How ‘free’ is a free phone? We’ve done the math, so you don’t have to

C. Scott Brown / Android Authority The offer of a free phone is a huge enticement. It’s one we see almost every big carrier dangling as a carrot to get your business. However, while there might be prize draws and generous YouTubers who’ll give out a free iPhone 16 to a chosen few, the phrase is often misleading — no carrier is giving you $1,000 worth of hardware for nothing in return. We’ll break down the overall free phone package you sign up for from the big three US carriers, then compare it to just buying the device unlocked and bringing it to a more affordable provider. Are free phones really free? Ryan Haines / Android Authority Not exactly, because these offers aren’t no-strings-attached. The only thing you can be sure of with these promotions is that you won’t be required to pay anything for the phone upfront, other than taxes and fees. You’ll almost certainly pay for the phone eventually, but it will be in more subtle ways. The most tangible form of payment you might be ... Read full article.