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expiredZiemniak posted Feb 21, 2025 01:16 PM
expiredZiemniak posted Feb 21, 2025 01:16 PM

Straight Talk: Pre-Order: 128GB iPhone 16e Smartphone + 1-Mo Platinum Unlimited Plan

(+ $300 back in device credits over 12-months)

$360

$665

45% off
Straight Talk
1,526 Comments 332,943 Views
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Deal Details
Straight Talk has for Pre-Order: 128GB iPhone 16e Smartphone for $299.99 when you activate a new, single line or upgrade on Platinum Unlimited Plan with prices starting from $60/month (w/ Auto Pay, otherwise $65/month). Additionally, you will receive $300 back in device credits over a 12-month period (must stay on the Platinum Unlimited plan for 12 mos. to receive all credits). Shipping is free.
  • Note: This is a pre-order with estimated ship date of 3/4/25.
Thanks to Community Member Ziemniak for finding this deal.

Phone Specs:
  • 6.1 inches Super Retina XDR OLED Display
  • Apple A18 (3 nm) CPU Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz)
  • Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
  • 128GB internal storage
  • 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO11 | Gigabit LTE with 4x4 MIMO and LAA11
  • Bluetooth 5.3
  • Main Camera: Single 48 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), PDAF, OIS
  • USB-C Charging (charge cable included)
  • Weight: 5.89 oz

Editor's Notes

Written by StrawMan86 | Staff
  • Terms:
    • Limited time offer. While supplies last. Device taxes and fees apply. Requires new, single line activation or upgrade on Platinum Unlimited Plan or higher. Must stay on the Platinum Unlimited plan for 12 mos. to receive all credits; credits will drop if you change plans or fail to continuously maintain active service. Savings based on full retail cost of device. Not available on extended plans. Limit one device per account.
  • Please see the original post for additional details & give the WIKI and additional forum comments a read for helpful discussion.

Original Post

Written by Ziemniak
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Straight Talk has for Pre-Order: 128GB iPhone 16e Smartphone for $299.99 when you activate a new, single line or upgrade on Platinum Unlimited Plan with prices starting from $60/month (w/ Auto Pay, otherwise $65/month). Additionally, you will receive $300 back in device credits over a 12-month period (must stay on the Platinum Unlimited plan for 12 mos. to receive all credits). Shipping is free.
  • Note: This is a pre-order with estimated ship date of 3/4/25.
Thanks to Community Member Ziemniak for finding this deal.

Phone Specs:
  • 6.1 inches Super Retina XDR OLED Display
  • Apple A18 (3 nm) CPU Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz)
  • Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
  • 128GB internal storage
  • 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO11 | Gigabit LTE with 4x4 MIMO and LAA11
  • Bluetooth 5.3
  • Main Camera: Single 48 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), PDAF, OIS
  • USB-C Charging (charge cable included)
  • Weight: 5.89 oz

Editor's Notes

Written by StrawMan86 | Staff
  • Terms:
    • Limited time offer. While supplies last. Device taxes and fees apply. Requires new, single line activation or upgrade on Platinum Unlimited Plan or higher. Must stay on the Platinum Unlimited plan for 12 mos. to receive all credits; credits will drop if you change plans or fail to continuously maintain active service. Savings based on full retail cost of device. Not available on extended plans. Limit one device per account.
  • Please see the original post for additional details & give the WIKI and additional forum comments a read for helpful discussion.

Original Post

Written by Ziemniak

Community Voting

Deal Score
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Top Comments

Himanshu1236
57 Posts
18 Reputation
Summary:


Plan Cost: $65/month
iPhone 16e Price: $599 - $300 = $299
Total Before Tax: $299 (phone) + $65 (plan) = $364
Unlocking: Use service for 1 month, then keep the second month idle → Phone unlocks.
Number Options: Get a new number or port out an existing one.
Bonus Credit: Keep the number active for 12 months → Get an extra $300 credit.
campysig
6 Posts
10 Reputation
Unlocked today
Activated March 3
April 2, deactivated
checked earlier today was locked
added another month $30 today
May 2 reactivated
Unlocked no sim restrictions after a couple hours.
Ziemniak
193 Posts
295 Reputation
No ID verification at Straight Talk

