The Galaxy Note 8, Samsung’s new Note series flagship, is finally here, and it’s a huge improvement over the ill-fated Note 7. It has an edge-to-edge display, a powerful processor, and the world’s first optically stabilized dual cameras — not to mention an S Pen stylus that lets you doodle all over the screen.
Samsung’s last Note launch certainly did not go as swimmingly as the company hoped, but there’s every indication that this time is different. For one thing, the Galaxy Note 8 was the most pre-ordered Note device in history. According to Reuters, pre-orders reached about 650,000 Note 8 handsets from almost 40 countries in the course of a five-day period following launch. The phone has been available from retailers since September 15.
Here’s how to buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, including all the retailers and stores that will carry it.
How to buy an unlocked Galaxy Note 8
If you’d rather not snag a Galaxy Note 8 through a carrier, we have good news: Samsung has unlocked models available through a long list of retail partners. You’ll have to pay full price in many cases, but your Galaxy Note 8 won’t be tethered to a service or payment plan. For many, this is the preferred way to own a phone because you can use it on any service provider and resell it easier.
You can snag an unlocked Galaxy Note 8 from Amazon
In the U.S., you now buy the Galaxy Note 8 in Midnight Black, Orchid Gray and Deepsea Blue. Maple Gold remains an international exclusive for now.
How to buy a Note 8 directly from Samsung
Want to pick up your shiny new Galaxy Note 8 straight from the manufacturer? You’re in luck. Samsung is selling the Galaxy Note 8 to customers online now, and it’s throwing in free expedited shipping.
Samsung is also extending a special deal to former Note 7 owners. They’re eligible for an instant trade-in rebate of up to $425 when they upgrade their current phone to a Galaxy Note 8.
And that’s not all from the Korean company. Samsung is known for throwing in extra stuff whenever you buy a smartphone from them, from wireless chargers, to the incredible new DeX Station that turns your Note 8 into a desktop PC. At the moment, buying a Note 8 from Samsung nets you a free pair of $150 wireless AKG headphones — in addition to the $99 AKG earphones in the box. That’s a lot of audio options.
Buying from wireless carriers
If you’d rather not pay full price upfront for the Galaxy Note 8, there are always other options. Carriers and retailers offer monthly payment plans for people who qualify, and often throw in bonuses for customers who order early.
The full list of carriers selling the Note 8 includes AT&T, C Spire Wireless, Cricket Wireless, Sprint, Straight Talk Wireless, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon Wireless, and Xfinity Mobile.
How to buy a Note 8 on Verizon
The Note 8 is available for purchase at Verizon. Here’s what the carrier’s offering:
- The Galaxy Note 8 costs $960, or a $40 per month for 24 months.
- Customers can trade in their current smartphone for up to 50 percent off the Note 8’s retail price.
In addition, Verizon is offering $100 savings off the Samsung Gear S3 smartwatch with a new two-year activation and $50 off the Samsung Power Bundle, which includes a wireless charging stand, portable power pack, and car charger.
How to buy a Note 8 on AT&T
The Note 8 is available for purchase at AT&T.
- The Galaxy Note 8 starts at $950, or $31.67 per month for 30 months on AT&T Next. AT&T is offering up to $200 in trade-in credits in exchange for old smartphones.
AT&T is also extending limited-time deals to folks who add DirecTV service when they pick up a Galaxy Note 8:
- Customers who add DirecTV get $500 off a Samsung TV.
- Customers who purchase a Galaxy Note 8 on AT&T Next and add DirecTV get a free Galaxy Note 8.
As an added bonus, customers get the choice of a Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch for $1 or Gear S3 for $50 on a two-year agreement.
How to buy a Note 8 on T-Mobile
The Note 8 is available for purchase at T-Mobile. If you’re a new or existing subscriber, you’ve got several choices:
- The Galaxy Note 8 costs $820, or $30 per month for 24 months with a $100 down payment on T-Mobile’s Equipment Installment Plan.
- T-Mobile Jump! On Demand customers pay $0 down and $39 per month for 24 months.
How to buy a Note 8 on Sprint
The Note 8 is available for purchase at Sprint. Here’s how you can get it:
- The Galaxy Note 8 costs $360 to lease on Sprint Flex.
- Customers on Sprint’s Galaxy Forever can upgrade to the Note 8 after 12 Sprint Flex payments.
How to buy a Note 8 on U.S. Cellular
The Note 8 is available for purchase at U.S. Cellular. If you switch to it from another carrier, you’re eligible for up to $300 in promotional credit.
How to pick it up from retailers
If you’d prefer to buy the Galaxy Note 8 in stores, don’t sweat it. Retailers including Amazon
Update: Customers who buy the Note 8 from Samsung can now also receive a free pair of $150 AKG wireless headphones.