Upgrade because the numbers work—not just because the phone is new.
An upgrade can mean a new minimum term, remaining device payments or trade-in conditions. Check the old agreement before starting the new one.
Four checks before choosing a handset.
Check your current agreement
Confirm whether you are in contract, whether the handset is fully paid and whether any early-exit amount applies.
Separate upgrade eligibility from value
Being eligible to upgrade does not automatically mean the available offer is the best fit for your budget or usage.
Read trade-in grading
If a trade-in is offered, check condition requirements, valuation changes and what happens if the device is rejected.
Recheck the new minimum term
Compare total cost, future price changes, data allowance and handset financing before accepting.
Do not treat the headline valuation as cash in hand.
A trade-in value may depend on the exact model, storage, physical condition, account status and inspection outcome.
Condition standard
Screen damage, battery condition and functional faults can change value.
Ownership
Make sure the handset can legally be traded and is not subject to unresolved finance or security locks.
Value type
Check whether the amount is cash, account credit, bill credit or a discount on another product.
The old phone still has value if it still meets your needs.
Keep it + SIM-only
Often worth checking when your handset is still reliable and you want to separate device and airtime costs.
Upgrade through current provider
Convenient, but compare against the cost of a new-customer or SIM-only alternative before committing.
Buy device separately
Can make the handset cost clearer, but assess finance terms and total cost if using credit.