Where would we be without our phones? They’re the life essentials we need in our orbit at all times; all hell breaks loose if they’re lost.
We use them for just about everything; streaming entertainment, using apps, maps, paying bills - you name it, we'll use our phones to solve it. These days the handsets in our pockets are more powerful than NASA’s Apollo-era computers which propelled astronauts to the Moon, which is as mind-blowing a fact as it is an illustration of how rapidly tech is evolving.
If you’re looking for a new handset or phone contract, the good news is that there’s plenty of choice around. Maybe too much, in fact. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
While minutes and texts were once the top priorities, the focus is now very much on data.
If you’re about to finish your contract and hunting for a new handset, SIM or a contract bundle which gives you both, it’s vital to know how much data you’re typically using a month. Do this easily by checking your monthly average usage in your settings.
Many networks offer Unlimited Data deals which, at first glance, have all the lure of a fill-yer-boots open buffet. But if you’re someone who works from home or the office a lot, you’re probably already connected to paid-for broadband and Wi-Fi networks and so, the need for all-you-can-eat data is dwindling by the day.
Once you’ve worked out how much data you use a month, the next step is to consider how much you’re willing to spend every month. Both figures should help narrow down the options.
To help, we’ve rounded up the best phone deals and contracts to shop right now.
Scroll on to find a handset section if you need a new device (and don't forget that refurbished is a highly cost-effective route), as well as SIM-only offers and phone contract deals that will kit you out with a new phone and SIM deal - but it does typically mean you’ll be tied in for at least 24 months, often more.
See our favourites below
Best handset deals, news and reviews for September 2024
A shiny new handset for less than the usual RRP? Sign us up.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
This impressive new launch from Samsung only gets better the more time you spend with it.
From a sharp and bright display and a whip-fast processor to incredible zoom on the cameras and auto adjust that picks out the finest detail, this may be the most capable handset on the market today. The slightly larger main display and sharper corners make the most of every millimetre so you’re getting as much viewing and browsing space as possible (especially helpful when you’re using multiple apps at once).
The 120hz refresh rate is perfect for streaming shows, scrolling your newsfeed or catching up on the latest headlines, not to mention remote working, especially with the Multi View feature which allows you to see up to three apps at once.
Its range of developed AI features is what makes the Galaxy Z Fold6 soar above the competition, from Live Translate, Chat Assist, Browsing Assist and its much-celebrated Circle to Search innovation (in partnership with Google). This tech is reflected in the elevated RRP, but if you can afford it, it’s the best phone for your pocket. Oh and the folding mechanism? Well, that never gets old.
The phone is powered by a 4400mAh battery but there’s also super fast charging to get your handset back up to full power quicker.
Samsung has once again raised the bar for mobile technology with this device, leaving the competition quaking in its wake.
Buy now £1799.00, Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
Connecting over Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, the Z Flip6 is ideally suited to pairing up with wireless speakers or smartwatches, such as the all-new Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, giving epically strong connections that won’t falter and leave you high and dry. There is also a range of precision sensors and GPS to see to all your location and security needs, while a reasonably capacious 4000mAH battery will stand you in good stead for longer before charges.
Is this Samsung’s opus magnum of opening phones? Yes, yes it is. A stunningly realised thing of ringing beauty, it’s extremely attractive and equally well-built, every part of it is of premium-quality and it simply demands to be picked up, cherished and admired every few minutes in a manner that some from the outside may find obsessive, maybe even weird, but I challenge anyone to resist. Then there’s performance – speed is unsurpassed and functionality comes in smart-spades, instantly making itself at home as the hub of all your tech time.
So, the Z Flip6 is the best Samsung flip phone, that’s a given, but is it the best flip phone on the market full-stop? Well, from the cover screen to the cameras to the way it makes every action feel so utterly effortless, I confidently state the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 phone is the flip phone that flip phone fans have been eagerly awaiting for so long; so yes again, yes it is.
Buy now £1049.00, Samsung
Google Pixel 9 Pro Smartphone
The Google Pixel 9 series has seen the introduction of AI into our handsets. The four phones in the collection (the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold) have entered their ‘Gemini Era’ as the brand explains with the ability to ask a range of commands not dissimilar from voice assistant - like what the weather will be like today - but with the added benefit of distilling complex information, learning something new and solving problems such as settling a debate or drafting a resignation letter.
As is always the case with Google phones, the camera has the biggest upgrade with new features like ‘Add Me’, which changes the photo-taking game. This allows you to incorporate the photographer into the shot. There are also improvements to panoramic shots with Night Vision and Action for moving snaps and the editing process is more advanced with the ability to use prompts to add elements into the shot like a tree or autumn leaves.
The Pixel Pro 9 has a 24-hour battery life, comes in four chic colours and is waterproof. The only grip? Google Pixel phones used to be a cost-friendly alternative to iPhones but now come at around the same RRP. That being said, it’s a lot of phone for the price.
Buy now £1099.00, John Lewis
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (256 GB)
Buy now £1099.00, Amazon
Google Pixel 8 Pro – Unlocked Android Smartphone with telephoto lens – Bay, 256GB + Fitbit Charge 6 Activity Tracker
Was: £1,198.99
Buy now £823.00, Amaozn
Motorola Razr 50 Ultra 5G 512GB AI Phone - Blue
Was: £999.99
Buy now £899.99, Argos
HONOR X6b Mobile Phone Unlocked
Was: £219.99
Buy now £89.99, Amazon
Best SIM-only Deals for September
If you’re happy with your existing handset, signing up for a new SIM-only deal can keep your monthly costs down. Excellent news in these times, we think you’d agree.
giffgaff SIM-only deals
Famed for its cheap prices, the budget network has some seriously low-priced SIM-only deals starting from a mere £6 a month. All plans come with unlimited calls and texts, so just set your data ceiling and you’re good to go.
