• expired

Samsung Galaxy S Free on The Virgin $39 EasyCap (Incl 300MB and $300 Credit) + 3 Months Free

850

This doesn't appear to be advertised at the moment (Free on $49 is being promoted), but it's the cheapest, decent (ie not slow and with a reasonably up to date OS) Android handset that I can see on the market at anything below $40/month.

Add to that the current 3 months free offer by applying the "dancehall" code and possibly a $100 credit (although I can't work out how to apply that) for new customers* and it's an even better deal.
Works out to $819 total ($34.13/month) over the life of the contract (or $719 - $29.96/month if you can score the extra $100 Credit)

I'm a current customer nearing the end of contract in the next week.
My plan is to flip back to Prepaid at the conclusion of my contract and then sign up on this (assuming it's still available) to try to get the $100 Credit as well.
In the past, I've been credited with "new customer" deals with Virginmobile when I have used this method.

*NOTE: The $100 Joining Credit is reportedly not applicable to the $39Cap offer.. despite the fact it is listed on the Virgin website here:
http://www.virginmobile.com.au/Shop/Rate-Plan-Details/8390/E…

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  • sweet!
    what do you mean decent? this thing has a hummingbird CPU and the best GPU for mobiles doing 3 times the graphics power of the N1. Pure gaming FTW
    Hell this cant get any better!!

    • this will be sold out in hours!

      • Dont think so cause its not listed on the website as a deal… its only on Aus Bargains i cant navigate to it any other way!

    • -2

      I mean decent in that it's not got a 500MHz processor like the Motorola Quench which can be had free on the Optus $19 Cap.
      ie there are cheaper Android handsets out there, but this is the best "bang for buck" deal I've seen so far.

    • -2

      why would anyone play games on a mobile phone. casual games sure but unless there's any hint of 3d in there, 1ghz is a little overkill for phone functions like text messaging :P isn't Nintendo DS and PSP better for gaming?

      Otherwise a nice looking touch phone.

      • +1

        Not necessarily for games, just for the OS, to prevent lag.
        Android on a 500MHz processor is not the most responsive experience.

  • +1

    What an awesome deal the total cost is $819 bux over 24 months! it costs that much to buy the phone outright let alone "with a plan" im very tempted to go for it..

  • very very good deal…. no mention of this at all in my local dealer… i confirmed with them it has been available on the Easy Cap $39 since the beginning of this month but its obviously not the advertised offer.

    definite advantages for getting the Smart Cap $49 (heaps more data, unlimited text messaging, rollover) but is it worth the $10 extra when you get less credit overall?

    but definitely a very very good deal to get an amazing phone on a plan thats at an acceptable price-per-month for most people.

  • Can you explain how you get the $100 credit as new customer? Never heard of that.

    • I don't know, but here
      http://www.virginmobile.com.au/shop/ProductChooser/GetProduc…
      under the Galaxy S (amongst many other models), it says "$100 joining credit".

      I can only assume that it means you'll get $100 Credit if you're not already a Virginmobile customer.
      In the past, I've gone from Contract -> Pre-paid -> Contract all with Virgin, and retaining my existing number and have achieved whatever the "new customer" deal has been at the time. ie 24 months ago I got 10,000 Velocity Frequent Flyer Points which was only available to new customers.

  • great phone, but virgin have crummy mobile data plans, $5 for a paltry 50mb-even with crazyjohns i get 250mb for the same $5! at least this easycap includes 300mb/m

    • Yeah, they really need to update them… They were cheap when first released!

  • Yeah, well so long as you select no data you'l still get 300Mb's so its all good!

  • How this mobile compared to Sony Ericsson Xperia X10?

    • +1

      MUCH better and bigger screen (AMOLED vs LCD, better resolution and better colour range), 512Mb RAM vs 256Mb, 16Gb storage Vs 8Gb

      X10 http://www.cnet.com.au/sony-ericsson-xperia-x10-339299360.ht…
      vs
      Galaxy S http://www.cnet.com.au/samsung-galaxy-s-339302015.htm

      • +2
        • well, I can see Galaxy S beats X10 in terms of specs, just SE mobile may have a better reputation.

          • @excite: samsung IMO are making the best touchscreen phones on the market at the moment.
            and the galaxy s is an amazing phone… selling like hotcakes at the moment during the what shall be known as 'The Great iPhone 4 Shortage'

          • +1

            @excite: Nope, X10 is a crap phone. Doesnt even have Multi Touch. IN the adnroid world, SE are crap. Galaxy S is much better than the X10. And it is the best android phone avaliable right now. If I didnt have my n1, I would get this plan, Very good price!

