Best Mobile Phone And Sim-only Deals 2023

We've rounded up some great deals on popular mobile phones this month, to help you find the best prices.

With new smartphones launching every week, and stiff competition between the biggest manufacturers and contract providers, there are often deals on the most expensive handsets – including ones from iPhone and Samsung. Whether you choose a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) or a Sim-free deal, or you want a cheap contract to buy a handset now, we'll show you some of the top deals around.

Read our guide to the best smartphones for 2023 to see which handsets impressed, or check out the best and worst mobile providers.

When is Black Friday? Gear up for the biggest sales event of the year with our guide to getting the best deals and discounts.

Best Android phone deals

There are a number of attractive discounts on Android handsets, so you don't need to spend a fortune on a big brand.

Our pick: Nothing Phone (1) (original price £399)

Stylish Glyph lighting interface

6.55-inch OLED display

Double rear camera

We like: Impressive screen

We don't like: Video sound isn't great

The first Nothing Phone (1) brought a new look to smartphones that was bound to get noticed. The Glyph interface lights up when the phone needs your attention. Inside, it has powerful specs including an OLED screen with high resolution and a large battery. It's getting a good discount now that the second iteration has been released.

Check prices below, or read our Nothing Phone (1) review.

More Android deals to consider Samsung S23 5G (original price £849)

Samsung continues to evolve its flagship range with the S23, which is now available at a discounted price. A high resolution 6.1-inch (2,340 X 1,080) OLED display and large battery tick the most important boxes, and the flexibility from the range of cameras combined with a slim and lightweight design makes for a premium all-rounder.

Check prices below, compare contract deals for the Samsung S23 or read our Samsung S23 review.

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G (original price £699)

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the simplified version of the brand's flagship phone from 2021. It already had a lower price to match its specs, but multiple retailers are now offering it at a discount. It comes in four different colours, with either 128GB or 256GB of memory, and you can record videos simultaneously using both the selfie and rear cameras.

See prices below, compare contract deals of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or read our Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G review.

Google Pixel 6 Pro (original price £849)

The 2021 Google Pixel 6 range has had some pretty hefty discounts since the 7 range was launched last October. It's the largest model in the range, with premium cameras and all-round high specifications. The 6.7-inch high-resolution screen is spacious, and the phone is fuelled by a large 5,003mAh battery. 

Check prices below, check contract deals on Google Pixel 6 Pro or read our Google Pixel 6 Pro review. 

Google Pixel 6a (original price £399)

Even the cheapest 6a in the Google Pixel 6 series is currently available at a discount. It's not as powerful as the 6 Pro, but it's still well equipped, with a bright display, quick processor and 4K video recording. 

Check deals below or compare contract deals. You can also read our review of the Google Pixel 6a.

Oppo Reno8 Lite 5G (original price £319)

This phone might be the cheapest in Oppo's Reno8 series from 2023, but it still has plenty of features. The 6.4-inch AMOLED display has a 2,400 x 1,080 resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. The three-camera combination has depth sensors and a digital image stabiliser, which should help to make your pictures look sharper. It's claimed to charge quickly with the supplied charger.

Check prices below or compare contract deals. You can see if it's the right phone for you in our review of the Oppo Reno8 Lite 5G.

Best iPhone deals

Discounts on iPhones are rare, but you can get a bargain on older models.

iPhone 14 (original price £849)

6.1-inch (2,532 x 1,170) Super Retina XDR display

Dual-camera system with a larger sensor

Estimated minimum of six years of security updates from launch

We like: Camera upgrades

We don't like: No Dynamic Island notch on the display

We don't often have iPhones on our best deals list, especially on the latest range, but the Apple iPhone 14 is already being discounted. It's the standard model in the range, and the cheapest, but it has a number of premium perks. The processor has been upgraded and the front-facing camera now has autofocus, making it smarter at focusing in pictures. 

It comes in five different colours, with 128GB to 512GB of memory. Cinematic mode now records in 4K, but the cameras aren't as advanced as on the iPhone 14 Pro. 

To find out if it lives up to expectations, check out our iPhone 14 review.

Read our dedicated guide to the best Apple iPhone deals for more expert picks and advice on how and when to buy. 

Best second-hand phone deals

You can get good savings on a smartphone by looking at the second-hand and refurbished market. Below, we've picked out some great deals on second-hand phones that will save you some serious money.

