Whether you are on a Contract or Pay-As-You-Go, I can help you decide on your next phone.
I will check to see what your operator has available that matches your budget and requirements.
From affordable Feature Phones with the basic functions or more advanced Android phones, I'll hopefully find a phone that is suitable for you.
I'll also provide assistance if required to set it up and install or uninstall apps.
Standard Half Hour set up from £10
I do not recommend iPhones as I do not believe that they are either easy to use, nor value for money. I will usually recommend Oppo, Nokia or Sony phones. Samsung are usually over priced and include too much bloatware (unnecessary apps). Motorola have too many default settings that will cause confusion or annoyance so I do not recommend them. Google Pixel put camera before the overall spec so I don't believe they offer good value for money.
Message me with your requirements and budgets and I'll see how I can help.
Are you looking for a Pay-As-You-Go SIM, or a Month-by-Month contract?
If so I'll give you examples of what you can get and how much you are likely to pay.
Top choices, for different reasons: 3 (Three), iD Currys (3), ASDA (Vodafone) & 1p Mobile (EE)
I do not recommend O2 due to poor coverage and low data speeds.
Prices change regularly and there are often offers too, so this will be a guide to help point you in the right direction.
If you are looking for SIM Only then first you need to decide what you need it for. This will then help you select the correct deal. If you find you are on the wrong option then you can easily change your deal via a phone call or payment option.
If you have near permanent access to wi-fi so only need to pay for Calls & Texts then a Traditional or Hybrid PAYG deal will be ideal for you, however, if you need a data allowance then you will need a Pay Monthly deal.
SIM Only prices are not usually affected by Annual Price increases but companies like Virgin are likely to add increases. This helps maintain a fixed budget.
Customer services with MVNOs may be much more limited that direct with EE, Vodafone, 3 & O2.
If you are looking to spread the cost of a new phone then you will need a contract.
EE, 3 & iD Mobile - Phone & Airtime bundled together - 24 & 36 month contracts
Vodafone & O2 - Separate Phone & Airtime billing - Variable plans from 3 to 36 months
Prices usually increase each April, although some may offer no contract increases (Sky 2023). Prices will generally increase by a fixed amount each April, due to change in regulations. Some networks are still increasing prices by CPI/RPI+~3.9%.
Check before signing up.
Starting / Ending your contract during the 1st week of April would help reduce the increases during your contract and could save you a lot of money. Paying a higher upfront amount will also help reduce your monthly payments.
BEST FOR
Traditional PAYG*
BEST FOR
Hybrid PAYG*
BEST FOR
Cheapest Deals
Prices rise each year by £1.50
Speed not capped
Limited 1 month options
O2
30 day contracts
Below is a summary of the main UK network providers and reasons to use or avoid.
I have colour coded them Green, Orange & Red, based on whether they are a good option or not.
EE
Usually provides the best speeds and coverage of all the networks, but is also one of the most expensive as a result. Cheaper deals are available at the sacrifice of speed. Data Package.
Data Rollovers are included
Min £25/mth 5GB data only 10Mbps - or £16/mth 25GB 100Mbps on a 2 year contract
equivalent 1p SIM = £25/mth unlimited data
or £7/50/mth 4GB data, £8/mth 10GB data, £10/mth 25GB data
1p Mobile - EE network
A cheaper way to get onto the EE network, without sacrifices.
Hybrid traditional PAYG options available for light users
Min £4/mth calls/texts only - or £3.33/mth on a 3 month or 1 year plan
Min £6/mth 2GB data - see above for 1 year plans with 500MB, 1GB & 5GB data
3 (Three)
Good coverage and data speeds. Standard Data Packs are generally cheaper than EE & Vodafone. Annual price increases.
Data speeds are not capped.
Good option for Sim Only Contracts
Min £19/mth 4GB data - or £10/mth on 1 year contract - or £9/mth on 2 year contract
Vodafone
Good coverage but direct packages can be fairly expensive. Annual fixed price increases.
5G Data Speeds are not capped.
Min £10/mth 8GB data
equivalent ASDA SIM = £19/mth 15GB data
VOXI - Vodafone network
A cheaper way to get onto the Vodafone network. VOXI is a Vodafone company.
Ideal for Social Media Streamers. Also includes a loyalty rewards programme.
Min £10/mth 20GB (unlimited social media)
Min £12/mth 25GB (unlimited Social Media & Music Streaming)
ASDA - Vodafone network
A cheaper way to get onto the Vodafone network.
Some cheaper unlimited data packages do have low capped speeds.
The cheapest, low data packages are not available for 5G.
Best for traditional PAYG balance that doesn't expire, as long as you use occasionally.
Min £4/mth calls/texts only
Min £5/mth 3GB data
O2
Cheaper standard deals compared to some other main networks. April price rises.
Very expensive and poor network coverage
Min £20/mth 1GB data - or £18/mth 1GB on 1 year contract - or £15/mth 3GB on 2 year contract
giffgaff - O2 network
A cheaper option that going direct with O2 but still not recommended. Giffgaff is an O2 company.
Min £8.00/mth 6GB data
Sky Mobile - O2 network
Discounts for Sky Customers but still not recommended. No mid-contract price rises.
Min £5.00/mth 100MB data
Tesco Mobile - O2 network
Earn Clubcard points.
Min £7.50/mth 2GB data
Virgin Mobile - O2 network
Discounts for Virgin Media customers but Higher RPI based April price increases and increases to Sim Only prices.
O2 or GiffGaff sims