Phones 4u will be giving away the highest value pre-order bundle of any UK retailer, by offering ALL those pre-ordering the new Samsung Galaxy S4 the chance to win the latest Galaxy Note 10.1 and the innovative Samsung Galaxy Camera on every day of the pre-order period, worth almost £800*.  Not only that, but all Samsung Galaxy S4 pre-orders on 4G EE tariffs at Phones 4u will also receive a Google Play voucher up to the value of £100*, allowing Phones 4u customers to indulge in the latest music, films, apps and games on their brand new Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone.

Customers opting for a Samsung Galaxy S4 on 4G EE contracts at £46 and above will receive a £100 Google Play voucher; those picking £41 contracts will receive a £50 voucher; and contracts at £36 will receive a £25 voucher.

Scott Hooton, Chief Commercial Officer at Phones 4u comments, “Anticipation for the upcoming release of the new Samsung Galaxy S4 is really escalating and we’re excited about it hitting the store floors next month.  In the pre-registration period alone, interest for the Samsung Galaxy S4 has surpassed the interest for its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy SIII, as well as the iPhone 4S, which until now DID hold the record for the highest volume of pre-registrations at Phones 4u. As pre-order for the Galaxy S4 launches today, we’re excited to see consumer reaction not only to the new smartphone, but our exclusive pre-order promotion that we’ve launched to give our Galaxy S4 customers the best experience possible on their new smartphone.  We’re expecting the pre-orders for Samsung’s latest device to smash through the Samsung Galaxy SIII’s record as the most pre-ordered smartphone of all time at Phones 4u.”

The fourth generation Galaxy S smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S4 has a super sleek design. Available in Black Mist and White Frost, the handset boasts a large screen size and battery, and a minimised bezel, all housed in a light and slim shape.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 will be available to pre-order at Phones 4u free from £41 a month on contract and from £49 on £36 a month tariffs on a range of networks from 28^th March 2013.  Visit Phones 4u to pre-order now.

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors

*Galaxy Note 10.1 and Galaxy Camera competition entry available to all Galaxy S4 pre-orders on new contract, SIM only and upgrade. The draw will take place after the launch date of 26th April. Pre-order customers opting for a Samsung Galaxy S4 on 4G EE contracts at £46 and above will receive a £100 Google Play voucher; those picking £41 contracts will receive a £50 voucher; and all contracts at £36 will receive a £25 voucher.

Media Contacts

Sophia Dryden / sophia.dryden@colombus-comms.com / 020 7792 7458

Christina Cooper / Christina.Cooper@colombus-comms.com / 020 7792 7465

The post Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S4 at Phones 4u from 28th March and get up to £900* of free Samsung Galaxy and Google Play gifts appeared first on Media.

The Galaxy S 4 is the successor to what was Phones 4u’s most pre-ordered smartphone of all time, the Galaxy SIII.

Scott Hooton, Chief Commercial Officer at Phones 4u, comments: ‘The anticipation surrounding the next Samsung Galaxy device has been astounding and it has already received the most pre-registrations at Phones 4u of any other smartphone launch in 2013, as well as a 40% increase on pre-registrations for the Galaxy SIII in the first 48 hours. We know from YouGov research that 46% of smartphone owners in the UK are considering getting a Samsung  smartphone next*, and so we’re predicting that the Galaxy S 4 could be in with a strong chance of becoming the biggest selling smartphone of 2013’.

Hooton adds: “We continue to partner with Samsung on its ‘Experience Zones’, which we have in our Phones 4u Oxford Street and Westfield Shepherds Bush stores, as well as Samsung’s Stratford City brand store, and we continue to bring our customers the widest range of 4G Galaxy smartphones in the UK. The Samsung Galaxy S 4 has exceeded our expectations in terms of technological innovation and form factor and we are extremely excited about its arrival at Phones 4u.”               

People wanting to be among the first to find out more about Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone can continue to register their interest in the Galaxy S 4 on the Phones 4u website. 

END

Media Contacts:

Phones 4u

Christina Cooper / Christina.Cooper@colombus-comms.com / 020 7792 7465

The post Phones 4u is ready 4 the ‘Next Galaxy’ – The Samsung Galaxy S 4! appeared first on Media.

Phones 4u's Scott Hooton and HTC's Phil Blair at the HTC One launch at Phones 4u Oxford Street

Phones 4u is the only place in the UK that people can get their hands on the new Android device until 21^st February 2013 to put it through its paces and test out the HTC BlinkFeed™ and HTC BoomSound™ features.

At the same minute the HTC One was unveiled at a global press conference in London, crowds that had gathered throughout today poured into the Oxford Street Phones 4u store, which has been completely re-branded and transformed into an HTC experience zone to mark the occasion.

