T-Mobile phone upgrades in April
Thinking about upgrading your T-Mobile phone?
Before you go down to your local T-Mobile store, check out some of these budget-friendly alternative online phone deals.
You might be surprised how much you could save with no compromises and without leaving the comfort of your own home!
Best T-Mobile iPhone upgrade deals
T-Mobile iPhone SE deals
| Device | Price |
|---|---|
| Apple iPhone SE (Unlocked) | $149 |
| Apple iPhone SE (AT&T) | $149 |
| Apple iPhone SE (T-Mobile) | $299 |
| Apple iPhone SE (Verizon) | $299 |
Screen Size | 4.7" |
Screen Resolution | 1334 x 750 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | A13 Bionic pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Operating System | iOS 13 |
Back Camera | 12MP |
Front Camera | 7MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 14 hours |
Dimensions | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm |
Weight | 148g |
Splash Proof | IP67 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Compact and lightweight
Water-resistant
Amazing A13 chip performance
Affordable price
Touch ID
Cons
Battery capacity
Night mode is missed
Only a 5W charger
T-Mobile iPhone 12 deals
Screen Size | 5.4" |
Screen Resolution | 2340 x 1080 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | A14 Bionic Chip pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Operating System | iOS 14 |
Back Camera | Dual 12MP |
Front Camera | 12MP |
HDR for Photos | HDR |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Dimensions | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4mm |
Weight | 135g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Great compact size
Excellent camera
5G compatible
Brilliant OLED display
Cons
Battery life
No tele lens
| Device | Price |
|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 (Unlocked) | $579 |
| Apple iPhone 12 (AT&T) | $579 |
| Apple iPhone 12 (T-Mobile) | $729 |
| Apple iPhone 12 (Verizon) | $729 |
Screen Size | 6.1" |
Screen Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | A14 Bionic Chip pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Operating System | iOS 14 |
Back Camera | Dual 12MP |
Front Camera | 12MP |
HDR for Photos | HDR |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 20 hours |
Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm |
Weight | 164g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Attractive design
Fantastic audio quality
5G compatible
Amazing OLED display
Cons
No charger or headphones included
Battery life
Not much camera upgrade
Screen Size | 6.1" |
Screen Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | A14 Bionic Chip pixels |
Internal Memory | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
Operating System | iOS 14 |
Back Camera | 12MP (Ultra Wide, Wide, Telephoto) |
Front Camera | 12MP |
HDR for Photos | HDR |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm |
Weight | 189g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Bright and colorful OLED display
Good photo quality
5G compatible
Good quality speakers
Attractive design
Cons
Shorter battery life than iPhone 11
No charger or headphones included
Screen Size | 6.7" |
Screen Resolution | 2778 x 1284 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | A14 Bionic Chip pixels |
Internal Memory | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
Operating System | iOS 14 |
Back Camera | 12MP (Ultra Wide, Wide, Telephoto) |
Front Camera | 12MP |
HDR for Photos | HDR |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4mm |
Weight | 228g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Durable and water resistant
Large OLED screen
5G compatible
Great battery life and fast charging
Photo and video quality
Cons
Expensive
Heavy
No charger or headphones
T-Mobile iPhone 11 deals
| Device | Price |
|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 11 (Unlocked) | $349 |
| Apple iPhone 11 (AT&T) | $349 |
| Apple iPhone 11 (T-Mobile) | $499 |
| Apple iPhone 11 (Verizon) | $499 |
Screen Size | 6.1" |
Screen Resolution | 1792 x 828 pixels |
HDR Screen | No pixels |
Processor | A13 Bionic pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Operating System | iOS 13 |
Back Camera | 12MP (Dual) |
Front Camera | 12MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 17 hours (video playback) |
Dimensions | 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3mm |
Weight | 194g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Model Number | A2111 |
User Manual |
Pros
Tougher and water resistant design
Great quality speakers
Good photos from main camera
Excellent selfie photo and video quality
Powerful A13 processor
Cons
No screen update
Storage starts at 64GB
Only a 5W charger included
Screen Size | 5.8" |
Screen Resolution | 2436 x 1125 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | A13 Bionic pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB |
Operating System | iOS 13 |
Back Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide, Wide, Telephoto |
Front Camera | 12MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 18 hours (video playback) |
Dimensions | 144 x 71.4 x 8.1mm |
Weight | 188g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Model Number | A2160 |
User Manual |
Pros
Fast charging battery
Quality stereo speakers
Amazing video quality
Fast A13 processor
Cons
Ultra wide camera lacks autofocus
Very expensive
No headphone jack
