New 4G phone launches without 4G service

CLEVELAND - The latest smartphone hit Sprint stores today.  Epic 4G boasts faster data download speeds with its 4G network, but you need to look beyond the marketing material.

Like some of the other smartphones on the market, the Epic 4G uses the Android system.

What sets Epic apart is the 4G system. It's 10 times faster than 3G. One Sprint representative told me that's like going from dial up Internet to high speed service.

The problem is 4G data download service is not offered in Cleveland yet. So, you're buying a phone that's so state of the art it won't work to its full potential in certain markets. 4G service is currently available in 45+ markets.

If you choose Epic, you'll get an upgraded phone with a pullout keyboard and swipe technology so your finger can browse through 60,000 applications.

Plus, you can watch live TV, but when can you expect 4G to be live in Cleveland?

"There's never been an official launch date for Cleveland other than the end of the year and they're still on target for that," Sprint salesman Matt Niemesch said.

Saving $50 on the price of the Epic
The phone retails for $249.99 after the mail in rebate. That's slightly higher than the $199.99 price tag for most other new smart phones.

Amazon and Wirefly offer the phone online for $199.99. That's a savings of $50.

Sprint says there is a difference between buying online and buying in the store.

"What you get in the store with Sprint is our ready now experience. We transfer your phone book, set up your email, show you how to use your phone. You're actually going to be an expert as much as we are in the store,” Sprint salesman Matt Niemesch said.

Sprint says it takes 30 to 40 minutes to setup the phone in store with customers.

If "time is money" and you're not tech savvy, you might want to pay the extra money and buy with Sprint.

If you know smartphones, save yourself some money and shop around.