Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Gets Cheaper (Report)

Samsung's Galaxy Note 2 still hasn't launched across all carriers, but it looks like third-party retailers are gearing up for the holiday shopping season. An unlocked version of the handset can now be found for up to $55 cheaper, according to a report from the generally reliable PopHerald. 

The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 generally costs $750 without a contract, a hefty price tag to invest in a mobile device. Luckily, it seems that some third-party retailers are now offering the unlocked Galaxy Note 2 for $695. The handset is still expensive, but keep in mind there is no contract and that the official Apple unlocked iPhone 5s will start at at $649, so the deal isn't bad for what is arguably the most powerful smartphone in the U.S. market. 

The price drop comes in anticipation of a highly competitive holiday mobile market with Samsung, Apple, and Microsoft all competing for more market share. 

For those who can't shell out that much money at once for a smartphone, buying the Galaxy Note 2 with a contract may be the better option. The Galaxy Note 2 is currently available for a discounted price through most major carriers - expect Verizon. 

Carriers Sprint, U.S. Cellular, and AT&T all offer the Galaxy Note 2 for $299.99 with a standard two-year contract. This will net you a 16GB model in either Marble White or Titanium Gray, depending on availability. T-Mobile was the first to sell the Galaxy Note 2, although a T-Mobile Galaxy Note 2 will cost you $369.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate, meaning you will pay $419.99 at the register. Keep in mind that T-Mobile won't have LTE until next year, but luckily the T-Mobile Galaxy Note 2 is already equipped to take advantage of the LTE network once it rolls out. 

Verizon, the nation's largest wireless service provider, will be releasing the Galaxy Note 2 on November 27, around a month after the smartphone's launch on T-Mobile, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular, for $299.99 with a two-year contract. Pre-orders for the Verizon Galaxy Note 2 can be placed via Verizon's official website after inputing some personal location information.