            • @massari: i agree… X10 doesnt compare to the Galaxy S. I've had a go of both and theres no comparison… Galaxy S is a great phone. Hands down on of the best on the market at the moment… i would almost go close to saying best phone on the market at the moment…

              • +1

                @Chux: lol :p

                BTW Only thing wrong with samsung is there support. They released another android phone (i7500 or something) and stopped updating it.. however it seems like thgey are updating the galaxy S to 2.2, hopefully it has more future support..

                • @massari: Yeah, I have the i7500 Galaxy. It was only updated to Android 1.6 (Donut), but this means there is a strong community for modding the phone. I run Galaxo on mine and its very fast and stable… Seriously tempted to get this Galaxy S though.

  • It blows the Sony Ericsson Xperia out of the water

    Here's the link to the 2010 smartphone comparison chart Its more powerful then an iPad. Samsung Galaxy S is the worlds most powerful phone.

    http://apolloclark.com/smartphone%20stats%20v2.0.jpg

  • how would this compare to the nexus 1 or the htc desire.
    I have read many reviews and most of them put the galaxy near it but apparently it has lag problems.

    • Have a galaxy s, yes there is lag when you start to build your app library etc. But with that said froyo (android 2.2) is coming soon for this model.
      I have a desire too and I prefer the desire, good phone imo and the build quality is much better. My galaxy s feels like cheap plastic.. which it is.. but if you can get past that its a good phone.

  • what's the process to get this unlocked?

    • +4

      I don't think any of the post paid phones in any carriers are network-locked.
      oh wait…. unless it's an iphone of course.

      • +1

        Anyone know if this is true? are all smart phones unlocked? other then iphone

        • should be… pretty sure any phone you get on contract shouldnt be locked but it depends on network and the phone. galaxy s thru virgin shouldn't be locked but dont hold me to that…

          • @Chux: just found out from the sales rep that these are unlocked and work 100%" on any sim from any provider!

            • @vid_ghost: WHAT?
              No.
              most phones that you get on a contract ARE locked?
              -brain hurt-

              • @theguyrules: Not this one! unlocked and good to rock on any sim you put in it

                • @vid_ghost: My apologies. I've been living with an iPhone for a while now.

                  • @theguyrules: yeah its unlocked. I recently got a plan with them and my phone is unlocked. Since i have the iphone just gave to my dad =)

  • +2

    God! So cheap!
    Best ANDROID phone here guys. Hell, best SMARTPHONE!

  • -2

    This been there for almost two weeks… Only avaiable on the phone that time…
    Actually this is not the best deal. If you are lucky, call Optus Personal and negotiate with them you may get $49 with 6 months free… it's $420 and 1GB data.

    • +1

      Any proof of that?

    • +2

      This sounds good except the 'if you are lucky' bit :)

    • $49, even with 6 months free is more expensive…
      Sure you get more Calls and data, but I don't use the calls or data included in my current $29 Cap!!

      This is the first Android Deal I'd consider buying in the sub $49/month price bracket.

    • +1

      I just got off the phone with an Optus sales rep and he said in NO WAY, SHAPE OR FORM can he give me 6 months free on the $49 cap… the best they can do is 2 months free "same as the online deal" So this is still a much better option to go for.

    • +2

      Nar mate, called optus like 10 times and asked for this 6-7 mths free deal, no go!! Dont waste ur time and save ur face from being laughed at (I got that from almost all the sales reps that I told to)… :(

      • -1

        I got mine for 6 months free… I'm the living proof :P
        My friend got it for 7 months… I asked for 7, they give me 6…

        Another friend didn't get past 3 months… and he get the same response: no way, laugh, etc…

        I was told since Optus got this on exclusive, they trying to get everyone sign up with them, so by September, Telstra & Voda can't get any…

  • My friend has this phone. I don't really like it that much because I'm not use to the touch buttons at the bottom. I love my HTC Desire much more aha

  • I wonder when Android 2.2 will be released for this

    • http://tinyurl.com/2vdgb89

      so semptember-ish for over here…

      • That's UK so it could be much later…

        • cant imagine it being heaps later… it is only a software update after all. its not like they are actually shipping something…

          • @Chux: you'd be surprised. some of my mates on Voda are still rocking 1.6 because their carrier hasn't pushed the update for their specific model.

            • +3

              @funkymonkey: can always do it by other means, dont need to wait for the carrier

              • @Matador_OZ: True that, SGS has an unlocked bootloader as standard, so the world's your oyster as far as running community ROMS goes.

  • Wonder if Virgin have an app to monitor call/data usage…anyone?

    • credit usage. Best android app to track usage ;)

  • Would definitely be keen on this phone if I was in the market for a phone atm. But i'm still happy with my nexus one.

  • Just placed an order for one now over the phone… :) asked for the 3 months free and they said sure no worries.. i'm very happy with this deal.. will get my phone in a few days… Optus is the parent company to virgin so the network is the same.

    • are you an existing virgin customer?

      i mean… were you? lol

      • Yes i was! they had me on there system, but it was for a USB modem and i have an optus pre paid phone..