Screen Size | 6.5" |
Screen Resolution | 2688 x 1242 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | A13 Bionic pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB |
Operating System | iOS 13 |
Back Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide, Wide, Telephoto |
Front Camera | 12MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 20 hours (video playback) |
Dimensions | 158 x 77.8 x 8.1mm |
Weight | 226g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Model Number | A2161 |
User Manual |
Pros
Beautiful screen
Improved battery life
Flexible triple camera system
High quality build
Cons
Nothing new on iOS 13
Ultra wide camera lacks detail
Phone size
T-Mobile refurbished phones
| Device | Price |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A10e (Refurbished) | $112.99 |
Screen Size | 5.8" |
Screen Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | Exynos 7884 pixels |
Internal Memory | 32GB |
Operating System | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
Back Camera | 8MP |
Front Camera | 5MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | FHD |
Wireless Charging | No |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 23 hours |
Dimensions | 147.3 x 69.6 x 8.4mm |
Weight | 141g |
Splash Proof | No |
Water Resistant | No |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | No |
Model Number | SM-A102UZKATMB |
Pros
Great battery life
Stylish design
Cons
Lacks good performance
Poor sound quality
No fingerprint sensor
Not water-resistant
| Device | Price |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Refurbished) | $179.99 |
Screen Size | 5.5" |
Screen Resolution | 2560 x 1440 pixels |
HDR Screen | No pixels |
Processor | Snapdragon 820 pixels |
Internal Memory | 32GB |
Operating System | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
Back Camera | 12MP |
Front Camera | 5MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | HD, 4K |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | No |
Talk Time | Up to 27 hours |
Dimensions | 150.9 x 72.6 x 7.7mm |
Weight | 157g |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | No |
Model Number | SM-G935V |
User Manual |
Pros
Good battery life
Improved camera
Water resistant
MicroSD support up to 200GB expandable memory
Fast focusing camera
Cons
Expensive
Glass design makes it fragile
Glass back is a fingerprint magnet
Touchwiz is not fully optimized
| Device | Price |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S8 (Refurbished) | $155 |
Screen Size | 5.8" |
Screen Resolution | 2960 x 1440 pixels |
HDR Screen | No pixels |
Processor | Snapdragon 835 pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Operating System | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
Back Camera | 12MP |
Front Camera | 8MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | HD, 4K |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 20 hours |
Dimensions | 148.9 x 68.1 x 8mm |
Weight | 155g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | No |
Model Number | SM-G950U |
User Manual |
Pros
Excellent camera
Large and amazing display
Headphone jack
MicroSD Support
Cons
Poor Battery life
Badly placed fingerprint sensor
Fragile
| Device | Price |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Note8 (Refurbished) | $230 |
Screen Size | 6.3" |
Screen Resolution | 2960 x 1440 pixels |
HDR Screen | No pixels |
Processor | Snapdragon 835 pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Operating System | Android 7.1.1 (Nougat) |
Back Camera | 12MP |
Front Camera | 8MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | HD, 4K |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 22 hours |
Dimensions | 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.6mm |
Weight | 195g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | No |
Model Number | SM-N950U |
User Manual |
Pros
Two cameras take fantastic pictures
MicroSD expansion
6GB of RAM
Amazing design and build
Cons
Badly placed fingerprint reader
Quite big and heavy
Speaker is weak
| Device | Price |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S9+ (Refurbished) | $213 |
Screen Size | 6.2" |
Screen Resolution | 2960 x 1440 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | Snapdragon 845 pixels |
Internal Memory | 128GB |
Operating System | Android 8.0 (Oreo) |
Back Camera | 12MP |
Front Camera | 8MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | HD, 4K |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Dimensions | 158.1 x 73.8 x 8.5mm |
Weight | 189g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | No |
Model Number | SM-G965U |
User Manual |
Pros
Long battery life
Great display
Camera performance
High-end build
Wireless charging
Cons
Expensive
Fragile all glass design
No major upgrades
T-Mobile phone upgrades
With T-Mobile, you can choose regular device payments or the early upgrade option, called T-Mobile Jump!
Monthly Installments
The Equipment Installment Plan (EIP) is the standard device purchase version of T-Mobile's two upgrade programs.
You must be a postpaid plan customer.
You sign a 24-month payment agreement.
A down payment may be required.
You own your device at the end.
With this option, you can either sell your phone once your EIP balance is paid off or you can do a device trade-in for credit on a new phone.
T-Mobile Jump
T-Mobile Jump! is the early upgrade option, it comes in three versions.
