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FrugalForever 48.7K Views
May 1, 2026 4:54 PM

Metro by T-Mobile: 128GB TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro (Locked) + 30-Days Service

$55

$265

79% off
+ Free S&Hat Metro by T-Mobile
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Deal Details
Metro by T-Mobile has 128GB TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro Smartphone (Locked, Stellar Blue) for Free with a $55/ Month Plan ($55 Total). Shipping is free.

Thanks Community Member FrugalForever for sharing this deal

Note: The Metro costs $55 for the first month and $50/month with AutoPay.

Specs (source):
  • 6.9" NXTPAPER 4.0 FHD+ 120Hz 900 nits (Typ.) 1000: 1 (Typ.) Display
  • MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Processor
  • Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 2.4GHz | 5GHz | 6GHz | Wi-Fi Hotspot , Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, Satellite Capable, NativeSatellite Capable
  • 50MP (Main + Macro Camera) + 8MP (Ultra-Wide) Rear Camera + 32MP Front Camera
  • IP68 rated
  • USB-C Charging (charge cable included)

Editor's Notes

Written by johnny_miller | Staff
  • Additional Information:

Original Post

Written by FrugalForever
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Metro by T-Mobile has 128GB TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro Smartphone (Locked, Stellar Blue) for Free with a $55/ Month Plan ($55 Total). Shipping is free.

Thanks Community Member FrugalForever for sharing this deal

Note: The Metro costs $55 for the first month and $50/month with AutoPay.

Specs (source):
  • 6.9" NXTPAPER 4.0 FHD+ 120Hz 900 nits (Typ.) 1000: 1 (Typ.) Display
  • MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Processor
  • Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 2.4GHz | 5GHz | 6GHz | Wi-Fi Hotspot , Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, Satellite Capable, NativeSatellite Capable
  • 50MP (Main + Macro Camera) + 8MP (Ultra-Wide) Rear Camera + 32MP Front Camera
  • IP68 rated
  • USB-C Charging (charge cable included)

Editor's Notes

Written by johnny_miller | Staff
  • Additional Information:

Original Post

Written by FrugalForever

Community Voting

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Top Comments

brestbry
1.4KComments
260Reputation
The TCL has double the RAM and a faster processor. I'd say it's worth the price difference.
Go to Comment
FrugalForever
1.7KComments
1.5KReputation
when will it be unlocked? - Exactly 365 days after the day of first activation
would it be unlocked after 1 month of use? - No you have to wait for 365 days but dont need to pay for service after the first month
would it be unlocked in 1yr if i cancel subscription after 1month? - Yes. Technically, there is nothing to cancel since it's prepaid. Just dont opt for autopay and ignore text/email notifications to top up
Go to Comment
RyanGreatly
12Comments
14Reputation
Nice! This phone seems great for reading with its matte, paper-ish screen. FYI, I there's also a $40 web exclusive plan, but the price goes up to $120 in cart. Go with the $50/55 plan for lowest price.
Go to Comment

Community Reviews

The TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro stands out as a 6.9 inch reading and media phone with a matte, paper like display that cuts glare and feels closer to e ink than a standard screen. It is also praised for decent performance, expandable memory, an IR blaster, and useful extras like offline maps and Wi Fi only use after Metro service ends. The main tradeoffs are the locked Metro setup, the 365 day unlock wait, and screen quirks such as muted colors, glare at certain angles, and limited protector options. A niche pick for reading, navigation, and light media use.

Common Questions (5)

  • Many units do work with T-Mobile, T-Mobile MVNO, Mint, Tello, US Mobile, Infimobile, and other T-Mobile-based SIMs after Metro activation, sometimes immediately after a reboot. A few units reportedly stay Metro-only, so compatibility is not guaranteed.

    lou2004banorwoodlaxer21CuriousCJ

  • Yes. The NXTPAPER display is repeatedly described as matte, paper-like, and much closer to e-ink than a normal LCD, with less glare and reduced eye fatigue for reading. It can also look muted or show glare at certain angles because of the etched matte surface.

    RyanGreatlyFrugalForeverSkeptictechallstar

  • The phone unlocks 365 days after the first activation date. Only the first month of paid service is needed, and several comments say there is no need to keep paying monthly service after that first month.

    FrugalForevercuoreesitanteFrugalForeverYoManWhat

  • Yes. The phone has Wi‑Fi, so it can still be used for reading, media, GPS, and other apps on Wi‑Fi even after Metro service is shut off or expires.

    TeamGlitterjorgenismoouloatMichaelM3467

  • Yes. Google Maps can download offline maps, and other apps like CoMaps and HERE can store whole regions offline, so the phone can work well as a GPS device without mobile data.

    ouloatDsplashqqjorgenismo

AI-generated summary based on comments from the community. Updated ago

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168 Comments

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May 2, 2026 4:35 PM
130 Comments
Joined Oct 2017
dalegribble22May 2, 2026 4:35 PM
130 Comments

