Come a week from today, Sprint will have a dilemma. The Samsung Instinct isn’t out yet, but all of Instinct’s selling points will be equalized. A second-generation Apple iPhone may actually beat Instinct to market, and won’t feature Sprint’s horrid plan limitations.
Oh, and it may be cheaper too. But, I’ll tell Sprint how to get out of the problem.
The Instinct was all the right ideas… all at the wrong time. In fact, I’ll go out on a limb and say, nobody will see Instinct in a positive light come next Monday. Not you, not me, and certainly not behind closed doors at Sprint.
Here’s why. Even if you take iPhone’s most minimal announcements come next Monday, and the new iPhone conquers Instinct in just about every respect.
The new iPhone will have 3G. In fact, compared to Instinct, it’s faster. Instinct lacks EV-DO Rev A, meaning that the HSPA radio in iPhone will be able to run circles around Instinct.
Correction: Bad information at first impressions tend to stick. At the launch event, I was told Instinct was EV-DO Rev 0. It is indeed Rev A, and I apologize for the confusion. However, the point remains the same; the HSPA Infineon chipset in the second-generation iPhone is faster than EV-DO Rev A, when sufficient bandwidth is provided from the tower. And, AT&T is upgrading their network right now to supply that bandwdith.
Instinct also looks bad in the wake of a plan choice. Sprint has decided to require the confusingly-named Sprint Everything plans, which include the Simply Everything plan, but not just the Simply Everything plans, also the other Sprint Everything plans. Have a headache yet?
In reality, this motive was to control availability. By making them only available on a handful of new-generation plans, most early adopters will be new subscribers. After an exhaustive prodding and researching of sources at every level in Sprint, this is the only reason we can find for Instinct’s plan limitations.
For a phone that’s meant to stem the tide of iPhone converts, that’s a losing scenario.
And, wait, there’s more! Sprint was hoping to peg the phone within $50 to $100 less of iPhone. But, expectations are that at least one iPhone variant may actually hit the $200 price point. That’s especially clear if Apple relaxes requirements to not subsidize their phones, inserting a $150 discount via AT&T new two-year agreement.
What does this add up to? A nightmare for Sprint. And, that’s why you’re hearing so little about Instinct right now in terms of release. Sprint made the smart move to hold off on pegging price point and release info until after Apple’s WWDC expo, where iPhone will be upgraded.
So, what should Sprint do? Simple, take the hit and price Instinct down to half of whatever the low end iPhone costs. These customers are high ARPU users, and Sprint has a hot product that’s going to take a hit. Instinct is not worthless. It is however now a budget offering.
The one problem Sprint will have with this though, is it will tear a hole in the pricing of the rest of Sprint’s phones, which certainly aren’t all free after rebate. My advice would be to price down phones that simply are outpaced by Instinct, but leave phones that have some form of comparative advantage to Instinct in the lineup (PDAs, smartphones, QChat phones, iDEN, etc). The result? A few phones will get their prices slashed similarly, but the lineup remains intact.
And, finally, tout Instinct as a budget iPhone, with identical feature sets. People know Instinct is an iPhone wannabe. Don’t hold it to the same standard. Instead, argue that it does everything the best iPhone does, at half the price of the weakest iPhone. Keep it simple, show it in action, tout Sprint exclusives (Sprint TV), and leave it at that.
Good luck Sprint, you’ll need it, but Instinct has a clear niche that can be gained from if targeted… and priced… properly.
Phone Encyclopedia: Apple iPhone
Phone Encyclopedia: Samsung Instinct
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This seems on the mark.
Actually the Samsun Instinct does have EVDO REV-A so please get your facts straight. Or maybe you already knew that but are a APPLE/IPHONE fanboy.
The instinct also has a REMOVEABLE battery. And SD card slot which is much more usefull than a 8gb harddrive that only allows you to load ITUNES songs for 99cents a pop. with my sd card i can load any songs from anywhere i downloaded from.
Ohh and its brew and Java.
comes with 2 batteries, 1 2gb card, better plans than the iphone. Smaller, lighter. Oh and as of yet has not crashed like very IPHONE has. lets see if iphone got the kinks out.
Either way just so u know im a verizon wireless guy….we have no cool phones
“Instinct lacks EV-DO Rev A,”
Every website I looked at shows Instinct has EVDO-REV-A and GPS. http://www.nowisgood.com shows both of them.
Don, there’s no need for the name calling. We appreciate the fact that you and others caught the mistake but please refrain from such actions in the future.
