The Free Government Phone and Tablet Combo is our featured offer: one Samsung Galaxy smartphone plus one Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 tablet. Both devices are free and refurbished for eligible customers who enroll in Combo Wireless service, and both ship with free standard shipping.
What's in the phone and tablet combo
You choose one phone and receive the tablet. Because both devices are Samsung, they share one Samsung and Google account, so your contacts, photos and apps move between them without extra setup.
Galaxy S24
Compact flagship with a 6.2-inch 120Hz display and a 3x telephoto camera.
Galaxy Z Flip
A full-size foldable screen that closes into a small square.
Galaxy Z Fold
Opens into a small tablet, so you get three screen sizes in one combo.
| Display | 8.7-inch LCD |
|---|---|
| Software | Android with One UI |
| Size | Light, one-hand friendly 8.7-inch body |
| Storage | Expandable with microSD card |
| Audio | Dual speakers with Dolby Atmos |
| Connector | USB-C |
| Condition | Refurbished |
| Price for eligible customers | Free with Combo Wireless service enrollment |
| Service | Unlimited talk & text with a qualifying data allowance on the T-Mobile network |
| Warranty | Standard manufacturer/provider warranty where applicable |
| Shipping | Free standard shipping |
Compare the phone options
All three phones run Android with Samsung's One UI, so they work the same way with the Tab A9. The difference is in the form factor. The foldables' generation varies by availability and is confirmed before shipping.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, up to 120Hz | — | — |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (U.S. models) | — | — |
| Camera | 50MP main, 12MP ultra wide, 10MP 3x telephoto | — | — |
| Software | Android with One UI and Galaxy AI features | Android with One UI | Android with One UI |
| Updates | Samsung committed to 7 years of OS and security updates | — | — |
| Connector | USB-C | — | — |
| Design | — | Clamshell foldable that closes to pocket size | Book-style foldable: phone outside, small tablet inside |
| Main display | — | About 6.7-inch foldable AMOLED (varies by generation) | About 7.6-inch foldable AMOLED (varies by generation) |
| Cover screen | — | Outer screen for notifications, widgets and selfies | Full phone-style outer display |
| Flex Mode | — | Stands half-open for hands-free video calls | — |
| Generation | — | Varies by availability; confirmed before shipping | Varies by availability; confirmed before shipping |
| Multitasking | — | — | Run up to three apps side by side |
| Best for | A compact flagship Android phone with a long update window | A full-size screen that folds into a small pocketable square | People who want a phone and a small tablet in one device |
| Price (eligible) | Free, refurbished | Free, refurbished | Free, refurbished |
How the phone and tablet work together
- One account, both screens. Sign in with the same Google and Samsung accounts and your Gmail, Photos, Drive and Calendar appear on both devices.
- Calls and texts on the tablet. Samsung's "Call & text on other devices" feature lets the Tab A9 answer calls and texts from your Galaxy phone when both are signed in to the same Samsung account.
- Getting the tablet online. The Tab A9 connects over Wi-Fi at home, school or the library. When you are out, you can share your phone's connection with the tablet using the mobile hotspot, which draws from your plan's data allowance.
- Quick Share. Send photos, documents and videos between the phone and tablet wirelessly.
Diagonal screen size in inches from manufacturer specifications. Foldables shown at main (unfolded) display size.
Source: manufacturer specifications (Apple, Samsung).
Who this combo suits best
Families with students
Kids can do reading apps and homework on the 8.7-inch tablet while the phone stays with a parent.
Telehealth and appointments
A bigger screen makes video visits and patient portals easier to read than on a phone.
Seniors staying in touch
Video calls with family and larger text on the tablet, with the phone for everyday calls.
Entertainment on a budget
Stream shows and read e-books on the tablet over Wi-Fi without using your phone's screen.
Who qualifies
To get the phone and tablet combo, you first need to qualify for Lifeline service. Most people qualify through a benefit they already receive:
- SNAP (EBT card), Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Or household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
California residents may also qualify through California LifeLine programs such as CalFresh, WIC or the National School Lunch Program. See our California page. Residents of Tribal lands can qualify through additional Tribal programs; see Tribal Lifeline.
How to apply and what happens next
- Apply online. Complete the Combo Wireless application and choose this combo. It takes about 10 minutes.
- Verification. Your eligibility is confirmed through the Lifeline verification process. You may be asked for a document such as a benefit letter.
- Service setup. Once approved, we set up your line. If you are switching from another carrier, you can keep your number.
- Delivery. Your phone and tablet ship to you with free standard shipping.
Phone and tablet combo FAQs
Is the free government phone and tablet combo actually from the government?
No. The government's part is Lifeline, a monthly discount on qualifying service. The phone and tablet are a Combo Wireless offer for eligible customers who enroll in our service. People search for "free government phone and tablet" because the offer is tied to Lifeline eligibility.
Do I have to pay anything for the phone or tablet?
No. Both devices are free for eligible customers who enroll, and standard shipping is free.
Does the Galaxy Tab A9 have its own phone number?
No. The combo includes one service line, which is on your phone. The tablet connects over Wi-Fi or through your phone's hotspot.
Can I choose an iPhone instead of a Galaxy phone?
Yes. Choose the iPhone and tablet combo for an iPhone 7, 13, 14 or 15 with the same Galaxy Tab A9.
Can I get an iPad instead of the Tab A9?
Yes. The phone and iPad combo pairs a Galaxy phone with an iPad 7th or 9th Gen.
Can two people in my household each get a combo?
No. Each combo comes with a Lifeline service line, and Lifeline is limited to one benefit per household.
