Intrepid smartphone buyers rejoice: it seems that two high-profile devices are becoming available for purchase. T-Mobile's iPhone 5 has hit retail stores' shelves, and it seems that some AT&T stores are allowing eager consumers to snag an HTC One before its official release.
T-Mobile is the last of the largest four U.S. national carriers to offer the iPhone, and it seems that the pent-up demand is certainly showing. T-Mobile is reporting some encouraging signs, and CMO Sievert has gone on record to say that buyers had lined up at "nearly all" the T-Mobile retail stores offering the device. It's certainly no surprise, as the carrier has been drumming up public interest with its recent scrapping of contracts and LTE network launch.
T-Mobile users can go ahead an pick up an iPhone 5 for $99 with no contract, although they will have to pay off the device cost, normally covered by subsidies tied to contracts, with $20 monthly installments over two years. iPhone owners on other networks can simply bring their handset for free.
AT&T users also have something to be excited about, as it seems that some AT&T stores are selling the HTC One a full week ahead of its April 19 release date. Latinos Post has not confirmed the reports, and calls to various AT&T stores around Manhattan were answered with the same "it's only available for pre-order." The stores did not state whether shipments have arrived, so would-be early buyers should call their local AT&T store for details before trekking out. Still, given the amount of individual reports hitting the Internet, there's a good chance some some stores with stock have jumped the gun in order to get a leg up on competitors.
The HTC One costs $200 with a two-year contract.
Will you be picking up the iPhone 5 from T-Mobile or the HTC One from AT&T?