Or check our mobile phone reviews for popular handsets now only available second-hand, and read our guide on how to buy a second-hand or refurbished phone.

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (original price £699, now £275 second-hand) 

This is Samsung's toned-down version of the Galaxy S21, with excellent specs. It was released in January 2022 but is already prominent on the second-hand market for around £245-375. Samsung will support it with regular security updates until January 2027.

The cheapest deal we've found in stock for one in a grade B condition is from CEX in purple for around £275, which comes with a two-year warranty. Find out the full story in our Samsung Galaxy S21 FE review.

Also consider these popular phones that can now be found cheaper at multiple second-hand retailers:

Apple iPhone 12 (original price £799, now £300 second-hand) With the recent release of the iPhone 14, more and more iPhone 12s are appearing on the second-hand market. You should find them for £275-575, depending on the phone's condition, and the cheapest one in good or grade B condition we found is at iOutlet for around £300.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro (original price £1,149, now £415 second-hand) The iPhone 12 Pro is an upgrade from the 12, with better cameras. It currently goes for less than half its original price in 'good' second-hand condition. We've seen it on sale for £415 at Music Magpie.

Apple iPhone 13 (original price £799, now £450 second-hand). It's newer than the iPhone 12 range and is a sought-after handset, but there's plenty available second-hand. We've seen it on sale for less than £450 in 'good' second-hand condition at Music Magpie.

Find out more on how to make big savings on a second-hand phone.

Mobile phone contract calculator

A key question will be whether you buy outright or on contract. How much each will cost overall can be difficult to work out, so use our calculator below to discover the best deal for you.

Best Sim-only deals

If you're buying a phone outright, you'll need a Sim card. Here's our pick of some of the best low, medium and high-data deals in the sales.

Best low-data Sim-only deals 

You shouldn't pay for data you don't need, so if you're a light user, opt for a cheap monthly contract that gives you the ability to switch around as circumstances change. 

Our Pick: Lebara (Vodafone network) 5GB of data

Lebara has no price rises in 2023 and includes EU roaming in this deal. Read our Lebara review to see how it fares in our survey.

Other low-data deals to consider

Alternatively, check the low-data deals below for more packages that we think represent good value for money.

Best medium-data Sim-only deals

These deals could be suitable if you use mobile data fairly frequently but don't require large amounts for activities such as HD downloading or streaming.

Our Pick: Id Mobile (Three network) 25GB of data

iD Mobile will roll over any unused data and include EU roaming in this deal. Read our iD Mobile review to see how it fares in our survey.

Other medium-data deals to consider

Alternatively, check the medium-data deals below for more packages that we think represent good value for money.

Best high-data Sim-only deals

A high-data deal is ideal if you're after continuous connectivity, downloading, streaming and hotspot use. These types of deals may require a 12-month contract, so consider how committed you are and how much data you're likely to use. 

Our Pick: Smarty (Three network) 100GB of data

Smarty is including EU roaming in this high-data deal. It's on a one-month contract, so it won't tie you down. Read our Smarty review to see how it fares in our survey.

Other high-data deals to consider

Alternatively, check the high-data deals below for more packages that we think represent good value for money.

Not found one that's quite right for you? Browse all the best Sim-only deals on Which? Mobile Switch.

Pros and cons of buying a mobile phone on a monthly contract

With a traditional monthly contract, you pay a fixed minimum fee by direct debit each month, made up of paying for the phone (usually through a credit agreement, meaning you get credit-checked) and the Sim itself, with an allowance of calls, texts and data. You'll have to commit to a period of time, typically two years. Depending on your plan, there may also be an upfront fee, which is worth considering if you're set on a contract. 

What are the advantages of monthly contracts? 

Free/cheap phones With a monthly contract, you'll get a wide choice of free or subsidised handsets – ideal if you fancy an upgrade. 

Good value Paying in advance for a fixed amount of minutes, texts and data can be much cheaper than topping up a pay-as-you-go phone. 

Hassle-free You'll never get cut off for forgetting to top up your credit. 

Can build your credit score Paying off a mobile phone contract monthly can be a good way to build your credit score. Bear in mind that missed payments or defaulting can make your credit score drop. 

Are there any drawbacks with monthly contracts?