Regardless of a few errors, Chris, your analysis is spot-on and a great recommendation for Sprint to climb its way out of the hole its in. “The same for Less”; great ad content.
There was one error in regards to the EV-DO class, it has been corrected and the point clarified.
I don’t know where people are inferring that Instinct lacks GPS. Certainly that wasn’t stated in this article, and it does indeed have GPS… as does the second-generation iPhone.
As to the assertion that I’m an “Apple fanboy.” Please, save your breath. My current phone on AT&T is a Nokia N95-4, not an iPhone.
Yes everything that I read says that the Instinct is going to have Rev A also from what I am hearing the standard TEP will cover the Instinct. I still want an Instinct.
Actually, the Instinct will have EVDO Rev-A which will run complete circles around AT&T’s lacking HSPA network. Also the Instinct is going to be a Sprint exclusive at launch meaning Sprint customers will be the first to be able to purchase.. Oh and lastly the Instinct will be available on ANY of the Simply Everything plans the 450, 900 and Unlimited plans. How about next time you write a “editorial” you at least ATTEMPT to get your fact straight so you don’t come off as a pompous idiot.
Tom, you’re incorrect on all of your points.
1) AT&T’s network upgrades, similar to before the original iPhone’s launch, will give second-gen iPhones a faster bandwidth speed. HSDPA chipsets in the iPhone will run much faster than EV-DO Rev A, and AT&T is working to supply the bandwidth to match it.
2) I explained the plans quite clearly. I don’t know why you’re bringing that up.
3) We corrected the article long before you posted your comment. You’re attempting to be a naysayer… and it isn’t working.
You guys take this stuff way to personal. As a Sprint retailer I happen to think the iphone is a very sexy device. That in its self will sell a million phones. Case in point, just look at the Motorola Razr. That phone is the biggest pile of cow dung I have ever seen but it is still the number 1 selling phone, why, because it is sexy and cheap. 80% of customers could care less about speed or even functionality. All; they care about is “What is it going to cost me NOW” I have sold allot of phones based only on the darn color. Vanity is just two strong in this world. The Samsung Instinct will sell very well as long as sprint takes the authors suggestion to sell it cheap. My personal phone is a PPC6800. I love it but I only sell two a month because of its price point with leads me back to my previous point. PRICE PRICE PRICE….. Sprint will come back. but enough with the name calling Please. Life is short
Correction,
1) So the point you are trying to make is that AT&T’s HSPA network when available, with an IPhone 2 who’s launch date is not yet know will be in truth comparable to a REV-A network that is already functional on a phone that has a confirmed launch date of June 20. Weak point Chris.
2)”Instinct also looks bad in the wake of a plan choice. Sprint has decided to require the confusingly-named Sprint Everything plans, which include the Simply Everything plan, but not just the Simply Everything plans, also the other Sprint Everything plans. Have a headache yet?”
If that is your idea of “quite clearly” you should be working on sentence structure not editorials
3) The simple fact is my friend if you post an article for the whole world to see it might be worth your while to check your fact so that corrections need not be made. Otherwise people that view your site might be better served to check information with any snot nosed kid who, in this instance seem far more informed than you.
Sprint’s troubles are much, much deeper than the Instinct.
The article was spot on though. There is no way the Instinct will even be competitive with the new iPhone as far as sales go- let alone actually beat it.
I LOVE SPRINT and I hope they can pull it together, GO SPRINT!!
I dont understand how people can be confused about the price plans. Simpley everything 450, 900 than unlimited. Sounds pretty clear to me. If you can not understand that maybe you should find another job.
Sorry chris about mentioning GPS. I just copied it from a website. I agreed that the plans are very confusing. They have to make Instinct available for all customers. I read somewhere that users need to subscribe to unlimited plans.
I have to ask ya Chris, what exactly are Sprint’s “horrid plan limitations”?
The way I see it, $69.99 gets you 450 minutes, unlimited N&W at 7PM, roaming, unlimited mobile-to-mobile, unlimited text, unlimited picture and video messaging, unlimited walkie-talkie (so that when you switch to a PTT enabled phone, you won’t need to switch plans), unlimited GPS navigation, unlimited Sprint TV, visual voicemail, unlimited email, unlimited web browsing on your phone, 150 radio stations and music channels, unlimited NFL Mobile, unlimited NASCAR Mobile and access to the Sprint Music Store where you can buy downloads for $.99.
