Compare Mobile Phone Deals in 2024

Compare mobile phone deals

Whether you’re looking for a new mobile phone, a mobile phone contract with monthly allowances, or a SIM to top up on a pay-as-you-go basis, the deal you’re looking for is out there. Navigating the world of phones and phone contracts however, is far from easy. We’re going to start with a quick summary of the types of mobile phone deal you can find in the UK:

Comparison of deals with mobile phones

Compare mobile phone deals in the UK to find one that suits your needs. Here’s our guide to the best-selling iPhone and Android devices and the providers offering the best deals:

Monthly phone contracts

Get the mobile phone deal of your choice with minutes, texts and data, and pay the same amount every month over the course of the contract. A monthly mobile phone contract is a good option if you’re looking to upgrade your smartphone, or can’t afford to purchase a new phone in one single payment.

Monthly phone contracts typically offer unlimited texts and minutes, and have a fixed term of between 12 and 36 months. Some providers offer customisable plans where you decide the length of your contract, how much you pay upfront, and the specifics of your allowances. The monthly cost of your phone is usually dependent on your data allowance and the phone you choose. The most sought-after handset deals are plans with unlimited data and high-end smartphones such as the latest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy, but you could be just as happy with a phone from Huawei, Google, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Sony or Xiaomi.

iPhone deals

Find deals on the latest Apple devices in the table below:

From time to time, providers offer freebies such as Airpods or an Airtag with certain iPhone deals. An Airtag is useful because you can attach it to any item you think you might lose – your keys, for example – and then use the Find My Phone app on your iPhone to track it down.

Samsung deals

Providers sometimes offer free Samsung gadgets and extras – such as Galaxy Buds 2 – with certain Samsung deals. Always check to see if there are any one-off deals that could save you money on other gadgets you’re interested in.

Oppo deals

Sony deals

Google Pixel deals

Mobile phone contracts for bad credit

If you’re worried that your bad credit score will affect your chance of getting a mobile phone contract, you are not alone. Generally when someone signs up for a phone contract, they are covering the cost of the phone over however long the contract is for. This could be a 12-month or up to 24-month contract. Although there isn’t a set minimum credit score to get a phone contract, most providers will have their own guidelines.

Ideally, before getting a phone contract you could try to improve your credit rating so you have more options to choose from when getting a handset deals. Another option would be saving up to get the handset yourself, then choosing a SIM-only plan. When it comes to choosing a phone contract, cheaper phones or a 30-day SIM deal could be your best options.

SIM-only deals

SIM-only deals, as the name suggests, provide you with a SIM card offering an allowance of minutes, texts and GB data without a handset included. For this type of mobile deal, you’ll need to have an unlocked SIM-free phone that you’re happy with. If you’re looking to upgrade your phone in the not-too-distant future, you’ll be better off on a pay-monthly plan that includes a new device. SIM-only plans typically offer unlimited minutes and texts, with a choice of a 12-month or 24-month contract. giffgaff, Plusnet, Talkmobile and several other providers, also offer 30-day rolling contracts. While a 30-day SIM contract is flexible and commitment-free, it’s often a more expensive option than a long-term contract. For the most affordable SIM-only plan, consider a longer-term contract. This is only a good option, however, if you’re planning on sticking with a SIM-free phone for the duration of your deal.

Pay-as-you-go SIM

With a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) plan, you only pay for the minutes, texts and GB data you use. If you hardly use your phone, a PAYG plan should be good value as you won’t be paying for any unused data. Some providers, such as EE and O2, offer data rollover exclusively to PAYG customers, which means you can accumulate data and save money. PAYG customers don’t need a credit check to join, so it’s also a good option for those with a bad credit score.

If you’re a frequent phone user, you’ll most likely be paying over the odds on a PAYG contract because providers usually charge per call, text and MB of data used. You might be better off with a pay-monthly or SIM-only deal with higher data plans.

UK mobile phone networks

In this section, we’ll take you through the major mobile networks and their offer so that you can decide for yourself which is best for you.

EE

EE, previously known as T-Mobile, won the 2021 Uswitch award for Fastest Mobile Network thanks to its ultra-fast speeds that can deliver up to 60Mbps on 4G and up to 1Gbps on 5G including mobile broadband. EE has two different 4G speed plans:

• Up to 60Mbps on an EE Essential plan.
• Up to 90Mbps on an EE Max plan. This plan is only available in big cities.

