Skip to main content

You only pay once: FreedomPop’s first Wi-Fi-calling phone has zero monthly costs

freedompop v7 wi fi calling phone news
Low-cost mobile network FreedomPop is already known for its superb value SIM-only plans, but with the launch of its first smartphone, it has taken bargain basement mobile phone ownership to the next level. The FreedomPop V7 costs just 60 British pounds, or about $75, and comes with a SIM card loaded with free calls, free data, free SMS, and even free WhatsApp messages. If you’re not too demanding, you may end up paying only once for the V7, and never again.

FreedomPop’s V7 makes use of Wi-Fi-calling technology, switching between a cellular network and Wi-Fi to always ensure you can make a call on the strongest connection. Currently, the V7 has only been announced for the U.K. and Spain, but hasn’t confirmed the SIM or plan that will be included with the phone. However, as it comes with WhatsApp messages included, it’s likely to also include 100 minutes of calls, and 200MB of data for free.

Recommended Videos

If this isn’t enough, you can pay to upgrade and add more of each, but that would defeat the point of FreedomPop’s outrageously good value phone and plan. We’re hoping it will include free European roaming, too, which is part of the standard WhatsApp SIM deal through the network. Interestingly, the V7 is a dual-SIM phone, giving the frugal phone fan even more choice to exploit the best deals out there, without compromising or having to switch SIMs.

What sort of phone do you get for $75? Well, it’s not going to be challenging the Google Pixel for Android supremacy. It has a 5-inch screen with an unknown resolution, a Snapdragon 210 processor, a 13-megapixel rear camera, a 5-megapixel selfie camera, and 8GB of internal memory. There’s a MicroSD card slot, but it’s only Android 6.0 Marshmallow installed, putting it behind many other phones released in 2017.

It’s hard to complain, though, as it costs considerably less than most other smartphones. It may end up being used as a second or even third phone for many. FreedomPop has teased a Wi-Fi-calling phone in the past, touting a partnership with Intel at the time, but either that model is still coming, or has been put on ice for now.

If you’re in the U.K. or Spain, the V7 is available on a first-come-first-served basis through FreedomPop’s website, and the company warns that supplies are limited, so grab one quickly if you want one. Anyone in the U.S. keen to get a similar deal should be patient, FreedomPop says the V7 will be released in the United States later this year.

Andy Boxall
Senior Mobile Writer
Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…
I record interviews for work. These are my favorite free recorder apps
The iPhone 14 Pro and Google Pixel 7 Pro's voice recording apps running together.

The Voice Recorder app on a phone (left) and the Voice Memos on another phone Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Before you head to the app store on your phone to buy a voice-recording app, take a moment to consider the apps that may already be installed on your phone. Why? In my experience, they're likely all you really need. I’ve recorded interviews and voice-overs for work for years, and I’ve found the two best examples come preinstalled on your phone already, so they’re entirely free to use.

Read more
The best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 cases: 10 best ones so far
Two Galaxy Z Fold 5 phones next to each other -- one is open and one is closed.

Samsung’s next-generation foldable is here with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. This iteration has some notable improvements, including a new hinge design that eliminates the gap from previous generations when the device was folded. You also get a 6.2-inch HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display on the outside while having a 6.7-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display on the inside, with both screens having a 120Hz refresh rate. In other words, they're about as nice as you could ask for.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is made with premium materials, and the triple-lens camera system packs in a 50MP main shooter, 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. There’s a 10MP selfie camera on the front cover, and a 4MP camera on the inner display. You also get a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip inside for the best performance and power efficiency.

Read more
Google Pixel Tablet just got its first big discount and it’s worth a look
Google Pixel Tablet on its charging dock.

Tablets are a dime-a-dozen these days, with offerings from all the great brands including Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, and more. So, if you really want to stand out in a sea of similar tech, you need to do things a little differently. That's what Google's Pixel Tablet offers. How? It comes with a unique speaker dock that can be used to both charge the device and offer room-filling sound -- almost like a smart speaker add-on. Better yet, when your Pixel Tablet is docked it benefits from the Hub Mode, turning the device into a smart display, with digital photo frame support, smart home controls, and hands-free Google functionality. Of course, it could set you back at full price, normally $499 unless you find it included in a roundup of the best Google Pixel deals. Well, guess what? Thanks to a Best Buy Google Pixel Tablet deal, you can get it today for $439 and save $60. Hurry, though, it's part of Best Buy's recent 48-hour sale so it won't stick around for long.

Why you should buy the Google Pixel Tablet
Okay, okay, so in our Google Pixel Tablet review, Joe Maring did give it less than stellar remarks, but he called out its reliable fingerprint sensor, comfortability during use and excellent speaker dock. Honestly, how many tablets come with a matching speaker dock that transforms the entire experience? This tablet also marks a "lot of firsts" for Google, as it's the first tablet from the company in nearly five years, the first Android tablet in eight years, and can be converted into a smart home display with the speaker dock. All of which are notable milestones.

Read more