In a first of its kind in the industry, the store has been packed full of HTC One handsets and customers can enjoy an exclusive journey through a range of interactive experience zones, hosted by Phones 4u and HTC product experts.

You can view an exclusive video of the day’s events, including behind the scenes footage, HERE.

As anticipation built for the announcement today, the Phones 4u store was completely transformed, with an exclusive HTC window dressing hiding the in-store re-vamp from eager fans waiting outside. A dedicated countdown clock placed in the Phones 4u store window has been ticking down the minutes until the grand unveiling when consumers can get their hands on the new HTC One.

Scott Hooton, Chief Commercial Officer at Phones 4u comments, “We always strive to give our customers the latest technology first, so we are proud to be working with HTC to offer this truly exclusive opportunity to test out and pre-order the new HTC One smartphone, before anyone else. The complete takeover of our flagship Oxford Street store is a first for us, and we hope it shows our continued commitment to work closely with our partners and to provide our customers with an exciting in-store experience.”

The all new HTC One has over 300 remarkable new features, a completely new live home screen, first-of-its-kind living photo gallery and duel frontal stereo speakers. All encased in a beautifully crafted, full aluminium metal body with zero gap construction that took 12 years to perfect.

The first 50 customers to pre-order the HTC One smartphone from the dedicated VIP pre-ordering zone at the Oxford Street store from today, as well as the first 200 customers to pre-orders online with Phones 4u from today, will receive a free Pioneer A3 XW-SMA3-K wireless sound system, with free UR Beats headphones and Double-Dip Flip case.

From 21^st February, a further 10 stores nationwide will also have live devices in-store ahead of the general release of the handset on 15^th March 2013.

The HTC One smartphone will be available at Phones 4u free from £36 per month on contract on a range of networks from 15th March.  Pre-order your at Phones 4u now.

Check out a full HTC One hands-on review from Phones 4u here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwZCHn0huJI

- ENDS -

Media Contacts

Christina Cooper / Christina.Cooper@colombus-comms.com / 020 7792 7465

Nicola Marvin / Nicola.marvin@colombus-comms.com / 020 7792 7455

The post Be the first in the World to see the new HTC ONE, only at Phones 4u today appeared first on Media.

Customers will have the opportunity to experience a live product demo, with Phones 4u’s expert staff providing an in-depth walk through of the Sony Xperia Z’s full feature package. The first 1,000 customers to pre-order the Sony Xperia Z at Phones 4u will also receive a free pair of Sony MDR-1R Headphones.

Scott Hooton, Chief Commercial Officer at Phones 4u comments, “We always pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best possible customer service, and are delighted to be enhancing our in-store experience by offering the opportunity to fully experience the Sony Xperia Z before it lands for general sale. By doing so, we’re giving people the freedom to test out the handset before they commit to a pre-order, ensuring they’re picking the smartphone that’s right for them.”

The Sony Xperia Z features the world’s sharpest, boldest and brightest display, designed by the engineers behind Sony BRAVIA® TVs.  The Full 1080p HD, 5’’ display features the highest pixel density of any smartphone, while the OptiContrast™ panel guarantees crystal clear images and a seamless black finish when switched off.

Customers will also benefit from a range of features including:

• A 13 megapixel fast-capture camera, with a next-generation Sony EXMOR RS sensor, with sleep to snap in under a second and superior auto mode
• Snapdragon™ S4 Pro quad-core processor for super-fast performance
• Dust-resistance and a water-resistant rating of IP55 & IP57
• Battery STAMINA Mode – which drastically increases battery life  by reducing consumption while the phone is on standby

The Sony Xperia Z is available to pre-order at Phones 4u now, with free Sony MDR-1R headphones going to the first 1,000 pre-orders.  Available at Phones 4u free from £36 on contract on a range of networks from 28^th February 2013.  

- ENDS -

Media Contacts

Christina Cooper / Christina.Cooper@colombus-comms.com / 020 7792 7465

Sophia Dryden / sophia.dryden@colombus-comms.com / 020 7792 7458

The post Experience the new Sony Xperia™ Z ahead of general release at Phones 4u appeared first on Media.

Demand for the white model is particularly strong among UK smartphone customers and Phones 4u remains the only retailer where consumers can get their hands on the white device.

Scott Hooton, Chief Commercial Officer at Phones 4u, comments: “As Phones 4u is currently the only place people can get their hands on the BlackBerry Z10 in white, it has been a huge success and continues to sell extremely well.  A large number of our stores DID sell out of the white model on launch weekend, but because we knew demand was so high and we didn’t want anyone to miss out on getting one, we replenished stock within hours.”

“We have a longstanding relationship with BlackBerry® and we’re delighted to report such a strong sales performance within less than a week of the new handsets going on sale. It’s fantastic to see this consumer excitement and demand, and we’re looking forward to seeing sales continue to grow over the coming weeks, particularly for the BlackBerry Z10 in white which is still only available at Phones 4u.”

