Cheapest way to upgrade your phone
Looking for the best phone upgrade deal? At MoneySavingPro we can help you find a great deal while saving up to $600 a year, per line.
At a time when all your household costs are increasing, your cell phone bill doesn't need to be one of them. At MoneySavingPro we can help you find the phone you want, on your favorite network, at a much lower cost.
If you've not heard of Mobile Virtual Network Operators, you're not alone. They're low-cost carriers that operate on the three major US networks, offering the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage but with plans starting as low as $10 a month.
Upgrading your phone directly with a major network may look like a good deal initially but after factoring in the cost of their over-priced unlimited data plans over 3 years, you could end up paying as much as $2,000 more than you need to!
We've compiled a list of the latest phone upgrade deals from low-cost carriers, so you can find the best phone deal at the cheapest price without sacrificing your wireless service.
Best iPhone upgrade deals
iPhone 13 upgrade deals
Apple iPhone 13 mini
* Save $300 rebate with phone service
- Retailer
- Red Pocket
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- AT&T
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
- $26/mo*0% APR for 24 mths
The Apple iPhone 13 mini has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.4 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone 13 mini is available from Red Pocket with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $26/mo.
| Device | 128GB | 256GB | 512GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 13 mini AT&T | $26/mo | $30/mo | $39/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 mini Verizon | $71/mo | $69/mo | $86/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 mini T-Mobile | $71/mo | $69/mo | $86/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 mini Unlocked | $26/mo | $30/mo | $39/mo |
Apple iPhone 13
* Save $300 rebate with phone service
- Retailer
- Red Pocket
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- AT&T
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
- $30/mo*0% APR for 24 mths
The Apple iPhone 13 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone 13 is available from Red Pocket with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $30/mo.
| Device | 128GB | 256GB | 512GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 13 AT&T | $30/mo | $35/mo | $43/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 Verizon | $74/mo | $56/mo | $63/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 T-Mobile | $74/mo | $30/mo | $30/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 Unlocked | $30/mo | $35/mo | $43/mo |
Apple iPhone 13 Pro
* Save $300 rebate with phone service
- Retailer
- Red Pocket
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- AT&T
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
- $37/mo*0% APR for 24 mths
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone 13 Pro is available from Red Pocket with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $37/mo.
| Device | 128GB | 256GB | 512GB | 1TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro AT&T | $37/mo | $42/mo | $50/mo | $58/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Verizon | - | $67/mo | $72/mo | $83/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro T-Mobile | $42/mo | $46/mo | $54/mo | $62/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Unlocked | $37/mo | $42/mo | $50/mo | $58/mo |
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
* Save $300 rebate with phone service
- Retailer
- Red Pocket
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- AT&T
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
- $42/mo*0% APR for 24 mths
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.7 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone 13 Pro Max is available from Red Pocket with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $42/mo.
| Device | 128GB | 256GB | 512GB | 1TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max AT&T | $42/mo | $46/mo | $54/mo | $62/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max Verizon | - | $72/mo | $78/mo | $89/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max T-Mobile | $46/mo | $50/mo | $58/mo | $67/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max Unlocked | $42/mo | $46/mo | $54/mo | $62/mo |
iPhone 12 upgrade deals
- Retailer
- US Mobile
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- Verizon
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
- $71/mo15% APR for 12 mths
The Apple iPhone 12 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone 12 is available from US Mobile with Verizon & T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $71/mo.
| Device | 64GB | 128GB | 256GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 AT&T | $26/mo | $28/mo | $32/mo |
| Apple iPhone 12 Verizon | - | $71/mo | $83/mo |
| Apple iPhone 12 T-Mobile | - | $71/mo | $83/mo |
| Apple iPhone 12 Unlocked | $26/mo | $71/mo | $32/mo |
Apple iPhone 12 Pro
* Save $300 rebate with phone service
- Retailer
- Red Pocket
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- AT&T
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
- $33/mo*0% APR for 24 mths
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone 12 Pro is available from Red Pocket with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $33/mo.
| Device | 128GB | 256GB | 512GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro AT&T | $33/mo | $37/mo | $46/mo |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Verizon | - | $92/mo | - |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro T-Mobile | - | $92/mo | - |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Unlocked | $33/mo | $37/mo | $46/mo |
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
* Save $300 rebate with phone service
- Retailer
- Red Pocket
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- AT&T
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
- $37/mo*0% APR for 24 mths
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.7 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone 12 Pro Max is available from Red Pocket with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $37/mo.
| Device | 128GB | 256GB | 512GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max AT&T | $37/mo | $42/mo | $50/mo |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Verizon | - | $100/mo | $117/mo |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max T-Mobile | - | $100/mo | $117/mo |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Unlocked | $37/mo | $42/mo | $50/mo |
iPhone 11 upgrade deals
iPhone SE upgrade deals
Best Samsung phone upgrade deals
Samsung Galaxy S21
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
- $21/mo*0% APR for 24 mths
The Samsung Galaxy S21 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.2 inches screen and 64 MP camera. This new Galaxy S21 is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $21/mo.
