i think you're not using common sense here. when you make contract with your mobile operator and they give you that subsidized phone for free or for very small payment they do that because you commit yourself for paying them every month certain amount of money for two years.
you could just as well take loan and buy an unsubsidized phone and make down payments on your loan monthly. subsidizing phones is just operator providing finance for your phone purchase.
now, why on earth would they free you from your loan just because you really really want another phone model?? if you really want it, you pay the cancelation fee... if you believe otherwise, you could go to your bank and tell them you really really don't want to pay your morgage or your creadit card bill. good luck!