Being faced with hundreds of mobile phones, a wide range of providers, and countless phone contracts can be very daunting for anyone looking for a cheap deal. Whether you want an Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or any other kind of smartphone, here are some tips to help make the process less painful.
Contract, Pay-as-You-Go, or a SIM-Only Deal?
The first decision you have to make is the type of deal or contract you want with your mobile phone. Basically, you have three options.
Contract – a contract means you’re going to be tied into a service provider for the duration of the contract. This tie-in could be 1, 2, or 3 years. The advantage of a contract phone, whether it’s an Apple iPhone or any other make, is that the initial price tends to be much lower. Sometimes it’s free. Payments for the cost of the phone are spread out over the length of the contract.
Pay-as-You-Go – if your budget allows you to buy a phone outright or you already have a mobile phone, a pay-as-you-go service might suit you. With a PAYG service, you’re not locked into a fixed contract and can opt-out at any time. Any calls, texts, or data usage are paid for in advance.
SIM-Only Deal – this is another option that might suit you if you already have a mobile phone or can afford to buy a phone outright. You get to keep your number if you transfer to another provider, and you’re not locked into a long-term contract.
Factors to Consider When Looking for a Cheap Deal
There are many elements to consider when looking for a cheap mobile phone deal. Minutes, overseas tariffs, data usage and more all need to be taken into consideration. Here are some tips to help you save money and make sure you’re getting The Best deal.
Check charges for going over your allowance – the re’s nothing wrong with choosing the cheapest deal you can find but hidden and penalty charges can increase the cost considerably. Use more than your allocated amount of texts, minutes, or data and the provider could slap some hefty charges on your bill. On the flip side, don’t choose a contract with more than you need.
How much data allowance do you need? – if you exceed your data allowance it can work out to be very expensive. How much data allowance you need depends on your smartphone usage. The average user can get away with around 5GB. However, if you’re planning to watch TV or stream content regularly you might need double that amount. An unlimited allowance is another option, but you need to be certain it’s good value for money.
Don’t forget about mobile insurance – if you’ve treated yourself to an expensive phone you should make sure you take out mobile insurance.
Contract length – being tied into a lengthy contract can be tiresome, but you need to be in one for a reasonable length of time if you want to get The Best deal. Most providers offer a choice of 12, 18, 24, or even 36-month contracts. It’s down to you to strike the right balance.
Overseas tariffs – if you’re planning to go abroad anytime soon make sure you check out the overseas tariffs. Inside the EU it should cost no less than using it at home in the UK. However, after Brexit, and if you use your phone outside the EU, it can cost considerably more.
You Can Find Some Great Deals Online – mobile phone shops on the high street can be very convenient if you happen to be out shopping, but shopping online can be a far better option. There is no commission-hungry sales staff waiting to pounce, and you can compare deals in the comfort of your armchair. There are plenty of comparison sites and online stores to visit, for example, Compare My Mobile.
Now you know what to look for you stand a better chance of finding a great mobile phone deal.