The current headline deal is 60GB for £10 a month on an 18-month contract.
Buy now, Giffgaff
Lebara SIM-only deals
Budget players like Lebara are rising in popularity and upping its SIM-only offering to meet demand.
On the low end of the scale, pocket a 5GB SIM with 1000 minutes and texts and 100 international minutes for a fiver. It’s low-data so best for those who are nonplussed about asking for Wi-Fi passwords when they’re out and about.
Meanwhile, the Unlimited data SIM costs £30 with all-you-can-eat UK minutes and texts as well as 100 international minutes to 42 countries, so you can catch up with overseas pals without worrying about racking up your bill.
Buy now, Lebara
Vodafone SIM-only deals
Offering SIM-only contracts for 1, 12 and 24 months, Vodafone offers the flexibility to adjust terms in a world where 24 months appear to be the new standard. Though, generally speaking, the longer you can commit - the more favourable the prices will be.
Get 150GB data for £12.50 a month for six months on a 24-month plan (rising to £25pm from month 7).
Buy now, Vodafone
O2 SIM-only deals
Famous for customer rewards, O2 is giving back to customers through its SIM-only offering. Pick the right deal and you’ll be treated to daily offers with O2 Priority, free O2 WiFi, O2 Travel Inclusive Zone and six months of on-demand service Disney+ too - although there are alternatives if The Magic Kingdom gang don’t quite do it for you.
Currently, bargain-hunting shoppers can find an Unlimited SIM-only deal for £31 a month on a 24-month plan. It also comes with roaming to 75 destinations including the EU, US and Down Under; perfect for those planning long-haul trips in the two years ahead.
Buy now, O2
EE SIM-only deals
The data rewards are huge at EE. If you've got your heart set on Unlimited Data, there are three top offers to choose from with the best called Unlimited All Rounder. Running on a 24-month contract, it gives you 50 per cent off the first six months so you'll only pay £21pm at first and then £42pm for the remainder.
For those who don't need Unlimited, fixed data plans include a 100GB SIM for £20pm for 24 months, or get a rolling one month contract with 25GB for £28pm.
Buy now, EE
Three SIM-only deals
Three offers an array of SIM-only deals, and many of them are Unlimited. But before you cough up £20 a month for all-you-can-eat unlimited, think first: do you really need it?
If your current monthly data usage is 120GB or less, you can get a 24-month SIM deal for £16 a month instead. While Three offers excellent coverage with the 5G part of the parcel, it is one of the pricier options out there. Unless you’re seduced by offers of Go Roam passes and streaming subscriptions, you’re likely to find a much better budget deal somewhere else.
Buy now, Three
Smarty SIM-only deals
Promising jargon-free deals, Smarty is the go-to choice for those watching the pennies. The Unlimited plan is £20pm, but if that’s excessive and unnecessary, you can land a rolling monthly deal that gives you 180GB for just £15.
Buy now, Smarty
Best phone contract deals for September 2024
Don't have the time or inclination to shop around? Get a new phone and a SIM to go with it from one provider.
Mobiles.co.uk pay monthly deals
Whether you’re eyeing up a brand new contract or trying to wrangle an upgrade, Mobiles.co.uk has a raft of offers to see.
The comparison site puts all the best contract deals from the biggest players in one place, allowing you to see it all at a glance, like a newborn Simba looking over the Pride Lands.
- iD Mobile: Want the new iPhone 16 Pro? Get it now with 100GB data and unlimited calls and texts on a 24-month contract. It's £44.99pm plus a £59 upfront cost.
- Vodaphone: Get your hands on the Samsung Galaxy S24 for just £32pm after a £19.99 upfront cost. Enjoy unlimited minutes and texts for the duration of the 24 month contract
Buy now, Mobiles.co.uk
Vodafone pay monthly deals
There’s more than enough time to take advantage of the special offers under Vodafone’s roof. All the big names are here, from Apple and Samsung to Google and Motorola.
While the offers are comparable to the other big networks, you can save up to triple figures if you trade-in.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: £47pm on a 36-month phone plan with a 24-month 150GB Airtime Plan. They'll also throw in a Fitbit Sense 2 for free (worth £219.99). Upfront cost: £50.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6: from £46pm with a £50 upfront cost. Customers can also claim a Chromebook Go.
Buy now, Vodafone
Three pay monthly deals
Find contract deals on all the leading phone brands at Three with extras like double storage and free smartwatches with selected contracts.
Get yourself a new iPhone 16 Pro Max for £32pm after paying £60 upfront on a 36-month contract. You'll have to add the price of a SIM plan to this; the cheapest is £9pm which gives you 15GB.
Buy now, Three
EE pay monthly deals
From Google phones to Samsung and Apple’s iPhone, there are plenty of contract offers to snap up at EE. An ‘as new’ model is the perfect choice for a first phone for teens as well as for the more mature user who isn’t fazed by brand names. As well as competitive contracts, EE will chuck in a benefit - like Apple Music, Prime Video and Roam Further - across many plans for free too.
Buy now, EE
