What is an "Upgrade"?

An "Upgrade" is the process of replacing, or "upgrading", your existing wireless device with a brand new one while extending your contract with the wireless company you are with now. If you plan to stay with your current wireless provider (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc) and are willing to extend your contract for 2 more years, then you may be eligible for the deeply-discounted Upgrade Offers found on our site. Whether you are "eligible" or not depends on the wireless provider you are with now. In general, you must be out of your current contract or very near the end of it to be eligible for an upgrade. You also must choose a new plan during the checkout process.

What is a "New Account"?

Getting a "New Account" (also called a "New Contract") is the process of establishing a new account and 2-year contract with the wireless provider that services a given phone or product. This is different from an "Upgrade" because you are not currently a customer of the wireless provider. You are creating a brand new account with them. If you are interested in switching from one wireless provider to another, but want to keep your cell phone number, you are also creating a "new account" with the new provider. Just make sure you are no longer under contract with the old provider to avoid "early termination" penalties.

What's the Difference and Why Does it Matter?

The main difference is price. Phone pricing may be different for "new account" customers than for "upgrading" customers. As you shop our site, the price shown is usually the "new contract/new account" price unless it mentions "upgrade" or "contract extension". Make sure to focus on the Upgrades section if you want to stay with your wireless provider and upgrade your phone. If you are planning to create a "new account" with a wireless company, feel free to shop our best deals including: Specials, Price Drops, Free Smartphones, and much more.

In the example above, notice the text following the phone price that says "with a new contract extension from AT&T". This indicates an "Upgrade" offer. If you are a current customer of AT&T and you want this phone, then you are getting an "Upgrade".

In this example, notice the text that says "with a new AT&T account". This indicates a "New Account" (or "New Contract") offer. If you are not currently a customer of AT&T, then this is your price (even if you are porting your phone number from another wireless carrier).