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Shopping before your phone plan changes can help you find a lower total cost, but an advertised monthly price—or a switcher promotion—does not prove you will save. Compare plans for the same lines and needs, count charges and credits over a defined period, and check your phone and number-transfer requirements before committing.
How to tell whether a new phone plan is actually cheaper
Compare the full cost for the same number of lines over the same period. Match the data allowance and features your household uses, then include the regular price after any promotion, recurring charges, one-time fees, and credits. The FCC’s mobile broadband pricing analysis accounts for promotional prices, recurring and non-recurring costs, rebates, line count, and data allowance: FCC 24-136.
Use a period that makes the offer’s timing visible. For example, if a discount lasts for only part of the year, calculate the total for that year using the discounted rate while it applies and the standard rate afterward. Include an activation charge when applicable, and count a rebate or bill credit only when its eligibility and timing are clear. A device-balance reimbursement is not necessarily cash off the first bill.
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#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
What to check before choosing a plan
Lines, data, and usage rules
Start with the number of lines and the data each person actually needs. “Unlimited” does not, by itself, tell you what happens after a usage threshold: depending on the plan, service may slow, incur overage charges, or stop after an allowance. Read the plan terms for the threshold and its consequences rather than relying on the label.
Features and coverage that matter to you
Check whether the plan includes the features you use, such as hotspot access or roaming, and whether coverage is suitable in the places you rely on service. Do not assume that a similar plan name, advertised price, or coverage claim means the experience or fees will be identical.
Rank #2
- Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB**** of RAM.
- Fluid display + immersive stereo sound. Bring your entertainment to life with an ultrawide 6.5" 90Hz* HD+ display plus stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio**.
- 50MP*** Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- 64GB**** built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps—and add up to 1TB more with a microSD card*****.
- Unbelievable battery life. Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery.*****
Charges, discounts, and offer conditions
Look for recurring charges, taxes and fees where disclosed, activation or other one-time charges, and the end date of each promotional credit. Verify the required plan tier, number of lines, port-in conditions, proof requirements, promotion duration, and what happens to any remaining device balance if you leave early.
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Carrier offers illustrate why the fine print matters. Verizon’s Switch & Save FAQs describe a per-line discount for qualifying number transfers on an eligible plan, with limits and combination rules. T-Mobile’s Keep and Switch terms describe possible reimbursement of an eligible device payment balance up to a per-line cap, subject to conditions including activation of a new voice line, number porting, and proof of eligible financing. These offers are examples, not a guarantee of eligibility or lower overall cost. Check the live terms before relying on them.
Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Can you keep your phone and number?
Check the handset
An existing phone may work with a different provider if it is unlocked and compatible with that provider’s network. Confirm both points for your exact model before signing up; do not assume that a phone working on one network will work on another. The FCC’s consumer portal covers phone unlocking, device compatibility, and number porting.
Transfer the number through the new provider
In the United States, number porting can let you keep your number when you change providers in the same geographic area. Follow the new provider’s current transfer instructions; procedures differ, so check its requirements rather than assuming one carrier’s steps apply to another.
Rank #4
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
A practical sequence for switching
- Gather your current bill. Note each line, actual recurring charges, add-ons, device installment balances, and promotional credits with their end dates.
- Set your requirements. Decide how many lines you need, how much data each line uses, and which features are essential.
- Check coverage and your phone. Review service where you use it, then verify that your handset is unlocked and compatible with the prospective provider.
- Read the offer terms. Confirm plan and port-in eligibility, required proof, credit or reimbursement timing, promotion length, and any effect of leaving early on your device balance.
- Compare totals over one period. Include standard rates after promotions, recurring and one-time charges, and credits you can actually qualify for. Keep the old-plan and new-plan calculations side by side.
- Start the number transfer with the new provider. Use its current instructions if you want to keep your number.
- Review the final bills. After the transfer, check the old account for remaining device balances or other charges and make sure it has been closed as appropriate.
How switching rules differ outside the United States
The steps above describe U.S. consumer guidance. In Canada, the CRTC advises customers not to cancel service before transferring their number to a new provider: CRTC number-transfer guidance. In the United Kingdom, Ofcom describes a separate Text to Switch/PAC process and notes that early termination charges may apply if a customer remains in contract: Ofcom’s mobile switching guide. Use the process and contract rules for your own country.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
- Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
- Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
- Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
- Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
