Although some units were shipped early, the formal availability of Samsung’s new Galaxy S21 series begins today. This means ‘pre-order’ is now ‘buy’ at most retailers, and many of the early credit promotions are no longer available. Bargain value in Samsung’s store, however, remains pretty good, and you can still get $ 50-100 (or more) store credit, plus a SmartTag.
In the pre-order period, people can enjoy $ 100-200 store credit, depending on the model they get. It drops to $ 50-100 today, though you can still get the free Galaxy SmartTag. And if you posted an earlier booking at Samsung’s store front, you can also pick up an extra $ 50 extra credit for $ 100-150, depending on the model. There is also a 5% extra discount if you pick up an S21 or S21 + with a Samsung Money at SoFi account via the Samsung Store. Samsung also has financing options available if you prefer to pay over time.
Xbox owners can also get a three-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for free if they buy a MOGA controller, though I do not think it will be a very popular offer, given reviews for the controller.
A photo gallery of the journey from the Samsung factory to the store’s store windows.
With how good the trade-in value was this year for last year’s S20, I honestly expected Samsung to lower the figures, but we are told that they will last a limited time – do not wait too long if you pre-order the fence.
If you prefer to pick up a phone through a carrier, they still all carry their own promotions. T-Mobile has an offer that allows you to get a base S21 for free via 24-month account credits (or up to $ 800 off) for certain trade-in models, plus a buy-one-get-one promotion. Verizon has about $ 750-600 for trade-in, depending on whether you sign a new line or an upgrade, as well as a BOGO offer. AT&T also discounts up to $ 800 on exchanges through 30-month account credits.
Best Buy also has up to $ 800 off activation and trade-in, plus a handful of other slightly different shipping options.
The penalty for ‘waiting for reviews’ for the S21 series this year is not too bad, so you still have time to reach a decent deal.
