Can someone explain phone upgrades to me in simple terms?

[CovidCorvid]

I’d like to upgrade to a new iPhone. My contract runs out end of November but the o2 website says I can upgrade for free now and forget the rest of the contract. However I can find a cheaper deal which is still on o2 but with some mobilesdirect internet site.

Can I take the cheaper deal and still have my contract ended early? Or will o2 do me a better deal if I talk to them? I don’t understand how a third party website can undercut o2?

You can only end your current contract for free if you stay with the same provider as they will continue to benefit from your business. It’s a sales technique to keep you with them. If you take out a new contract with an entirely different company and then end the previous contract you will still be liable for its full payment.

They won't let you upgrade early unless you're sticking with them. However, if you do mention a better deal you've seen elsewhere then they will normally always try and match it or outbid it in my experience.

Only if you do it directly via o2.
Other wise you need to wait but if you phone o2 with the deal you found they may be able to get close :)
Remember to check all contract lengths as sometimes it's cheaper because over a longer period of time etc xx

Thanks, yes, I want to stay with o2 so will ring them and see if they can match the o2 deal through the 3rd party.