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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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Jun 24, 2026 8:22 PM
260 Comments
Joined Sep 2015
FountainPenJun 24, 2026 8:22 PM
260 Comments
Quote from sah0724 View quoted comment :
If you buy can you change the plan to the 25 a month plan?
You mean after the first month?
Jun 24, 2026 8:22 PM
3K Comments
Joined May 2007
sah0724Jun 24, 2026 8:22 PM
3K Comments
Quote from FountainPen View quoted comment :
You mean after the first month?
yes after the initial 55
Jun 24, 2026 8:24 PM
260 Comments
Joined Sep 2015
FountainPenJun 24, 2026 8:24 PM
260 Comments
Quote from sah0724 View quoted comment :
yes after the initial 55
I don't see why not. Since you are not obligated to pay for the second month, then 25 would be better than zero for Metro. I don't know if you can change your plan online though.
Jun 24, 2026 11:40 PM
4.3K Comments
Joined Oct 2015
pyroskater85Jun 24, 2026 11:40 PM
4.3K Comments
Quote from laxer21 View quoted comment :
Confirm. Both T-Mobile Sim cards and T-Mobile MVNO Sim cards work
Interesting because I have a Google fi esim and it won't work in my razr 2024
Jun 25, 2026 2:49 AM
639 Comments
Joined Aug 2012
CuriousCJJun 25, 2026 2:49 AM
639 Comments
Quote from wps View quoted comment :
Hm Metro by Tmobile. After the first month and canceling metro service, if my normal line is t-mobile postpaid, would service work if i pop my sim into this?
I got one last time, T-Mobile sim actually works right off for this phone. So you can actually use this through T-Mobile.
Jun 25, 2026 7:00 AM
12 Comments
Joined Aug 2017
FrugalDugleJun 25, 2026 7:00 AM
12 Comments
Quote from FrugalForever View quoted comment :
when will it be unlocked? - Exactly 365 days after the day of first activationwould 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 monthwould 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
Thanks for the info.
Jun 25, 2026 10:52 AM
2.8K Comments
Joined Jul 2012
monkey02Jun 25, 2026 10:52 AM
2.8K Comments
365days unlock?

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Jun 25, 2026 3:02 PM
260 Comments
Joined Sep 2015
FountainPenJun 25, 2026 3:02 PM
260 Comments
Quote from monkey02 View quoted comment :
365days unlock?
Yes, it is.
Jun 25, 2026 8:54 PM
3.7K Comments
Joined Sep 2011
binkie94Jun 25, 2026 8:54 PM
3.7K Comments
Perfect timing!

One of my old phones (S8+) that I use only for Tmo Tuesday can't be updated to the new app. I bought this yesterday and it's showing scheduled for delivery tomorrow

Thanks OP and repped!
Jun 25, 2026 9:32 PM
736 Comments
Joined Jun 2022
urover365Jun 25, 2026 9:32 PM
736 Comments
Quote from Justyourdad View quoted comment :
I have mint （basically T-Mobile), and I can use my e-sim in any locked sub-brand of T-Mobile phone. fingers crossed
Does this work for iPhone?
Jun 25, 2026 9:40 PM
317 Comments
Joined Dec 2008
bioscmJun 25, 2026 9:40 PM
317 Comments
The only thing holding me back is the size. 6.9 in is a big jump from my current 6.3 in pixel.

How much of a "hindrance" is the size?
Jun 25, 2026 10:31 PM
2.8K Comments
Joined Jul 2012
monkey02Jun 25, 2026 10:31 PM
2.8K Comments
Quote from bioscm View quoted comment :
The only thing holding me back is the size. 6.9 in is a big jump from my current 6.3 in pixel.

How much of a "hindrance" is the size?
agree no more
1
1
Jun 26, 2026 9:08 PM
387 Comments
Joined Jul 2004
aimoJun 26, 2026 9:08 PM
387 Comments
any success of using it on Tello sim?
Jun 27, 2026 1:51 PM
3.7K Comments
Joined Sep 2011
binkie94Jun 27, 2026 1:51 PM
3.7K Comments
Quote from bioscm View quoted comment :
The only thing holding me back is the size. 6.9 in is a big jump from my current 6.3 in pixel.

How much of a "hindrance" is the size?
My Pixel 9 is in a case and the TCL is about 1/4" longer and slightly less wide. My S24 Ultra in a case is bigger all around than the TCL
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Jun 28, 2026 11:35 PM
645 Comments
Joined May 2018
LinusTechNipsJun 28, 2026 11:35 PM
645 Comments

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

Another data point - I just threw in my infimobile sim card (tmobile mvno variant) in this metro locked TCL and it works perfectly. Amazing choice for a cheap phone to run a $50-60 a year Infimobile line with.
2

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