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank

Quote from glenroebuck View quoted comment :
Essentially, you are paying for a 7 inch tablet if you choose not to use Metro. If I could use my mint sim or esim I would...if it supports dual sim then I cannot imagine the phone is locked to just metro...that seems ...weird. Kind of defeats the purpose of dual sim
Dual SIM is based on the manufacturer and model, and the lock is based on the carrier who is selling the phone. Even high end phones (iPhone, Galaxy S, etc.) with dual SIM capability are carrier locked by traditional postpaid carriers until the phone is paid in full.
4
May 2, 2026 9:58 PM
430 Comments
Joined Jun 2010
element72May 2, 2026 9:58 PM
430 Comments
Quote from jorgenismo View quoted comment :
I just grab one, for 55$ I can use as gps , doesn't matter if a week device
i wasn't aware this was a thing. I'm reading from gemini u hve to download offline maps. is that how u do it?
May 2, 2026 10:00 PM
430 Comments
Joined Jun 2010
element72May 2, 2026 10:00 PM
430 Comments
this expired fast. i think this one would have been a great phone just for drone flying because of that screen (it wouldn't need to fight sunglare as much with higher nits)
Pro
May 3, 2026 4:08 AM
1.3K Comments
Joined Oct 2005
ouloat
Pro
May 3, 2026 4:08 AM
1.3K Comments
Quote from element72 View quoted comment :
i wasn't aware this was a thing. I'm reading from gemini u hve to download offline maps. is that how u do it?
Yes. Google Maps (and probably other mapping applications) allows users to download offline maps for free. Google has a page with step by step instructions. I think all variants of Google Maps support this; I have done it on Android, iPhone, Android Auto, tablets, etc. As long as you have GPS, you can use Maps without internet. Some limitations are that you won't have traffic data or alerts which requires an internet connection, but the core navigation works great.
1
May 3, 2026 2:57 PM
307 Comments
Joined Feb 2008
SkepticMay 3, 2026 2:57 PM
307 Comments

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank

Quote from dalegribble22 View quoted comment :
Would you say it works well as a dedicated e-book device, or is it still too much like a regular phone or tablet screen?
Would say it's more of tablet/phone. Unless you are really disciplined, I ended up using it more as a media device. As there are many distractions to be had lol

I have a Boox Palma 2 ($280) which also runs android. Minimal distractions because trying to watch on an eink device is painful. So I end up just using that device for music and reading.

So I guess the downside to e-ink is the refresh rate but on the other end it makes you slow down and feel less distracted as you can only do so much on it. I only end up reading articles/mangas and listening to audiobooks/music. So this is my go to devices at night but with the NXTPAPER there are too many options a lot more phone like.
2
May 4, 2026 6:12 PM
70 Comments
Joined Jan 2017
mitch058May 4, 2026 6:12 PM
70 Comments
This is back in stock, at least for now, in case anyone's still interested
May 4, 2026 7:10 PM
430 Comments
Joined Jun 2010
element72May 4, 2026 7:10 PM
430 Comments
Quote from Skeptic View quoted comment :
Would say it's more of tablet/phone. Unless you are really disciplined, I ended up using it more as a media device. As there are many distractions to be had lol

I have a Boox Palma 2 ($280) which also runs android. Minimal distractions because trying to watch on an eink device is painful. So I end up just using that device for music and reading.

So I guess the downside to e-ink is the refresh rate but on the other end it makes you slow down and feel less distracted as you can only do so much on it. I only end up reading articles/mangas and listening to audiobooks/music. So this is my go to devices at night but with the NXTPAPER there are too many options a lot more phone like.
gemini says refresh rate is 120hz with 900 nits. y is the refresh rate not so good as u r implying?
1

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May 5, 2026 4:10 PM
524 Comments
Joined Nov 2009
elbarto1May 5, 2026 4:10 PM
524 Comments
Back in stock today
May 5, 2026 5:33 PM
198 Comments
Joined Dec 2013
Jgayda666May 5, 2026 5:33 PM
198 Comments
Quote from element72 View quoted comment :
gemini says refresh rate is 120hz with 900 nits. y is the refresh rate not so good as u r implying?
You should watch some of the better youtube reviews, this thread has a TON of mis-information in it.
1
May 7, 2026 10:00 AM
492 Comments
Joined Nov 2018
rup831May 7, 2026 10:00 AM
492 Comments
free showing for BYON only, in my case. New number is $19.99
May 7, 2026 10:48 AM
1.1K Comments
Joined Mar 2014
EpicDealzMay 7, 2026 10:48 AM
1.1K Comments
Quote from rup831 View quoted comment :
free showing for BYON only, in my case. New number is $19.99
Yeah this seems like a detail that must have just been added as it shows that for me as well... plus isn't there an activation fee?
May 7, 2026 6:05 PM
198 Comments
Joined Dec 2013
Jgayda666May 7, 2026 6:05 PM
198 Comments
Quote from rup831 View quoted comment :
free showing for BYON only, in my case. New number is $19.99
Just added a line to my single-line account, they gave me a new number - $30
May 8, 2026 8:06 AM
992 Comments
Joined May 2015
WatsYourDealMay 8, 2026 8:06 AM
992 Comments
Quote from EpicDealz View quoted comment :
Yeah this seems like a detail that must have just been added as it shows that for me as well... plus isn't there an activation fee?
Agree. I just received mine - Ordered with a new number, paid only $55 for the plan, $0 for Phone. If true, this is likely a new promo rule change.
May 8, 2026 6:36 PM
64 Comments
Joined Jan 2009

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May 8, 2026 7:51 PM
352 Comments
Joined Feb 2017
DsplashqqMay 8, 2026 7:51 PM
352 Comments
Quote from element72 View quoted comment :
gemini says refresh rate is 120hz with 900 nits. y is the refresh rate not so good as u r implying?
Theyre saying that the downside of eink displays specifically is low refresh rate. The comment is in regards to using this as an ereader. The refresh rate of this phone is fine.

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