    • -2

      no, they are different company…

      Virgin is owned by Richard Branson, same owner with all other Virgin…

      and Optus is owned by Singtel…

      Virgin rent Optus network, same way with TPG, and other companies

      • No, Optus bought Virgin about 2-3 years ago in its entirety.. Branson does that, Makes a new firm, then sells it off..
        Similarly to Virgin Blue airlines which is now a publicly listed company predominantly owned by Toll Holdings.

  • +1

    now thats cheap. just signed up hopefully get my phone next week :) was gonna get a HTC desire but this beats it.

  • +1

    Was looking at this page, and thought the $100 credit is also applied for $39 easy cap for this phone.

    http://www.virginmobile.com.au/Shop/Rate-Plan-Details/8390/E…

    Couldn't work out how to put the promo code, so I called their sales team, and was told there's glitch in their internet, the $100 credit is not applicable for this phone unfortunately.

  • +1

    i bought this phone about month ago, so much better than iphone 4. Optus has it on $49 plan with unlimited facebook, twitter, youtube and more for life of contract. No iphone contact that can match that.

    • if you got it about a month ago your on an old plan. the new extreme caps that optus brought out with the iphone 4 are now the caps to get… if your on the old max cap you should ring up optus and get them to change you over to extreme cap… you'll get 1gb instead of 500mb, $450 credit instead of $420. and still unlimited facebook, twitterm linkedin, myspace, ebay and foursquare.

    • are you sure you got unlimited youtube?

      • I don't think Optus is offering the social plans with unlimited youtube any more (I got in just as they were finishing that offer)
        Must say - its made lunch times much more interesting.
        (The TED talks are up on youtube and they are so inspirational!)
        Jen

  • how does this phone compare with the HTC Desire?

    • SGS is better than Desire in every way, except camera flash and track-pad. So unless you really need those 2 things, its SGS FTW.

      Comparing SGS to N1 is a bit different. N1 also has LED notifications on top of those things the desire has, and N1 is always the first to get official (ie. stable) versions of Android. So its not as clear cut.

      For gaming, SGS owns both, for now. There are dual core handsets coming early next year, and Desire HD (4.3" screen) is released next month.

  • At the end of the day i pay $819 over 24 months for a phone that sells outright for $819.. but i get $300 + 300mbs of calls each month. AND this phone is also unlocked so i can use it on any other sim if i want.

  • What about Virgin as a network though? I've been told to stay away from them..

    • I've not had a problem with them, but I guess it depends where you live… Virgin are a wholly owned subsidiary of Optus, they're the "budget/youth" brand so they likely have heavier restrictions than Optus users.
      I've never had a network busy problem except on NY Eve or at a big event like Big Day Out in which case, I just switched to 2G only in my phone settings and everything was fine.
      In suburban Adelaide where I used my Virgin 3G phone for Internet access for a few months before getting Phone and ADSL connected, I found the Data speed to be OK. There were times where it crawled, but largely I was pleasantly surprised by the speed.
      I can't comment on CBD Adelaide speeds as I don't work in the CBD and rarely go there, even more rarely would I use a Data Service in the CBD.
      In Sydney/Melbourne, your experience might be different.

    • my cousin has a virgin mobile. their mobile net speed is a lot faster then 3.

  • I just added the phone to cart and the $100 is from 23 August - 23 Sept .. this is when the 3 months free expired.

    $100 credit: Credit only available online on selected phones when connected to selected plans. Credit will be applied in your first month. Offer valid 23rd August 2010 until 23rd September 2010, unless extended. New customers only, not available on BYO.

    So it maybe either you can get 3 months free or you wanna get the $100 credit … 3 months more value :)

  • +1

    Great price for what you're getting!
    Excellent phone, no lag (will be even better once Android 2.2 is in) and overall the UI is pretty consistant.
    Battery life is 1 day-ish, which seems to be average for "smart" phones.

  • samsung galaxy is an excellent phone. but virgin as a company is shocking. crappy service.

    • Had a V usb broadband for a month… it trashed Voda around this area.
      Customer service / contact is crap, like most telcos in this country.

  • Only 300mb…. doesn't sound like enough.

    • That's what I was thinking also. Does anyone know what Virgin's policy is on moving plans? The $49 cap includes 2GB data, unlimited texts to all networks and rollover credit. I'd prefer to try the $39 for a couple of months and then move up to the $49 if I need it.

      • Hi, I just signed up this afternoon on $39 easy cap plan.They told me that if I want to go on a higher plan($49 and so on) I am allowed to but not downgrade($29 and so on) during the 24 months contract. And I am an existing postpaid customer with Virgin.Initially they only want to give me once off $30 credit but I said I don't think it's fair that existing customer are being rewarded less. Hence,they gave me the 3 months free as well which work out to be better than $100 joining credit($39x3=$117) that starts after the 3 months free ended.Now I'll wait for the phone.=)

        oh and if anyone wants to take up Nokia X6,take it with Allphones(http://www.allphones.com.au/online_offers/virgin_x6_promo.as…), they offer it $0 upfront on $19 Easy Cap with 2 months free.

