In case someone is in the market for an entry level phone, TracFone brand StraightTalk is offering either Samsung’s Galaxy A16 or Motorola’s 2024 Moto G Power 5G “free” through April 15, 2025 or while supplies last.
While the phones themselves are “free”, activation of a StraightTalk “Gold Unlimited” plan ($55 plus taxes and telecom fees) is required. If you sign up for autopay, the cost of the minimum required plan is $50 plus taxes and telecom fees. Autopay may be cancelled online immediately after activation.
I don’t typically suggest purchasing carrier locked phones, however, StraightTalk (like other Verizon owned brands) phones are automatically carrier unlocked after 60 days. The phone(s) must be activated on the minimum required StraightTalk plan but one may let the plan expire after 30 days. The phone(s) will still automatically unlock after 60 days. Once StraightTalk phones are carrier unlocked, my experience is they work as expected with providers using either Verizon’s or T-Mobile’s network. Due to AT&T’s whitelist, providers using its network might be problematical.
I purchased a 2024 Moto G Power 5G from StraightTalk late last year as a backup phone for my Pixel. It’s the most capable Moto G series phone I’ve used to date.