If your phone is ready for an upgrade, but your wallet's still exhausted from holiday shopping, Metro by T-Mobile has a free phone deal that could solve both of your problems. For a limited time, you can get up to four free Samsung Galaxy A16s with some of the most affordable mobile plans on the market right now.
Plans eligible for the free phone deal start at just $40 per month with each additional line costing as little as $25. If you're currently with a major provider such as Verizon or T-Mobile, a free phone with such a low-cost plan might sound almost too good to be true.
Here's how the deal works and what you can expect from the budget-friendly plans offered at Metro by T-Mobile.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Get up to four free Samsung Galaxy A16s from Metro by T-Mobile
For a limited time, new customers can get the Samsung Galaxy A16 for free when they sign up for any eligible Metro by T-Mobile phone plan. When you add a line to your plan, each added line (up to four new lines) can qualify for the same free phone deal.
Eligible plans depend on whether you want to keep your current phone number or get a new one when you sign up.
If you bring your current phone number, you might qualify for the free phone on Metro’s lower-cost plans, though availability can depend on the device and promotion at checkout.
The entry-level plan at Metro already includes unlimited talk, text and data and a five year price guarantee that kicks in when you sign up. You'll pay $45 for your first month, then $40 per month after that if you set up AutoPay. You can also get a free phone and keep your number on their upgraded plans.
If you want to get a new number when you switch, you'll qualify for the free phone deal on the $50 per month plan (or the higher plan). This next-tier plan includes all the same perks as the cheaper plan as well as eight gigabytes of hotspot data and a complimentary Google One membership that comes with 100 gigabytes of backup storage.
Higher-tier Metro plans also include upgrade benefits, making it easier to take advantage of future phone deals as they become available.
There are restrictions on which phone deals you're eligible for, but the longer you wait to upgrade, the more deals you'll be able to choose from. When you sign up, you'll pay $55 for the first month and $50 each month thereafter if you set up autopay.
The deal will automatically be applied at checkout online. Add the phone to your cart, choose an eligible phone and you're good to go. At checkout, expect to pay the first month of your plan plus any applicable sales tax on the phone. Even though the phone is free, you'll still have to pay tax.
What's the catch?
Metro by T-Mobile is known for being pretty transparent about pricing and terms, so there shouldn't be any surprises when you try to claim this deal.
However, there are some details in the fine print worth considering before you ditch your current provider:
- The phone is mostly free. As mentioned earlier, the phone is free, but you'll still have to pay sales tax. Technically, the phone will cost you a few bucks.
- Data speeds are capped. Every eligible plan for this deal offers unlimited data, but if you use more than a certain amount in a month, your speeds will be slower for the rest of that month. On the cheaper $40 per month plan, slow speeds kick in after 35 gigabytes. On the $50 per month plan, you can go up to 50 gigabytes before speeds slow.
- Autopay is required for the advertised price. The prices advertised on the plans include an Autopay discount. Without autopay, add an extra $5 to your monthly bill.
Is it worth switching to Metro by T-Mobile for a free phone?
This free Samsung Galaxy A16 offer is a good deal with few strings attached. You don't have to lock yourself into long contracts as you do with other carriers. You also don't have to opt into the carrier's most expensive plans to qualify.
Overall, switching to a smaller mobile provider is a great way to cut your phone bill and get a free phone.
Just beware of the monthly data caps if you rely on your phone for browsing and streaming.
Related content
-
Stocks Slip on AI Safety Worries, Rising Oil Prices: Stock Market TodayStocks started the week on a negative note as several AI-related tech stocks sold off. Higher energy costs and Treasury yields didn't help.
-
What Happens to Your Savings Account When You Die?Your savings may have to go through probate if you don't name a beneficiary. Here's how to make it easier for your heirs to access the money.
-
September 2026 Fed Meeting: Live Updates and CommentaryThe September 2026 Fed meeting is the biggest economic event this week, with all eyes centered on what Chair Warsh & Co. decide to do with interest rates.
-
Are Your Savings Accounts Ready to Be Passed On?
Your savings may have to go through probate if you don't name a beneficiary. Here's how to make it easier for your heirs to access the money.
-
5 Fall Trips That Are Even Better After You RetireTravel Take advantage of retirement’s flexibility with these five fall getaways offering beautiful scenery, great food, history and fewer summer crowds.
-
My First $1 Million: Retired COO, 75, Northwest Arkansas"It is hard to deny yourself and family something you want when the money is there to have it, to convince them that the sacrifice is worth it in the long run."
-
Where to Put Inherited Money: What to Do After You Receive a Lump SumReceiving an inheritance can change your financial picture overnight. Before you spend or invest it, here's how to decide where the money should go.
-
Your Beneficiaries Might Be Outdated. Here's How to CheckOutdated beneficiary designations can disrupt your estate plan. Learn which accounts to review, when to update beneficiaries and why it matters.
-
Got Your Dream Job Abroad? What to Know About Your Paycheck Before You Make the MoveIf you're going to work for a U.S. company abroad, establish your employment structure and payroll plan before you move to avoid tax and cash-flow headaches.
-
Why the Navy Federal Flagship Premier Visa Signature® Credit Card Might Be Your New Favorite Travel CardIf you're looking for a new travel credit card with a simple rewards structure, Navy Federal's new card could be the right fit. Discover its perks and trade-offs.
-
August Inflation Data Keeps a September Rate Hike in Play: What to KnowThe August CPI report is the last inflation update the Fed will see before next week's policy meeting. Here's what economists are saying about the data.