A survey conducted via Phones 4u’s co-creative consumer panel, uBar (www.theubar.co.uk), has revealed that desire for a new BlackBerry smartphone handset has doubled since December 2012. The survey also highlights the top BlackBerry Z10 features driving consumer demand, with 42% of respondents voting for the BlackBerry Z10’s larger screen as being one of their top three, followed jointly by the touch screen and faster mobile browsing at 40%, and its new Flow feature at 31%.

Phones 4u is the first to range the new BlackBerry Z10 in white, which is available now along with the black model too, at Phones 4u stores from £36 a month on contract, on a choice of networks. The full range is also available online.

Media Contacts

Christina Cooper / Christina.Cooper@colombus-comms.com / 020 7792 7465

Sophia Dryden / sophia.dryden@colombus-comms.com / 020 7792 7458

The post BlackBerry Z10 sees exceptional first week sales at Phones 4u appeared first on Media.

Scott Hooton, Chief Commercial Officer at Phones 4u comments, “We have a longstanding history of successfully launching Sony Xperia™ handsets at Phones 4u, and we’re delighted to range the new Sony Xperia™ Z. Sony’s unique technology, content, design and connectivity delivers a rich user experience and is evident in the new Sony Xperia™ Z handset and we’re excited to be able to offer the new handset to our online and high-street store customers.”    

The Sony Xperia™ Z features the world’s sharpest, boldest and brightest display, designed by the engineers behind Sony BRAVIA® TVs.  The Full 1080p HD, 5’’ display features the highest pixel density of any smartphone, while the OptiContrast™ panel guarantees crystal clear images and a seamless black finish when switched off.

Customers will also benefit from a range of features including:

• A 13 megapixel fast-capture camera, with a next-generation Sony EXMOR RS sensor, with sleep to snap in under a second
• Snapdragon™ S4 Pro quad-core processor for super-fast performance
• Dust-resistance and a water-resistant rating of IP55 & IP57

The Sony Xperia™ Z will be available at Phones 4u free from £36 on contract on a range of networks from 28^th February 2013.  Visit Phones 4u to pre-order now.

- ENDS -

The post Pre-order the Sony Xperia™ Z now at Phones 4u appeared first on Media.

                      

LONDON, 31^st JANUARY, 2013: Pixie Lott quickened a few pulses on London’s Oxford Street this morning as she unveiled the brand new Blackberry Z10 in white at Phones 4u.

To match the dazzling new white handset, currently available only at Phones 4u, Pixie was dressed in a show-stopping, all-white Camilla and Marc mini dress. Pixie was the first person to walk a specially-created white carpet outside the front of the store and the first to get her hands on the sought-after device, which is the fastest and most advanced Blackberry® smartphone yet. 

Crowds gathered outside the store from early doors, dressed in their own white outfits, to sneak a glimpse of the star and to be in with a chance of winning a signed Blackberry Z10 in white for the best dressed. They were kept warm by sipping on delicious white hot chocolate that was handed out free to those in the queue. 

Pixie Lott commented: “I’ve walked the red carpet a few times before but never a white one so I wanted a special outfit to suitably mark the occasion and to celebrate being one of the first people in the country to get a new Blackberry Z10 in white from Phones 4u.  I’m wearing a gorgeous all-white mini dress, designed by famous brother and sister duo Camilla and Marc, and teamed with a pair of skyscraper heels.”

Accademia Italian Arte Moda graduate Camilla and business partner Marc, are no strangers to dressing the stars and have also styled celebs such as Rihanna, Rachel Bilson and Eva Longoria in their statement party frocks.  

Take a look at our video of the day to see what Pixie Lott got up to in store!                                                                                                                                                        

Phones 4u is the first to range the new Blackberry Z10 in white, which is available now along with a black model too, at Phones 4u stores from £36 a month on contract, on a choice of networks. The full range is also available online at www.phones4u.co.uk now.

The post Pixie Lott unveils new BlackBerry® Z10 in white by walking the white carpet at Phones 4u in stunning all-white mini dress appeared first on Media.

Phones 4u will be celebrating the launch of the newest BlackBerry smartphone with none other than pop princess Pixie Lott at the flagship Phones 4u Oxford Street store tomorrow from 9am, where customers and fans can be amongst the first to experience the new BlackBerry Z10, get their hands on some freebies, AND rub shoulders with Pixie Lott herself.  The first fifty customers to purchase the new BlackBerry Z10 at Phones 4u Oxford Street tomorrow will also receive a 64GB BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet.

Customers will also be able to purchase the white or black model from 9am on 31^st January online at Phones 4u. The first 250 customers to purchase a new BlackBerry Z10 from Phones 4u online will also receive a 64GB BlackBerry PlayBook.

