eBay is offering the Samsung Nexus S as a daily deal. As with other eBay-partnered daily deals, the item will likely go back up in price after today.
The version up for sale is the T-Mobile 3G variant, which is always factory unlocked. While it can be used on AT&T or its MVNOs, it will only function as a GSM/EDGE smartphone on their networks. As such, we only suggest this device for people using the device on T-Mobile, Simple Mobile, and Straight Talk with a T-Mobile-compatible SIM. Both Simple Mobile and Straight Talk are 3G network partners of T-Mobile.
While the Nexus S lacks HSPA+, it features 9.6 mbps HSDPA and HSUPA as well, meaning that it will get HSPA+-like speeds when in an HSPA+ coverage area.
This Nexus S deal is mostly attractive because of Google’s commitment to Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich updates for the device. Unlike Samsung Galaxy S devices, Google maintains the firmware for Nexus S and has been rolling out ICS for the device.
At less than half the no-contract price for a Samsung Galaxy Nexus, the Nexus S is arguably the best deal for an official, Android 4.0-ready smartphone currently.
