Are you looking to switch cell phone carriers or upgrade your old device without spending hundreds on a brand new smartphone? One option to consider is taking advantage of Verizon Wireless‘s free phone offers. That‘s right – you may be able to score a new iPhone or Android device at no cost to you. Sound too good to be true? Keep reading for all the details on how Verizon‘s free phone deals work and if you qualify.
How Do Verizon‘s Free Phone Offers Work?
Verizon frequently runs promotions offering free or heavily discounted phones, especially to new customers switching from another carrier and existing customers upgrading their devices. The most common deal is a free phone when you sign up for a new line of service on an unlimited data plan and commit to a 24-month or 30-month 0% APR device payment contract.
Rather than giving you the phone totally free upfront, Verizon applies monthly bill credits for the retail price of the device spread out over the 24 or 30 months. So each month, you‘ll be charged for the phone payment installment but then immediately credited back that amount, making the device effectively "free" as long as you stick with Verizon for the full contract term.
Offers change frequently, but typically you can get a free basic smartphone valued at around $800 or a discount of $700-$1000 off a premium device like the latest iPhone Pro model. For example, as of April 2023, Verizon is offering the iPhone 14 for free (up to $800 off) with select trade-in and unlimited plan. That‘s a savings of up to 100% off the $799 retail price for the base 128GB model.
The catch is that if you cancel your line or leave Verizon before the 24 or 30 months is up, you‘ll have to pay off the remaining balance on the phone at the full retail price. Verizon also requires you to pay a $35 upgrade fee when getting a new device, even if it‘s free. And of course, you‘re still responsible for paying the taxes on the full value of the phone upfront.
Who is Eligible for a Verizon Free Phone?
Verizon‘s free phone promotions are typically available to new customers porting their number from another carrier and signing up for an unlimited data plan. Existing Verizon customers can also get in on the deals when upgrading to a new device, though the offers may not be quite as generous as those for new customers.
Some of the other common requirements and restrictions include:
- Opening a new line of service on an unlimited data plan
- Signing up for a 24-month or 30-month 0% APR device payment plan
- Passing a credit check to qualify for the device payment agreement
- Having a valid, working phone to trade in (for upgrade offers)
- Maintaining service and good standing with Verizon for the full 24/30 months
- Only available for consumer accounts, not business/corporate lines
It‘s important to note that Verizon does not offer any free phone deals specifically for senior citizens or Lifeline program participants. However, seniors may be able to get a discount on their monthly service plan which can help offset the cost of a new device.
Verizon‘s Network and Performance
One important factor to consider when deciding whether to take advantage of a Verizon free phone deal is the quality and coverage of the carrier‘s network. After all, what good is a free phone if you can‘t get reliable service?
Fortunately, Verizon consistently ranks at or near the top for overall network performance in third-party testing from firms like RootMetrics, OpenSignal, and others. In RootMetrics‘ latest report for the second half of 2022, Verizon earned the highest scores in five out of seven categories, including overall performance, reliability, speed, data, and call performance.
Verizon also has the most extensive 5G coverage of any carrier, with over 200 million people covered by its 5G Nationwide service and over 100 million having access to its ultra-fast 5G Ultra Wideband network as of early 2023. So if having a powerful 5G device and service is a priority, Verizon is hard to beat.
The Value of Verizon Free Phone Deals
Just how much can you save by snagging a free phone from Verizon? Let‘s take a closer look at some current offers.
As mentioned, Verizon is offering up to $800 off the iPhone 14 with eligible trade-in and unlimited plan as of April 2023. The base 128GB iPhone 14 model retails for $799, so this deal essentially makes the phone free. Over the course of a 36-month device payment plan, that works out to a savings of $22.19 per month.
Or consider the Google Pixel 7, another popular phone that Verizon is offering for free with a new line on select unlimited plans. The Pixel 7 retails for $599, so this deal provides a savings of $16.64 per month over a 36-month term.
Of course, to get these deals, you do have to sign up for one of Verizon‘s unlimited data plans, which start at $70/month for a single line. Here‘s a breakdown of Verizon‘s current unlimited plans and pricing:
| Plan | Monthly Cost (1 Line) | Monthly Cost (4 Lines) |
|---|---|---|
| 5G Start | $70 | $140 ($35/line) |
| 5G Play More | $80 | $180 ($45/line) |
| 5G Do More | $80 | $180 ($45/line) |
| 5G Get More | $90 | $220 ($55/line) |
So while you may be getting the phone itself for "free", you are committing to pay for an unlimited data plan for the duration of the device agreement. Over a 36-month term, the base level Start Unlimited plan will cost you $2520 in total for a single line.
Still, getting a $600-$1000 phone essentially for free can make the cost of the plan much easier to swallow. And if you‘re already planning to sign up for Verizon service anyway, a free phone deal can add up to some major savings compared to buying the device outright at retail price.
Verizon Trade-In Offers
Many of Verizon‘s best free phone deals require you to trade in an eligible device, especially for existing customers upgrading to a new phone. The amount of the trade-in credit varies based on the make, model, and condition of the device you‘re trading in.