| Device | 128GB |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S21 T-Mobile | $21/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 Unlocked | $21/mo |
Samsung Galaxy S20
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
- $17/mo*0% APR for 18 mths
The Samsung Galaxy S20 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.2 inches screen and 64 MP camera. This new Galaxy S20 is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $17/mo.
| Device | 128GB |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S20 AT&T | $529 |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 T-Mobile | $17/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 Unlocked | $17/mo |
The Samsung Galaxy S20+ has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.7 inches screen and 64 MP camera. This new Galaxy S20+ is available from Red Pocket with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $750.
| Device | 128GB |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S20+ AT&T | $750 |
| Samsung Galaxy S20+ Unlocked | $750 |
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
- $19/mo*0% APR for 24 mths
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.9 inches screen and 108 MP camera. This new Galaxy S20 Ultra is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $19/mo.
| Device | 128GB |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra T-Mobile | $19/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Unlocked | $19/mo |
Cheap Samsung phones
Phone upgrade deals benefits
If you're looking for the best phone upgrade deal, MVNOs like Red Pocket Mobile offer the cheapest cell phone deals.
You'll find all the same phones as with the big three, from the latest Apple iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones plus many more.
If flexibility is important, some MVNOs offer no contract phone deals, so you're not tied into a long-term contract.
There are plenty of benefits to purchasing phones with low-cost carriers.
- Save money: MVNOs offer the cheapest phone upgrades while saving you up to $600 per year, per line.
- Latest cell phones: Offering the same phone upgrades as the big three, but without the three-year contract.
- Cheap monthly payments: Many low-cost carriers offer affordable interest-free payment plans on their phones along with cell phone plans starting from only $10 a month.
- Unlimited data plan: There's still the option of unlimited data phone plans, however unlimited doesn't always mean unlimited, so be sure to check the small print.
- 5G compatible: If you want to get access to the fast 5G network, there are plenty of 5G phones available for upgrade.
- iPhone deals: Whether you're looking for the latest Apple iPhone or a cheap iPhone SE, you'll find the best iPhone deals with low-cost carriers.
- Samsung phone deals: If you want the top-of-the-range Samsung Galaxy or something cheaper, you'll find a variety of Samsung Galaxy deals available.
Best T-Mobile upgrade deals
You'll find attractive T-Mobile upgrade deals from small carriers such as Mint Mobile and Ting. Compare prices side-by-side on the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, plus the Max and mini.
| Device | 64GB | 128GB |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A13 (Verizon) | $23/mo | - |
| Apple iPhone SE (Verizon) | $39/mo | - |
| Samsung Galaxy S22 (Verizon) | - | $59/mo |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro (Verizon) | - | $63/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (Verizon) | - | $63/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (Verizon) | - | $64/mo |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max (Verizon) | - | $69/mo |
| Apple iPhone 12 (Verizon) | - | $71/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 (Verizon) | - | $74/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S22+ (Verizon) | - | $77/mo |
Best AT&T upgrade deals
AT&T carriers like PureTalk and Red Pocket Mobile offer some of the best AT&T upgrade deals on models like the Galaxy S20+ and iPhone SE 2020.
| Device | 32GB | 64GB | 128GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A03s (T-Mobile) | $9/mo | - | - |
| Samsung Galaxy A13 (T-Mobile) | - | $12/mo | - |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 (T-Mobile) | - | - | $17/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy Note20 (T-Mobile) | - | - | $19/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra (T-Mobile) | - | - | $19/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (T-Mobile) | - | - | $20/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 (T-Mobile) | - | - | $21/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra (T-Mobile) | - | - | $25/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S22 (T-Mobile) | - | - | $29/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S22+ (T-Mobile) | - | - | $33/mo |
Best Verizon upgrade deals
Score yourself a Galaxy S10, iPhone 12 mini or one of several other great Verizon upgrade deals with carriers like Reach Mobile and Xfinity Mobile.
| Device | 64GB | 128GB | 256GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone SE (AT&T) | $18/mo | $20/mo | $24/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 mini (AT&T) | - | $26/mo | $30/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 (AT&T) | - | $30/mo | $35/mo |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (AT&T) | - | $33/mo | $37/mo |
| Apple iPhone 14 (AT&T) | - | $35/mo | - |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro (AT&T) | - | $37/mo | - |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (AT&T) | - | $37/mo | - |
Best refurbished phone deals
Refurbished iPhone deals
The Apple iPhone 7 has 32GB storage capacity. It includes a 4.7 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 7 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $92.
