How ‘free’ is a free phone? We’ve done the math, so you don’t have to

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority


The offer of a free phone is a huge enticement. It’s one we see almost every big carrier dangling as a carrot to get your business. However, while there might be prize draws and generous YouTubers who’ll give out a free iPhone 16 to a chosen few, the phrase is often misleading — no carrier is giving you $1,000 worth of hardware for nothing in return.

We’ll break down the overall free phone package you sign up for from the big three US carriers, then compare it to just buying the device unlocked and bringing it to a more affordable provider.




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