There are a few. As mentioned, you may end up paying more overall, so you'll need to weigh this up against the appeal of a lower upfront cost.  

Pay attention to the length of the contract. Most last two years, but some can last three, in order to keep the monthly cost attractive. You should also make a note of when your contract ends. Some providers continue to charge you the full monthly cost, even after your contract has been paid off. 

If you exceed the minutes, messages or data in your bundle, additional charges can be significant. It's especially important to be aware of this while roaming. Most providers now set a default cap to prevent this, but if you remove it in order to continue using your phone, costs can quickly spiral. For more, read our guide on how to keep track of your minutes and data, and our guide on EU roaming and international calls. 

Consider network reception with a great mobile phone deal

Signal is another consideration. If you know a particular network is good in your area, you may want to stick with it but move to a different provider. If it isn't, it could be time to move. 

Here are the core networks the virtual providers use:

EE BT Mobile, Plusnet Mobile, Utility Warehouse

O2 Giffgaff, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Lycamobile, Virgin Mobile

Vodafone Asda Mobile, Lebara, Talkmobile, Voxi

Three ID Mobile, Smarty

When it's time to switch mobile phone provider

If all else fails, it might be time to switch. Outside the big four – EE, O2, Three and Vodafone – a wide range of operators are now competing for your business, and some offer great-value Sim-only deals. Switching is easy, and you should be able to keep your old number.

Arming yourself with a price you could get elsewhere is an important haggling tactic. Compare mobile phone contracts and Sim-only deals to find out how much you could be paying.

Smaller mobile networks consistently do better than the big four in our mobile networks survey. Read our guide to the best and worst UK mobile networks to find out more.

How to get the best mobile phone deal on popular brands

Generally, you'll find the best deals on mobile phones at retailers such as Amazon, Currys and John Lewis, rather than on the manufacturer's website. However, knowing when sales are on for specific mobile phone brands can be useful if you're trying to find the best deal on a specific model you want. 

iPhone deals

It's notoriously tricky to bag an iPhone on a budget – and when they do have discounts, they're usually smaller than on Android devices. They hold their value better than older Androids, so you often see them on the second-hand market.

However, if you look in the right place at the right time, you can get some money off. Retailers such as Amazon and Argos occasionally bring their prices down, although make sure you're buying a new rather than a refurbished handset.

New iPhones usually launch in September, so the end of the year is a good time to look for the previous models, particularly as the Black Friday and Christmas sales roll in.

Apple also offers a trade-in scheme, so you can knock the price of a new handset down slightly if you're upgrading from an older iPhone.

Browse all our iPhone reviews to see how all Apple handsets scored in our lab tests.

Google mobile phone deals

Google launches its flagship phones in October, so it's worth putting a Pixel on your shortlist late in the year.

You'll see the best bargains on older handsets, but even more recent phones can get some early discounts at major retailers such as Carphone Warehouse and Laptops Direct.

See if it's worth investing in a Pixel by reading our Google Pixel reviews. 

Samsung mobile phone deals

If you're after a discounted Samsung Galaxy, you might be tempted by some of the reasonably priced handsets in its A, J and M ranges. Mid-range models have come on leaps and bounds over the past few years, and spending £300-400 can get you a slim, stylish, powerful model that may not look too different from a high-end version.

If you have your eyes on the premium prize, though, it could be worth holding out for a top-of-the-range Galaxy S or Note series. The Samsung S series usually launches in the first quarter of the year, with the first discounts on the latest handsets beginning in the summer. It's worth keeping an eye out on Amazon Prime Day in July.

Phones in the Note range tend to launch in August, so new models are ripe for a decent discount when Black Friday rolls around. If you miss out, the Boxing Day sales are a good time to buy, too.

We've reviewed more than 40 Galaxy phones. Pick your perfect model in all our Samsung phone reviews.

Mobile phones and security updates

Deals on phones are easier to find when they've been on the market for a while, but depending on the brand and handset, this could mean they won't be receiving security updates for much longer. Check our security update calculator for models you're interested in buying. See our guide to mobile phone security  for more.

