The Computer Wizard

I figure a little computer humor couldn't hurt, once in awhile.

If you're looking for a new Sprint phone, or willing to switch to Sprint, this post will probably make you very happy. This is my guide to how to get a high-end, well built Android phone for at least 2/3 off the original $800 sticker price.

If you're an iPhone user, you'll probably want to skip this post, or pass it on to a friend who likes Android phones.

The Essential Phone has been compared favorably with the Google Pixel, but its launch was delayed several times and a lot of people who preordered it decided to switch to something else. Sprint seems to be trying to liquidate its stock of these phones now: Their 18-month lease is $5 a month, with $25 down when you get the phone. When the lease expires, you can buy the phone for $175.

Total cost if you buy it from a Sprint store or sprint.com: $290.
Now here's the really funny part. I went to the Best Buy in North Hills, because the Sprint store I visited after work didn't have any Essential Phones in stock. All their terms were the same, except the buyout price after the lease was only $30.

This may be a glitch or a one-time thing, but the guy who sold it to me said it should ring up the same way every time. Best Buy may have discontinued it or something along those lines. If so, then:

The total cost if you buy it from Best Buy should be $145.
If the review below makes you want the phone, get one while you can. The best part: if other Best Buy stores are like the one in North Hills (which has 2 more, by the way), they won't even have one displayed with the other Sprint phones. Which means they should be there, patiently waiting for someone who comes in already knowing what they want :-D

For convenience, Best Buy's product numbers are as follows:

Black - Model: ESS2ALBBBLK SKU: 5938400
White - Model: ESS2ALBBWHT SKU: 5938303

Essential Phone review: Lovely titanium and ceramic with potential for greatness Review | ZDNet The Essential Phone was a tough sell at $699, but at $499 it is compelling. It offers flagship specs with lots of potential, but there is some risk in a startup launching its first phone.