The best phone upgrade deals in the UK for 2026, updated daily with the latest handset offers from EE, Vodafone, O2, Three, Sky Mobile and the major retailers. Whether you're at the end of a two-year contract, eligible for an early upgrade or simply ready for a newer model, this page compares upgrade pricing across the market.
Upgrade deals are offered to existing customers in the final 30 days of their contract or after their minimum term. They let you keep your number and plan while walking away with a new handset - but they aren't always the cheapest route, and switching networks using a PAC code often unlocks a better new-customer offer on the same phone.
Compare today's upgrade deals from UK networks, filter by handset, monthly cost and upfront price, and find out whether upgrading or switching saves you the most in 2026.
How phone upgrade deals work in the UK
An upgrade is when you stay with your existing network and take out a new handset contract, keeping your phone number and any loyalty perks. The process is fast - your network already has your details, your direct debit and your credit profile - and most upgrades complete in 24 to 48 hours with next-day delivery.
Upgrade pricing is set by your network's retention team, not the new-customer acquisition team - so the offers in your My EE or My O2 app are often higher than the equivalent new-customer deal on the same network's public site. Ofcom rules require your network to send a comparison of staying, upgrading and SIM-only options when your minimum term is up - check that notification before accepting anything.
Eligibility usually kicks in during the last 30 days of your minimum term. To check when you're eligible, text INFO to 85075 from your handset - this industry-standard shortcode works on EE, Vodafone, O2, Three and most MVNOs and returns your contract end date and PAC code information. You can also check via your network's app or by calling 150.
Upgrade vs PAC code switch. A PAC code lets you transfer your number to a different network while taking out a new-customer contract. Because new-customer deals are typically cheaper than retention upgrade offers, switching often saves between £5 and £15 a month on the same handset. The downside is admin - you'll wait one working day for the switch to complete.
Network upgrade processes vary. EE completes upgrades in the My EE app with same-day delivery on most flagships. O2 spreads the upfront cost via O2 Refresh. Vodafone uses EVO plans that split device and airtime into separate contracts so you can upgrade the handset independently. Three applies Three+ rewards and trade-in credit at the point of upgrade.
Trade-in benefits are typically more generous on upgrades than on new-customer deals because networks want to retain existing customers. EE, O2, Vodafone and Three all run trade-in programmes that credit your old handset's value against the upfront cost.
Common upgrade traps. Mid-contract upgrade penalties apply if you upgrade before your minimum term ends - you'll have to pay off the remaining months on your current handset plan, which can run into hundreds of pounds. 'Upgrade anytime' offers sometimes bundle that buyout cost into your new monthly price, so always check the total cost over the new contract term, not just the headline monthly figure.
Ready to compare? See today's upgrade deals and check whether switching with a PAC code could save you more using the filters above.