      • $44 or $49 smart cap looks great, yeah.

    • Dont forget it has wifi too.

  • +1

    Great find, thanks!!
    I agree this is an awesome fone…best of the droid army, recently won the EISA award too for best smartfone in Europe beat iPhone 4 and all the rest.

    May I asked if anyone who has this fone on hand already if it contain some of the Virgin/other carrier installed apps, as I just hate some of the rubbish apps they can sometimes put in that is impossible to remove.
    I know this may be irrelevant here, but I just want to be sure I can update to latest android software FROYO 2.2 when it is released. My bad experience with an optus Nokia 5800 (not network lock but because optus installs their crapware in the fone, it stops me from having the latest Nokia software ( I am stuck on v30 even though the v50 has been relased and all sorts of goodie extra features and more stable OS I missed oput as cannot update, complained to Nokia they say there is nothing they can do to ring optus and guess what….bad luck they say, "we will release the software when we have fully tested it….haha!).

    So for those of you thinking a network sold fone just be mindful, would really appreciate anyone that has an input to this as I want this fone badly, especially when it is a great deal package like this, cheapest I can find on ebay was $650 but not sure if has carrier crapware in them.
    Cheers!

    • +1

      Root the phone and you can put whatever OS you like on it…

    • +1

      Thats one of the main reasons why I choose to buy a phone outright.
      although, does rooting the phone allow you to remove those pre-installed apps without having to reinstall the OS?

      • Don't know, but I would have thought it should as it gives you system level access (ie not user level)

        • Yep, quick search on Google seems to say rooting is the way to go. (lol sounds dirty)

          Wiping it clear wont do the trick either as it wipes the data side of things.

          • +1

            @twig: Generally for Nokia mobiles you should be able to update the firmware by yourself using the Nokia Software Updater. This, however, checks your product code to determine whether you have a newer firmware available. I am not sure, but I think, that those operator customised versions have a different product code and therefore they may be rejected from update. But changing the product code is quite simple, or at least used to be. A bit of googling should help you there. So, just find out the standard versions product code, change yours to that and the software updater should get you the latest firmware. And that firmware should then be the standard one, without all the operator customisations. Changing the product code voids your warranty too.

            • @jakentta: Thanks people,you are right it was due to Optus customsie roms in my Nokia, but if I chnage the product code by altering (rooting) then I might loose all my songs that come with my unlimited music downloads in the nokia and also loose my warranty……hence that is why I wanted to know if anyone had the Virgin galaxy on hand and can advice if there was a customised ROM in there. Just did not want to root it and then stuck with a "brick" and out of warranty, unless there is a known safe option…..any great ideas or safe links is most appreciated for both the Nokia 5800 and the Galaxy S please. Hardware wise it does seems to beat the Nexus outright, hence it is a dilema as FORYO 2.2 updates will be first to download on the Nexus without issues but not sure about a Virgin Galaxy S, samsung might be ready but carrier ROMS can ruin it for me and stops the download….without rooting it….LOL!
              cheers.

  • How much does handset insurance set you back these days for a phone like these?

    • $9.95/month is the offer for insurance during the online purchase

    • i think it's $9.95, i'm a bit sleepy….

  • -2

    I think iphone 4 deal on vodafone with nrma 3 months free and10% off is better. A 49 cap gets 1.5 gb and $450, while the total cost of the 32gb iphone for 24 months is $1136,which is more than the samsung, the iphone is a better phone. Plus resale of the phone is better. Looking on ebay today i see the 2 year old 16 gb iphone 3g sells for no less than $300. Where in two years time the samsung will be pretty much forgotten. I now have a iphone 4 and i did infact sell my 2 year old iphone 3g 8gb for $330.

    • I am trying to see how you work out the minimum cost is $1136 as I have the minimum cost as $1298.40 even if the web deal says a $50 credit on top (when I rang v they say it is incorrect there is no $50 discount)assuming there is a $50 discount it is still $1248.40 though. Did I missed something…?

    • Not better for me, that's $300 odd extra over the course of the contract!

      This is the best, cheap smartphone plan available today. I challenge anyone to find a publicly available plant that is cheaper with an equivalent handset (ie iPhone4, HTC Desire, Motorola Milestone or Droid)

  • For phone and games, it's no better than cheap Nokia with extra batteries and a NDSi;
    For Android, the OS itself is the most important part, I'd go for Nexus One.

    • +1

      The Hardware in the Galaxy wipes the floor with the Nexus One!
      The most powerful hardware available at this point.

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