How to get the best UK mobile phone deals for your budget
When an upgrade becomes available, it's tempting to make a beeline for the latest handsets and the biggest data plans, but in both instances there's a good chance your bill will end up higher than it needs to be.
It's often worth looking at how you can pare back your phone bill costs and still get the handset you want, without compromising on what you really need.
First up, take a look at your historical usage from your current plan. Aside from the phone itself, the big-ticket item is data – how much are you using each month?
'Before starting your search, figure out what you need,' says Andy Aitken, CEO and co-founder of Honest Mobile. 'If you only use 4GB of data every month, there's no point paying an extra £10 per month for 20GB – no matter how good a deal it is.
'You can find your data consumption on previous mobile bills. Start there, and then look for a deal that matches what you need.'
Is a powerful camera important to you? Do you live in an area with good 5G coverage?
Do you regularly play demanding games and need a processor that can handle them? If you don't need particular features, don't prioritise them with your new phone.
Even if you do want them, there's a good chance the budget version of a flagship device, or a slightly older model, will do everything you need at a fraction of the cost.
If you have your heart set on a specific phone, it pays to shop around for it. While many of us upgrade time and again with the same network, often, the best deals on specific handsets are to be had by switching providers.
It's worth checking out the best current deals, for example Vodafone currently has an Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB, with a deal saving up to £360 on your Airtime, or a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB saving up to £576 on your Airtime with a 24-month 5GB Xtra Airtime Plan.
There's a Google Pixel 9a 128GB, with a saving of up to £480 on your airtime on a 36-month Phone Plan with a 24-month 5GB Airtime Plan, and a SIMO Unlimited deal, with unlimited data half price for the first six months when you buy a 24-month Unlimited max SIM only plans. Terms apply to all those deals, so check they work for you before you purchase.
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The big-name brands, such as EE, O2, Vodafone and 3, have the biggest phone selections and claim to have the best coverage, but if you're more flexible on the handset you want, there are plenty of lesser-known names that offer more competitive prices. Check out giffgaff, iD, Tesco Mobile, Lebara, Lyca Mobile, and VOXI, for example.
Many of these use the same networks as the biggest players, but their contracts tend to offer better value. Be sure to browse and compare before locking in.
On his Martin Lewis Money Show Live broadcast on ITV, the consumer champion explained that 14 million people are out of contract on their mobile phone bill, and thus free to switch to a cheaper deal.
SIM-only deals normally offering the best prices, as they aren't tied into paying back a contract.
The easiest way to find out if you're still locked into a contract is to text this number, and it wont cost you a penny:
Martin said: 'You text 'INFO' for free to 85075 to check. If you're on Three, or ID Mobile, or SMARTY, you will need to confirm this by entering your date of birth once they've messaged you. Those of you still in contract, you can't switch at the moment, you'd have to pay a termination fee. Those of you who aren't, well you're a free agent - you can go and get the cheapest deals and you can cut your cost.'
Find out if you're out of contract in seconds for free… https://t.co/jv2aCogRwP #MartinLewis
Is your current phone still running okay? Even if it's showing the slowdown and finicky qualities typical of a late-contract smartphone, ask yourself whether you can live with those minor niggles. If you can, you can forgo the phone-based upgrades and just change your SIM plan to cut the costs by a fair margin.
If your phone's long past its best, or if the manufacturer has stopped delivering updates for it, you still needn't splash out on a brand new device. Refurbished handsets are a brilliant option for getting a high-end phone at a bargain price, and they help to minimise environmental waste too.
It's an idea that's backed by Aitken: 'I'd recommend opting for a SIM-only plan and simply keeping your current phone or getting a refurbished one. The refurbished market is growing and you can get the latest model that seems as good as new, all while doing your bit for the planet and saving money.'
You might be pleasantly surprised by what a little negotiation will land you. When you're at the end of your contract, give your provider a call and see what they can offer.
Call centre agents will often offer better deals than what you'll see on the website, especially if you mention packages from other providers that have caught your eye. If you've been a customer for a few years, mentioning your loyalty can help, too.
Be sure to go into the conversation with some competitor research under your belt, plus a clear understanding of what you need from your new plan, and you'll stand a good chance of getting a solid discount.
They estimated that in 2022, more than 20 million customers were out of their initial contract period, and many of these were paying a lot more for their services than they needed to.
They tightened up the rules for broadband, phone and pay-TV contracts from February 2020, meaning your provider must now tell you when your contract is coming to an end – and they must also tell you about their best available deals.
If you're already out of contract, you must be reminded you're out of contract, and told every year about your firm's best deals.
But you don't have to wait to hear from them. By shopping around and speaking to your provider you could save a huge amount - and it all starts with one simple text.
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