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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.

  • The phone can work with T-Mobile SIMs and several T-Mobile MVNO SIMs after activation steps.

    banorwoodlaxer21LinusTechNipslaxer21

  • The NXTPAPER screen can be useful outdoors because it may reduce glare in bright conditions.

    FrugalForeverlou2004

  • The NXTPAPER matte display can reduce eye fatigue for reading compared with traditional screens.

    techallstar

  • The device includes Wi‑Fi for offline reading and media use when service is shut off.

    TeamGlitter

  • AutoPay can trigger unwanted next-month charges, so ordering with AutoPay enabled can create cancellation friction.

    FrugalForeverSmilingSparrow2430sweichbr99

  • Unlocking is tied to a 365-day wait after activation, which can limit how quickly the phone becomes usable outside Metro.

    FrugalForeverTeamGlitterFrugalForever

  • Screen protectors may distort the NXTPAPER display because TCL advises against protectors due to the screen's etching.

    Jgayda666Sonic1080

  • SIM compatibility is not guaranteed, since some units reportedly stay locked to Metro eSIM and reject T-Mobile or Tello SIMs.

    PasbaldexisPasbaldexis

Common Questions (5)

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

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168 Comments

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May 1, 2026 8:32 PM
33 Comments
Joined Mar 2016
TeamGlitterMay 1, 2026 8:32 PM
33 Comments
Quote from CyanTank9614 View quoted comment :
Can we use the phone on WiFi for stuff like you tube without service ?
This device has wifi on board. I have never heard of a locked phone that was "smart" enough to disable wifi capabilities if the phone service was shut off... But, let's not give these btards any ideas... This is what I have done with the Samsung tablet I bought on promo from Metro. I just use it at home on wifi for free.
2
May 1, 2026 9:19 PM
117 Comments
Joined Mar 2026
SmilingSparrow2430May 1, 2026 9:19 PM
117 Comments

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

Quote from FrugalForever View quoted comment :
It's recommended that you don't opt for autopay while placing the order. Risking an auto payment for next month for saving just $5 isn't worth
The autopay doesn't apply to the first month price anyway. So by enabling autopay you are just locking yourself into a forced phone call to cancel it. Instead of just letting it expire
3
May 1, 2026 9:23 PM
307 Comments
Joined Feb 2008
SkepticMay 1, 2026 9:23 PM
307 Comments
I got this last time around, pretty sleek device just for media use Netflix/reading and a lot less glare. Wouldn't use it for my daily driver but that just a personal preference.

I do like the matte display, textured glass, and switch for "e-ink mode".
Guess some complaints for some maybe brightness/contrast/sharpness/muted colors -- make sense due to the nature of the screen.
1
May 1, 2026 9:25 PM
430 Comments
Joined Jun 2010
element72May 1, 2026 9:25 PM
430 Comments
that niche screen sounds like a great idea for drone flying out in the sun. I was looking for a free phone with prepaid promo because my current phone is not that bright for outside.
1
May 1, 2026 11:00 PM
191 Comments
Joined Nov 2020
SpacerusMay 1, 2026 11:00 PM
191 Comments
Quote from SmilingSparrow2430 View quoted comment :
The autopay doesn't apply to the first month price anyway. So by enabling autopay you are just locking yourself into a forced phone call to cancel it. Instead of just letting it expire
I don't see where to select AUTOPAY or NOT_AUTOPAY?
May 1, 2026 11:22 PM
191 Comments
Joined Nov 2020
SpacerusMay 1, 2026 11:22 PM
191 Comments
What year is this model and how long is the update?
1
2
May 1, 2026 11:27 PM
6.1K Comments
Joined Aug 2016
duckeggsMay 1, 2026 11:27 PM
6.1K Comments
how many years of updates do these types of non brand name phones get?
1
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Pro
May 1, 2026 11:40 PM
12.4K Comments
Joined Jul 2008
c2nah777
Pro
May 1, 2026 11:40 PM
12.4K Comments
Quote from Spacerus View quoted comment :
I don't see where to select AUTOPAY or NOT_AUTOPAY?
No need to worry about it. It is defaulted to OFF. And even if you turn it on when ordering, it saves you notihing for the first month. If you want the service to renew you can activate it afterwards anyway to save $5 per month, starting the 2nd month.
1
May 1, 2026 11:50 PM
23 Comments
Joined Jan 2014
dar1078May 1, 2026 11:50 PM
23 Comments
Quote from AmusedMorning1886 View quoted comment :
when will it be unlocked?would it be unlocked after 1 month of use?would it be unlocked in 1yr if i cancel subscription after 1month?
Read, the post.
1
May 2, 2026 12:30 AM
130 Comments
Joined Oct 2017
dalegribble22May 2, 2026 12:30 AM
130 Comments
Quote from Skeptic View quoted comment :
I got this last time around, pretty sleek device just for media use Netflix/reading and a lot less glare. Wouldn't use it for my daily driver but that just a personal preference.I do like the matte display, textured glass, and switch for "e-ink mode".Guess some complaints for some maybe brightness/contrast/sharpness/muted colors -- make sense due to the nature of the screen.
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?
May 2, 2026 12:44 AM
1.7K Comments
Joined Nov 2009
taller238May 2, 2026 12:44 AM
1.7K Comments
How does this compare to the Moto G Stylus 2025?
May 2, 2026 1:09 AM
27 Comments
Joined Nov 2017
ulfberhtMay 2, 2026 1:09 AM
27 Comments
Is the dual SIM? The TCL site says 2PSIMs or 1PSIM+1eSIM
May 2, 2026 1:20 AM
16.3K Comments
Joined Nov 2019
LilylyMay 2, 2026 1:20 AM
16.3K Comments
Quote from TeamGlitter View quoted comment :
Maybe, but it is not likely. It will absolutely work with a T-Mobile sim once it has been unlocked (365 days after first activation). Some users have claimed that they were able to swap their Metro sim card for a T-Mobile sim card after the first month of service on Metro had passed and that account had been suspended... Most users have indicated that this has failed for them... on previous promotional Metro phones prior to unlock.
i believe those who said it worked with their tmobile sim were lying. i tried several motorola phones in those deals. with my old sim cards even back to the "isis" era. none worked. even without upgrading and such
2
3
May 2, 2026 1:27 AM
103 Comments
Joined May 2023

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May 2, 2026 2:40 AM
81 Comments
Joined Aug 2011
glenroebuckMay 2, 2026 2:40 AM
81 Comments
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
1

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