Jump!
Requires a 24-month payment agreement with possible down payment.
Costs an extra $9 - $12 per month.
Comes with Premium Device Protection phone insurance.
You can trade in your qualifying device (in good condition) after a year, or after 50% of your remaining device balance is paid.
Jump! Plus
This version is just like Jump! with the addition of McAfee Security and Tech PHD personal help desk support. Jump! Plus costs $12 - $15 extra per month depending upon your device.
Jump! On Demand
Requires 18-month lease agreement with possible down payment.
You can upgrade once every 30 days.
Jump! On Demand is free but does not come with Premium Device Protection, McAfee Security, or Tech PHD.
After 18 payments you can buy your device or continue leasing.
T-Mobile Plan With Upgrade
T-Mobile offers one plan at this time, called T-Mobile ONE.
Cost example with device payment:
Apple iPhone 8: $29 a month for 24 months
T-Mobile ONE plan: $70 a month
Total monthly cost: $99
Cons of Upgrading With T-Mobile
You may have to make a down payment.
Upgrade fees may apply.
You must trade in your eligible device in good working order which means giving up any progress you've made on paying it off.
A payment agreement ties you to the carrier just like a contract.
The condition of the device must be good when you trade it in. If your phone is accidentally damaged you'll be responsible for the repair cost or the insurance deductible before you can turn it in for a new one.
Realistically, who needs a new upgrade every 30 days, as with the On Demand plan? New models only come out every one to two years, and even then, changes are slight.
T-Mobile refurbished phone benefits
Want to shave those monthly device payments off your budget? There is another way. Buying used is a great way to upgrade your phone without upgrading your costs:
Save half or more off your device cost.
Enjoy the flexibility to take your new-to-you unlocked phone to any network.
Used devices are big business - which means there are plenty of trustworthy seller sites.
There's a growing market of third-party insurers that will sell you coverage even on used phones.
You won't have to trade in which means you can sell your phone when you're ready for a different one.
Key factors when buying a refurbished phone
Here's what to look for when shopping for a used device.
Refurbished vs. used: Refurbished means that the device has been repaired and restored. Used means you're getting the phone as-is.
Returns: Most phone seller sites offer a return policy if you change your mind. The standard is 30 days, although some sites - like Swappa - only offer returns if the item wasn't as advertised.
Warranties: Warranty policies vary widely. Gazelle offers a 12-month warranty on many devices, while Decluttr provides a 30-day guarantee.
Insurance: If you're nervous about buying a used cell phone you can typically purchase third-party cell phone insurance that covers the standard issues.
Shipping: Most online phone sellers offer free shipping and handling.
Certified devices: You can find used cell phones that have undergone a rigorous inspection. For example, Gazelle puts devices through a 30-point certification process.
Phone payments: Monthly installments are available through some sites, however, high-interest rates make this a poor choice in most cases.
Cheap T-Mobile cell phone plans
You've saved 50% or more off your device. Now you can save over half off your mobile service as well.
What is a T-Mobile MVNO?
MVNOs - or Mobile Virtual Network Operators - are smaller wireless carriers that use the same cell networks as AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint. MVNOs rent the use of the big four networks and resell it at cheaper rates.
The low-cost carriers can afford to offer cheap cell phone plans because they don't have the high overhead, marketing, and store location expenses. Most operate only online, in fact, which means you'll never have to set foot in a store.
T-Mobile MVNO benefits
Lower prices - typically over 50% lower than the big guys.
Wireless service on the same four reliable 4G LTE networks you already know.
No contracts, no credit checks, and no commitments.
Custom plans that let you pick exactly what you need and pay for.
Flexibility to bring your own phone and keep your number.
High customer support ratings & extensive service hours.
Easy online signup.
COMPARE NOW: Cheap T-Mobile cell phone plans
Sell your old T-Mobile phone for cash
When you buy a new cell phone, don't forget to sell your old device. There are multiple benefits to doing so:
You'll get more money in cash than you will by trading your phone in for credit with your carrier.
It's environmentally friendly.
Even selling for parts puts more cash in your pocket than throwing it away or in a drawer.
Recap
There's a smarter way to buy your cell phone and service:
Make sure you fully understand your carrier's upgrade policy.
Buy used instead of taking on expensive monthly payments to upgrade your device.
Take your phone to the carrier with the best deal.
Keep your service on the 4G LTE T-Mobile network.
Sell your phone and pocket the money instead of giving your device back to your carrier after paying hundreds of dollars in monthly installments.
