The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 will be released on Oct. 17 on all four major U.S. carriers, but if you're looking for an unlocked version of the phablet, Amazon has got you covered.
The phablet market is getting more intense as consumers have warmed up to the idea of carrying around a smartphone with a small tablet-sized screen. Apple went big with its first entry into the phablet arena with its 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus. The smartphone has been extremely popular and is completely sold out on Apple's online store. The company has reportedly increased production to try and meet demand.
Google is also joining the phablet world with its upcoming Motorola-built Nexus 6. The 5.9-inch smartphone has already been benchmarked and it has outperformed all current flagship smartphones, including the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The Nexus 6 is widely expected to be announced later this month.
Samsung is the current leader in the phablet market with its very popular Galaxy Note series. The company will release its highly anticipated Galaxy Note 4 on Oct. 17 and the device will have a simultaneous launch on all 4 major U.S. carriers. But if you are looking to be first on the block with the 5.7-inch phablet, Amazon has it in stock and ready to ship, with some important caveats.
Amazon is selling the unlocked international Galaxy Note 4 SM-910 at different price points depending on color. The gold Galaxy Note 4 is currently sold out with a 6- to 10-day shipping estimate and is priced at $904.48. The white Galaxy Note 4 is in stock and is priced at $868.99, and finally the black Galaxy Note currently has 12 in stock and carries a price of $854.88.
Any U.S. customers looking to purchase an unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note 4 should be aware that the international model Amazon is selling has some notable drawbacks. The phablet will not work on CDMA carriers like Verizon or Sprint. It will work on AT&T and T-Mobile's networks, but can't connect to either's high speed 4G LTE network. Users will have to settle for slower HSPA+ connections.
Amazon's price for the international unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is also much higher than off-contract pricing from all four carriers. AT&T will sell it for $825, T-Mobile's will cost $750, Sprint is offering it for $750, and Verizon has priced it at $699.
While you might be tempted to pay a premium to get the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 before it's officially released in the U.S., the lack of 4G LTE connectivity and extremely high price should make you reconsider.
