Types of mobile phone deals

There are three main types of mobile phone deal to choose from:

Contract mobile phone deals

Signing up to a mobile phone contract means you’ll pay a monthly cost for your handset, along with a package of calls, texts and mobile data.

If you go over your allowance, you’ll be charged extra.

You’ll be tied into your contract for a set time period. Depending on which network you pick, this could be anywhere from 12 to 36 months, although the majority of handset contracts last for 24 months.

SIM only mobile phone deals

SIM only deals are a good option if you want to keep your existing phone.

Most plans come as either one-month or year-long contracts; and don't include a handset. But if you’re happy with your current phone, they can be a great way to get more data for less and save money on your mobile bill

Compare SIM only providers to see if there are any deals that could meet your needs.

Pay As You Go mobile phone deals

With Pay As You Go (PAYG), you only pay for your usage.

This includes minutes, texts and data. Pay As You Go mobile phone deals could work out less expensive, depending on how often you use your phone.

However, if you use your phone a lot day-to-day, you could end up overpaying with PAYG, as providers typically charge per call, text or MB of data used. So make sure this is the best option for you before signing up.

How to find good deals on mobile phones

To find a really good mobile phone deal, you must think about how you use your phone on a regular basis.

Here are some things to consider when choosing your next mobile phone deal:

Pick your handset wisely

Whether you want the latest handset with an incredible camera or a cheap and cheerful mobile, the right handset can make or break your mobile phone deal.

You’ll also need to decide whether you want to go with an Apple or Android device. Both operating systems are easy to use and support thousands of apps. You can usually get the cheapest handset deals on budget Android phones. But you can also get some good-value deals on iPhones, particularly if you’re happy to consider slightly older models.

Decide on a deal type

There are many different mobile phone deals available, and it’s important to choose one that best fits your budget and lifestyle.

For example, it might not be a good idea to pick a SIM only plan if you want to upgrade your handset.

Also, while contracts are great for helping spread the cost, Pay As You Go can provide a more manageable alternative if you don’t plan on using much data.

Check your coverage

Despite schemes like the Shared Rural Network Project being rolled out across the country, many remote areas in the UK still have limited access to decent mobile coverage.

According to Ofcom’s 2023 Mobile Matters report , the share of time spent on 5G and 4G was higher in urban areas than in rural ones. Rural mobile users spent higher proportions of their time connected to 2G and 3G or with no cellular connection.

Given this possibility, check the coverage of your mobile network before committing to any long-term contract.

Consider how much you use your phone (and what for)

Think about how much mobile data you use during a typical month. You can check this on your network’s app or by looking in the settings of your mobile phone.

Most mobile providers offer some kind of unlimited call and text plan, so it’s best to focus on finding a decent amount of data at the right price.

Work out the cost

No matter which mobile phone deal you end up choosing, your budget needs to be carefully thought out beforehand.

Signing up to a phone contract means paying for the handset and allowances in instalments over a set period of time until the contract ends. You must maintain these payments or risk negatively impacting your credit score, which could bar you from future mobile phone deals.

If you’re worried about missing payments, Pay As You Go is a good alternative to phone contracts, as you’ll only pay for what you use. But you’ll need to have a mobile phone you’re happy to use.

You don’t normally require a credit check for one of these plans, which is great if your score is not high.

Compare mobile phone deals

Some popular ways to compare mobile phone deals are:

By manufacturer

There are no end of mobile phones on the market, so you’ll have plenty of options at a price that suits you. Let’s take a look at the major players on the scene:

Apple iPhone

Apple’s iPhone line is the most iconic smartphone in the world. Its fanfare, stylish design, ease of use and excellent features have made it a global tech sensation from the first day it was released.

Since the early days, iPhones have gone from strength to strength. And there’s no doubting the fact that each new release is the biggest event on the tech calendar.

If you want to have the best smartphone tech in a fashionable device that will keep you at the front of the trends, an iPhone is for you.

The iPhone 15 range is the latest batch, and it consists of the:

iPhone 15 (the standard model)
iPhone 15 Plus (same as the standard with a bigger screen)
iPhone 15 Pro (better camera and specs on the Pro models), and
iPhone 15 Pro Max (the biggest and best of the bunch).

