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Samsung Galaxy S3 rockets to Boost, Virgin Mobile June 12

The prepaid carriers pick up Samsung's last-season Galaxy S3 for $400 without a contract.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
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Boost Mobile will sell Samsung's Galaxy S3 for $400 off-contract. josh MIller/CNET

Samsung's supercharged Galaxy S4 may be sucking in all the headlines, but for Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile, both Sprint's prepaid carriers, the Samsung Galaxy S3 is more than enough Android phone for its customers.

Starting June 12, Boost and Virgin will begin selling Samsung's high-end GS3 smartphone for $399.99 (it initially sold for upwards of $600 off-contract). That makes the Galaxy S3 the most premium product in Boost Mobile's roster. Thanks to the carriers' Sprint ownership, the handset rides Sprint's 4G LTE network in its 88 markets (and growing).

The Galaxy S3 may come to Virgin and Boost a year after its initial release, but I wouldn't discount the phone's continued appeal, even in the Galaxy S4's shadow. The handset still has a terrific 8-megapixel camera and a large, bright 4.8-inch screen, and it has been updated to the current Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean.

In fact, CNET mobile reporter Maggie Reardon argues that the Galaxy S3 is a far better bargain than the newest model.

For video, photos, and more, check out my full Samsung Galaxy S3 review.

Article updated at 3:37pm to add availability on Virgin Mobile.

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