There are now three ways for consumers to ensure they can easily get the next Samsung Galaxy S device. Verizon announced its own program Monday, which the carrier touts as superior to many of the lease options offered by competitor networks, such as Sprint’s Galaxy Forever Program, or even Samsung’s own Upgrade Program.
The Verizon Upgrade Program allows subscribers to upgrade to a new device after having their Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 Edge activated for 30 days and after having more than 50 percent of the device’s value paid off.
The program requires users purchase their new handset with Verizon’s device payment plan. But if subscribers diligently pay off their Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 Edge month-by-month, they would be at about 50 percent payment by the time the next Galaxy S device comes out, making the transition pretty simple. Like most other upgrade programs, subscribers would have to trade in their current device for a new handset. However, they have the benefit of not having to manually enroll in the upgrade program prior to reaping the benefit.
While those now purchasing the Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 Edge have to wait 30 days from device activation to be a part of the program, those who preordered the Galaxy S7 from Verizon are already enrolled. If subscribers don’t want to upgrade to the next Galaxy S smartphone, they need only continue paying off their Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 Edge through the 24-month payment plan.
In contrast, customers have to enroll in the Samsung Upgrade Program directly with the Korean manufacturer and lease their Galaxy S7 with a down payment and interest payable on each subsequent payment. This urges subscribers to upgrade promptly after 12 months, so they never have to pay off the full interest value of a phone.
With Sprint’s Galaxy Forever Program , subscribers simply pay for the handset in 24 monthly installments, with the option to upgrade after 12 months. However, they are pretty much locked into the program and cannot choose a different payment option from the carrier. Since the program is a lease, subscribers would eventually have to return the phone, whether it is after 12 or 24 months.
The Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge are now available at major carriers, including Verizon, where the handsets respectively sell for $672.00 full price or for $0 down and $28.00 per month for 24 months under Verizon’s equipment installment and for $792.00 full price or for $0 down and $33.00 per month for 24 months.
