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FrugalForever 44.2K Views
Jun 12, 2026 7:07 PM

Metro by T-Mobile: 256GB Samsung Galaxy S26 (Locked) + 30-Days Service

$365

$965

62% off
w/ Port-In + Free S/Hat Metro by T-Mobile
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Deal Details
Metro by T-Mobile has 256GB Samsung Galaxy S26 Smartphone (Locked, 3 Colors) for $299.99 with a $65/Month Plan ($364.99 Total) when you Port-in a number. Shipping is free.

Note: Without port-in it's $399.99 for the phone + $65 month plan when you get a new number. The plan costs $65 for the first month and $60/month with AutoPay.

Thanks to community member FrugalForever for finding this deal.

Specs:
  • 6.3" 1080x2340 Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 120Hz Display
  • Qualcomm SM8850-1-AD Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
  • 12GB RAM
  • 256GB Internal Storage
  • Triple Rear Cameras: 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide) + 10 MP, f/2.4, 67mm (telephoto) + 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide)
  • 12 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide) Selfie Camera
  • 4300 mAh Battery, 15W wireless charging
  • Android 16, One UI 8.5
  • USB Type-C 3.2 Port

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 256GB Samsung Galaxy S26 Smartphone (Locked, 3 Colors) for $299.99 with a $65/Month Plan ($364.99 Total) when you Port-in a number. Shipping is free.

Note: Without port-in it's $399.99 for the phone + $65 month plan when you get a new number. The plan costs $65 for the first month and $60/month with AutoPay.

Thanks to community member FrugalForever for finding this deal.

Specs:
  • 6.3" 1080x2340 Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 120Hz Display
  • Qualcomm SM8850-1-AD Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
  • 12GB RAM
  • 256GB Internal Storage
  • Triple Rear Cameras: 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide) + 10 MP, f/2.4, 67mm (telephoto) + 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide)
  • 12 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide) Selfie Camera
  • 4300 mAh Battery, 15W wireless charging
  • Android 16, One UI 8.5
  • USB Type-C 3.2 Port

Editor's Notes

Written by johnny_miller | Staff
  • Additional Information:

Original Post

Written by FrugalForever

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Top Comments

FrugalForever
1.7KComments
1.5KReputation
Metro Unlock Policy: https://www.metrobyt-mobile.com/t...4Gbki5mVDd

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.
Go to Comment
FrugalForever
1.7KComments
1.5KReputation
Of course after it unlocks it will work with most of the carriers not just T-Mobile. I think that was not the original question 🙂
Go to Comment
FrugalForever
1.7KComments
1.5KReputation
That use to happen in the past (~2024-25). Not anymore, from my experience, metro phones won't work with T-Mobile
Go to Comment

Community Reviews

This Metro Samsung Galaxy S26 deal stands out as a cheap way to get a current flagship with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 performance and Samsung's long software support. The phone is also appealing for travel use once it unlocks, especially with a local eSIM and Samsung's seven years of updates. The main drawbacks are the smaller 4300 mAh battery, fixed 256 GB storage, and the one year Metro unlock wait. Port in eligibility can be hit or miss, so the final price depends on whether the discount applies.

Common Questions (5)

  • Yes. The port-in discount can be hit or miss depending on the number used, and a Helium number reportedly does not qualify. If Metro rejects the line or shows add-line eligibility errors, the discounted price may not apply.

    nevershoutchrisjkloisdafoiwdafrup831

  • It is a flagship-level Metro deal, but the value depends on whether you want a one-year lock and included service. Other Metro offers mentioned include an S25 FE for $165 and mid-range phones for $35-$65, while factory-unlocked alternatives around $580+tax may be better if you do not need the service commitment.

    BeerbeerbeerFrugalForeverSensibleTree5260

  • Yes. The phone is prepaid, so there is nothing to cancel; after activation, 365 days must pass for Metro to unlock it. Do not enable autopay or pay additional months if you only want to satisfy the unlock timer.

    FrugalForeverFrugalForever

  • Yes, once it unlocks after 365 days it can be used with a local eSIM for travel. The setup is especially useful for keeping banking and payment apps off your main phone while using the S26 abroad.

    gregkurthfoFrugalForever

  • Yes. The phone has a fixed 256GB storage configuration, and the 4300 mAh battery is considered small for a high-end Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 device. It also lacks SD card expansion, so storage cannot be increased later.

    bdunniKensieO

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

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79 Comments

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Jun 14, 2026 7:27 AM
3.7K Comments
Joined Jun 2006
DAC21Jun 14, 2026 7:27 AM
3.7K Comments

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

Assuming you actually want to use the phone and not throw in a drawer for a year to unlock wouldnt Mint Mobiles deal for this same phone = $400 plus $180 for a year of "unlimited" service be a better way to go? Coming from Tello it would be pretty seamless in my case. If the S26+ was being offered for $200 more I'd be pretty much all over it.
Last edited by DAC21 June 14, 2026 at 01:45 AM.
1
Jun 14, 2026 9:34 AM
103 Comments
Joined Nov 2022
Djbobo404Jun 14, 2026 9:34 AM
103 Comments
Good deal even with a year wait time!
Jun 14, 2026 9:41 AM
14.3K Comments
Joined Dec 2011
Peerless_WarriorJun 14, 2026 9:41 AM
14.3K Comments
Quote from Tideas View quoted comment :
you're about 10 years late on wanting SD cards on flagship phones. you can blame apple for that
10yrs? No. The S10+ had SD. I think certain A series + Galaxy Tab include SD.
Quote from DAC21 View quoted comment :
Assuming you actually want to use the phone and not throw in a drawer for a year to unlock wouldnt Mint Mobiles deal for this same phone = $400 plus $180 for a year of "unlimited" service be a better way to go? Coming from Tello it would be pretty seamless in my case. If the S26+ was being offered for $200 more I'd be pretty much all over it.
Yes paying this month for something to depreciate for a year is eh. Nice phone just very limited usage for such a long period.
1
Jun 14, 2026 10:11 AM
2.9K Comments
Joined Dec 2018
The-MentalistJun 14, 2026 10:11 AM
2.9K Comments
Quote from FrugalForever View quoted comment :
Metro Unlock Policy: https://www.metrobyt-mobile.com/t...4Gbki5mVDd