As you can imagine, iPhones don’t come cheap. But if you want to save money, you don’t have to get the latest model.

Apple’s tech is so good, even iPhones from several years back are still premium devices that are more than adequate for most smartphone users. So if you don’t want to splash out on an iPhone 15, an iPhone 14, iPhone 13, or iPhone 12 could be ideal. For an even cheaper option, check out the iPhone SE.

Samsung Galaxy

Samsung makes some of the greatest smartphones available. And its Galaxy line of handsets is the market leader of the Android world. Similar to Apple, the tech titan from Korea releases a new flagship phone every year with amazing screens and cameras. Additionally, it offers a number of affordable and mid-range smartphones along with several innovative foldable phones.

The latest greatest devices on offer from the brand are the Samsung Galaxy S24, Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy S4 Ultra.

And if you’re looking for a cheaper option, last year’s excellent Samsung Galaxy S23 range has come down in price. You’ll find the costs are on par with Apple flagships. You can always go for an older range if you don’t want to spend at the top end. So check out the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22 Plus, and Galaxy S22 Ultra if that applies to you.

If you like the sound of an eye-catching flip phone, take a look at the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Galaxy Z Fold 4.

Google Pixel

The Android OS powers Google’s Pixel phones. And since Google develops both the devices and the operating system, Pixel users get the most authentic Android interface available. The majority of other manufacturers adapt the Android OS to fit their device.

Even with their premium specifications, Pixel phones are among the most reasonably priced flagship models available. The Pixel 8 range launched with the Pixel 8 Pro boasting a larger screen, a larger battery, and greater power than the regular Google Pixel 8. There is also Google Pixel 7 if you don’t want a brand-new model.

Apple, Samsung and Google are the most well-known smartphone brands. But there are plenty of other manufacturers out there too, like OPPO, OnePlus and Sony.

Networks currently offering competitive mobile phone deals include:

By network

Once you’ve chosen the phone you’d like to buy, you’ll need to choose a network to join on a pay monthly plan. But which mobile network is best for you? Well, that will come down to what you’re looking for in a pay monthly plan. You can choose from any of the following:

Three, O2, EE and Vodafone are the Big 4 networks in the UK. They each manage and operate their own network. Smaller networks (like giffgaff, iD Mobile, Sky Mobile and VOXI) operate their services by ‘piggybacking’ onto a Big 4 and using their existing infrastructure (coverage and speed).

Each network offers different benefits and features, as you might expect. For instance, O2 is renowned for offering an assortment of entertainment benefits like exclusive event tickets. Meanwhile, Vodafone is famed for its rewards scheme that offers freebies and discounts at high-street shops.

On the other hand, smaller networks like SMARTY and iD Mobile are more focused on low-cost contracts with minimal extras (which is how they keep their costs down).

So if you’re not fussed about additional bonuses and benefits, these networks could be a good option. Remember, there won’t be a compromise on the quality of service.

If you’re a regular overseas traveller, you should also check your chosen network’s roaming policy. Most UK networks (apart from O2) have brought roaming charges back in the aftermath of Brexit. But rates differ across the providers so it’s best to consult their terms of use if that’s an important feature for you.

Ultimately, the best network comes down to what most fits your needs. The best thing to do is compare deals across a range of providers until you settle on a plan for a mobile phone deal that ticks all your boxes.

By contract length

You do not want to get tied into a contract you’re unsure about, as this could mean you’re stuck with the same provider until the agreement is up.

Our comparison tool lets you filter by contract length. From month-long plans to two-year committed contracts, you can browse the deals available and see if there is something which suits your needs.

By cost

Handsets can be expensive but some mobile deals are more affordable than others.

Big-name manufacturers tend to significantly lower prices on older handsets. This is so they can prioritise the premium appeal of newer models.

If you’re happy with a handset that’s been on the market for longer, it could help bring your costs down while still getting high-end features included with that particular model.

Use our mobile phone deal comparison tool to filter by cost to see if you can find a deal that fits into your budget

Frequently asked questions

How do mobile phone contracts work?

What is a mobile phone handset?

How much data do I need on my mobile phone?

Can I keep my old mobile number?

What is the difference between SIM only and contract?