What Is AT&T Next Up? Understanding the Phone Upgrade Feature


Have you ever looked at your AT&T bill and wondered about the "AT&T Next Up" charge? Or maybe you're considering a new phone and want to know more about this upgrade option. You're not alone! Many AT&T customers have questions about what AT&T Next Up is and how it works.

Simply put, AT&T Next Up is an optional feature you can add to your AT&T Installment Plan that gives you the ability to upgrade your phone earlier.

Let's break down this phone upgrade feature so you can decide if it's the right choice for you.

How Does AT&T Next Up Work?

AT&T Next Up, often seen on your bill as "Next Up(SM) Phone Upgrade Feature," is a paid program. The basic AT&T Installment Plan allows you to pay for your phone over 36 months, with the option to pay it off early and then upgrade.

With AT&T Next Up, you pay an additional monthly fee (typically a small amount per month, like $6) to gain a key benefit: the ability to upgrade your phone sooner.

Here’s the simple process:

  1. Enroll in an Installment Plan with Next Up: When you purchase a new phone, you finance it through AT&T's 36-month installment plan. You then choose to add the Next Up feature for the extra monthly charge.

  2. Make Your Payments: You'll make regular monthly payments for both the phone and the Next Up feature.

  3. Upgrade Sooner: Once you've paid off at least 50% of your phone's retail price, you become eligible for an early upgrade. You can then trade in your current phone for a new one. AT&T waives the remaining payments on your old device, and you simply start a new installment plan for your new phone.

AT&T Next Up vs. Regular Installment Plan

This is a key comparison to understand if AT&T Next Up is worth it.

  • Regular AT&T Installment Plan: You finance your phone over 36 months. To upgrade, you must either pay off the entire balance of your phone or pay for the remaining balance on your old phone before starting a new installment plan. This means you are paying for the full cost of the device.

  • AT&T Next Up: You pay an extra monthly fee. This fee is your ticket to an earlier upgrade. Once you hit the 50% paid-off mark, you can trade in your device and walk away from the rest of the payments. You are effectively paying a premium for the flexibility to upgrade more frequently.

Important Things to Know Before You Upgrade

If you're considering using the Next Up feature, there are a few important conditions to be aware of:

  • Phone Condition: The phone you're trading in must be in good, working condition. This means it must be fully functional, free of major damage, and without a cracked screen or significant physical defects. AT&T's official policy states the device must be "in good working condition, and is not physically damaged beyond normal wear and tear." AT&T Next Up damaged phone returns are typically not accepted.

  • Opting Out: The Next Up feature is optional. You can choose to not add it to your plan. If you are already on the plan, you can't simply remove AT&T Next Up and get back the fees you've already paid. It is a feature you can cancel going forward, but the payments you've already made for it are non-refundable.

Is AT&T Next Up Worth It?

This is a question only you can answer, as it depends on your habits and preferences.

AT&T Next Up is likely a good fit for you if:

  • You consistently want the newest phone model as soon as it comes out.

  • You like to upgrade your phone frequently (every 18-24 months) and don't want to wait the full 36 months.

  • You don't mind paying the extra monthly fee for that flexibility.

AT&T Next Up might not be worth it if:

  • You are content with keeping your phone for three years or more.

  • You want to own your phone outright and potentially sell it on the open market for a higher value than the trade-in credit.

  • You want to avoid the extra monthly fee.

In conclusion, AT&T Next Up is a convenient and popular feature for customers who love to have the latest technology. It’s an easy way to upgrade your phone early, but remember to consider the extra cost and the condition of your device before you commit.

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