He has Verizon

Not sure why you find it hard to believe. They have various phones on display that are either "free" (everyone knows you actually pay for it and then some, but it doesn't have an additional cost) or cost extra per month with your contract. When my dad had to switch to a smartphone, one of the iPhones was the only one he could get at no additional charge. If you have more questions, you'll have to talk to Verizon and ask them why they don't stock their shops better in bumfuck, South Dakota. I'm telling the truth, but it's not worth arguing with some rando over a shitty phone just because you doubt me for no reason.

"premium" phone

I don't even know what this means. You're not making sense.

Go argue with someone else about something that matters instead of directing your unhinged rudeness at me.