I actually called to upgrade my phone (it's a Samsung Strive that came with the plan; crappy and cheap free phone when we switch to AT&T since I wanted an iPhone but was waiting for the release) and they told me that if I wanted to replace my phone, it would be an early upgrade and I would have to pay what I assume is the full device price of the phone from what I could tell. I've had the plan for almost a year now, which would be in November I think, but they said I don't qualify for an upgrade until
next year in November when the contract is up.
I was hoping it would be cheaper because I don't have a smart phone, and wanted to get the iPhone and stop using this crappy thing. Looks like even if I'm not trying to upgrade early from a smart phone it doesn't matter, and sucks that I have to pay a huge fee to get it.