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FrugalForever 51.2K 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
264Reputation
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 close to e-ink. It is praised for comfortable reading, blue-light reduction, decent battery life, expandable memory, an IR blaster, and a screen that works well for articles, maps, and offline navigation. The main tradeoffs are that the display is not true e-ink, colors and sharpness can feel muted, and the matte surface can still glare at certain angles. Metro locking and unlock timing are also a concern, since the phone is tied to Metro for 365 days before unlocking.

  • The phone can work with T-Mobile SIMs after activation, including setups that require a reboot.

    lou2004banorwoodlaxer21

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

    techallstar

  • The device can continue working with US Mobile after the initial Metro service period ends.

    kalamintas

  • The phone can support offline navigation by using Google Maps offline downloads with GPS for core routing.

    ouloat

  • AutoPay can trigger an unwanted next-month auto payment, so ordering with AutoPay enabled can create extra hassle.

    FrugalForeverSmilingSparrow2430

  • Unlocking reportedly requires waiting 365 days after activation, which can delay plans to switch carriers or resell sooner.

    FrugalForeverFrugalForever

  • Screen protectors may distort the NXTPAPER display because TCL reportedly advises against them 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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170 Comments

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May 2, 2026 4:35 PM
131 Comments
Joined Oct 2017
dalegribble22May 2, 2026 4:35 PM
131 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
443 Comments
Joined Jun 2010
element72May 2, 2026 9:58 PM
443 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
443 Comments
Joined Jun 2010
element72May 2, 2026 10:00 PM
443 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
443 Comments
Joined Jun 2010
element72May 4, 2026 7:10 PM
443 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
531 Comments
Joined Nov 2009
elbarto1May 5, 2026 4:10 PM
531 Comments
Back in stock today
May 5, 2026 5:33 PM
199 Comments
Joined Dec 2013
Jgayda666May 5, 2026 5:33 PM
199 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
493 Comments
Joined Nov 2018
rup831May 7, 2026 10:00 AM
493 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
199 Comments
Joined Dec 2013
Jgayda666May 7, 2026 6:05 PM
199 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
995 Comments
Joined May 2015
WatsYourDealMay 8, 2026 8:06 AM
995 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
66 Comments
Joined Jan 2009

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May 8, 2026 7:51 PM
353 Comments
Joined Feb 2017
DsplashqqMay 8, 2026 7:51 PM
353 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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