The traditional at Best Buy —a model where customers received heavily subsidized smartphones in exchange for a 24-month service commitment—is a relic of the past. Following the April 2020 merger between T-Mobile and Sprint, the Sprint brand was officially discontinued on August 2, 2020. Consequently, the subsidized 2-year contract model has been replaced by equipment installment plans (EIP) and leasing programs across the industry. The Evolution of the 2-Year Contract at Best Buy
: Sprint briefly brought back 2-year contracts in February 2016 due to customer demand but eventually phased them out again in favor of Sprint Flex leases and monthly installments. sprint 2 year contract best buy
For years, the partnership between Sprint and Best Buy was a primary way for consumers to acquire high-end devices like the iPhone or Samsung Galaxy for a low upfront cost (e.g., $199). However, the industry underwent a massive structural shift: The traditional at Best Buy —a model where
: T-Mobile pioneered the move away from contracts in 2013, followed by Verizon and Sprint in late 2015 and early 2016. The Evolution of the 2-Year Contract at Best
: After the merger, Sprint customers were transitioned to T-Mobile’s "Un-carrier" model, which emphasizes no-contract service plans and separate device financing. Sprint & T-Mobile Merger: Updates and What it Means for You