Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Promotional Offers And Freebies From Globe Telecom

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9, released as a premium flagship device, was accompanied by various promotional offers and freebies from telecommunications providers across different markets. Among these offerings, Globe Telecom provided several attractive deals for consumers looking to acquire the device through postpaid plans or pre-order promotions. This article examines the specific freebies, pricing structures, and eligibility requirements associated with Samsung Galaxy Note 9 offers from Globe, based on available promotional materials and official announcements.

Galaxy Note 9 Pricing and Availability

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 was positioned as a premium device in the market, with pricing that reflected its high-end specifications. According to promotional materials, the device was offered in two primary variants in the Philippines market:

• 6GB memory and 128GB storage variant: PhP 55,990
• 8GB memory and 512GB storage variant: PhP 75,990 (marketed as a pre-order exclusive with limited availability)

The pre-order period for the Galaxy Note 9 extended from August 11 to August 19, 2018, through various channels including Samsung Experience Stores and partner retail and online stores such as Abenson, MemoXpress, Argomall, Lazada, and Shopee. Consumers interested in postpaid contracts could also acquire the device through Globe and Smart telecommunications providers.

Pre-order Freebies and Bundles

Globe Telecom offered distinct promotional bundles for consumers who pre-ordered the Galaxy Note 9, with varying freebies depending on the selected device variant:

• For the 6GB+128GB variant, customers had the option to choose between:

  • Gear Fit2 Pro
  • Gear IconX
  • Galaxy Tab A

• For the premium 8GB+512GB model, the bundle included:

  • 2018 Samsung 32-inch Smart TV

These pre-order incentives were designed to enhance the value proposition of the already premium device, providing additional products that complemented the Note 9's functionality and positioning it as a comprehensive package for consumers.

Postpaid Plan Options and Free Services

Beyond pre-order promotions, Globe Telecom developed specific postpaid plans that bundled the Galaxy Note 9 with various services and entertainment subscriptions. One notable offering was ThePLAN 1499, which provided the following features:

• Unlimited calls to Globe/TM networks
• Unlimited text messages to all networks
• 8GB mobile data allowance
• Free DisneyLife subscription for six months
• Spotify Premium for three months, including an additional 1GB data allowance specifically for music streaming

The device acquisition through this plan involved a device cashout amounting to PhP 31,200, which could be structured in two ways: - 24 equal monthly payments of PhP 1,300 via credit card - Charged to the bill for recontracting subscribers

The total monthly fee for ThePLAN 1499 with the Galaxy Note 9 was PhP 2,799, with a contract period of 24 months, resulting in a total cost of PhP 67,176 over the agreement term.

Alternative Plan Configurations

Globe provided multiple postpaid plan options for the Galaxy Note 9, catering to different consumer needs and usage patterns. Beyond ThePLAN 1499, consumers could select from various configurations that balanced device costs with monthly service allowances. These plans typically included:

• Unlimited data packages for heavy internet users
• Varying call and text allowances based on selected plan tier
• Monthly consumable amounts for additional services
• Changeable monthly freebies that could be customized according to subscriber preferences

One representative example was the Unli Surf Plan 2499, which offered: - Unlimited data - PhP 1,500 monthly consumable for calls and texts - 5 call and text freebies that were changeable monthly - A 24-month lock-up period, positioned as more favorable than competitor offerings with 30-month commitments

Comparison with Competitor Offers

When evaluating Galaxy Note 9 offers, Globe positioned its plans against those provided by competitor Smart Communications. A direct comparison of similarly priced plans revealed:

• Globe's ThePLAN 1499 vs. Smart's GigaX Plan 1499:
  • Both plans had the same total monthly fee of PhP 2,799
  • Both required 24-month contracts
  • Both resulted in the same total cost of PhP 67,176
  • Device fees were identical at PhP 1,300/month

Key differentiators included: - Globe offered unlimited calls to Globe/TM networks, while Smart provided 60 minutes to all networks - Globe included 8GB mobile data, while Smart offered 5GB data plus 10GB for video streaming - Globe bundled entertainment subscriptions (DisneyLife and Spotify), while Smart's offering did not mention similar value-adds

Free Entertainment Subscriptions

A significant component of Galaxy Note 9 promotions from Globe involved complimentary entertainment subscriptions. These digital services were designed to enhance the user experience and provide additional value beyond the device itself:

• DisneyLife: A six-month subscription providing access to Disney's content library
• Spotify Premium: A three-month subscription with premium music streaming features
• Additional 1GB data allocation specifically for Spotify usage, ensuring uninterrupted music streaming

These entertainment inclusions represented a strategic approach by Globe to differentiate its offerings in a competitive market, leveraging partnerships with popular digital services to create more attractive bundle packages.