Best Budget Smartphone 2023: The Top Cheap Phones You Can Buy In The UK

Looking to save money on your next smartphone? We reveal the best budget handsets you can buy in the UK

Aren't modern smartphones excellent? It's like having a mini-supercomputer in your pocket compared to the bulky handsets of old. Technology, on the whole, has been getting better every year and – crucially – much cheaper, too. You no longer need to hand over wallet-wilting sums of cash for your annual upgrade. Move your gaze away from those usual smartphone flagship big-hitters and you will find yourself a fantastic bargain, as there are some cracking budget smartphones to be found.

Yes, headline-grabbing flagships such as the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the iPhone 14 Pro are wonderful, but you no longer have to spend top dollar for a superb smartphone experience. Want to know more? Well, that's where we come in. These are the very best budget smartphones you can buy.

Every year, Expert Reviews puts hundreds of smartphones to the test so you don't have to, with the best coverage in the UK. That means we can definitively tell you which budget smartphone is perfect for you. Take a look below and you will spot our regularly curated list of the best budget smartphones you can buy, as well as a helpful budget smartphone buying guide.

How to choose the best budget smartphone for you

Picking the perfect budget phone isn't easy, and there are all sorts of factors to consider when making your purchase. Before you head to the checkout, you will want to make sure you have all the bases covered. To make your decision a bit easier, we've highlighted the main criteria you need to look out for.

Should I buy a phone on contract or SIM-free?

Budget smartphones are, as you would expect, cheaper to buy outright than other handsets, with prices starting as low as £100 or so. As a result, if you have the cash, we recommend you buy one SIM-free. You can then find the right SIM-only deal from any network and sell your phone when you want to upgrade. If you don't have the cash, you will need to go for a contract deal, but these don't tend to be great value for budget phones as you end up spending much more by the time your contract ends.

Which smartphone operating system do I need?

With budget smartphones, there isn't much choice when it comes to mobile operating systems. Bar some exceptions, every budget smartphone runs Google's Android OS. Rest assured, though: Android is easy to use, whether you're a first-time user or mobile veteran. Just check which Android version the phone is running as older versions may no longer be supported with regular security updates and might lack essential features.

If iOS is more your thing, you only have one choice if money is tight. Apple's iPhone 11 might begin to be showing its age, but it's still on sale and remains an excellent budget Apple device.

What should I look for in a smartphone display?

While flagship phones are fitted with the best, biggest and highest-resolution screens, you can still find budget smartphones with high-quality displays. Cheap handsets usually have a minimum screen resolution of 720p, but some slightly more expensive alternatives offer Full HD (1080p) resolution displays for sharper viewing.

The majority of budget smartphones we recommend use LCD panel technology, which is more than good enough for the price you're paying. However, we're starting to see OLED displays crop up at the lower end of the scale as well, which produce even better colours and a deeper black level. Read our full reviews if you want to know how good a phone's screen is.

Battery life and performance

Budget phones aren't equipped with top-end internals. But that's not to say their performance is bad – far from it, with reasonably speedy chips often making an appearance in affordable handsets. To get an idea of what to expect from a phone's performance, look at the clock speed of the chip (measured in GHz) and how much RAM is inside (anything more than 4GB will do the job nicely).

Battery life is crucial, and each phone's stamina is different. When considering your next budget phone, keep an eye out for the phone's battery capacity (listed in mAh) – the higher the number, the longer you can expect the battery to last on a single charge. If you're stuck, we've rounded up the longest-lasting phones in one place.

How much storage do I need?

It's amazing how much storage you can eat through on a phone with apps, games and images. You will want at least 32GB of onboard storage, though 64GB is preferred. Also look out for phones with a microSD card slot, as you can cheaply add more space when your internal storage eventually fills up.

How we test budget smartphones

Budget smartphones are tested using a variety of in-house and publicly available benchmark methods. We test CPU and gaming performance using the Geekbench and GFXBench applications, available from the Apple App Store and Google Play. Both of these apps provide us with performance scores, which can be used to directly compare against other handsets.

Display testing is performed using a colorimeter and the DisplayCal software for Windows and Mac. This test provides us with figures for overall colour accuracy, as well as maximum brightness and contrast.

For battery life, we set the phone's screen to a standardised brightness, switch off all data connections, and play a 20-hour looped video. When the handset switches off, we charge it up and record the timestamp.

When testing a phone's cameras, we always use a competitor handset for direct comparison while taking pictures in a variety of different shooting scenarios, including low-light and portrait photography. Depending on the lenses available, we may also capture ultrawide or zoomed images, as well as testing any available resolution and frame rate settings in video recording.