Sounds like there are not many limitations at all. Are you mad cause they’re “making” you get a new plan? Boo hoo…when the vast majority of individuals out here in consumerland got an iPhone, we had to get a new plan…a required plan. And guess what? AT&T really has the “horrid plan limitations”. The plan that they enter people into iPhone is $59.99 for 450 minutes with ONLY 5000 N&W at 9PM with only 200 text messages and includes unlimited web and unlimited email. For you to get unlimited text, add $20 and for you to get 7PM N&W on those 5000 included…add $8.99 for a grand total of $88.98 – on a phone with EDGE?
Now you tell me who limits who?
I am a long-time Sprint customer and am quite happy with my black Centro, but Instinct doesn’t impress me much. The reason I like Centro is the same one that is starting to come true with iPhone — growing number of applications. I don’t own a single Apple device, but I might pick up the new iPhone 3G if I can get it pre-paid (don’t need a hit on my credit report) and just use it for data & apps.
Doesn’t anyone have the need for a qwerty keyboard? Until they can improve the on screen keyboard I won’t be buying either of these. They are both very sleek stylish phones but I care about functionality. I need a keyboard to use my smartphone. I don’t have time to deal with the touch keypads. Bring on the Raphael on Sprint’s network.
At&t will be able to compete once their network is completed until then they don’t have the network to back any phone. They are committed to increasing the data speeds but that doesn’t mean it will happen overnight. They have a huge following with the Iphone but by the time they have the network to back it, the Google Android phones will be out plus numerous others. Sprint has to make the right choices on what phones to carry going forward after the Instinct and I think they will have plenty of phones to stay competitive. They are launching 4G (for now only in select markets) by the time At&t is launching a 3G Iphone? The instict is a great stepping stone, by the time everyone’s networks are capable of these 4G speeds it’ll be time to re-up that 2 year agreement and get your next device anyway.
oh yeah, Simply everything $99. Unlimited everything. Who can compete with that?
I love sprint, I wouldnt ever leave sprint for anyphone.
I have discounts and a sero plan.
Where else can you go and get 500 anytime mins, unlimited n&w astarting at 7pm. unlimited text, and unlimited data for $30 dollars.
If sprint ever gets its customer service up to par. In theory sprint should be able to blow verizon and att out of the water
good article chris! i am currently a sprint user with the htc touch and sero f&f 500 plan with unlimited data and texting. i was excited when i first heard about the instinct but am very disappointed to find that i am unable to use the phone unless i change my plan. sprint is not in a position to shut out current (or any) customers and force activation of a high priced plan onto people to use what is going to be their most hyped phone. it really comes as no surprise that sprint is in the position that they are in. i will be leaving as soon as my contract is up.
I think this plan change stuff will get corrected, there is no way unless they want more litigation on top of what’s already on thier plate. I for one know enough about my plan funtionality and of the phone to know there isn’t anything in my current plan that would warrant a plan change and when others realize it too and blow up buzzaboutwireless and thier C.S. lines complaining it will change
“Sprint’s horrid plan limitations.”
Are you an idiot?
Have you ever heard of Sero?
Sprint’s Sero plan wipes the floor with any other plan provided by any carrier, be it here in the states or overseas, wherever the iPhone is sold.
Here’s what I get on my Sero plan (which is open to the public by the way) for $49 a month:
1250 anytime minutes
Unlimited Nights & Weekends starting at 7 PM
Unlimited messaging
Unlimited roaming
Unlimited mobile to mobile
Unlimited internet for PPC (now apparently capped at 5 GB/month like all other carriers, but unlike other carriers I dont have to pay $30+ for this option alone)
Once again, all for $49
Sprint’s Sero plan wipes the floor with anything offered by any of its competitors.
When writing articles, it helps to be at the very least, informed.
Oh, and I by no means will be purchasing an Instinct, nor am I interested in an iPhone, both would be downgrades for me (currently on a Titan, and will be upgrading to a Raphael come this Fall), but I did find this comparison site amusing nontheless:
http://www.nowisgood.com/
Instinct – 5
iPhone – 0
iPhone really is a limited device, both in terms of hardware functionality and software support, at least the first iteration is compared to the Instinct, and the upcoming revision is still lacking compared to most modern PPC’s as well.
It’s really a purposeless device thats perpetuated by Apple fanboys or those whom simply don’t know any better.
Hamid, the Instinct is not going to be offered on SERO or any other plan except 3rd party and corporate employee plans besides the aforementioned Everything Plans.
You also conveniently glossed over the requirement for an email address from a Sprint employee which now requires verification since the SERO plans are not offered to the public alongside the standard plan selection.
If they were, there’d be no need for the aforementioned process to sign up for one to begin with.