Scott Hooton, Chief Commercial Officer at Phones 4u comments: “We have a longstanding heritage in offering BlackBerry smartphones to consumers and especially in securing BlackBerry colour exclusives for our customers. We know there’s a huge appetite for BlackBerry smartphones, and a large proportion of our customer base in early 2013 will be returning BlackBerry customers looking to upgrade their handset with Phones 4u. We’re extremely excited to be launching the highly anticipated BlackBerry Z10, which promises to offer a completely new mobile experience, and we look forward to welcoming customers into our store to get their hands on the BlackBerry Z10 in white before anyone else.”

BlackBerry® 10 is a re-designed, re-engineered and re-invented platform that creates a powerful and unique new mobile computing experience. BlackBerry 10 gives customers a faster and smarter experience that continuously adapts to their needs. Every feature, every gesture, and every detail is designed to keep customers moving and includes advancements such as:

• Peek and Flow into the BlackBerry Hub –  A new mobile computing paradigm where  what matters to customers is always one swipe away
• Keyboard –  Understands and adapts to customers, so they can type faster and more accurately
• BBM™ (BlackBerry® Messenger) –  Allows customers to share anything with the people that matter to them in an instant
• BlackBerry® Balance™ technology – Protects what is important to customers

The BlackBerry Z10 is available in both black and white at Phones 4u, free from £36 a month on contract, on a choice of networks.

Notes to Editors

*Free 64GB BlackBerry PlayBook available on £36 and above tariffs only

Pixie Lott will be at the Phones 4u Oxford Street store from 9am on Thursday 31^st January, which  is located at 399/405 Oxford Street, London, W1C 2BU (nearest station is Bond Street).

The post Phones 4u announces first availability of new BlackBerry Z10 smartphone in white appeared first on Media.

Tim Whiting, Group Chief Executive said:

“The launch of LIFE Mobile is a very significant step for the Phones 4u business.  Our strategic vision is based upon an unrelenting focus on building ever-stronger relationships with our customers, which we believe is fundamental to our on-going business success. This focus delivered record revenue growth in 2012, a year in which we opened more than 100 stores across the UK. We are delighted to be extending our longstanding partnership with EE in order to add LIFE Mobile to the extensive range of products and services available at Phones 4u.”

“Our customers see their mobile devices as an integral part of their daily lives. LIFE Mobile will enable us flexibility and creativity in designing propositions to give our customers even further choice.  We will sell both 3G, and later in 2013, 4G LIFE Mobile tariffs alongside our existing network propositions and are confident the new network will play a key role in driving further growth for our business.”

Marc Overton, Vice President of Wholesale and M2M at EE, said:

“We’re delighted that EE has been selected as Phones 4u’s MVNO partner, giving us the opportunity to further build on our longstanding and successful relationship. By choosing the EE network, Phones 4u will guarantee its LIFE Mobile customers access to the UK’s widest 3G coverage, as well as the UK’s only 4G network later in 2013. Our ambition is to provide 4G to key industry players by the end of 2013, and we feel this will open up a world of opportunities for both new and existing partners alike.”

Full information on the tariffs and services available on LIFE Mobile will be announced in the coming weeks. From March, LIFE Mobile will be available to customers in every Phones 4u store on the high street, including all 150 Phones 4u store-in-stores in Dixons’ Currys and PC World outlets, as well as by phone and online.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Phones 4u trading update for the month of December 2012:

• Total sales for the period were £121.6m, up 23.3% compared with December 2011, with like-for-like sales up 15.8%.

• For the full year total sales were up 20.7% with full-year like-for-like sales up 11.9%.

• Online sales continue to grow strongly with revenue up 47.3% in December year-on-year and up 73.2% for the full year.

• The strong growth is primarily driven by contract volumes which were up 34.8% year-on-year in December and up 26.8% for the full year.

The post Phones 4u announces the launch of ‘LIFE Mobile’ appeared first on Media.

Total sales for the period were £121.6m, up 23.3% compared with December 2011, with like-for-like sales up 15.8%. For the full year total sales were up 20.7% with full-year like-for-like sales up 11.9%.  Online sales continue to grow strongly with revenue up 47.3% in December year-on-year and up 73.2% for the full year.

The strong growth is primarily driven by contract volumes which were up 34.8% year-on-year in December and up 26.8% for the full year.

Tim Whiting Group Chief Executive said:

“Phones 4u is focused on giving customers excellent choice and value, and we continue to trade well in challenging market conditions.  Our impressive Christmas numbers are reflective of consistently strong performance throughout 2012 as we continue to grow market share, especially amongst customers looking for the latest high-end smartphones purchased on contracts.

“It is the knowledge and experience of our 6,000 staff and their commitment to give outstanding service that has delivered these results.  At a time of continued economic uncertainty, it is more important than ever that we give our customers clear advice on the next generation of smartphones and technology.”

 END

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