Verizon has finally joined the group of providers taking preorders Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S5 smartphone. Other major companies had already announced their plans for offering the phone, and Verizon today announced it is charging $600 for the device alone, or $200 with a two-year contract.
This is a pretty standard pricing plan, though obviously paying for the S5 without a contract is a pricey proposition. Sprint and T-Mobile are offering the phone to those who can't or don't want to pay for the it up front with $0 and $27 monthly charges, an offer Verizon does not seem to be extending.
America's largest service provider is offering a pretty great 'buy one, get one' deal, however. If you purchase a Galaxy S5 you can receive a second S5, a Samsung Ativ SE, or an HTC One M8 for free. Both phones must be eligible upgrades, or added as new lines, with a two year contract.
Getting another fresh Galaxy S5 or the fantastic new HTC One M8 for purchasing a phone with contract that you already needed is a pretty great deal, as long as you or someone on your plan happens to also need one.
The S5 is actually listed on Verizon's site for $250, but includes a $50 mail-in rebate. It might seem like it's not really $200, then, but there's really no reason not to get your money back with the rebate.
The Galaxy S5 will be available soon: Samsung's flagship device officially launches on April 11.
Source: CNET