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Yes—Freedom Mobile’s Absolute Zero promotion is real, but “free phone” means a selected device can have $0 upfront and $0 in monthly device payments with a qualifying plan. It does not mean you pay nothing: you still pay for service, taxes and possible fees. And if the phone is on TradeUp, you must return it in acceptable condition at the end of the 24-month term or pay the deferred amount to keep it.
The offer is worth considering if you already want the required Freedom plan and are comfortable with the device’s end-of-term terms. Compare the full two-year cost with a cheaper bring-your-own-device (BYOD) plan plus a separately purchased phone—not just the phone’s advertised monthly payment.
What “Absolute Zero” actually means
Freedom uses “Absolute Zero” for offers on selected phones. Depending on the phone and promotion, the three zeros can mean:
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- $0 in monthly device payments while you keep the qualifying service plan.
- No device balance after 24 months only if the specific offer’s terms say so. A TradeUp phone has a deferred amount that you avoid only by returning the phone in eligible condition on time.
The wireless plan is still a monthly cost, and taxes, fees, add-ons and usage charges may be extra. The exact phone list and plan requirements can change; check the Absolute Zero offer and the phone’s live product listing before agreeing.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Which phones qualify—and what plan is required?
Absolute Zero is not a blanket offer on every smartphone. The following examples were displayed around August 16–18, 2026; prices, availability and eligibility can change without notice.
| Phone or offer | Displayed device payment | Plan or other condition shown | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorola moto g power 2025 | $0/month | Qualifying plan shown at $50/month | Confirm the exact model and offer terms on its product page. |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 FE | $0/month with TradeUp | Qualifying plan shown at $60/month | TradeUp means return the phone at term end or pay its deferred amount. |
| Google Pixel 10 128GB | $0/month in the cited offer | Qualifying plan and Pixel 8 128GB trade-in at the maximum stated value | This offer depended on a particular trade-in; its value depends on the phone’s condition. |
These are offer snapshots, not guaranteed current prices. “From $0” can depend on the storage configuration, qualifying plan, credit approval, trade-in, or use of TradeUp. Check whether a listing says MyTab, TradeUp, or requires a trade-in before comparing it with another phone.
The biggest catch: TradeUp is not automatically yours to keep
TradeUp reduces the apparent monthly device cost by deferring part of the phone’s price until the end of the 24-month term. At the end, you generally choose between:
Rank #2
- Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB**** of RAM.
- Fluid display + immersive stereo sound. Bring your entertainment to life with an ultrawide 6.5" 90Hz* HD+ display plus stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio**.
- 50MP*** Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- 64GB**** built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps—and add up to 1TB more with a microSD card*****.
- Unbelievable battery life. Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery.*****
- Return the phone by the required deadline and meet Freedom’s condition requirements, avoiding the deferred TradeUp amount; or
- Keep the phone and pay the full TradeUp Return Value, plus applicable taxes.
So a TradeUp phone may cost $0 per month to use for two years, but that does not mean it is yours to keep for free. The deferred amount is specific to the device and agreement; read it in your paperwork rather than relying on a general example. See Freedom’s TradeUp terms.
What will the offer cost over two years?
Start with the required plan, not the headline device payment. A $50-per-month plan represents $1,200 in plan charges over 24 months before tax and extras. That is the cost of service, not a claim that the phone itself costs $1,200. The useful comparison is what you would pay for similar service and a phone under another option.
Estimate the total by adding:
- 24 months of the required plan price;
- taxes and any applicable connection or activation fee;
- add-ons and usage charges you choose or incur;
- any trade-in value you give up to qualify; and
- the TradeUp Return Value if you keep the phone, miss the return deadline or fail the return inspection.
Freedom’s Digital Discount can reduce an eligible plan by $5 per month. To qualify, you need an eligible line, Auto Pay with a valid payment method, and must redeem the promo code through a Freedom store or My Account. If you are ineligible during a month, you lose that month’s discount; it does not carry forward. Changing to an ineligible plan or porting your number away ends eligibility. Verify that the discount appears in the offer and on your bill rather than assuming the advertised post-discount price applies automatically. Requirements are described in the TradeUp terms.
Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
A one-time connection fee of up to $45 may apply to a new phone activation or upgrade. Ask whether it applies to your transaction and whether the specific promotion waives or credits it; do not assume a waiver. Taxes and other charges are extra. Details are on Freedom’s device setup support page.
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MyTab and TradeUp offers generally require an eligible postpaid account, a qualifying plan and credit approval or an accepted deposit arrangement. Eligibility and device savings can vary with the plan and approval. The promotional device payment is conditional on keeping an eligible plan for the 24-month agreement. Review the applicable MyTab terms and your individual agreement.
