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Do you really need a new phone as you switch to a new carrier? Short answer, “it depends” as your current device may be compatible or not with your potential carrier. However, few providers do have some amazing free phone deals for new customers that you can get even without a trade-in.
And, well, in this review, I’ve put together the nine best phones that you can get from the various carriers across the country at $0. But then, most of the deals here are usually promotional offers as the phone companies try to lure more subscribers to their service.
So, there’s no guarantee of how long the featured devices will be in the bargain basket. But I’ll try hard to be updating the list now and then with the latest deals.
What are The Best Free Phone Deals Today?
First up, there are many companies that give you free phones when you switch to their service. So, as you look for a discounted device to grab, make sure the provider you choose also has a service that fits your needs.
That said, the five best free phone deals out of the nine selections on my list are:
- Best Overall: Verizon Apple iPhone 12 Mini A14 Bionic Phone
- Best of Budget: T-Mobile Motorola One 5G Ace 128GB Cell Phone
- Best of Value: Verizon Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe 5G Prograde Phone
Are the Free Phone Deals Worth It?
Well, the answer here will also fall between a YES and NO. Why?
As I’ve mentioned, these phone deals are usually for promotional purposes. So, you don’t exactly get the supposedly free device like that (at $0) on check out.
The phone carriers have to sort out the “freeloaders” from the potential subscribers. And for this reason, they require you purchase the featured device at the price on the list. Then, you’ll receive a rebate of the full retail price in the form of bill credits.
Nonetheless, postpaid carriers like T Mobile and Verizon allow you to purchase your free phone through their buy now pay later financing program. And in that case, you’ll get the device installment payment on the bill, but it then cancels out with the monthly rebate credits.
So, in my opinion, the free phone deals are usually worth it if you’re patient enough to wait for the last rebate. It’s actually an economical way to upgrade to the latest device, especially if you’d like to take advantage of the 5G service.
But then, these freebies usually require you get your desired phone with a specific rate plan (not always). So, you’ll have to choose a deal you won’t struggle to pay the rest of the monthly bill.
Features & Specs of the Various Free Phone Deals for New Customers
| Cell Phone Brand | Cellular Technology | Max. Video Recording | Built-in ROM/ RAM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Apple iPhone 12 Mini A14 Bionic Phone | 4G LTE & 5G | 4K@60fps | 64GB, 4GB |
| T-Mobile Motorola One 5G Ace 128GB Cell Phone | 4G LTE & 5G | 4K@30fps | 128GB, 6GB |
| Verizon Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe 5G Prograde Phone | 4G LTE & 5G | 4K@60fps | 128GB, 6GB |
| Metro by T-Mobile Alcatel Go Flip3 Basic Phone | 4G LTE Only | 720p@30fps | 4GB, 0.5GB |
| Metro by T-Mobile Apple iPhone SE (2020) LTE | 4G LTE Only | 4K@60fps | 64GB, 3GB |
| T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy A32 5G 64GB Android | 4G LTE & 5G | 4K@30fps | 64GB, 4GB |
| Cricket Wireless Motorola Moto G Power LTE Phone | 4G LTE Only | 1080p@60fps | 64GB, 4GB |
| Verizon Apple iPhone 11 64GB Memory Cell Phone | 4G LTE Only | 1080p@30fps | 64GB, 4GB |
| T-Mobile TCL 30 XE 5G Android Smartphone | 4G LTE & 5G | 1080p@30fps | 64GB, 4GB |
| Metro by T-Mobile Alcatel GO FLIP4 Basic Flip Phone | 4G LTE Only | 480p@30fps | 4GB, 0.5GB |
1. Verizon Apple iPhone 12 Mini A14 Bionic Phone
Verizon is the number one choice if you’re looking for iPhone deals for existing customers and newbies as well. The iPhone 12 series is one of the Apple devices on the discount basket today, and a perfect upgrade choice. It not only supports both LTE and 5G networks but also has a super-fast A14 Bionic processor and 4GB of RAM.
Requirements: You can get the free Apple iPhone 12 Mini by joining Verizon postpaid with either of the unlimited plans. No trade-in or port-in is required.
2. T-Mobile Motorola One 5G Ace 128GB Cell Phone
T-Mobile is another great carrier on service, as well as the phone deals. The Motorola One Ace is one of the devices on the $0 basket at the moment, and a good option if you’d like to access 5G bands.
The smartphone also comes with 128GB of built-in memory and a slot for up to 512GB MicroSD card. So, you could store plenty of files and apps before you start getting the irritating prompts to “free up space”.
Requirements: You can get the free Motorola One 5G Ace 128GB Phone by joining T-Mobile postpaid with a new line on any rate plan. No trade-in or port-in is required.
3. Verizon Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe 5G Prograde Phone
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe 5G is another high-end phone Verizon is currently giving away with no trade-in required. It’s also an amazing upgrade if you’d like to join the CDMA carrier on the ultrafast 5G network.
Furthermore, the smartphone has one of the best cameras, whereby you can capture your moments in full 4K@60fps. Then, the processor is a high-performance Snapdragon 865 5G, while the storage comprises 128GB built-in and 1TB of MicroSD support.
Requirements: You can get the free Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe 5G Phone by joining Verizon with a new line on any of the unlimited postpaid plans. No trade-in or port-in is required.
