Genius Asian Cheaper Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4
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.
The DIY Approach to Problem-Solving
The philosophy behind this video extends beyond the specific topic. Whether you are working on cars, computers, home repairs, or any other practical challenge, the same approach applies:
Research First: Before starting any project, understand the problem fully. Watch videos, read guides, and learn from others who have done it before. The time spent researching saves multiples of that time in avoiding mistakes.
Start Simple: Begin with the easiest, cheapest solution and escalate only if needed. Many problems have simple fixes that get overlooked because people jump to complex solutions.
Document Your Process: Taking photos or video as you work creates a record you can reference later. It also helps others who face the same challenge find solutions.
Learn From Mistakes: Not every attempt succeeds on the first try. When something goes wrong, treat it as learning rather than failure. The knowledge gained from a failed attempt often leads to a better solution.
Share What You Learn: Whether through video, writing, or conversation, sharing your experience helps build the collective knowledge that makes DIY culture valuable for everyone.
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.