Not every Absolute Zero offer uses the same mechanics. A phone might be covered by MyTab savings, TradeUp, a trade-in credit, or a combination. A required trade-in is offer-specific: for example, the cited Pixel 10 offer required a Pixel 8 128GB. Do not assume every free-phone offer requires a trade-in—or that a particular one does not.
Rank #4
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
What if you cancel, switch carriers or change plans early?
Leaving before the term ends can turn a $0-per-month offer into a substantial bill. If you cancel service, port your number away or move to a non-eligible plan during the 24-month term, the TradeUp return option may be lost and the full deferred amount may become payable. Any remaining MyTab balance or applicable cancellation charges can also be due. Downgrading may require repayment of some or all MyTab savings, depending on the new plan. The amount depends on your agreement, device, timing and account—not a single standard cancellation fee. Freedom sets out these consequences in its TradeUp terms.
- Before signing: Confirm the plan, term, device payment, any trade-in and the exact TradeUp Return Value in the agreement.
- During months 1–23: Before cancelling, porting out or changing plans, ask Freedom for a written estimate of the remaining MyTab balance, deferred amount and other charges.
- At month 24: If returning a TradeUp phone, follow Freedom’s instructions and meet the deadline stated for your agreement.
- After the return deadline: If the phone was not returned as required, expect the deferred amount to be charged under the agreement.
TradeUp return condition: what to check
Freedom’s published criteria say a return device must power on to the home screen, accept and hold a charge, have a functioning undamaged screen, and have no cracks, missing parts or water damage. Passwords and access restrictions must be removed, the data wiped and the phone capable of a factory reset. Freedom determines eligibility under its terms; if it rejects the device, you may owe the TradeUp Return Value.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsA repaired or replaced phone can still qualify if it meets the return requirements. If it cannot be repaired or still fails inspection, Freedom describes paying the TradeUp amount or using MyTab+ to keep the device under a new agreement as possible options. Check its TradeUp support page for current details.
Best Value
- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
- Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
- Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
- Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
- Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
Before handing in the phone
- Back up photos, messages and authentication apps; make sure you can access accounts on another device.
- Remove your Apple ID or Google account, screen lock and device-tracking lock.
- Inspect the screen and body for damage, and confirm the phone charges and reaches its home screen.
- Factory-reset the device after verifying your backup and following Freedom’s return instructions.
- Photograph the phone’s condition and keep the return receipt or shipping proof. Do not leave the return until after the agreement deadline.
Is Absolute Zero a good deal?
It can be a sensible choice if you already want the qualifying Freedom plan, the phone is one you would buy anyway, and you can stay for 24 months. TradeUp may suit someone happy to return the phone in good condition or pay the stated amount to keep it. A straightforward $0-per-month MyTab offer may have different end-of-term consequences, so check the specific agreement.
It may be a poor fit if your priority is the lowest possible monthly service cost, you change carriers often, might need to downgrade, or expect to keep the phone without a final payment. It also deserves extra scrutiny if you would rather retain a trade-in phone or its value, or cannot reliably meet Auto Pay and plan conditions.
Compare these options using your own expected costs:
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- Absolute Zero: Required Freedom plan for 24 months, plus fees and taxes, and any TradeUp payment or return costs.
- BYOD: A suitable lower-cost plan plus a compatible phone you already own or buy separately. This avoids TradeUp return risk, but you bear the phone’s purchase cost.
- Buy unlocked: You own the phone and can choose a carrier, but pay the purchase price or use separate financing.
- Financing without TradeUp: Monthly payments may be higher, but depending on the agreement you may own the phone at the end rather than return it.
- Used or refurbished: The upfront cost may be lower; check battery condition, warranty, software support and the seller’s return policy.
Do not compare a $0 device payment with a phone’s full retail price and call the difference savings. Compare the service you actually need and account for the phone’s end-of-term ownership or return terms. No claim about other carriers’ current plan prices is necessary to make that comparison; use current quotes for your location and needs.
Questions to ask before checkout
- Is this ordinary Absolute Zero, TradeUp, or a trade-in-based promotion?
- What exact plan is required, and what is its price before and after the Digital Discount?
- What is the TradeUp Return Value in my signed agreement?
- What would I owe if I cancel or change plans after 6, 12 or 18 months?
- Is a trade-in required, and what happens if my device is not valued at the maximum amount?
- Does a connection fee apply? What taxes, add-ons or other charges are excluded from the headline price?
- What is the return deadline and process, and what happens if the device is lost, stolen or damaged?
- Is the offer available for this exact storage model and through my chosen sales channel?
Keep a copy of the signed agreement. The device listing is useful for checking current availability, but the agreement controls your specific payment, return and cancellation obligations. Do not assume the phone is unlocked or usable on every network: this offer is tied to Freedom service, and you should check Freedom’s current unlocking and compatibility policies for the exact model.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
