If you’re an iPhone-owning T-Mobile customer who’s been eager to get your hands on one of the latest iPhone 7 devices, then today is your lucky day. The Un-carrier on Friday officially kicked off an exclusive, in-store promotion where it’s offering customers up to $400 off the purchase price of a new iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus when they trade-in a qualifying iPhone model in working condition.
What’s the Deal?
The promotion can be broken down into two key components.
- First and foremost, the carrier is offering a flat $300 off the purchase price of an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus when customers trade-in a qualifying iPhone 6 or 6 Plus, or iPhone 6s or 6s Plus handset.
- On top of that generous discount, the carrier is stacking its current, ongoing memory upgrade promotion — under the terms of which customers can purchase a top-tier 256 GB iPhone 7/7 Plus model for the price of a 128 GB variant — netting an overall savings of $400, or $300 trade-in savings + an additional $100 in free SSD storage.
For example, customers could trade in their older 16 GB iPhone 6, and receive a brand-new 32 GB iPhone 7 for just $349 ($649 retail – $300 net savings). Alternatively, you could trade in your 16 GB iPhone 6 Plus and purchase a top-of-the-line 256 GB iPhone 7 Plus for just $569 ($300 trade-in credit + $100 memory upgrade credit = $400 off the retail price of $969).
T-Mobile claims that all storage and color configurations of the iPhone 6/6 Plus and 6s/6s Plus are eligible for trade-in, however the company clearly states that the deal is only being offered in-store, and is not available online.
Fine Print
Of course, as with all promotions, this one too is not without its restrictions. Chiefly, T-Mobile is quick to point out that you won’t be able to combine this limited-time offer with other ongoing offers, such as Carrier Freedom. You’ll also have to purchase your new iPhone 7 or 7 Plus model using T-Mobile’s Monthly Equipment Installment plan.
The Bottom Line
While the deal looks like a total slam-dunk, particularly for owners of the iPhone 6 or 6 Plus who want to get their hands on some newer hardware at a fraction of the price, one also needs to consider the biggest catch of all: being locked into a monthly payment agreement this late in the iPhone 7’s life-cycle. Most of us know by now that there’s brand-new iPhone models looming just over the horizon (essentially less than 10 weeks away, give or take). And while the iPhone 7s Plus and high-end iPhone 8, in particular, are currently pegged to launch a little later than their usual September unveiling, they still might be worth waiting for if you’re the gotta-have-it-when-it’s-hot type.
Still, there’s no doubt it’s an extremely generous deal for the right person, and will ensure you’re getting the most up-to-date hardware for perhaps the lowest price available right now.