Device Acquisition Options

Consumers interested in the Galaxy Note 9 through Globe had multiple acquisition pathways to consider:

1. Direct Purchase: Full payment of the device price (PhP 55,990 for 128GB variant or PhP 75,990 for 512GB variant) without contract commitments

2. Pre-order with Freebies: Reservation of the device during the designated pre-order period with selection of bundled accessories or electronics

3. Postpaid Plans: Device acquisition through installment payments combined with service plans, spreading the cost over 24 months while including various service packages

4. Recontracting Benefits: Special terms for existing Globe subscribers recontracting their agreements, potentially including reduced device fees or additional incentives

Eligibility and Requirements

Various Galaxy Note 9 offers from Globe came with specific eligibility criteria and requirements:

• Pre-order Eligibility: Open to all customers who reserved the device during the specified pre-order period, with availability contingent on stock levels

• Postplan Requirements:

  • Credit approval for device financing
  • 24-month contract commitment
  • Specific identification and verification documents
  • Credit card setup for monthly device payments (for some plans)

• Freebie Selection: Pre-order customers had limited timeframes to select their preferred freebies, with choices subject to availability

• Recontracting Benefits: Existing subscribers needed to meet specific tenure requirements and demonstrate good payment history to qualify for enhanced terms

Market Positioning and Value Proposition

Globe positioned its Galaxy Note 9 offerings as comprehensive solutions that combined premium hardware with valuable services and accessories. The value proposition emphasized:

• Convenience: One-stop acquisition of device, services, and accessories
• Cost Efficiency: Spread payments and bundled services offering better overall value than separate purchases
• Entertainment Integration: Complimentary subscriptions enhancing the device's multimedia capabilities
• Network Benefits: Unlimited calling and texting features optimized for Globe's network infrastructure

The promotional strategy acknowledged the premium nature of the Galaxy Note 9 while attempting to make it more accessible through various financing and bundling options.

Comparison with International Offers

While the focus of these promotional materials was on the Philippines market, international carriers also offered competitive deals for the Galaxy Note 9:

• Verizon: Provided a BOGO (buy one, get one) deal where customers could receive a free Note 9 when purchasing another, with the device available through device payment plans
• AT&T: Offered similar BOGO promotions with 30-month installment plans and a $30 activation fee
• T-Mobile: Provided up to 50% off with trade-in options, offering $500 discounts for Note 5 and above devices
• Samsung Direct: Gift bundles available through the Shop Samsung app, allowing eligible customers to select from various gift options

These international offers differed from Globe's approach, which focused more on service bundling and complimentary subscriptions rather than direct device discounts or BOGO promotions.

Customer Experience Considerations

Globe emphasized several aspects of the customer experience in its Galaxy Note 9 promotions:

• Network Reliability: Promoted the strength and reliability of Globe's network to ensure optimal device performance
• After-Sales Support: Guaranteed access to customer service channels and after-sales support for devices
• Bill Shock Prevention: Implemented safeguards against unexpected charges through the "Globe Guarantee"
• Customization Options: Highlighted the ability to customize plans based on individual needs and usage patterns

These considerations were designed to address potential concerns about committing to long-term contracts and premium devices, providing reassurance about the overall ownership experience.

Limited-Time Promotions

Several Galaxy Note 9 offers from Globe were explicitly marketed as limited-time promotions:

• Pre-order Period: The August 11-19, 2018 pre-order window for exclusive freebies
• Recontracting Benefits: Special terms available only to existing subscribers meeting specific criteria
• Entertainment Subscriptions: Time-limited access to DisneyLife and Spotify Premium
• Device Variant Availability: The 8GB+512GB variant was positioned as a pre-order exclusive with limited availability

These time-sensitive elements created urgency among potential customers and incentivized prompt decision-making.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 promotional offerings from Globe Telecom provided consumers with multiple pathways to acquire the premium device, each accompanied by different freebies and incentives. From pre-order bundles featuring accessories and electronics to postpaid plans bundled with entertainment subscriptions, Globe developed a comprehensive approach to marketing the flagship device. While the specific offers and pricing structures were tailored to the Philippines market, they reflect common strategies employed by telecommunications providers to make premium devices more accessible through creative financing and value bundling. The available promotional materials highlight Globe's emphasis on service integration, entertainment value, and network benefits as key differentiators in the competitive smartphone market.

Sources

1. Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Price, Pre-order Availability in Philippines
2. Globe vs Smart Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Postpaid Plans
3. Globe Drops Pricing for Samsung Galaxy Note II
4. Globe Announces Postpaid Plans for Samsung Galaxy Note9
5. Best Note 9 Deals, Gifts, Preorder - Samsung, Best Buy, T-Mobile, Walmart, Costco