1,527 Comments

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May 23, 2025 02:59 AM
5 Posts
Joined May 2025
WiseSweater2885May 23, 2025 02:59 AM
5 Posts
UPDATE May 19, 2025
Verizon is asking the FCC to get rid of the 60 day unlocking rule
https://www.lightreading.com/smar...quirements
1
Pro
May 23, 2025 03:36 AM
441 Posts
Joined Aug 2022
SarahPier85
Pro
May 23, 2025 03:36 AM
441 Posts
Quote from UniqueShop1256 :
I purchased a 2nd month after 30+ days. After 60 days, mine did not unlock. However, did chat session for 'Account update' and asked to unlock. Supported created a ticket and by the end of the call my phone was unlocked. The hassle of this was just not worth the pain, but at the end of the day, I got the unlocked 16e for $399.96 in total. Not worth it to me.
What cost (dollars and time) would have been worth to have an unlocked 16e after approximately 60 days?
Pro
May 23, 2025 03:43 AM
441 Posts
Joined Aug 2022
SarahPier85
Pro
May 23, 2025 03:43 AM
441 Posts
Quote from Riuski :
I jumped on this deal before the new unlock policy, but the phone was supposed to unlock automatically on May 16th but did not. I waited until May 19th to check again and it still wasn't unlocked. Sucked it up and renewed with the Bronze plan, and the next day the phone was unlocked, "No SIM restrictions."I will probably port this number over to Metro to get an iPhone 13 and trade it in for an Apple gift card.
Please let us know how the port to Metro goes. It looks like Metro now requires ID verification, which wasn't the case when I last got the 13 in February.
May 23, 2025 04:09 AM
371 Posts
Joined Sep 2016
duyvuongMay 23, 2025 04:09 AM
371 Posts
Just adding my data point in case it helps others trying to unlock after 60 days:

3/7/25 – Activated service, but had to call Customer Service to get it working. Phone number never showed up in my account.
60+ days passed – phone still locked.
5/10/25 – Paid for the 2nd month after reading all comments here
Checked almost daily—still locked.
5/22/25 – revisited this thread and tried my luck with chat support. Told them I'm going to travel overseas. Rep was super friendly—asked for account info and IMEI. He said the unlock might take up to 2 business days and gave me a ticket number (also info for porting out, even though I didn't ask for it ).

Right after the chat ended, I restarted my iPhone and—boom: No SIM restrictions.
May 23, 2025 04:10 AM
672 Posts
Joined May 2011
mprincebuyerMay 23, 2025 04:10 AM
672 Posts
Quote from twistrman :
This was my phone scenario #1. Did the same as others initially. Activate. 1 month of service. Let it go past 60 days. No unlock. Eventually decided to buy 2nd month. Didn't unlock. They said it has to complete the full 60 days of paid service.

My phone #2 I bought the 2nd month before the 60 days because of what didn't happen with #1 and it unlocked on day 61.

I honestly didn't trust them that #1 would actually unlock after the 2nd paid month (I also had activation issues, that phone is in NO account I have access to). They have alrwsdy shown they can move the goal post anytime they want. So when I saw this I jumped on it. I had already paid. I just wanted a guarantee it was happening.

Am I mad I had to buy an extra month for each phone. Sure. But the amount of time and effort people are putting into the fcc and bbb and anything else. It isn't worth my time. I know they'd say if we all fight it we'll win. Im a scab. I paid and I am not putting forth the effort to fight for what it was supposed to be. I don't have the time and energy right now. I got 2 phones at a discount and they are getting swapped to my main phone plan asap.
Thanks. In same boat. There is no account for my line. Only paid for 1 month and am past the 60 days. I called the number in the app, miraculously the phone dialed out and they told me that the phone would unlock in a day. I am skeptical but will wait and try calling gain if not. If still nothing ill get the second month
May 23, 2025 07:05 AM
1,807 Posts
Joined Nov 2005
CorNutMay 23, 2025 07:05 AM
1,807 Posts
Not sure if this has been posted yet, but it looks like we're ruffling some feathers:

https://www.phonearena.com/news/v...c_id170634
1
May 23, 2025 12:07 PM
139 Posts
Joined Aug 2012
bleech2May 23, 2025 12:07 PM
139 Posts
I attempted the "going overseas" approach with online chat this morning but was shot down. They just repeated the 60 day policy or suggested buying another phone that could be unlocked early for a $300 fee. Looks like they closed the loophole. Activated on 3/4 and bought the 2nd month on 5/7.
Last edited by bleech2 May 23, 2025 at 05:34 AM.

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May 23, 2025 03:17 PM
1 Posts
Joined Sep 2014
waytoomuchBSMay 23, 2025 03:17 PM
1 Posts
Quote from bleech2 :
I attempted the "going overseas" approach with online chat this morning but was shot down. They just repeated the 60 day policy or suggested buying another phone that could be unlocked early for a $300 fee. Looks like they closed the loophole. Activated on 3/4 and bought the 2nd month on 5/7.
I tried it and they told me this:
- 8:14 AM
i have paid for 2 months
Gilbert
- 8:14 AM
We will need to pull up the device info here in our system and to check the eligibility there's a need for us
to verify the account by sending a verification code.

- 8:15 AM
hello waiting on the text
Gilbert
- 8:16 AM
I would like to inform you as well that we changed our unlocking policy, it will be 90 days after your last
redemption date.

- 8:16 AM
WHAT?
Gilbert
- 8:17 AM
Before, it was 60 days after your activation date, but now it has been changed to 90 days after your last
redemption date.