This is only a brief glimpse of the testing process we use when reviewing the latest smartphones. If you're keen to find out even more detail, including how we interpret the various results, you can read our dedicated How we test smartphones article for more information.

READ NEXT: Best Android smartphone

Best budget smartphones you can buy in 2023 1. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11: Best budget phone overall

Price: £160Check price at Amazon

Xiaomi hit a rich vein of form with the first few of its budget handsets to launch in the UK, and the Redmi Note 11 is no different. This handset is far better than it has any right to be for a phone that costs this little, and with upgrades across the board, it's an even more tantalising option than ever before.

Yes, the phone we would recommend above all other wallet-friendly options on the market is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11. This budget handset is

You might expect to see these sorts of high-level specs in a flagship phone, so it's a proper treat to see these features in a handset that costs a fraction of the price. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is the very definition of a top-quality budget smartphone, setting the benchmark for affordable handsets to come. At this price, you can't do much better.

Read our full Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 review

Key specs – Processor: Octa-core 2.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 680; Display: 6.43in 2,400 x 1,080; Storage: 128GB or 256GB; Cameras: 50MP, 8MP (wide), 2MP (macro), 2MP (depth); Operating system: Android 11; Weight: 179g

2. Nokia C21 Plus: The most affordable budget smartphone

Price: £80 l Check price at Amazon

A £100 smartphone used to bring about negative connotations, but the Nokia C21 Plus is far better than its bargain price suggests. Running a specially tweaked version of Android that caters to low-powered devices, the Nokia C21 Plus exceeds all expectations for a phone so cheap. Despite the comparatively weak hardware (it only has 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage), it runs surprisingly well and has a bright IPS display with a camera that isn't half bad for the price.

Its sturdy build materials and compact design should help it last the test of time, and the battery life lasted long enough in our tests as well. It may be lacking when it comes to raw processing speeds, and there are far better alternatives if your buying budget can stretch beyond £100, but when it comes down to sheer affordability, the Nokia C21 Plus is the undisputed champion.

Read our full Nokia C21 Plus review

Key specs – Processor: Quad-core 1.6GHz Unisoc SC9863A; Display: 6.52in 1,600 x 720; Storage: 32GB; Cameras: 13MP, 2MP (depth); Operating system: Android 11 Go; Weight: 178g

3. Apple iPhone 11 (renewed): The cheapest iPhone

Price: £254Check price at Back Market

It isn't Apple's most up-to-date iPhone, but the iPhone 11 is still a reliable purchase. If your budget can't quite stretch to a brand-new Apple smartphone, then the iPhone 11, despite launching in 2019, will still serve you well so long as you don't mind buying a renewed model.

The iPhone 11's build quality still holds up, as does its lovely-looking 6.1in Retina display. Likewise, the A13 Bionic processor, while not quite a match for the latest Apple chipsets, is still more than capable for a variety of intensive tasks. The iPhone 11 also supports the newest version of Apple's mobile operating system, iOS 16, if you were worried that you might be outdated on the software side of things.

If you want an Apple phone on a budget and aren't fussed about it being slightly outdated, then the iPhone 11 is your best bet.

Read our full iPhone 11 review

Key specs – Processor: Hexa-core 2.65GHz Apple A13 Bionic; Display: 6.1in 1,792 x 828; Storage: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB; Cameras: 12MP, 12MP (wide); Operating system: iOS 16; Weight: 194g

Check price at Back Market

4. Nokia G22: Best budget phone for repairability

Price: £127Check price at Amazon

At first glance, the Nokia G22 is a fairly standard budget smartphone, with the kind of specifications you'd expect for this price. The 6.52in display uses an IPS panel with a 1,200 x 720 resolution and 90Hz refresh rate, and while it's not the brightest or crispest screen out there, it's perfectly usable. Equally, the processor and cameras are far from perfect, but are competent enough to get by.

What sets the G22 apart from the sea of similarly specced smartphones is that it has been designed to allow users to quickly and easily replace various parts – including the battery, screen and charging ports – without having to go to a repair shop. The iFixit website has affordable replacement parts and tools for sale, as well as free step-by-step guides that can lead even first-time repairers through the process.

