How to Get a Cheaper Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4

Key Takeaways

• Getting a flagship phone on Verizon’s network does not require paying full retail or Verizon’s contract price
• At the time, Verizon’s MVNOs could not offer 4G LTE, making direct Verizon the only option for LTE data
• Shopping around reveals significant price differences for the same phone with the same contract
• The principles of comparison shopping for phones apply to any carrier and any phone model
• Understanding carrier network restrictions helps you make informed purchasing decisions

What This Video Shows

If you wanted Verizon’s network, 4G LTE speeds, and a Samsung Galaxy S4 in 2013, your options were limited. Verizon’s Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) at the time did not offer LTE access, which meant you needed a direct Verizon plan with a contract. But the phone’s price varied significantly depending on where you bought it.

This video reveals how to find the same phone at a lower price than what Verizon’s own stores were charging.

The Price Shopping Principle

The key insight applies far beyond this specific phone: the same product with the same contract can have different prices depending on where you buy it. Authorized retailers, online stores, and big-box electronics stores frequently offer the same carrier phones at different prices.

Strategies for finding better phone prices:

• Check authorized retailers — they often undercut carrier stores
• Watch for promotions — seasonal sales can dramatically reduce prices
• Consider refurbished — carrier-certified refurbished phones offer significant savings
• Compare online — e-commerce prices often beat brick-and-mortar stores
• Negotiate — carrier stores sometimes have flexibility on pricing, especially for new lines

Understanding Network Restrictions

At the time, Verizon’s CDMA network technology meant that not all phones could work on their network, and MVNOs had limited access to their LTE infrastructure. While the specific technology landscape has changed, the principle remains: understand what network access you actually need before choosing a carrier or plan.

Timeless Shopping Principles

While the specific phone and pricing in this video are from 2013, the shopping principles are timeless. Always compare prices across multiple retailers before buying any tech product. Understand exactly what network features you need before committing to a carrier. Consider whether last year’s flagship model at a deep discount might serve your needs better than the latest release at full price. And read real user reviews rather than relying solely on marketing materials or spec sheets. For more budget tech tips, see our Lyca Mobile review or internet access tips for European travel.