This is what Chris meant by the “horrid plan limitations” of the Instinct.
Hope you enjoy not using an instinct with the SERO plan. Chris was right when he said you can’t use an instinct with it.
Try reading the entire article first next time…
Wow!
I wish you guys would lay off Chris. Man.
I’m intrigued by the Instinct. But I’m not going to change plan to get it. I think if I ropadope Sprint on this they’ll come around and offer it to me. ‘Might take a while.
I use my SLVR L7C to tether with EVDO Rev 0. I pay for PAM. ‘Works well. But I’d like Rev A.
I didn’t think any WCDMA standard (HSPDA) offered faster data than EVDO Rev A. Maybe I need to go back to the books.
I thought Sprint and the Instinct would still have a “speed advantage” over iPhone 2. Hmmmmm.
Well, I looked on-line. This HSPA is pretty fast. We’ll see how their (AT&T’s) implementation works out in terms of usable speed.
rlowell
What is being said elsewhere is more plan options that cater to fams sharing text and data too campatible to the phone, it won’t make me decide on changing my plan though
I am a staunch supporter od sprint, excelllent plans / phones. AT& T is still a European experiment in progress in the US of A. I am a doctor, and even though both phones are easily in my price range, but i believe sprint has the network and the price plans to go with. Ignoramus(es) like by the article above are not sure of the facts and try to hit pretentious stardom by writing such crap.
Go sprint Go, the docs are with you.
This article is on the money. The Sprint is screwing themselves by comparing it to the first Gen iPhone when its a good possibility that at launch the 3G iPhone will be released. The build quality if the instinct doesnt look like anything special. The iPhone has a very solid build and doesnt feel cheap. I don’t think this phone is going to save sprint, its going to just pacify users who are afraid to switch to AT&T. I did and dont regret it.
“Hope you enjoy not using an instinct with the SERO plan. Chris was right when he said you can’t use an instinct with it.
Try reading the entire article first next time…”
And you would be wise to apply a bit of common sense next time.
The Sero plans are non-advertised plans. I have signed not only myself up for a Sero plan over the years, but also helped about half a dozen others switch over to one as well within the last few months.
In short, we were all using devices that were not compatible with the “required” plans for our phones.
For example, you can use the Direct Connect Sero plan on a Mogul (why would you is a different story that I wont go into now, but nevertheless), and likewise you could use a Power Vision plan on a Nextel phone.
All it requires is a simple call to customer service to have your phone registered on the Sero network and your Sero plan of choice, despite whatever they “require” or suggest when selling you the phone initially.
Sero is a totally different ball game.
“Hamid, the Instinct is not going to be offered on SERO or any other plan except 3rd party and corporate employee plans besides the aforementioned Everything Plans.
You also conveniently glossed over the requirement for an email address from a Sprint employee which now requires verification since the SERO plans are not offered to the public alongside the standard plan selection.
If they were, there’d be no need for the aforementioned process to sign up for one to begin with.
This is what Chris meant by the “horrid plan limitations†of the Instinct.”
No, you do NOT require a Sprint employee to verify anything when using their emails as a reference for Sero plan activation.
I have helped 3 different people sign up all within the past couple of weeks, so unless they changed this like overnight, then your post is little more than FUD propagation.
Hamid, you continue to bring up the SERO plans which are not related to Instinct. Again, you cannot use an Instinct with a SERO plan, based on what Sprint has said.
Yes, SERO plans are nice under-the-table options for Sprint to promote… but they have absolutely nothing to do with the issues being discussed here.
yet another bias post, wow thought these site were worth something
What a juvenile world we live in. There are some good points, and bad ones in the article. Agree or disagree, thats your choice. Anyone who bases their decisions on ONE article, or rating needs to accept responsability for their own ignoance.
I personally have a 3rd party plan, will buy and try the INstinct, and I will accept whatever limitations or hardships that result from MY decision. I alone am responsible for finding information and comparing information and making the decision on what network to use and what device.
Please act more mature.
Wow, someone seems a little biased towards AT&T. let me guess, you have AT&T and when you heard about the Instinct, you got your panties in a bunch and looked for every fault you could. Go back to English 101 and learn how to write a nonbiased fact based article, you TOOL.
Digg This: http://digg.com/gadgets/Editorial_Instinct_to_Fade_Against_Second_iPhone
Anyone that knows the history of this site knows that I am not biased against Sprint. One day I’m being attacked for applauding Sprint, the next for pointing out a problem. Fickle.
