]
As I know, ETF is $200,
I went to a Sprint store today to ask how much the Hero would be off contract. They quoted me $479.99 from their documentation relating to the phone. I specifically asked about the $329.99, and they said that's not what it says here.
I just got off the phone with TeleSales and they said it is $479.99 – I thought that was crap personally! I figure I'll call back a little later and see if I get a different answer!!
Like I posted above – you're absolutely right – they quoted me the $479.99 also. Even some of the early ads said $429.99. What gives?!?! Anyone know?
Sprints website says $200 ETF:
"If you've entered into a one- or two-year contract and you choose to terminate or cancel your service before your contract ends, you will be charged an early termination fee of up to $200 per line unless otherwise eligible under the 30-day guarantee period."
Puts the out of contract price at $179+$200=$379 this way.
@George, Where does the $150 ETF come from? ty.
Just FYI, the Sprint website lists the Hero at $479.99. The $329.99 isn't happening for me. I guess I could call to talk to a sales rep, but I have my doubts.