T-Mobile will replace phones for free, as support ends for older models

T-Mobile will replace phones for free, as support ends for older models

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If you currently use T-Mobile and have an older smartphone, such as OnePlus One, Nexus 9 or Xperia Z3, you may soon qualify for a free device. According to internal documents obtained by Android Police, the promotion appears to be active for “targeted T-Mobile accounts” on December 24, with SMS notifications set to leave on December 28.

T-Mobile did not officially announce anything, but confirmed the news indirectly when it contacted the publication after the story was published to clarify some details. Android Police received an initial set of documents revealing the 19 devices – phones, tablets and cameras – that will no longer connect to the T-Mobile network as of January 29.

That list includes:

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (AT&T model)

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (Verizon model)

  • Samsung Galaxy Note Edge

  • Lifestyle HTC Desire 10

  • HTC Desire 650

  • Google Nexus 9

  • Huawei Mate 8

  • Huawei P9

  • Mikrotikls SIA_R11e-LTE6

  • Netgear Arlo security camera system

  • OnePlus 1

  • Quanta Dragon IR7

  • Samsung Galaxy S5 Duos

  • Sony Xperia Z3 Compact

  • Sony Xperia Z3

  • Sony Xperia Z3 Orion

  • Sony D6616 Xperia Z3 Orion

  • Soyea M02

  • ZTE ZMax

According to the leaked documentation, T-Mobile sent letters to those affected by the move from December 18 ahead of planned SMS notifications 10 days later. Customers will have a month to switch to a Samsung Galaxy A21, Samsung Galaxy A11, Alcatel Go Flip 3 or a T-Mobile REVVL 4.

As for because the operator is implementing this change, the document states that it has to do with the compatibility of the device. These devices can no longer receive software updates from the manufacturer and therefore cannot establish a network connection. In the meantime, those with Sprint will not be able to roam the T-Mobile network.

Most of the devices listed above are quite outdated at this point, having been on the market for at least six years. It’s probably time to update anyway, if you have one – mainly for security patches. So even if you’re sad to say goodbye to your 2014 OnePlus One, perhaps offering a newer phone for free is the push you need.

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