Amazon Unlocks Fire Phone & Slashes Price

[tubemonkey]

It was just a matter of time before they did this. Sitting on inventory that wasn't moving, this was the logical next step.

Amazon Fire Phone Gets Big Discount, Drops to $199 Off-Contract

On Wednesday, Amazon surprised consumers with an incredible deal: an unlocked Fire Phone for just a mere $199. Now customers can use the phone on any GSM network including AT&T, T-Mobile and other compatible wireless carriers. Previously, Amazon had the phone listed for $449.

Back in July, Amazon launched its highly-anticipated Fire Phone as an AT&T exclusive. The device cost consumers $199 with a two-year contract for the 32 GB version, and $299 with a contract for the 64 GB model. Six weeks later, the phone's price dipped down to $0.99 with the same two-year contract. The starting price without a contract was $650.

[booklover6]

Hmmm I wonder if it will work with prepaid, like AT&T GoPhone.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by booklover6

Hmmm I wonder if it will work with prepaid, like AT&T GoPhone.

No idea, but I'm getting one to use as a shirt pocket tablet. I don't use smartphones; I prefer old school flip phones.

You still get a free year of Prime, so that brings the price of the phone down to $100 - cool

[QuantumIguana]

2009 1-star reviews out of 3815 total reviews. I think the next really big breakthrough in cell phones isn't the phones itself, but the cost of the service. I use a prepaid cell phone, it's a whole lot cheaper than a cell phone plan. Sure, I don't get much data, but I can live with that. Perhaps someone will find a way to make satellite phone service more affordable, then we could break through the bottleneck of cell phone towers. Amazon's Fire Phone just doesn't seem to offer enough to make it stand out from competitors.

[delph]

I think the biggest problem is the lack of access to the Google Play store. That would be a major turnoff to anyone who already owned an android device. Who wants to buy a new phone where you can't use the apps or media you've already purchased? Sure, there are people who switch ecosystems, but I'd wager that it doesn't happen often once you reach a certain point of buy-in, unless you just want to have a footprint in multiple ecosystems.

The locked bootloader also means that the xda set who might want to toy around with these and get them working with Google Play can't do so. That eliminates another avenue of unloading these phones. Granted, that's a small subset of smartphone users. However, it's one of the subsets that an unlocked inexpensive device usually greatly appeals to.

[Barbara1955]

Want Want Want!!! Ok now have to decide new kindle basic or phone! Hmmmm

[zebradude]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

No idea, but I'm getting one to use as a shirt pocket tablet. I don't use smartphones; I prefer old school flip phones.

You still get a free year of Prime, so that brings the price of the phone down to $100 - cool

Yep I just bought one to use as an shirt pocket tablet! well worth the money as I'm a prime member!

[booklover6]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

You still get a free year of Prime, so that brings the price of the phone down to $100 - cool

True, but you still have to put out $200. I'll wait...my Prime's good til May.

[Dylrob]

I'd completely forgotten that this even existed.

[SCION]

I grabbed one. Don't plan on using it as a phone. Descent amount of storage for downloading stuff and taking it on the go. Woot! Good complement to my Fire tablet.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by booklover6

True, but you still have to put out $200. I'll wait...my Prime's good til May.

That's definitely a factor for some.

If only Lab126 would make printing presses that churned out money to buy Amazon stuff with

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by delph

I think the biggest problem is the lack of access to the Google Play store. That would be a major turnoff to anyone who already owned an android device. Who wants to buy a new phone where you can't use the apps or media you've already purchased? Sure, there are people who switch ecosystems, but I'd wager that it doesn't happen often once you reach a certain point of buy-in, unless you just want to have a footprint in multiple ecosystems.

There isn't one app on Google that I'm willing to spend money on.

What it all boils down to is how the device will be used. I use tablets for consuming entertainment. To me, the Fire Phone is a Fire HDX 4.7; and it compliments my Fire HDX 8.9.

[Barbara1955]

From what I reading & understanding Prime members still get the free year. Guessing Next Billing cycle on your prime account will just reflect the 12 months...




• What if I'm already a Prime member?
You're still eligible. Prime members who purchase a Fire will receive an additional year of Prime when their existing membership is up for renewal. For example: if your next renewal date is June 1st 2015 and you purchase a Fire, we will give you an additional year of Prime at no charge, making your next paid renewal date June 1st 2016.

[delph]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

What it all boils down to is how the device will be used. I use tablets for consuming entertainment. To me, the Fire Phone is a Fire HDX 4.7; and it compliments my Fire HDX 8.9.

Oh yeah, I totally agree with you there. I was thinking of reasons why it would be failing from a smartphone perspective. As a media consumption device, I can definitely see the usefulness.

[tubemonkey]

I wonder how this would play out if Amazon marketed this phone differently:

Amazon Introduces the Fire HDX 4.7 -- a smaller Fire designed for ultimate portability