The Galaxy S8 deals you need today
It's the Samsung Galaxy S8's big day, and that means there are deals for the taking. If you haven't already preordered the phone, now is your chance to jump on one of several promotions being offered by a handful of carriers, including things like a free handset, a buy-one-get-one deal, and/or low down payments. Most of these deals are limited-time offers and, in some cases, they require you to port a number over. Ready to take the plunge? Read on to find the best deal for you!
Verizon -- $15/month with trade-in + gift card
First up is Big Red, the nation's biggest carrier. Verizon has rolled out the red carpet for Samsung's newest flagship offering, and it has some deals to go along with it. Those who pick up a Galaxy S8 or a Galaxy S8+ through Verizon have the chance to get discounted $15/month payments by either trading in an applicable older phone or porting over a new number and signing up for Verizon Unlimited. As well, Verizon will toss in a $50 Visa gift card.
To get a $15/month rate for the Galaxy S8, which works out to up to $396 USD in savings, you'll need to trade in one of the following smartphones:
iPhone 6
iPhone 6 Plus
iPhone 6s
iPhone 6s Plus
iPhone 7
iPhone 7 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S6
Samsung Galaxy S6 edge
Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+
Samsung Galaxy S7
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
Samsung Galaxy Note5
LG G5
LG V20
HTC 10
Google Pixel
Google Pixel XL
Moto Z Droid
Moto Z Droid Force
If you're hoping to get that rate for the Galaxy S8+, your trade-in options are more limited: Google Pixel XL, Moto Z Force, iPhone 7 Plus, or Samsung Galaxy S7 edge.
Verizon is also offering a $20/month pricing rate for certain trade-ins, which again depend on whether you want the Galaxy S8 or the S8+. Those who want the smaller of the two handsets can get this rate by trading in any of the following: iPhone SE, Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy S5, LG V10, HTC M9, or Droid Turbo 2.
Those who want the $20/month rate for the S8+ will need to trade in any of the following phones:
iPhone 6
iPhone 6 Plus
iPhone 6s
iPhone 6s Plus
iPhone 7
Samsung Galaxy S6
Samsung Galaxy S6 edge
Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+
Samsung Galaxy S7
Samsung Galaxy Note5
LG G5
LG V20
HTC 10
Google Pixel
Moto Z Droid
Finally, Verizon is offering a $25/month rate for the Galaxy S8+ to customers who trade in one of the following phones: iPhone SE, Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy S5, LG V10, HTC M9, or Droid Turbo 2.
Of course, there are some finer details to be aware of. This trade-in promotion is applied as a credit over the course of 24 months, and an initial port-in and $840 device payment is required. The promotional credit starts within one or two billing cycles. As well, the phones that are traded in have to be in good condition and functional, and they have to be paid off in full.
Sprint -- Two-for-one phone leasing
Sprint, the carrier that poached Verizon's iconic spokesperson and brags about having an almost-as-good network, is likewise offering a Galaxy S8 deal. This promotion seems ideal for couples, families, or friends who want the latest flagship but aren't interested in long-term ownership: two Galaxy S8s for the cost of one as a lease, meaning you won't actually own the phone at the end of the term.
The carrier says the lease is available only for 'well-qualified' buyers and it comes with an 18-month term, as well as a $31.25/month cost. The deal also requires the customer(s) to activate two new lines or to upgrade one and activate a new second one. As well, the promotional pricing is applied as a credit which will show up within two billing invoices.
Sprint goes on to say that its customers have the option of upgrading to a newer Galaxy phone after 12 lease payments have been made, meaning the upgrade can happen any time after the first year but before the 18-month lease term ends.
AT&T -- Buy one and get one free
AT&T, of course, is also hawking its own promotion. In this case, the carrier will give its customers a free Galaxy S8 when they purchase one...but with a couple conditions. The first requirement is that you must buy both with AT&T Next and have each phone on applicable plans: a minimum of $50/month for the first line and minimum of $20/month for the second line. You'll also need to have a DirecTV subscription priced at a minimum of $29.99/month.
As well, the terms and conditions note that the customer will have to pay for both phones initially, and will eventually get the second phone free via bill credits that are parsed out over the course of 30 months; the credits begin appearing two-to-three months after billing starts. As well, a new line of service is required, and the customer has to stay with the carrier for the full term, otherwise the $850 full balance will have to be paid.
T-Mobile -- $30 down and $30/month
The Uncarrier's launch-day deals aren't as impressive because T-Mobile began taking preorders for the Galaxy S8 phones days ago...in fact, some of its customers should have already received their phones thanks to early shipments.
If you're looking to join T-Mobile's service and haven't ordered the phone yet, the carrier does have some perks: a $30 down payment followed by $30/month payments, but only if you have good credit. If you do go with this deal, you'll have to stay with the carrier through the entire 24-month payment term, as well, otherwise T-Mobile will require the full device payment.
Customers will less than stellar credit have less options: a $582 USD downpayment followed by a $7/month device fee for 24 months.
U.S. Cellular -- Free with bill credit and contract
Finally, we have U.S. Cellular, which is also offering the Galaxy S8 today alongside a special promotion. This carrier is offering a 'free' Galaxy S8 to those who turn in a qualifying phone, which is any of the following:
iPhone 5s
iPhone SE
iPhone 6
iPhone 6 Plus
iPhone 6s
iPhone 6s Plus
iPhone 7
iPhone 7 Plus
Galaxy S6
Galaxy S6 edge
Galaxy S6 edge Plus
Galaxy S6 Active
Galaxy S7
Galaxy S7 edge
Galaxy S7 Active
Galaxy Note 5
Galaxy Note edge
As well, U.S. Cellular says the deal requires customers to sign up for a 30-month installment contract, to port over a number, to have suitable credit, and to pay a possible $25 activation fee, among other possible fees (taxes, etc). On top of this, the customer also needs to sign up for Device Protection+ or pay an extra $8.99/month for each phone. The handset's full price through the carrier is $726 USD, while the monthly payment is $24.20/month. That fee is cancelled out via a bill credit that starts within three billing invoices.
Wrap-up
If you're not beholden to a particular carrier but you're keen to get a Galaxy S8 or S8+, there are several ongoing deal options at the moment, some that are hinged on good credit and others that aren't. Some deals provide discounts immediately, while others come in the form of bill credits; regardless, the big carriers are offering something for (just about) everyone. Not familiar with the newest Samsung smartphone? Check out our Samsung Galaxy S8 Review and the timeline below!