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

If you’re currently on T-Mobile and own an older smartphone, like the OnePlus One, Xperia Z3, and Huawei Mate 8, then you may soon be eligible for a free device. According to internal documents obtained by Android Police, the promotion is apparently live for “targeted T-Mobile accounts” as of Dec. 24, with SMS notifications set to go out starting Dec. 28.

T-Mobile hasn’t announced anything officially, but confirmed the news indirectly when it reached out to the publication after the story published to clarify a few 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 starting Jan. 29. 

That list includes:

• Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (AT&T model)

• Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (Verizon model)

• Samsung Galaxy Note Edge

• HTC Desire 10 Lifestyle

• 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 impacted by the change starting on Dec. 18 ahead of the planned SMS notifications 10 days later. Customers will have a month to switch to either a Samsung Galaxy A21, Samsung Galaxy A11, Alcatel Go Flip 3, or a T-Mobile REVVL 4. 

As for why the carrier is implementing this change, the document states it has to do with device compatibility. These devices aren’t able to receive any further manufacturer software updates and, therefore, are unable to establish a network connection. Meanwhile, those with Sprint will be unable to roam on T-Mobile’s network. 

Most of the devices listed above are fairly outdated at this point, having been out for at least six years. It’s probably time to update anyway if you have one — mainly for security patches. So, even though you might be sad to say goodbye to your OnePlus One from 2014, perhaps the offer of a newer phone for free is the push you needed.