Just as an FYI, you CAN use an Instinct on a SERO plan. This information is not stated to the public anywhere, but is clearly stated in internal training documents. The only exception to the Everything plan requirements are Corporate Employee plans, 3rd Party Employee Plans, and SERO plans.
[...] PhoneNews.Com – Instinct to Fade Against Second iPhone Link: Instinct smart phone to require Sprint data plan at $69.99 per [...]
Chris why dont you mention any of the positive features that the instinct has, then maybe I will respect your article. Also sprint has the best plans, and AT&T is a ripoff. I currently have AT&T and sprint offers better plans, the simply everything plan for 99.99, were you get sprint T.V, and unlimited everythign! I dont think you can watch live T.V. using AT&T, and this is why the instinct and sprint is better than AT&T becasue of the features and the price these features are for.
Agree with Ralph.
At&t plans too expensive with not so good network. Sprints voice quality and reach of CDMA network far better than at&t s GSM network. GSM works better in Europe where they are 5 years ahead of USA, CDMA work sbetter in USA Korea Japan.
iPhone is a great phone, but inferior network. I am sure iphone plus sprint would have been a better combo.
Ralph, we mentioned Sprint TV in the article. That is the only feature that Instinct has, which the next iPhone does not have an answer to.
Carrier performance in your area is exogenous to the question at hand. People will stay with Sprint regardless if AT&T is weak in their area. Likewise, someone is not going to switch to Sprint, if Sprint’s coverage is poor in your area.
This article is talking about customers that are up for competition between AT&T and Sprint, so, coverage would have to be on-par with both carriers. Nobody is going to buy a device when they don’t have sufficient coverage.
Uh, you seem to have completely ignored the fact that Sprint’s national 3G wireless broadband coverage is about 10 times that of AT&T. Sprint has a multi-year head start over AT&T in 3G coverage. AT&T’s 3G coverage map is spottier than a Dalmation. It will be atleast another year before AT&T’s coverage is close to that of Sprint’s. Not to mention Sprint’s WiMax 4G will have a 2 year headstart on all other carriers attempts at 4G.
Bottom line: little Billy sitting in the back of the minivan trying to download his favorite song on his whyPod will be waiting a long time when Mom is driving between AT&T coverage areas.
Wow, I have never seen that much venom on this site. I think that alot of you are forgetting what this article was. An editorial people. The opinion of a single writer. Why is there so much hate. I love Sprint as much as anyone else, but Sprint is like my alcoholic uncle. He has problems with drinking but because someone else talks about it doesn’t make it less of a problem. If anyone disagrees with what was said in this article they are crazy. The iphone is a monster that can’t be stopped right now and to try to battle the monster head to head is crazy. With that being said lets be real. Most of us posting on this site have not “seen, touched, or used” the Instinct or the iPhone 2. All these specs that the iPhone is believed to have should be saved until we have something concrete. At this point I think the only thing that you can bet the farm on is that it will be 3G. Thats it. Sprint should have used some of that marketing money to get a Android device to market sooner. HTC’s Dream I believe will be the iPhone2 killer if what we saw last week is a indication of what that device can do. The Instinct will have the title of putting the original iPhone to rest I believe.
Actually….according to internal training documents posted on INC (Indirect Sales Channel website), there are 5 total plans that are going to be available for the Instinct.
They are:
1) Everything 450
2) Everything 900
3) Simply Everything
4) 1500 minute talk/message/data SHARE plan
5) 3000 minute talk/message/data SHARE plan
It also says that the Instinct CAN be provisioned on the employee plans (EDRP and Sprint Wireless Advantage Club). It can also be provisioned on the SERO plans but the Simply Everything plan for $99.99 will replace the 2500 minute SERO plan for $99.99.
The reason Simply Everything is required (the simply everything is in terms of all the data options, not the voice even though that is what is advertised), is that the device includes all the data apps and the services needed. They don’t want to sell a crippled phone. This is like the Helio model…if the phone can do it then it is included for the price point. I know it is not clear in the messaging but most customer are not picking it apart like the bloggers. On top of that looking at the average data on iPhone monthly bills, $99 would be a god send.
Sprint needs to do better but the press is focusing on the wrong things to criticize. You don’t see the iPhone put through the ringer for being a bad phone…the Today Show and Wired call it a great “simple” never fails phone…when in reality it is below subpar as a PHONE.
Micheal, if what you’re saying is correct, does the addition of the Simply Everything plan to SERO mean that Sprint will allow SERO customers to add additional lines with no issue and include the $5 line discount for each additional line?
