Consumer Electronics Daily was a Warren News publication.

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.