- 8:17 AM
I was extorted into buying 60 more days and you changed the terms AGAIN
I will be going overseas and need the phone unlocekd
I will be charging the extra days back to my credit card
Because this is twice your company has lied
1
May 23, 2025 03:35 PM
3,603 Posts
Joined Jan 2010
twistrmanMay 23, 2025 03:35 PM
3,603 Posts
Quote from bleech2 :
I attempted the "going overseas" approach with online chat this morning but was shot down. They just repeated the 60 day policy or suggested buying another phone that could be unlocked early for a $300 fee. Looks like they closed the loophole. Activated on 3/4 and bought the 2nd month on 5/7.
It was a bit of a PITA to do it when I saw this yesterday but I made it happen because assumed they would close it up pretty fast for people asking that.
May 23, 2025 04:29 PM
4 Posts
Joined Apr 2024
dizzywonderracerMay 23, 2025 04:29 PM
4 Posts
Quote from dizzywonderracer :
I activated on 3/4 and was told that I needed 60 days of active service. I asked the lady from the unlock dept if I could just purchase the second month and she could unlock it from her end. She was told that it will "automatically" unlock once the 60 days lapse, doesn't matter the type of plan or gaps in between just needs to be have 60 total days of active service. Apparently nothing they can do unlock early to request (sounds like employees are told not to do anything early). I purchased the second month and am hoping it unlocks earlier.
After reading the most recent posts from yesterday, I chatted ST via FB and just asked to unlock the phone. Did not tell them I was traveling overseas or anything and it was processed immediately. About 11 days earlier than it should be unlocked, sucks we have to go through this process but happy this is over with.
May 23, 2025 05:02 PM
4,323 Posts
Joined Jun 2007
dvdrdiscsMay 23, 2025 05:02 PM
4,323 Posts
Quote from twistrman :
It was a bit of a PITA to do it when I saw this yesterday but I made it happen because assumed they would close it up pretty fast for people asking that.

As with all customer service, it's going to be YMMV depending how on point your agent is. People who got shot down should keep trying again since opening a new chat is so easy to do.
May 23, 2025 07:39 PM
1,517 Posts
Joined Oct 2006
minmasterMay 23, 2025 07:39 PM
1,517 Posts
i tried to do the vacation trip excuse but they wouldn't buy it. tried it over online chat twice yesterday. but this morning, the phone was unlocked... 60 days of activation w service would've been June 11. now i want to take this phone to total wireless bring your own phone plan, but for some reason the IMEI and IMEI 2 doesn't take on their website...
2
May 23, 2025 08:05 PM
14 Posts
Joined May 2017
GreedyPigMay 23, 2025 08:05 PM
14 Posts
Quote from SirRolfe :
DP: Called back their FCC dispute line and recorded the call (fully legal because they say at the beginning they may record, so two way consent is established). Agent told me phone will unlock one day after my second month plan expires (I bought the second month plan AFTER 60 days from activation). Agent also confirmed there is no need to purchase a third month.I will hold them to their word or use this as evidence against them if it does not unlock after the second month is over.For anyone else trying to make lemonade out of lemons, check your Chase offers for 25% off. Makes an unslick situation slightly slicker.
One day after calling them, I tried putting my IMEI into tfwunlockpolicy.com and it said I was eligible (it was previously saying not eligible) so I filled that form out. A day later, phone unlocked after restarting.
Glad to be done with this clown show. Good luck everyone else!
Original Poster
Pro
May 23, 2025 08:44 PM
193 Posts
Joined Jan 2005
Ziemniak
Original Poster
Pro
May 23, 2025 08:44 PM
193 Posts
tfwunlockpolicy.com

Validation for Phone with Service Line
Our systems indicate that your device has a service line attached. For security reasons, we need to also verify your phone number.
For a Smartphone, you may find your phone's Serial Number (may also be labeled as IMEI, MEID, or ESN) by dialing *#06# on your phone.
Phone Number:

Based on our Unlocking Policy, your device meets the criteria for Unlocking. Please read the information below carefully before proceeding with the Unlocking Request.


PhoneUnlockingPortlet
Device Unlocking Eligibility Result

Eligible For: Unlocking

Based on our Unlocking Policy, your device meets the criteria for Unlocking. Please read the information below carefully before proceeding with the Unlocking Request.

First name*:

Last name*:

Email:

In case we need to contact you during the process, please provide us with a phone number different from the one being unlocked.

Contact phone number:


Unlocking Phone Request Submitted

The Unlocking Phone Request has been created. Please note that the request may take up to 2 business days to process. Once processed, the instructions on how to complete the Unlocking will be sent to the email address provided.
Last edited by Ziemniak May 23, 2025 at 01:48 PM.

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May 23, 2025 09:18 PM
139 Posts
Joined Aug 2012
bleech2May 23, 2025 09:18 PM
139 Posts
I just checked my phone again on TFWunlockpolicy after reading the most recent posts and lo and behold it was suddenly eligible! I filled out the form and have my fingers crossed! Activated 3/4, bought 2nd month 5/7

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