The Apple iPhone XR has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This refurbished iPhone XR is available from Back Market with AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $244.
Refurbished Samsung phone deals
The Samsung Galaxy S10 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 16 MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S10 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $165.
Refurbished phone benefits
You can save over 50% on the cost of your device by buying a used phone from a reputable seller. Yes, it'll cost you a little more upfront but the long-term savings are considerable.
- Great prices on recent phone models including Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy, iPhones, and Windows phones
- Reliable sellers with good return policies
- Warranty available from some sellers
- Flexibility to switch carriers if you find a better deal on mobile service
The greatest advantage of owning your own unlocked smartphone is that you are free to buy service on the best wireless network for you.
While it's a little more upfront, buying used takes considerable pressure off your future budget.
Recondition your thinking about phone upgrades
Here's what you need to know about conventional device upgrade programs from the big three wireless carriers:
- They require an 18 - 30 monthly installment agreement, essentially replacing the extinct two-year contract.
- They cost you up to $1000 by the time your device is paid off.
- Advertised prices are based on credit approval.
- You may not be able to sell your phone at the end if you opt for a lease trade-in program unless you pay an additional lump sum to purchase it.
- They trap you in a cycle of buying new devices via early upgrades before your previous device is outdated or worn out.
- You may pay an upgrade fee and/or an activation fee.
If you think of your cell phone as you do any other piece of technology in your home - your smart TV, for example - you can see how it may be a waste of money to spend $1000 every one to two years just to replace something that works just fine.
In fact, according to tech experts at Techworm, flagship smartphones can easily last from four to seven years. That changes the perspective on the need to buy a brand new one every 18 - 30 months quite a bit!
Unlock yourself from the big network phone upgrade cycle
If you're one of those people who are perfectly content using the same phone long-term, that's a great option! You can bring your own phone to many wireless providers.
But maybe you're thinking to yourself "I don't want to keep the same phone for four or five years!" You want to keep up with the latest features and camera quality, so how do you do that without upgrading through your carrier?
Best cheap cell phone plans
| Carrier | Data | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello 1GB plan | 1GB | T-Mobile | $10/mo |
| Mint Mobile 4GB plan | 4GB | T-Mobile | $15/mo |
| Lycamobile 12GB plan | 12GB | T-Mobile | $5/mo** Only $5 for First 3 Months |
| US Mobile 15GB plan | 15GB | Verizon & T-Mobile | $20/mo* FREE 10-Day Trial |
| Mint Mobile Unlimited plan | Unltd | T-Mobile | $30/mo |
Bring your phone to a cheaper carrier
Speaking of the best mobile networks, now that we've looked at how to save money on your smartphone let's explore options for cheap cell phone plans.
MVNOs - or Mobile Virtual Network Operators - are smaller wireless carriers that pay the big guys for use of their mobile networks. These companies don't have the same expenses as the major carriers so they can afford to give you cheaper cell phone rates - often more than half off retail prices.
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $660 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $70/mo | $840/yr |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | 4GB | $15/mo | $180/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $55/mo | $660/yr | |
Cheap carrier benefits
- Service on the same 4G LTE networks that you know and trust
- Custom plans that let you choose what you want to pay for
- Highly rated customer support
- No contracts, no credit checks, and no early termination fees
- Freedom to keep your phone number and your device
- Easy online signup
Wondering whether MVNOs offer what you need? There are flexible plan options to meet any budget, including prepaid plans and unlimited data plans.
How much can you save with an MVNO? Typically over 50% compared to the major carriers. Couple those savings with the great price you can get on a used smartphone and you'll save at least several hundred dollars over the course of a year.
Phone upgrades FAQs
Do any cell phone companies offer free phones?
Some cell phone carriers offer no upfront fee, but the phone is not free and the cost will normally be added to your monthly bill.
Who has the best cell phone deals right now?
Deals change regularly so it's best to check the individual carriers for their current deals. You can find all the latest deals with the best MVNOs.
Where is the best place to upgrade your phone?
Getting out of the upgrading cycle can save you a ton of money. Low-cost carriers offer all of the latest handsets and they normally offer an unlocked version so you're not tied to one network. They offer affordable phones for all budgets.
How do I get the best deal on a new phone?
Low-cost carriers will often offer deals or discounts on cell phones, so it's always good to keep a check on the latest offerings as they change regularly.
Recap
Whether looking for the latest iPhone or just a cheap cell phone, MVNOs can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
Low-cost carriers, like Red Pocket or Mint Mobile, offer phones with cheap plans, often with interest-free payments over 12-24 months.
Although the major networks offer to finance over 36 months, being tied into their over-priced unlimited data plans for 3 years could mean wasting as much as $2,000!
Compare deals from low-cost carriers to find the best phone upgrade deals at the cheapest price.
