Mobile
Mobile Phone Deals: What to Compare Before You Sign
A phone contract spreads the handset's price over 12 to 24 months with a plan, so compare the upfront and monthly cost together over the whole term, including any stated April rises. Match the data to what you actually use.
- Upfront plus monthly, over the term
- April rises are part of the price
- Match data to your real use
Phones and contracts from the sellers Wisemium works with.
A phone contract
- Upfront
- Paid once
- Monthly
- For the whole term
- April rise
- Stated when you sign
Example. Your own details appear once you add them.
Contract or buying outright
Contract
- Pay
- Upfront and monthly over the term
- Tied in
- For the term, usually 24 months
Outright plus SIM-only
- Pay
- The phone once, then a separate plan
- Tied in
- Only as long as the SIM plan
General information, not financial advice.
The full guide
Mobile phone contracts vary widely depending on the network, the handset and the data allowance. Comparing a few before you sign is the difference between a plan that fits and one you regret for two years.
What a mobile phone contract includes
A handset together with a monthly plan covering data, calls and texts, usually over 12 to 24 months. Spreading the cost of a phone this way suits many people, but it does mean the price of the handset is built into every monthly payment.
What to compare
- Monthly cost and upfront cost together. A low monthly price with a large upfront payment can cost more overall than the reverse.
- Data allowance. Match it to what you actually use rather than to the largest number on offer.
- Price changes. Some contracts include a stated price increase during the term. Check the starting monthly price and any future price shown before you commit. Wisemium displays future price steps where the provider has supplied them.
- Contract length. Longer contracts spread the handset cost further but commit you for longer.
- Coverage where you live and work.
UK networks
EE, O2, Vodafone and Three run the four mobile networks. Wisemium currently lists handset deals from iD Mobile, O2 and Reward Mobile; it does not list every contract in the UK.
Future prices are part of the deal
A contract advertised at one price often moves to another partway through. Wisemium shows each stated step, so a deal at £44.99 a month that becomes £46.79 and then £48.59 is visible before you choose rather than after.
Wisemium may receive a commission if you take out a deal through a partner. It does not affect what you pay.
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