Perks and extras for EE customers

As an EE customer you can enjoy:

• Six months of free Apple Music for SIM-only customers on a 30-day or 12-month contract.
• Unlimited data usage when using the Apple Music app.
• Priority when booking at EE venues and Wembley stadium events.
• Free BT Sports on the BT Sport app with selected EE pay-monthly handset deals.
• Data boost of up to 50GB for EE Broadband customers.

Roaming

EE currently offers roaming in 49 EU destinations at no extra cost, though charges will be introduced from March 2022. To roam internationally, you’ll need to purchase a travel add-on that allows you to roam in non-European countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the US.

Data rollover

Data rollover is only offered to PAYG customers, who can accumulate data for up to two years.

Plans and tariffs

EE offers pay-monthly handset deals, SIM-only contracts and PAYG plans. EE mobile-phone deals have a 24-month term with unlimited minutes and texts and a variable data plan. There are two main plans to choose from:

• Standard plan with minutes, texts and data.
• Smart plan with extra benefits such as Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Arcade, BT Sport Ultimate, Roam Abroad, and inclusive data when video streaming.

EE SIM-only deals are flexible. The provider offers one-month, 12-month and 24-month deals. You can still enjoy Smart plan benefits on a SIM-card contract.

Three

Three was awarded the 2021 Uswitch award for Best Network for Roaming, Best Network for Data, Most Popular Mobile Network, and Best SIM-Only Network, and was voted most reliable network for mobile data in a 2021 YouGov survey. Three also offers 99% 3G and 4G population coverage across the UK according to its website.

Perks and extras for Three customers

The benefits of signing up to Three include:

• Go Binge: Customers on a Three Advanced plan can stream unlimited Netflix, Apple Music, TVPlayer and SoundCloud without using up any data.
• Private hotspot: Customers on a Three Advanced plan can use the entirety of their data allowance for tethering. This means you can use your phone as a portable WiFi hotspot – useful if you’re a frequent traveller.
• Wuntu rewards app: The Three Wuntu app lets you manage your bills and features prize draws, giveaways and coupons for customers.

Roaming

Three offers inclusive roaming in 49 EU locations with Go Roam Europe, though charges will be introduced from May 2022. If you want to roam internationally, you can get Go Roam Around the World for £5 a day. This scheme gives customers data privileges in 89 destinations. Go Roam Around the World is free when you’re on a Three Advanced plan.

Plans and tariffs

Three offers handset deals, pay-monthly SIM plans and pay-as-you-go tariffs. There are two main data plans to choose from: Essential or Advanced. The Essential plan is cheap and simple, with unlimited texts and minutes and a variable data plan, but doesn’t offer as many extras as the Advanced plan. The latter offers the option of a flexible 30-day rolling contract, 12-month and 24-month SIM-only plans, as well as Go Binge and inclusive Go Roam Around the World.

O2

O2 won the 2021 Uswitch prize for Best Network Coverage, so you’re guaranteed a fast and reliable connection when you’re on an O2 pay-monthly or SIM-only contract. The provider offers strong 3G and 4G coverage, with up to 99% population coverage across the UK.

Perks at O2 venues

O2 customers benefit from perks at O2 venues with Priority Moments. Enjoy free coffee refills, offers and discounts at top events and attractions, with the option to fast-track and exclusive access to concert tickets two days before the release date.

Perks and extras for O2 customers

O2 is the network provider offering the widest range of perks and extras. These include:

• O2 Priority discounts and offers on high-street brands, events, activities, restaurants and bars with the O2 Priority app.
• O2 Rewards for PAYG customers, giving you back up to 10% of your total top-ups every three months.
• Perks at O2 venues: as an O2 customer, you’ll get money off O2 event tickets and discounts on food and drinks at the venue. You’ll also have the option to fast-track and exclusive access to lounges and cloakrooms.
• One month of free Disney+ on a standard monthly phone or SIM plan.
• Customers on an O2 Plus Plan can get up to six months of Apple Music for free.

Roaming

O2 offers inclusive roaming in the EU, so you can use your calls, texts and data as you would in the UK. To roam in non-EU locations, you’ll need to purchase an O2 add-on for international travel. This roaming package lets you use unlimited data while you’re away.

Data rollover

O2 does data rollover for PAYG customers so that any unused data doesn’t go to waste at the end of the month. Rolled-over data only lasts up to two months, so be sure you use up any accumulated data before it expires.

