This carrier is offering a free iPhone 16e — how to get yours

iPhone 16e held in hand shown from rear — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

As someone who's always searching for cell phone deals, I've learned that one of the best ways to save on your next smartphone purchase is by buying previous-gen phones. They always provide ample power at a much lower cost.

For example, right now Metro By T-Mobile is offering the iPhone 16e for free. You'll need to bring your number to Metro and pay $99 uprfront. However, after three months you'll receive a $100 virtual prepaid MasterCard.

Bring your number to Metro by T-Mobile and you'll get the iPhone 16e for just $99. You'll need to enable Auto-Pay and stay with Metro for three months. After your first three months, you'll receive a virtual prepaid MasterCard for $100. The iPhone 16e is Apple's budget iPhone. Although it's pricier than the $429 iPhone SE (2022), the iPhone 16e packs a stronger punch. You get a larger 6.1-inch OLED display (2532 x 1170), A18 CPU, 128GB of storage, 12MP (f/1.9) front camera, and a 48MP rear camera with 2x in-sensor zoom (f/1.6). Additionally, the iPhone 16e supports Apple Intelligence. In our iPhone 16e review, we said it's a new breed of iPhone taking some of the best parts about a modern iPhone, but offering them at slightly lower cost.

It's not the newest budget iPhone, but the iPhone 16e is still a capable phone. It sports a 6.1-inch display and Apple's A18 chipset. Other noteworthy features include a Face ID notch and a full-screen design with gesture-based navigation. Unfortunately, there's no Dynamic Island nor is there a Camera Control key, but the iPhone 16e does have an Action button. Another added bonus is that it supports Apple Intelligence. That means you don't have to spend $799 or more to get a modern iPhone experience.

If you're not familiar with Metro by T-Mobile, it's part of T-Mobile's portfolio of brands and we especially like it for its budget-friendly plans. Remember, to get this deal you'll need to port your number and enable auto-pay. You'll pay $99 upfront, but after three months you'll get a virtual $100 prepaid MasterCard.

As deals editor-in-chief at Tom’s Guide, Louis is constantly looking for ways to avoid paying full price for the latest gadgets, appliances, and apparel. With over 10 years of deals-hunting experience, Louis price checks against multiple retailers and searches high and low for the best deals to bring readers. He's also always on the look out for the best coupon codes to use when shopping. A born-and-bred New Yorker, Louis is also an avid swimmer and marathoner. His work has appeared on Gizmodo, CNET, and Time Out New York.