Samsung Edge Phones in Spotlight as Carriers Try To Score New Contracts

Customers looking for deals on Samsung Galaxy S6 or S6 Edge smartphones have several options, we found in a scan of websites Friday. Inducements include nearly free accessories and discounts dressed as retailer-based gift cards or bill credits, we found. Best Buy is giving consumers who buy the latest Samsung smartphones -- in-store only -- a $200 gift card for a working trade-in phone. Terms and conditions apply but weren't stated. Verizon Wireless is offering $200 back in the form of a $100 Verizon Wireless gift card and a $100 bill credit (applied over two to three months) and a working trade-in phone. Verizon Wireless customers have to port their mobile numbers and activate a two-year Verizon Edge account to be eligible. At AT&T Wireless, a purchase of any Samsung Galaxy smartphone qualifies for a $50 discount on a Samsung Gear Circle accessory that was selling for $99 on Samsung.com Friday but far less at other retailers. The limited-time Gear Circle offer requires a two-year agreement and qualified plan, it said. Sprint is offering a 32 GB S6 for zero down as part of its Unlimited Plus lease plan that’s $80 per month over 24 months with early upgrade capability, it said. T-Mobile will pay customers switching to its service up to $350 per line to cover early termination fees from another carrier contract plus up to $300 for a smartphone trade-in when they buy a Galaxy S6 on contract. T-Mobile payouts come in the form of a prepaid Visa card, the carrier said.