Plans and tariffs

O2 offers handset deals and SIM cards on a contract or a PAYG plan. The provider offers a range of mobile-phone plans with unlimited texts, unlimited minutes and variable data, typically with a minimum term of 36 months. O2 also has a feature that lets you customise your plan. This means you get to choose your data allowance, your contract length and how much you pay upfront.

O2 PAYG plans are limited, with only four to choose from: 7GB, 15GB, 30GB or 100GB. PAYG plans don’t include any streaming perks, but they do come with a rewards scheme and data rollover.

Vodafone

Vodafone has been named the best network for voice calls in London, Birmingham, Bristol and Belfast. WiFi calling is also available with the Vodafone network, which means you can use WiFi to make and receive calls if your phone signal is weak. Vodafone also offers a unique rewards scheme to its customers called VeryMe Rewards.

Perks and extras for Vodafone customers

The perks Vodafone customers get to enjoy are the following:

• Access to offers, discounts and freebies through the VeryMe Rewards app. Rewards can include discounts on high-street brands, restaurants, bars and exclusive offers on new devices.
• As a Vodafone customer, use the Vodafone app to keep track of what you’re spending and view your bill. You can also use the app to see your data usage, upgrade, buy extra data or make changes to your plan.
• You get 14 days to test the network without any strings attached. You’ll get the chance to test your connection speeds when texting, tweeting and chatting before you commit to a contract.
• Get cashback on some pay-monthly handset deals. Take a look to see if you can get money back as it could save you money.

Roaming

Vodafone roaming is divided into three different categories:

• Vodafone Roam-Free: Use your normal allowance in 51 EU countries at no extra cost. Customers on Red Extra and Essential plans will be charged £2 per day from January 31, 2022 if they signed up or recontracted on or after August 11, 2021.
• Roam-Further: For £6 a day, roam internationally in 105 countries worldwide, including the US, Canada and China. This feature can be added to any plan.
• Vodafone Roaming-Plus: Unlimited Max customers get inclusive roaming in 81 European countries and some other countries further afield.

Plans and tariffs

Vodafone offers pay-monthly, SIM-only and pay-as-you-go contracts. A useful option offered by the provider is that you can upgrade your phone mid-contract without having to terminate your existing contract. Overall, Vodafone has four plans to choose from:

• Vodafone Essential: Up to 10GB of data with unlimited calls and texts every month.
• Vodafone Red Extra: Up to 120GB with unlimited texts and minutes every month.
• Vodafone Red Entertainment: Up to 120GB, including streaming your choice of either Spotify Premium, Prime Video or Youtube Premium.
• Vodafone Unlimited Max: Unlimited data, texts and minutes, as well as streaming perks.

Vodafone also offers the option to add more benefits for an extra monthly charge. These benefits can include: device care, inclusive international roaming, unlimited picture messages and discounts on Smartwatch.

More mobile phone networks in the UK

There are more networks to choose from that are budget-friendly while still delivering great coverage and speeds. These providers are called mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), which means they use another network’s infrastructure to provide you with mobile-phone coverage.

4G and 5G coverage

EE, Three, Vodafone, O2 and Sky Mobile offer extensive phone coverage and ultra-fast speeds to their UK customers. Take a look at the 4G and 5G speeds you can hope to achieve with each mobile phone network:

Average 4G speeds

Average 5G speeds

To access 5G, you’ll need a smartphone that’s 5G-ready. Brand-new iPhones and Android devices typically support 5G. Check with the network or mobile provider to find out whether your device and plan are compatible with the latest technology.

Which network offers the best phone deals?

There are several phone providers on the market offering good phone deals, but to find the best one for you, you’ll need to know what you’re looking for in a phone plan. All phone deals offer slightly different plans, and benefits, so you’ll need to do some research to find out if the provider is offering a good-value deal, and perks you will enjoy. You might also want to use an online postcode checker to find out which network is the best for your area, in order to guarantee reliable phone coverage.

Here’s quick guide to some of the best-known MVNOs:

iD Mobile

iD Mobile operates via the Three network and is a subsidiary of the Carphone Warehouse. If you’re buying a monthly plan through the Carphone Warehouse and fancy joining an iD Mobile plan, you can get a good deal on your plan as they work as a partnership.

giffgaff

giffgaff runs on the O2 network and is among the UK’s best value-for-money providers. Giffgaff was awarded the Uswitch title for Network of the Year in 2018 as a result of its low-cost SIM plans, which are popular with customers. Giffgaff offers 12 flexible, commitment-free SIM-only plans called ‘Goodybags’, which offer unlimited texts, unlimited minutes and a data allowance of your choice. You can choose to add 3GB, 6GB, 9GB, 10GB, 15GB, 25GB, 100GB or unlimited data to your plan.