To give you an idea, here are some sample trade-in values for popular phones as of April 2023:
- Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max (good condition): Up to $650
- Apple iPhone 12 (good condition): Up to $420
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (good condition): Up to $590
- Google Pixel 6 Pro (good condition): Up to $440
Keep in mind that these are the maximum possible trade-in values, and your actual offer may be lower based on the specific model, storage size, and condition of your device. Older phones or those with cracked screens or other damage will typically fetch a lower trade-in value.
It‘s also important to note that you must own your trade-in device outright. If you still owe money on an installment plan or lease agreement, you‘ll need to pay that off first before being able to trade it in. But if you have an older phone in good condition just sitting in a drawer, trading it in can be a great way to offset the cost of a new device.
Is a Verizon Free Phone Really Worth It?
Getting a free phone from Verizon can seem like a no-brainer – after all, who doesn‘t like free stuff? But there are some potential drawbacks to consider before jumping on one of these deals:
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You‘re locked into a contract: To get the phone for free, you have to commit to 24-30 months of service with Verizon. If you need to switch carriers or cancel before then, you‘ll owe the remaining balance on the device.
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Unlimited plan requirement: Free phone deals are typically only available if you sign up for one of Verizon‘s pricey unlimited data plans, which can run $80+ per month for a single line.
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Upgrade fee: Even though the phone itself is free, Verizon still charges a $35 upgrade fee when you get a new device.
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Taxes upfront: You‘re still responsible for paying sales tax on the full retail price of the phone at the time of purchase, which can add up to $50-$100+ out of pocket.
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Older models: The newest and priciest smartphone models are rarely included in the free phone deals. You‘ll typically be offered last-gen or midrange devices for free.
On the flip side, a free phone promo can make a lot of sense if you were already planning to switch to Verizon and are comfortable signing up for an unlimited data plan. Getting a $700-$1000 phone included at effectively no cost can add up to major savings over buying it outright or paying it off in monthly installments.
Industry analyst Anshel Sag of Moor Insights & Strategy sees free phone deals as a smart move for carriers like Verizon. "Offering free phones is an effective way for carriers to retain existing customers and attract new ones from competitors," Sag tells us. "It‘s a loss leader strategy – they may not make money on the device itself, but they more than make up for it in service revenue over the life of the contract."
Tips for Getting the Best Verizon Free Phone Deal
Ready to score a sweet new phone from Verizon at no cost to you? Here are some tips for getting the best possible deal:
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Wait for the right promotion. Verizon offers free phone deals regularly, but some promos are better than others. Keep an eye out for offers around major sales events and holidays for the biggest discounts on the newest phones.
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Switch carriers. Verizon‘s offers for new customers switching from another carrier are often more generous than those for existing customers upgrading. If you‘re not currently with Verizon, consider porting your number to take advantage.
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Trade in your old device. Many of Verizon‘s best phone discounts are tied to trading in an eligible device. The newer and higher-end the trade-in, the more you can save.
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Choose your phone wisely. While you may have your eye on the latest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy, Verizon‘s free phone offers typically apply to older or midrange models. Consider if a more basic free device will suffice for your needs.
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Read the fine print. Before accepting any free phone deal, carefully review the terms and conditions. Make sure you understand the contract requirements, line activation fees, and any other costs involved.
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Consider prepaid offers. In addition to deals for postpaid plans, Verizon also offers discounts on phones for its prepaid customers from time to time. If you don‘t need an unlimited plan, opting for prepaid service can be a way to save even more.
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Look for bonus promos. In addition to the free phone itself, Verizon will sometimes throw in extras like free accessories, gift cards, or bonus trade-in credit. Keep an eye out for these additional promos to maximize your savings.
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Don‘t forget about MVNOs. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) that use Verizon‘s network like Visible, Xfinity Mobile, Spectrum Mobile, and others also frequently offer free or heavily discounted phones to new customers. If you don‘t need all the bells and whistles of Verizon‘s postpaid service, an MVNO can be a cheaper way to score a deal on a new device.
By taking advantage of the right Verizon free phone promotion at the right time, you can walk away with a powerful new 5G device without putting a major dent in your wallet. Just be sure to do your research, read the fine print, and make an informed decision before committing to a contract.
The Bottom Line
Verizon Wireless offers some compelling free phone deals for both new and existing customers, but they come with some strings attached. You‘ll need to be comfortable signing up for an unlimited data plan and sticking with Verizon for 24-30 months to reap the full benefits.
That said, if you‘re looking for a way to get your hands on a new 5G device without shelling out hundreds or thousands upfront, a Verizon free phone promo can be a smart way to go. Just be sure to carefully compare your options, wait for a great deal, and read through all the terms and conditions before making your decision.
"For many consumers, especially those on a budget, the upfront cost of a new phone is the biggest barrier to upgrading," Sag says. "So if you‘re able to get a quality device for free or steeply discounted, it can make a lot of sense to take advantage, even with the strings attached."
Ultimately, the right cell phone and plan for you will depend on your individual needs, budget, and preferences. But if you‘re an Apple fan, data-hungry streamer, or just someone looking to upgrade your mobile experience, a free iPhone or Android from Verizon could be calling your name. With a little patience and savvy shopping, you can score a great deal on a new device without breaking the bank.
