Ah, the allure of “free.” But when it comes to big-ticket items like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6, does free really mean free? Let’s dive into T-Mobile’s trending deal and compare it with AT&T’s offer to uncover the true cost of your “free” device.
The Temptation: T-Mobile’s “Free” Galaxy Z Flip6 Deal
T-Mobile’s latest offer is hard to ignore: Get the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 “on us” when you trade in an eligible device or add a new line on their Go5G Plus or Go5G Next plan. But before you rush to claim your shiny new flip phone, let’s break down the details.
How This Deal Works: The Basics
T-Mobile is offering the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 “on us” when you trade in an eligible device and activate a new line on their Go5G Plus or Go5G Next plan. The catch? The “free” phone isn’t truly free—it’s part of a 24-month bill credit program.
Device Cost: $1,099.99 (for the 256GB model) or $1,219.99 (for the 512GB model) – that’s the pre-credit price you’re on the hook for.
Taxes: You’ll pay taxes upfront on this full price. Assuming an 8% sales tax, that’s around $88 for the 256GB model and $97.60 for the 512GB model. Not exactly chump change.
Bill Credits: The “free” part comes from T-Mobile applying bill credits over 24 months, totaling up to $1,100. But this only happens if you trade in an eligible device and add a new line or switch to one of their premium Go5G plans.
Device Connection Charge: $35 (paid upfront)
While you’re only paying $123 upfront ($35 activation fee +$88 taxes), the rest of the phone’s cost is spread out over 24 months. T-Mobile will give you bill credits to offset the phone’s cost, but if you cancel your service or pay off the phone early, you’re on the hook for the remaining balance.
The Legalese: What You Need to Know
Now, let’s decode the fine print, so you don’t get caught off guard:
Monthly Bill Credits: The deal is structured so that you receive up to $1,100 in bill credits over 24 months. These credits will be applied to your account each month, reducing your device payment to $0.
Upfront Costs: Although the device cost is reduced to $0 over time, you’ll still pay sales tax on the full pre-credit price at the time of purchase, plus a $35 device connection charge unless waived during promotions.
Trade-In Requirements: The amount you get back depends on the device you’re trading in. For instance, trading in a Galaxy S9 could net you the full $1,100, while trading in an older Galaxy S6 might only get you $550 off. If your trade-in isn’t worth much, your out-of-pocket costs could be higher. Keep reading, we list all of the eligible devices in this article, below.
Plan Requirements: You must be on or switch to a Go5G Plus or Go5G Next plan. These are premium plans with higher costs, which could offset some of the savings.
No Early Payoff: If you decide to pay off your device early, T-Mobile will stop the bill credits, and you’ll be responsible for paying off the remaining balance. This could leave you with a hefty bill if you’re not careful.
Cancellation Consequences: If you cancel your T-Mobile service before receiving all 24 bill credits, the credits will stop, and you’ll owe the remaining balance on the device immediately. Read about how early termination fees can cost you
Eligible Devices for the Trade-In Offer
To qualify for up to $1,100 off, you’ll need to trade in one of the following devices:
Get up to $1,100 off:
Samsung Galaxy: S9, S9+, S10, S10e, S10+, S10 5G, S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S20 FE, Note9, Note10, Note10+, Note10 Lite, Note20, Note20 Ultra, S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, S21 FE, S22, S22+, S22 Ultra, S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE, Z Fold, Z Flip, Z Flip 5G, Z Fold2, Z Fold3, Z Flip3, Z Flip4, Z Fold4, Z Flip5, Z Fold5.
Apple iPhone: 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max.
OnePlus: 10 Pro 5G, 9 Pro 5G.
Google Pixel: 8, 8 Pro, 7, 7 Pro, 6, 6 Pro, Fold.
Moto: razr+ 2023.
Get up to $550 off:
Samsung Galaxy: S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+, S7, S7 edge, S7 active, S7 edge Duo, S8, S8+, S8 Active, A32, A32 5G, A51, A51 5G, A52, A52 5G, A53 5G, A54 5G, A70, A71, A71 5G, A21, A23, A14 5G, A15 5G, Note8.
Apple iPhone: 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, SE 2nd Gen, X, XR, XS, XS Max, SE 3rd Gen.
OnePlus: 7T, 7T Pro, 7T Pro McLaren, 8T, 8T+ 5G, 85G, 8 Pro 5G, 9 5G, 10T 5G.
Google Pixel: 4, 4 XL, 4a, 4a 5G, 5a 5G, 5, 6a, 7a.
LG: Wing, Velvet, V50 ThinQ, V60 ThinQ.
Moto: razr 4G, razr 5G, moto edge, edge 20 lite, edge 20 fusion, edge 2021, edge 5G 2022, razr 40.
Comparison with AT&T’s Deal
How does this T-Mobile offer stack up against AT&T’s version of the Galaxy Z Flip6 deal? Let’s compare the two:
AT&T’s Offer: AT&T also offers the Galaxy Z Flip6 “for free,” but their deal involves a similar structure of bill credits over 36 months instead of 24. This means you’re locked into a longer commitment with AT&T.
Taxes: Just like T-Mobile, AT&T requires you to pay taxes upfront based on the full retail price. If we apply the same 8% tax rate, the costs are identical.
Trade-In Values: Both carriers have similar trade-in requirements, but AT&T might be more stringent on the condition of the trade-in device.
Making the Right Choice
So, should you go for T-Mobile’s deal? Here are some things to consider:
Plan Costs: If you’re already on or planning to switch to one of T-Mobile’s Go5G plans, this might be a great deal. But if you’re on a more affordable plan, switching could increase your monthly expenses, offsetting the savings.
Commitment: Remember, both T-Mobile and AT&T require a long-term commitment. If you’re someone who likes to upgrade often or switch carriers, these deals might not be for you.
Trade-In Value: Check the value of your current device. If it’s eligible for the full $1,100 credit, this deal could be a steal. But if it’s only worth $550, you might end up paying more than you expect.
Let's recap
Let’s make this crystal clear: you’re paying taxes and fees upfront based on the full price of the phone. If you change your mind and decide to leave T-Mobile before the 24-month period ends, you’ll be responsible for the remaining balance of the phone. The bill credits also stop if you pay off the phone early.
For instance, let’s say you trade in a Galaxy S9 and qualify for the full $1,100 credit. You’re still going to pay $123 upfront, and over 24 months, T-Mobile will apply the $1,100 as bill credits to cover the cost of the phone. But remember, that’s only if you stick with T-Mobile and maintain the Go5G Plus or Go5G Next plan for the full two years.
What’s the Catch?
This deal is great if you’re already planning to stick with T-Mobile for the next two years. But if there’s even a small chance you might switch carriers, the deal might not be as sweet as it seems. The key takeaway here? Read the fine print, understand the terms, and know what you’re committing to.
Ready to Act?
If you’re still interested in T-Mobile’s deal after this offer explanation, you can check it out here. But if you’re curious about AT&T’s offer instead, you can read more about it in our detailed breakdown here.
For a broader look at why foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Flip6 are gaining popularity, check out this article on why foldable devices are making a comeback.
Bottom Line
The “free” Galaxy Z Flip6 deal from T-Mobile might sound too good to be true – and in some ways, it is. While you can walk away with a great phone at a reduced cost, the deal comes with strings attached. By understanding the fine print and comparing your options, you can make a smart, informed choice that works best for you.
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