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SMARTY Mobile is owned and powered by Three, one of the UK’s major networks. SMARTY SIM-only deals come with everything up to 5G as long as you own a 5G-enabled device. Our comprehensive SMARTY page will guide you through its SIM-only plans, which include unlimited calls and texts, a choice of data packages up to unlimited and more.
Last updated: 20 March, 2024 | Estimated Reading Time: 4 Minutes
SMARTY is the only UK network that offers to refund unused GB on selected data plans. It offers fast speeds, extensive coverage and a reliable connection. There is also no need for a credit check when you sign up to a SMARTY SIM.
A SMARTY SIM demands practically no commitment from the customer. You can pause or cancel your plan any time you want. Like other well-known networks that operate on a rolling contracts basis, such as Giffgaff, iD Mobile and Voxi, SMARTY SIM-only deals offer completely flexible contract lengths. We provide more information on SMARTY plans below.
SMARTY’s Voice plans offer unlimited calls and texts. To go with this, you can choose from several data plans depending on your needs and your budget:
Data allowance | Other features | Monthly cost |
---|---|---|
5GB | Unlimited calls & texts | £6 |
8GB | Unlimited calls & texts | £7 |
16GB | Unlimited calls & texts | £8 |
40GB | Unlimited calls & texts | £10 |
100GB | Unlimited calls & texts | £12 |
150GB | Unlimited calls & texts | £15 |
200GB | Unlimited calls & texts | £17 |
Unlimited | Unlimited calls & texts | £20 |
If you’re not interested in unlimited calls and texts, you can save a little money by choosing a data-only plan. This is what the provider charges for its data-only packs:
Data allowance | Monthly cost |
---|---|
2GB | £5 |
15GB | £9 |
40GB | £13 |
100GB | £17 |
Unlimited | £20 |
As we mentioned above, if you don’t use a certain amount of data during the month, you can claim a refund from SMARTY. Here’s what the provider will pay you for the data you don’t use:
1GB | 2GB | 3GB |
---|---|---|
£6 | £7 | £8 |
With SMARTY, families can save money by signing up under a group plan. Parents get 10 per cent off each new SIM they add to their group plan. You can add eight SIMs as well as the group owner and all SIMs can be managed via the group owner’s account.
With SMARTY, you buy a monthly plan in advance which you can renew, pause or cancel any time you like. All plans last one month, you can cancel at any time and no credit check is required when you sign up.
SMARTY Mobile has a step-by-step guide to activate the SIM on your device. You must log in to the SMARTY dashboard to activate the SIM card. Using the same dashboard, you can switch between plans later. In short, it couldn’t be simpler.
EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three are the only network operators currently operating in the UK. SMARTY uses Three’s network to provide your coverage. Three offers decent speeds, good network coverage and flexibility with its data plans – here’s how it compares with its competitors’ 4G and 5G speeds:
Network | Average download speed | Average upload speed |
---|---|---|
EE | 40Mbps | 9.7Mbps |
Three | 25.2Mbps | 6.3Mbps |
Vodafone | 21.6Mbps | 7.4Mbps |
O2 | 17.1Mbps | 5.4Mbps |
Network | Average download speed | Average upload speed |
---|---|---|
EE | 140Mbps | 11Mbps |
O2 | 128.9Mbps | 9Mbps |
Three | 115.9Mbps | 8.2Mbps |
Vodafone | 103.1Mbps | 9.4Mbps |
As you can see, SMARTY tends to lag slightly behind its competitors in terms of upload speeds but compares quite well for download speeds, particularly on its 4G network. For using social media and downloading videos, the Three network will serve you well, but if you’re looking to stream yourself or game online then we would advise a 5G-enabled device on an EE plan.
SMARTY offers an app for both iPhone and Android devices. With the SMARTY app, you can use enjoy the following features to make managing your account easier:
SMARTY uses Three, which operates the UK’s fastest 5G network, and the ultra-low lag it offers allows customers to game online and download videos quickly using data. SMARTY mobiles network offers extensive data coverage, so you shouldn’t struggle while using data in the majority of UK towns and cities.
The likes of Giffgaff and iD Mobile offer cheaper data plans but limit users to 4G coverage and with slower download speeds. Voxi 4G offers a great upload and download speed as well. Other mobile providers, namely Tesco Mobile, BT Mobile and TalkMobile, offer good alternatives to the SMARTY SIM plan.
SMARTY is an Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that runs on the Three network. SMARTY Mobile partners with Three to offer one-month rolling contracts and a money-back guarantee on unused data on selected plans.
The main focus of SMARTY is affordability and flexibility. SMARTY Mobile does not offer laptop dongles, home broadband or subsidised iPhones. Its product selection is limited to SIM-only plans that are affordable for its customers.
SMARTY charges no additional fees for roaming in the EU, though it is capped at 12GB. You may have to spend extra, however, when travelling outside the EU.