Want to try out one of Samsung’s new mobile gadgets, but don’t feel like spending hundreds of dollars on a device you’re not sure you’ll like? No problem. Samsung is launching a 21-day trial program.

There are a few big caveats. First, you’ll need to go to one of 5 US locations to actually get your phone or smartwatch. And you’ll need to provide credit or debit card details — your card will be charged, but you’ll be refunded when you return an undamaged device.

samsung galaxy s5

Samsung is pitching the trial program as a way to let people explore their devices without committing to a service contract or shelling out big bucks.

Initially the program will include the Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 3 smartphones and the Samsung Gear 2 and Gear Fit smartwatches. You can either get a phone and watch, or just one or the other.

When you check out a phone, it’ll come with wireless service, but it won’t be tied to your personal account.

The trial program is launching in New York, Los Angeles, Santa Clara, CA, Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, and Houston, Texas.

Samsung’s new trial program follows T-Mobile’s recent announcement that it would allow potential customers to test its service by borrowing an iPhone 5s for a week, free of charge.

via SamMobile

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3 replies on “Samsung will let you try a phone or smartwatch for 21 days without buying”

  1. If you are being charged and refunded it hardly seems “free” but those details are for the marketing and legal folks to bandy about I suppose.
    So if you are unsure you want to spend the money but have no problem making a 21 day interest free loan to Samsung you can do that instead.

    1. “you’ll need to provide credit or debit card details — your card will be charged”

      If the debit card is charged, money is “immediately” transferred from your account to the account of the retailer (and if it is a credit card the situation is no different from any other credit card purchse) so the statement

      “without …. shelling out big bucks”

      is just plain wrong, deceptive, and misinformation.

      The title of the article should not have been the marketing spin

      “Samsung will let you try a phone or smartwatch for 21 days without buying”

      but

      “Buy your Samsung phone or smartwatch from one of five stores and if you are not satisfied with it you can get a refund for up to 21 days”

      Buy it from any other store and you will have to live with your mistake.

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