Plusnet

Plusnet uses the EE network and offers a wide range of budget-friendly SIM-only deals that start at £6 per month. Plusnet offers affordable phone deals with ultrafast internet speeds. Plusnet also has a great reputation for customer service, so you should expect excellent customer care and support. Plusnet also offers inclusive roaming in 40 European destinations.

Talkmobile

Talkmobile uses the Vodafone network and offers flexible SIM-only plans with unlimited minutes and texts. There’s no need for a credit check when joining – convenient if you have a bad credit history. The provider offers its customers the cheapest deals by keeping up-to-date with the price of its competitors’ SIM plans.

→ Talkmobile SIM-only deals

Virgin Mobile

Virgin Mobile runs on the EE network and offers competitively-priced phone deals to Virgin Media broadband, phone and TV customers. If you’re already a Virgin Media customer, you can get a discount on your mobile phone or SIM-only plan. If not, you can still enjoy a handset deal with the latest smartphone, or a 30-day SIM contract with data rollover. Virgin Media Mobile perks include the option to upgrade your phone mid-contract and inclusive data usage when messaging on WhatsApp, Facebook, Snapchat or Twitter.

VOXI

VOXI operates via the Vodafone network and offers simple 30-day SIM-only plans. VOXI appeals to young users because it also offers data-free usage on social media when using popular apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram. You won’t have to worry about using up all your data if you frequently use social media when not connected to WiFi.

Lycamobile

Lycamobile offers competitive bundles to those looking for UK minutes, texts and mobile data with inclusive international minutes and free data roaming in many countries. Its SIM-only deals are particularly attractive for those who travel often and are happy with their current mobile phone, as this network does not offer mobile phones as part of its selection of plans.

What to look for in a mobile phone

There are a few key characteristics you should consider when choosing a smartphone. These include:

Screen quality

Screen size is a big factor to consider when choosing a phone. A bigger screen will make icons, images and texts clearer, which can result in a much smoother user experience. A big screen is usually 6.0 inches and above and they might not be for you. Think about whether you want a big screen or not when choosing. Phones with a 6.7-inch screen include:

• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• Motorola Edge 20 Pro
• Motorola One
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3
• Samsung Galaxy F62
• Samsung Galaxy Quantum 2
• OnePlus 9 Pro

Battery life

Ideally, you should choose a phone with a long battery life. A long-life battery will allow you to use the phone for 14-30 hours on a single charge, but this will depend on how much you use it throughout the day. A fast-charging battery, is another key aspect to consider. The following phones are known to have a good battery life:

• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13
• Motorola One
• Motorola G Pure
• Samsung Galaxy A32
• Samsung Galaxy A52
• Oneplus Nord N10
• Oppo F19
• Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Max

Processor

The quality of the phone processor will determine the overall speed of the phone. While most phones nowadays have processors that work quickly and reliably without any issue, some are quicker than others. You should enquire about the processor if you plan to have a lot of apps because a slow phone can be frustrating to use. These are the phones with the quickest processors:

• Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
• OnePlus 9
• Samsung Galaxy S21
• Huawei Mate Pro 40
• Xiaomi Poco F3

Camera quality

If you’re interested in taking good-quality photos, find out about the quality of the selfie camera and the back camera. You might find you want features that allow you to use your creativity, such as portrait, panorama, dual, and triple camera. Here’s a list of the top 10 phones for camera functionality in 2022:

1. iPhone 13 Pro/ iPhone 13 Pro Max
2. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
3. Google Pixel 6 Pro
4. Huawei Mate 40 Pro
5. OnePlus 9 Pro
6. Huawei P40 Pro
7. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
8. iPhone 13
9. Samsung Galaxy S21
10. iPhone 12 Pro

Value for money

Are you paying for a smartphone and a plan that’s right for you? A good value-for-money plan will not only be affordable, but deliver the features you’re looking for in your phone. Compare phone deals across different providers to find the one with the best monthly price that provides everything you need. What happens when my mobile phone contract ends?

Once you come to the end of your contract, your network provider will send you a letter or a text to inform you. For pay-monthly contracts with a handset, these will usually come with an offer to upgrade your phone. You won’t need to do anything once your contract ends, but if you don’t, then the contract will simply continue at the same price you’ve been paying. In some cases phone contracts will automatically renew, however this will be in your contract record when you first sign up.