I have an iPhone 13 mini right now using the T-Mobile network. I am planning to upgrade to an Android in the future for various reasons (phone size, features, texting issues, etc). I don’t hate Apple but right now Android sounds like a better fit. It’s not an urgent upgrade as my phone still works but as you know, trade in plans and phone value changes over time.

Verizon will do a trade in for $1000 for my iphone.

T-Mobile will only do $500.

I still owe ~$150 on my phone. If I wait six months I’ll only have to pay $42 of that ($7 per month for 6 months) while T-Mobile will pay the rest as long as I stay in contract on that phone for the next 6 months.

Trying to debate if I should:

1. Wait 6 months to pay off my phone then upgrade. By then there may be a new phone lineup. But not sure if my trade in value will decrease.

2. Trade it in to Verizon and switch carriers now and get a new phone. More out of pocket but guarantees the $1000 trade in.

3. Wait to see if there are any special deals around Black Friday.

4. Keep my iPhone until it starts having issues, saving money in theory since I wouldn’t be paying monthly for new phone but my trade in value will definitely decrease so I’m unsure if it would really save money.

What are your thoughts?