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.
A question: so we activate the service, then cancel it within 3 days, can we still keep the phone, and unlock it after 365 days of activation without any service?
If not so, can we just pay the first month, use it a month and cancel altogether, can we keep the phone and then unlock it after 365 days?
Jun 14, 2026 11:20 AM
3 Comments
Joined Feb 2026
SensibleTree5260Jun 14, 2026 11:20 AM
3 Comments
The S25 was $250. What's new in the S26 that justifies being $50 more? Honestly, I don't think the unlocked version of this phone is worth $400 — and the $350 locked version with a one‑year lock period isn't a deal either.
Original Poster
Pro
Jun 14, 2026 12:19 PM
1.7K Comments
Joined Dec 2023
FrugalForeverJun 14, 2026 12:19 PM
Original Poster
Pro
1.7K Comments

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

Quote from The-Mentalist View quoted comment :
A question: so we activate the service, then cancel it within 3 days, can we still keep the phone, and unlock it after 365 days of activation without any service?If not so, can we just pay the first month, use it a month and cancel altogether, can we keep the phone and then unlock it after 365 days?
There is nothing to cancel here. It's prepaid. Just don't opt for autopay and don't pay for the subsequent months after the initial payment and you should be good.
Last edited by FrugalForever June 14, 2026 at 05:22 AM.
3
Jun 14, 2026 2:07 PM
2.9K Comments
Joined Dec 2018
The-MentalistJun 14, 2026 2:07 PM
2.9K Comments
Quote from FrugalForever View quoted comment :
There is nothing to cancel here. It's prepaid. Just don't opt for autopay and don't pay for the subsequent months after the initial payment and you should be good.
Thank you. So to confirm 365 unlock period starts at very first day of activation, remains active for just first month, 11 month no service, and the continued service doesn't matter, 365 days will keep rolling for unlock purposes?

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Original Poster
Pro
Jun 14, 2026 2:18 PM
1.7K Comments
Joined Dec 2023
FrugalForeverJun 14, 2026 2:18 PM
Original Poster
Pro
1.7K Comments
Quote from The-Mentalist View quoted comment :
Thank you. So to confirm 365 unlock period starts at very first day of activation, remains active for just first month, 11 month no service, and the continued service doesn't matter, 365 days will keep rolling for unlock purposes?
Yes. Also you can search for metro's unlock policy yourself Smilie.
2
Pro
Jun 14, 2026 2:19 PM
1.8K Comments
Joined Nov 2010
BGRT
Pro
Jun 14, 2026 2:19 PM
1.8K Comments
Quote from SensibleTree5260 View quoted comment :
The S25 was $250. What's new in the S26 that justifies being $50 more? Honestly, I don't think the unlocked version of this phone is worth $400 — and the $350 locked version with a one‑year lock period isn't a deal either.
256GB storage. If you haven't noticed, NAND flash prices are through the roof this year. Also silicon prices are in general up, so the latest Snapdragon chip is going to cost more as well.
Jun 14, 2026 4:42 PM
496 Comments
Joined Oct 2014
guy30000Jun 14, 2026 4:42 PM
496 Comments
You're better off with Mint. T-mobile will cost you far more in the long run. The same phone is just a littler more right now.
Jun 14, 2026 7:19 PM
349 Comments
Joined Jan 2022
obijeewhyenJun 14, 2026 7:19 PM
349 Comments
Quote from DAC21 View quoted comment :
Assuming you actually want to use the phone and not throw in a drawer for a year to unlock wouldnt Mint Mobiles deal for this same phone = $400 plus $180 for a year of "unlimited" service be a better way to go? Coming from Tello it would be pretty seamless in my case. If the S26+ was being offered for $200 more I'd be pretty much all over it.
yes probably the Mint deal is better, also unlocks after 60 days
Jun 14, 2026 7:57 PM
57 Comments
Joined Feb 2016
telepheedianJun 14, 2026 7:57 PM
57 Comments
Getting a 503 error when I try to view this deal (and only this deal) on their site.
Jun 14, 2026 9:28 PM
492 Comments
Joined Nov 2018
rup831Jun 14, 2026 9:28 PM
492 Comments
For some reason, Metro is showing me 'Not eligible to add a line. For more details call METRO.' Is it for spamming too many times to port in a number from Verizon? The Metro system was unable to port in for some reason. I have been trying for 3 days now. The current metro line I am with is 20 days old today.
Last edited by rup831 June 16, 2026 at 03:20 PM.
Jun 15, 2026 5:05 AM
25 Comments
Joined Nov 2016
franklioxygenJun 15, 2026 5:05 AM
25 Comments
Quote from telepheedian View quoted comment :
Getting a 503 error when I try to view this deal (and only this deal) on their site.
Safari? Try chrome

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Jun 15, 2026 5:15 AM
57 Comments
Joined Feb 2016
telepheedianJun 15, 2026 5:15 AM
57 Comments
Quote from franklioxygen View quoted comment :
Safari? Try chrome
This was happening on both Chrome and in the Metro Android App, on wifi and 5G. Seems intentional.

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