Note: If you have a cheap prepaid plan, switching to a major carrier just for a "free" phone usually costs you more in monthly fees over time.
Buying a new phone doesn't have to mean dropping $1,000 upfront. If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest path to an upgrade, here is the hierarchy of savings: cheapest way to buy a phone
You already plan on staying with that carrier for 36 months. You are on an unlimited plan anyway. Note: If you have a cheap prepaid plan,
Retailers clear out old inventory at steep discounts. You are on an unlimited plan anyway
The single biggest savings come from the secondhand market. Instead of risky private sellers, use reputable sites like Back Market , Swappa , or Amazon Renewed . You can often find last year’s flagship for 40-50% off retail, usually with a 1-year warranty included.