Repair times vary – a battery replacement can be done in around five minutes, with more complex procedures taking a little longer – but all are made easier by the accessible design of the Nokia G22. Best of all, performing the repairs yourself won't void the phone's warranty, and nor will it compromise the IP52 dust and splash resistance rating.

Read our full Nokia G22 review

Key specs – Processor: Octa-core 1.6GHz Unisoc T606; Display: 6.52in 1,200 x 720; Storage: 64GB, 128GB; Cameras: 50MP, 2MP (macro), 2MP (depth); Operating system: Android 12; Weight: 196g

5. Apple iPhone SE 3 (2022): Best-value (new) iPhone

Price when reviewed: £449 l Check price at John Lewis

The iPhone SE 3 (2022) might be stretching the definition of a budget smartphone, but Apple's idea of what constitutes cheap isn't exactly the same as everyone else's. If you want a newer iPhone – the renewed iPhone 11 above is a few years old – then your best-value option is the iPhone SE.

Despite having the look and feel of a phone from days gone by, the iPhone SE 3 is a formidable small-sized handset that benefits from Apple's fastest-ever mobile chipset, the A15 Bionic. That's the same processor found inside the iPhone 13, which costs more than twice as much. The cheapest iPhone by quite a distance, the iPhone SE's 12MP camera is also absolutely exceptional. The only fly in the ointment is the short battery life, but if you're able to spend twice as much compared to other phones on this list, then the iPhone SE 3 (2022) is well worth considering.

Read our full iPhone SE 3 (2022) review

Key specs – Processor: Hexa-core 3.23GHz Apple A15 Bionic; Display: 4.7in 1,334 x 750; Storage: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB; Camera: 12MP; Operating system: iOS 15; Weight: 144g

Check price at John Lewis

6. Honor Magic 5 Lite: Best budget phone for battery life

Price when reviewed: £250Check price at Argos

The Honor Magic 5 Lite isn't just the best budget phone for battery life; it has enough stamina to outlast phones that cost two, three or even four times as much. In our standardised test, the 5 Lite lasted for an outstanding 28hrs 45mins, rocketing up to very near the top of our best phone battery life list.

The Honor Magic 5 Lite isn't just a one-trick pony, either. Alongside that incredible stamina, the phone has a large and vibrant 6.67in OLED display that curves elegantly off to the sides, with a crisp 2,400 x 1,080 resolution and smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Contrast levels are essentially perfect, as is the case with OLED, and the peak brightness of 518cd/m2 is impressive for the price as well.

There are a couple areas of compromise – performance, while decent, isn't class-leading by any stretch, and low-light photography is fairly mediocre – but if you want the best battery life you can get for less than £300, no phone can beat the Honor Magic 5 Lite.

Read our full Honor Magic 5 Lite review

Key specs – Processor: Octa-core 2.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G; Display: 6.67in 2,400 x 1,080; Storage: 128GB; Cameras: 64MP, 5MP (wide), 2MP (macro); Operating system: Android 12; Weight: 175g

7. Motorola Moto G13: Outstanding value

Price when reviewed: £123Check price at Amazon

While budget phones often bring to mind sluggish performance, the Motorola Moto G13 bucks this trend by including a smoother 90Hz refresh rate for its 6.5in display. The resolution is still 720p so it won't look as crisp as flagship phones, but swiping and scrolling feels more fluid than the 60Hz alternatives used by the vast majority of budget phones.

The Mediatek Helio G85 processor delivers decent performance for a budget phone, and the 5,000mAh battery fared even better, lasting for close to 20 hours in our standard looping video test. Throw in a 3.5mm headphone jack, dual-SIM capacity and space for a microSD card to expand the storage, and the Moto G13 offers terrific value for very little money.

Read our full Motorola Moto G13 review

Key specs – Processor: Octa-core 2GHz Mediatek Helio G85; Display: 6.5in 1,600 x 720; Storage: 128GB; Cameras: 50MP, 2MP (macro), 2MP (depth); Operating system: Android 13; Weight: 184g

Study Shows SIM-free Phones Are Better Option For Anyone Looking To Save On Bills

With the cost of living still rising and back-to-school and back-to-college hitting hard, it's time to look at the areas of your life where you may be able to make some savings.

Perhaps you are looking to purchase a new phone for yourself, or a first phone for one of your children or teens.