Michael left out the price of the 1500 and 3000 minute plans, also since they share data and text are the data plans leaving along with the fam text or will one data plan cover a whole fam plan. If that’s the case I have no objections. Give me more info
Chris-
With due respect, you are biased against Sprint regardless of the history of this site. Whether it is a subconscious action, you seem to go to great lengths to find weak points in Sprint and carefully craft a case against them.
Case in point, you still have NOT CORRECTED your unfact checked post that Verizon is releasing qChat. While they may use Brewchat, they are legally precluded from using ANY code qualcomm and Sprint have developed. Anyone with a hint of investigative reporting would call their contacts to confirm just how tight the exclusivity restrictions are on qChat and more specifically, what qchat does in the NETWORK (not on the handset).
But, let’s get back on topic.
First, Points about the price are excellent. I will concede that. In fact, I believe Sprint should run commercials mocking the cost of the iphone (not directed at the iphone)! Especially in today’s recessionary economy and increased cost of living. Apple’s & ATT’s greatest strength is also their weakness – they have different economic motives. Apple wants to sell phones and get a cut of the recurring – the recurring isn’t enough to offset the cost of the handset and thus make up their hardware margins. ATT just wants the recurring while minimizing subsidy. Sprint needs to hit them hard in the price and promotion of the device and make people think differently about the iphone – make it a snobby device; pretentious. After all, isn’t that what it is. Sure its great, but heck, it’s expensive when compared to your N95, my diamond, the pearl, the centro (did you see the article on the centro today – taking iphone sales due to cost of the iphone?).
Second, Your commentary about AT&T’s HSPA speeds, again, ARE FLAWED! While HSPA’s air interface is faster, it makes not a damn difference if they are not pulling new, incremental backhaul to each AT&T tower!!!!! Sure, they can make the air interface better, but they still have 3 T1s at the tower (2 voice, 1 data). They have not guided the street with incremental OPEX spend to support these speeds you are using to come to a conclusion that their network is faster. It takes a lot and a lot of money to get the backhaul in place, oh and by the way, if you understand how HSPA works, you need to be in an unloaded cell sector to get these high speeds!
Third, already mentioned, T’s 3G coverage sucks…Their square miles suck and population covered sucks. Come on dude…You know that, if you don’t, check the website.
Sorry dude…If I saw more posts like:
“editorial: VZ’s PTT attempts to use similar technology as Sprint, customer experience is expected to be subparâ€
or
“editorial: AT&T’s network is really, really fast if your are the only one using it, otherwise, it’s expected to be like the other guysâ€
Then, I would believe the non-biased-ness. But, if you are trying to make a difference, which I suspect, then I applaud your article as a means to an end.
I repeat… what a juvenile world. I guess It’s easier to “slam” someone’s opinion than it is to debate opinions based on similar information. I guess this is the only article written that can be used to base a buying decision, or cellular carrier. Maybe It’s just inferiority complexes coming to fruition. Reading this thread can be summarized as…” Dude, I’m much more greater than you” “look at how smart I is” ” please bow to my greatness, no, THEN DIE you biased pig”. people need to learn why debating was a big deal in schools in the past. It helped learn respect for other opinions and expanded your knowledge by giving you more outside views to a situation. Heck, I think the ignorance shown in this thread is the most interesting thing about it. I can’t wait to see who can say the most obnoxious thing. I’m getting bored… lets see some more stupidity.
I am currently on a Sprint family plan and I’ve emailed Sprint Customer service twice about this and twice I was told specifically that I will not have to change my plan to buy the instinct. This was after I told them that that specifically conflicts with every online report I’m reading. I know it wouldn’t be the first time Sprint Customer service reps said something that wasn’t true, but I figured I’d post it for what it’s worth…
Dear Chris,
Thank you for your reply.
I assure you that Samsung Instinct can be activated on your current
plan. However, we recommend the customers to use $99.99 Simply
Everything plan because Samsung Instinct unlock it’s true value.
Thank you again for contacting Sprint. We appreciate your business.
Sincerely,
Alex K.
Sprint
ChrisL, Sprint eCare has a notorious track record of giving incorrect information. That track record has been running for over five years… so I wouldn’t put a lot of faith in the email they sent to you.
eCare is at its worst when talking about unlaunched products. Everything Sprint has provided me states that the only family plan which might be able to support Instinct, is under SERO or an Everything Family Plan.
ok apple fanboy. I have one question: can the iphone be used as a modem?
NO. the instinct is better than anything the 2g iphone has to offer.
