Phone contracts - credit file

Procrastination

Hi all, apologies if this has been asked before I've had a quick look and couldn't see anything but I'm usually over on the house buying/selling thread, new to this one.

My partner and I are really close to buying a house our deposit is saved we are just saving for fees now. We are both desperately in need of new phones mine is over five years old and smashed to pieces, his is four years old and the speaker doesn't work etc. We are both currently on sim only contracts as he bought his outright and my handset is paid off however I'm conscious I'm now on a rolling contract with a rubbish deal for what I'm getting minutes/data/text wise. 
He is wanting to keep his sim and get a handset on contract straight from the supplier rather than a phone network, I know this is applying for new credit which I really don't want to do as we're so close and I know you need to not apply for credit for X months before applying for a mortgage. Can I upgrade with my current network to get a new handset and a new contract, or is this also applying for credit which will show on my file? We only really need one decent one between us for downloading estate agent apps/phoning, answering solicitor emails etc
Any help would be greatly received, I have tried googling it but couldn't find anything to help.
Thank you!
  

xlnc99

Yes upgrade with your existing sim contracts wont result in a credit check. Ive had various with EE and 02 upgrades over the years with no credit check. They would already have your data as they get it monthly so would give you an answer straight away when you ask them. Usually if you paid your bills on time for the first 3-6 months then u can get an upgrade phone