In a nutshell

Retailers such as Currys, Harvey Norman and Amazon offer a wide-range of unlocked, SIM-free phones, which may be the best option for you or your child and won't break the bank.

A SIM-free phone is a phone that doesn't come with a SIM card and is unlocked, meaning you can use it with any network.

Currys recently carried out a survey around SIM-free phones and the results may surprise you.

SIM-free phones study - key findings

32 percent of people are either on a SIM-only or Pay As You Go plan

Cost-saving is the main reason given by people that are on SIM-free or PAYG plans

The majority of people on Bill Pay plans pay between €50 - €70 per month

The majority of people on SIM-only or Pay As You Go plans pay between €20 - €50 per month, making these options a much better choice for younger people, people on a budget, or if you just don't fancy throwing money away on bills when you can get a better deal elsewhere

The majority of people on SIM-only or Pay As You Go have switched to these options within the past two years, which shows that more and more people are aware of the value to be had with these plans

72 percent of people have said that they don't need the latest top of the range mobile phone, but just want one that's fast, has a decent battery and a good camera.

53 percent of people change their phone every three years, with only two percent of people changing every year

SIM-free options are ideal, as thanks to advances in technology there are a massive range of reasonably priced smartphones with good quality cameras, powerful hardware and long battery life.

This means people don't have to commit to long-term bill-pay contracts in order to get a good quality smartphone.

Motorola Moto E13 Four reasons why SIM-free is better

1. It's cheaper

When buying SIM free you have the upfront cost of the handset, whereas when purchased on a contract, the cost of the handset is factored into the monthly cost. When taking out a contract you are essentially taking a loan out for the phone and only at the end of the contract will you have paid for and be able to keep the phone. Normally included in the contract is an allowance for calls, texts and maybe mobile data, but the initial cost of the handset has been factored in. Ultimately you have to choose the right option for you, but SIM free gives you that option to be flexible.

2. Upgrade when you like

When you are SIM free and unlocked, you are not tied to any provider. If you want a different phone, and can afford to buy it, then this is always an option. Your old phone can easily be sold on to someone else or recycled to gain value from it and contribute towards new purchases. Depending on your network plan you can even change this more regularly. You can choose when to upgrade your phone, if you want a mobile plan that offers you more or less minutes or data. You change it when you want, subject to the conditions you have.

Google Pixel 6a

3. Freedom

SIM-free phones are great if you want to use your phone abroad and buy a SIM card when you arrive to use a local network. This is particularly useful for travelling outside the EU where travellers are subject to hefty roaming rates. For parents buying their child's first phone, SIM-free phones mean you won't get stuck with any nasty surprises with bills. It also teaches children responsibility as they will have a prepay package they need to stick to.

4. High-quality mobile phones that won't break the bank

Mid-range, affordable phones have made huge technological leaps over the past few years. As top of the range phone prices continue to creep up, mid-range phones are more appealing than ever, and you don't have to have the very best phone anymore to enjoy an exceptional smartphone experience.

Three great places to buy SIM-free phones

Currys said you can free yourself from expensive, long contracts and go SIM-free with its range of smartphones starting from €99, in store or click on this link to buy now.

Motorola Moto E13, 64GB storage, Cosmic Black, €99

Samsung Galaxy A14, 64GB storage, Black, €209

Motorola Moto G73 5G, 256GB storage, Midnight Blue, €299

Samsung Galaxy A23 5G, 64GB storage, Awesome Black, €329

Google Pixel 6a, 128GB storage, Charcoal, €479

Harvey Norman also carries a large range of SIM-free smartphones. Here are some of its best deals.

TCL 408, 64GB storage, Black, €149

Nokia G22, 64GB storage, Meteor Grey, €149

Xiaomi Redmi 12, 128GB storage, €179

Nokia G60, 64GB storage, €199.95

Oppo A76, 128GB storage, €219

Last but not least, Amazon.Co.Uk carries a vast array of SIM-free devices and you get free delivery if you are a Prime member.

Nokia G21, 64GB storage, Nordic Blue, £99.99

Honor 70 Lite, 128GB storage, Ocean Blue, £153.74

Nokia X10, 64GB storage, Forest Green, £155

OnePlus Nord CE3 Lite, 128GB storage, Chromatic Grey, £275.98

Sony Xperia 10 V, 128GB storage, Lavender, £349

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