Instinct requires a PAM plan, and it appears Sprint has removed any blocks from it using standard plans.
iPhone however can be jailbroken, and with a few clicks, and a few taps… yes it can be used as a modem, thanks to a little application called tinyproxy. And, it works with Wi-Fi, so no need to fiddle around with Bluetooth or USB.
My iPhone works quite well as a modem, and I have no doubt the 3G iPhone will have any problem doing that either. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see AT&T roll out LaptopConnect plans just for the 3G iPhone.
Anyone care that if the iPhone is damaged(seen only about 4 people with one in my rural area-2 had cracked screens) you just have to buy another. You do the same also if the phone is stolen. It has always been essential for me to have insurance on my phones. My wife washed one of her phones(Samsung) & another one screen was cracked when dropped(Centro). But replaced easily with a $50 deductible. One positive point for the Instinct?
Kenneth, I don’t know who’s telling you that iPhone “just has to be replaced”.
Generally, Apple charges around $200 to fix an iPhone. Granted, that is about half the cost of a new unit, but you don’t simply throw away a damaged iPhone.
As to insurance… you do have to take out a policy with someone other than AT&T (I’ve heard State Farm may be insuring them). However, that wasn’t AT&T’s call, it was AT&T’s insurance provider, Asurion.
Why must ATT have such a different agreement with Assurian than Verizon or Sprint($50 deductible replaces damaged lost, stolen, phones/smartphones). While ATT just started with smartphones(with much higher deductible-why?). And with ATT/Apple’s luxury item iPhone, nothing. I’ll start working @ ATT or Apple, then get one.
Anyone have a price range for the Instinct ? I’m torn between two other Sprint phones, and price would definitely be a deciding factor. Thanks.
I called sprint yesterday and was told that after 150.00 rebate the price will be 179.00. I also changed my plan to Simple Everything 450 and there is nothing confusing about that. AND THE PLAN IS NOT MANDATORY . You can keep your old plan, but, GPS, free text, picture mail, video, Live TV, free internet, free weekends and after 7PM with 450 minutes for only 69.99!! If you find a better deal please let me know. The only limitation is not being able to use the phone as a modem.
this guy sounds like a fan of idiotphone to me and if you look everyone who agrees with these comments are idiotphone groupies been with sprint since 98′ no dropped calls no bad customer service if the phone customers were not worried about another phone competing with the phone the would not be on this site checking up on it or even better why are you here if the phone is so special just talk on your icrap and quit ya bloodclot cryin’
[...] News As we’ve prevously covered, the price and targeting of Samsung’s Instinct will be crucial in response to the advent of [...]
Now that the new plans are out it’s less of a blow, actually it’s not one at all, the price is a different story though. I thought it would be at least $10 cheaper the iphone, was hoping for $50
You guys are all stupid and full of shit.. how the fuck can you know the price of the phone if its still not on sale!!!
Either you buy it or you dont you cheak mothafo’s
Corey is correct !
I confirmed last night that you CAN use the Instinct with the SERO plan !!!
I received two different emails from sprint e-care and chatted online with a CSR.
All THREE of them said yes, yes, yes…….you can can use this phone on the SERO plan.
They said that in order to utilize the GPS feature, it will cost extra ($5 or $10) and there was something else, but it wasnt anything i was interested in anyway.
The bottom line is unlimited data, text, email, etc………for $30!! Who can beat that?!?!
i talked to 3 different reps and they told me I had to change from my SERO to the simply something plan.
Ok, wow… This editorial is very, very biased. But people shouldn’t get all heated up about it. It’s just one guys VERY biased, ill-informed and probably unresearched opinion. First off, lemme start by saying if you want to get a true impression of the phone, go to a store and try it for yourself.
I love the iPhone like the next guy but there’s no need to bag on ALL of the other full touch screen based phones that come out after it and if my memory serves me correctly, Palm phones had threaded text long before the iPhone. It is by all means NOT the first touch screen phone to come out and the only WOW features of it are visual voicemail, that beautiful browser and the UI. And to say that Sprint TV is the only feature of the Instinct? Wow, hmmm, holding it in my hand right now and lets see… Sprint TV, yes, Navigation, which yes, is better than the iPhone by far and from what I’ve heard should be better on the 3G with a better navigation from TomTom. What else is there? Over the air music downloads, radio, personally ain’t gonna use that, picture mail and personal online photo album, Live Search, and of course an HTML browser, that I must say SUCKS compared to the iPhones browser but with software in development like Firefox3 Mobile and Skyfire hopefully with provide a better alternative to the phones browser. Then there’s the speech to action that’s a cool feature. And don’t forget MMS. You REALLY showed how biased you were when you made that comment about the Sprint TV being the ONLY feature of the Instinct.
