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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 2, 2026 2:49 AM
95 Comments
Joined Feb 2024
nidayedeMay 2, 2026 2:49 AM
95 Comments
good deal
May 2, 2026 2:58 AM
9.5K Comments
Joined Dec 2014
LEOMHK1.0May 2, 2026 2:58 AM
9.5K Comments
Quote from RaftG View quoted comment :
It is auto pay!! How to cancel the auto pay
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 $5 isn't worth
Just go to your online bank account and block Metro PCS from charging you credit card/debit card.
May 2, 2026 3:01 AM
445 Comments
Joined Dec 2014
MutantchipmunkMay 2, 2026 3:01 AM
445 Comments
Has anyone been able to order a new phone while you're a current metro customer? Before they introduced the flex plans I used to open a new line for a new phone. Don't know if it's still possible to do that. I need to upgrade my 2yr old moto g stylus. I
May 2, 2026 3:34 AM
153 Comments
Joined Mar 2021
jorgenismoMay 2, 2026 3:34 AM
153 Comments
I just grab one, for 55$ I can use as gps , doesn't matter if a week device
May 2, 2026 3:51 AM
3.3K Comments
Joined Dec 2010
radarsMay 2, 2026 3:51 AM
3.3K Comments
Do you like to wait for 365 days by unlocking after 365 days of activation?
Pro
May 2, 2026 4:09 AM
12 Comments
Joined Nov 2014
chiwhitesox
Pro
May 2, 2026 4:09 AM
12 Comments
Quote from Spacerus View quoted comment :
What year is this model and how long is the update?
Looks like security updates until March 2028.
https://us.tcl.com/products/nxtpaper-70-pro
1
May 2, 2026 4:19 AM
1.4K Comments
Joined Jun 2006
howdydoMay 2, 2026 4:19 AM
1.4K Comments
Weaker security updates support than Motorola, just 2 years https://us.tcl.com/products/nxtpaper-70-pro
1 yr wait to unlock, f off Metro

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May 2, 2026 4:22 AM
654 Comments
Joined Jul 2017
SuncatcherMay 2, 2026 4:22 AM
654 Comments
Says not available online. Do they go in n out of stock often?
May 2, 2026 4:27 AM
1.3K Comments
Joined Sep 2015
RyanJ7344May 2, 2026 4:27 AM
1.3K Comments
Quote from Suncatcher View quoted comment :
Says not available online. Do they go in n out of stock often?
Ugh yes same for me I was literally just about to order.
May 2, 2026 6:02 AM
6.1K Comments
Joined Aug 2016
duckeggsMay 2, 2026 6:02 AM
6.1K 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
doesn't your main phone have maps on it? or is it a flip phone?
1
May 2, 2026 6:03 AM
6.1K Comments
Joined Aug 2016
duckeggsMay 2, 2026 6:03 AM
6.1K Comments
Quote from howdydo View quoted comment :
Weaker security updates support than Motorola, just 2 years https://us.tcl.com/products/nxtpaper-70-pro
1 yr wait to unlock, f off Metro
2 years..... WTF?!
May 2, 2026 7:26 AM
258 Comments
Joined May 2012
chazman14May 2, 2026 7:26 AM
258 Comments
Quote from Mutantchipmunk View quoted comment :
Has anyone been able to order a new phone while you're a current metro customer? Before they introduced the flex plans I used to open a new line for a new phone. Don't know if it's still possible to do that. I need to upgrade my 2yr old moto g stylus. I
Yes. I do this often. You just have to set up an account with a different email address. When you get the phone activate with your new account, then replace that phone with a different phone that you're not using, then go to your actual account and replace your current phone with your new phone.
May 2, 2026 3:58 PM
4K Comments
Joined Mar 2004
crazycoolMay 2, 2026 3:58 PM
4K Comments
Quote from FrugalForever View quoted comment :
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
https://thedroidguy.com/how-to-un...ne-1097252

Not sure where they got the information from

"As of 2026, Metro requires 365 days of active service before automatic unlocking kicks in, though there is an early unlock option if you're willing to spend a bit more on airtime.
Original Poster
Pro
May 2, 2026 4:15 PM
1.7K Comments
Joined Dec 2023
FrugalForeverMay 2, 2026 4:15 PM
Original Poster
Pro
1.7K Comments
Quote from crazycool View quoted comment :

https://thedroidguy.com/how-to-un...ne-1097252

Not sure where they got the information from

"As of 2026, Metro requires 365 days of active service before automatic unlocking kicks in, though there is an early unlock option if you're willing to spend a bit more on airtime.
We got the information from the official unlock policy page of Metro: https://www.metrobyt-mobile.com/t...ock-policy
Extract from the policy link page:
```
Unlock eligibility requirements
We unlock mobile devices that meet the following eligibility criteria free of charge:
The device must be purchased from Metro by T-Mobile.
The device must not be reported as lost, stolen or blocked.
Three hundred sixty-five (365) days must have passed since the device's activation date.
```
Also based on recent experience, I have got metro phone unlocked after the 365 days past initial activation with nothing else paid post initial purchase. There is no mention of PAID and ACTIVE service for the entire duration of 365 days.
Not sure where "thedroidguy.com" is getting this information.
Last edited by FrugalForever May 2, 2026 at 09:38 AM.
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May 2, 2026 4:26 PM
130 Comments
Joined Oct 2017
dalegribble22May 2, 2026 4:26 PM
130 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
You could do that with just about any phone made over the last 15-20 years.

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