What is the ruling on exchanging an old, broken-screen phone for a new one, or a more recent model, by paying an amount of money to the company? Is this kind of exchange unlawful (haram)?

The transaction of exchanging a damaged device for a new one, with the payment of the difference, is permissible in Islamic law. This is because communication devices are not among the usurious categories for which equivalence is required in exchange. This transaction is considered as purchasing the new device, with its price being paid by the old device and the additional amount paid.