As far as the plans being complicated… I had no problem switching over to the 69.99 everything 450 plan to accommodate for this phone. Why am I gonna buy a phone and then not get the plan to back up the features that are on the phone? If all I want to use a phone for is to talk, text & email, I’d get a Palm or a Blackberry if I still wanted a touch screen phone. The plans are not at all complicated. There are only 3 Everything plans that are pretty straight forward and there aren’t any comparable plans for the price with any other carrier. Show’s how much you want to show that you don’t like Sprint. I don’t see any ‘limitations” with my plan.
As far as HSPA, yes, in theory it should be just marginally faster than REV. A but there still lies the fact that ATT is Barely getting it up and running and the fact that the coverage for it is so small. Also, Sprint will be launching WIMAX in Q3 which will “run circles” around HSPA.
The iPhone 3G from what’s been posted about features on other forums and sites, doesn’t have anything much different from the 1st gen iPhone. It still doesn’t have basic features like MMS, video recording which is found on cheaper clamshell phones, video recording and not even voice dialing. It also didn’t improve on having more bluetooth profiles so no stereo bluetooth headphones for us with iPhone still. And you still don’t have the option to type in landscape and still no full flash support for Safari but that doesn’t really matter because there’s still the iPhone SDK that should take care of that soon after release.
I’m a tech nut and I like to know about and have all new things when they come out. As far as apps being available for the Instinct, there’s also open SDK for that phone as well so the possibilities are limitless with that phone as well, within the capabilities of phones of this caliber.
It’s always good to hear the opinion of someone else but when you’re a writer that has thousands of people reading your article, you should try and hide your bias a little better. I know you say that you can’t be biased since this site started as sprintpcsinfo.com so many years ago but it’s very clear where your heart lies.
I don’t in my personal opinion feel that this phone is an iPhone wannabe for the simple fact that these are really two different phones geared at two different types of people. The iPhone is more for people who just want a touch screen phone that they can talk, text and browse on and with the 3G, keeps up on client based emails, and office docs, and the Instinct is geared more for those who like the multimedia, the turn by turn GPS Navigation, the on demand and voice features and so on.
I don’t think this phone is going to fail at all. Hell, it’s already sold out here in San Diego. As far as sales beating that of the iPhone 3G? With Apple’s marketing and consumers loyalty to brand names and the fact that people buy just for the brand name without researching a product, it won’t compete but it’s still an amazing phone with tons of features with more to come with an open SDK. It’s sad to see that the fanboyism even spreads to major articles like these where an unbiased opinion matters.
I say to all the Apple fans, go try the Instinct for yourself and the Apple nay-sayers go and try the iPhone 3G when it comes out and see for yourself and leave the biased opinions to the people that are brand loyal.
OJ, where did I say that Instinct was going to fail? A few commenters have the wrong impression that I think Instinct is a bad device, and that it will fail against iPhone.
I simply said that the device needs to be priced differently than iPhone, and guess what? Sprint cut the price right before launch.
Oh, I never said that YOU said that it was going to fail but other’s that are avid Apple fans that have posted on here seem to think so. They also think that your statement about plan pricing, data and features seem to be spot on when none of them had even seen the phone let alone the pricing plans because the new plans weren’t even out when you posted this editorial. Which I might also add, there’s nothing complicated at all about have either three choices from the everything plans or two choices from the family data share. This is also the same thing that people were complaining about when they iPhone came out. “I have to change my plan to add data?” It’s like people wanna get these high end phones just because it’s the coolest thing out and don’t wanna get the plans that’ll support it and all of its features. But it’s gonna be the same way with Apple nay-sayers come July 11 when the iPhone 3G comes out. But, there are a lot of things that you said in your editorial that just didn’t add up and showed bias towards the iPhone which I’ve seen on a few sites but there are many others that did really good reviews on the Instinct and not because they didn’t point out its faults because oh man, did they point em out, but they also pointed out its selling features along with good comparisons of its features to those of the iPhone. I’ll be glad when you guys are able to get your hands on an Instinct and conduct your own review/comparison though.
………Do you have any clue how many facts you got wrong in there? This is why we hate it when apple fan boys write articles. I have both and use my Instinct a lot more than my iPhone. I bought the iPhone first but decided it was useless and bought the Instinct after wards. Now I use the iPhone to play games. I believe people are entitled to their opinions but…. Goddamn you should like look on WIKIPEDIA or something before blabbing off.