4. Metro by T-Mobile Alcatel Go Flip3 Basic Phone
MetroPCS (now called Metro by T-Mobile) is one of the few MVNOs that give free phones when you switch to the prepaid service. And unlike other providers, it has freebies even on the basic phones like the Alcatel Go Flip 3.
Of course, the device isn’t expensive to purchase upfront. But the $100 rebate is enough to cover the phone bill of your elderly parent for three months and a half. And also its latest features, including VoLTE, HD voice, TTY/TTD, plus M4/ T4 hearing aids compatibility.
Requirements: You can get the free Alcatel Go Flip3 Basic Phone by subscribing to Metro by T-Mobile on any plan and port in an eligible cellular number. No Trade-in is Required.
5. Metro by T-Mobile Apple iPhone SE
Indeed, Metro also has the iPhone SE on the discount list, thereby saving you up to $399. Of course, the device here’s the 2nd generation SE released in 2020, but it still has some pretty decent features.
For instance, the smartphone has the A13 Bionic processor in iPhone 11, plus 64GB of built-in memory and 3GB of RAM. It also assumes a sturdy IP67 dust/ water-resistant design and a powerful 12MP camera you can video in full 4K@24/ 30/ 60fps.
Requirements: You can get the free Apple iPhone SE (2020) LTE by joining Metro by T-Mobile with an eligible port-in on the $60 unlimited plan. No Trade-in is Required.
6. T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy A32 5G 64GB
The Galaxy A32 5G is another latest device T-Mobile is currently giving out at $0 to all the new postpaid customers. It’s a mid-range priced device but has many latest features to bring you a smooth and exciting experience.
Such features include 5G support, a cinematic HD display, plus a powerful camera that can video in full 4K resolution. You can also enjoy contactless payments through the built-in NFC chip and quick access with the side-mounted fingerprint reader.
Requirements: You can get the free Samsung Galaxy A32 5G 64GB Android by joining T-Mobile postpaid with a new line on any rate plan. No trade-in or port-in is required.
7. Cricket Wireless Motorola Moto G Power LTE Phone
Cricket Wireless is another MVNO you can get a free phone deal when you join and won’t even need a trade-in. The Moto G Power here’s is one of the bestsellers from the operator and currently you can get it at $0.
Of course, the device is an entry-level model, but it still offers decent features like LTE connectivity, M3/ T3 hearing aid compatibility, and 4GB of operating memory. It also has 64GB of internal storage and a slot you can insert up to 256GB of MicroSD card.
Requirements: You can get the Motorola Moto G Power LTE Phone when you join Cricket Wireless with an eligible port-in and activate the line on the $55 unlimited plan.
8. Verizon Apple iPhone 11 64GB Memory Cell Phone
The iPhone 11 is yet another phone available on the free phone deals from Verizon. So, if you’re not into 5G or need a device for your child, you could take advantage of the promo.
Regardless, the smartphone still has better specs than most of the latest cheap phones on the market. For instance, it runs on the Apple A13 processor, which is still pretty fast and powerful, plus has 64GB internal storage and 4G RAM.
The cameras of the smartphone can also record video in up to 4K@60fps, plus you can use contactless (NFC) payments and Qi wireless charging.
Requirements: You can get the free iPhone 11 64GB Memory Cell Phone from Verizon by subscribing to any of the postpaid unlimited plans. No trade-in or port-in is required.
9. T-Mobile TCL 30 XE 5G Android Smartphone
Last but not least, T-Mobile also has the TCL 30 XE 5G on the discount basket if you’d interested. Of course, the device isn’t exactly the most famous in the market, but it does have some pretty decent features like 5G support, an extra-wide HD display, 4GB RAM, and 64GB of built-in storage.
Requirements: You can get the free TCL 30 XE 5G Android Smartphone by subscribing to the T-Mobile postpaid plan with any of the plans. No trade-in or port-in is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What carrier is offering free phones?
Verizon is one of the carriers offering free phones to new and existing customers. You can also check out T-Mobile postpaid or Cricket Wireless and MetroPCS if interested in joining prepaid service.
Who gives a free phone for switching?
As I’ve just mentioned, T-Mobile and Verizon are some of the companies that give free phones to new and existing customers. Cricket Wireless, Boost Mobile, and MetroPCS also give free phones for switching to their network, but you must port an eligible number.
Is straight talk giving away free phones?
Unfortunately, Straight Talk isn’t giving away any free phones at the moment. But with the new acquisition, we could see Verizon boosting the brand a little bit as AT&T has been doing with Cricket or T-Mobile on MetroPCS.
How do I get a free iPhone?
Verizon is the only carrier you can get a free iPhone 12 with no trade-in or port-in required. The carrier also iPhone 11 series under the free phone deals, but you’ll have to activate your new line on a postpaid unlimited plan.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have the cash to buy or not, the free phone deals from the carriers are a great way to save. But then, many of these freebies are usually low-end phones that may not have advanced features like NFC, wireless charging, or 4K recording.
In fact, Verizon is the only company that gives high-end free phone deals with no trade-in or port-in required. If it’s right now, you can get a free Apple iPhone 12 Mini or Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe 5G Phone, both of which are valued at $600.
T-Mobile also does have pretty decent promos, such as the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G. But most of the high-end devices require you have an eligible trade-in.