Updated daily · May 2026
Compare mobile phone deals without the guesswork
We search every major UK network daily — comparing 5090+ live deals so you always see the lowest price, with no hidden extras.
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How to choose the right phone
Five questions to ask yourself before you compare — they'll save you money and months of regret.
1
What's your monthly budget?
Work backwards from what you're comfortable paying monthly, including the upfront cost spread over the contract length. A deal with a high upfront payment can look cheap monthly but cost far more overall.
Example: a deal at £20/mo with £200 upfront costs £680 total over 24 months. A deal at £22/mo with £0 upfront costs only £528 total — £152 cheaper despite being £2 more per month. Always check the total cost.
2
How much data do you actually use?
Check your current usage in your phone's Settings app. Most people use 5GB–20GB per month. If you're on Wi-Fi most of the day, don't overpay for unlimited data. If you stream video on the go or work remotely, unlimited is worth it.
Streaming one hour of HD video uses roughly 3GB. A one-hour Spotify session uses around 150MB.
3
Apple or Android?
iPhone (iOS) is the best choice if you already use a Mac, iPad or AirPods — the ecosystem is seamless and software is supported for at least 5 years. Android offers more choice at every price point, more customisation, and often better value for money at the mid-range.
4
How long do you want to keep it?
If you upgrade every 2 years, a 24-month contract makes sense. If you keep phones for 3–4 years, consider buying SIM-free and getting a cheaper SIM Only plan — the savings add up fast.
5
Does network coverage matter where you live?
EE and Vodafone have the widest 4G and 5G coverage in the UK. O2 and Three are strong in cities. If you live rurally or travel frequently, check the network's coverage map before signing a 24-month contract.
Many virtual networks (iD Mobile, Voxi, Lebara) piggyback on a big network. Check which one and verify that network's coverage map.
UK network comparison
All handset deals on this page come from these networks. Here's how they compare on coverage, price and perks.
| Network | Coverage | Best for | 5G | Price level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
EE
|
★★★★★ | ✓ Yes | Premium | |
|
Vodafone
|
★★★★½ | ✓ Yes | Premium | |
|
O2
|
★★★★ | ✓ Yes | Mid–premium | |
|
Three
|
★★★½ | ✓ Yes | Budget–mid | |
|
iD Mobile
Runs on Three |
★★★½ | ✓ Yes | Budget | |
|
Voxi
Runs on Vodafone |
★★★★½ | ✓ Yes | Budget–mid | |
|
Lebara
Runs on Vodafone |
★★★★ | — No | Budget | |
|
Smarty
Runs on Three |
★★★½ | ✓ Yes | Budget |
★ Coverage ratings based on Ofcom Connected Nations 2025 · Price levels are relative to market average for handset contracts.
Which contract type is right for you?
All the phones above are pay-monthly handset contracts. Here's how they compare to your other options.
Pay Monthly (handset contract)
You get the phone and a SIM plan bundled together, spread across 24 months. The network subsidises the phone cost — you pay monthly until the end of the term, when the phone is yours to keep.
No large upfront cost
Latest handsets accessible to more people
One bill covers everything
Locked in for 18–36 months
You pay more overall vs buying SIM-free
SIM Only
You already have a phone (or buy one outright) and just need a data, calls and texts plan. SIM only deals are far cheaper monthly — many run on just a 30-day rolling basis — ideal if you value flexibility.
Much cheaper per month
30-day plans give complete flexibility
No credit check on many plans
You need to fund the handset yourself
Less useful if you want a new phone now
Pay As You Go (PAYG)
Top up credit and pay for calls, texts and data as you use them. No contract and no credit check. Best for light users, children's first phones, or as a backup device.
Zero commitment — stop anytime
No credit check required
Budget completely in your control
Can work out expensive for heavy users
Limited handset selection
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before you buy.
How do I know which deal is actually cheapest?
Always compare the total cost — monthly price multiplied by contract length, plus any upfront payment. A deal at £20/mo with £200 upfront over 24 months costs £680 total. A deal at £22/mo with £0 upfront costs £528 total — £152 cheaper overall despite being £2 more per month. Every deal on Olimit shows total cost prominently.
Can I keep my existing phone number?
Yes. Ask your current network for a PAC code (Port Authorisation Code) — they must provide it within 2 hours by law. Give it to your new network when you sign up and your number transfers automatically, usually within one working day.
Will I need a credit check for a phone contract?
Most handset contracts involve a soft or hard credit check because you're essentially borrowing the cost of the phone. If you have a poor credit history, consider a SIM Only plan — no credit check required on many — while you build your score.
What happens when my contract ends?
The phone is yours outright. Your monthly payments don't automatically drop — the network will usually keep charging the same amount unless you switch to a SIM only plan. Always switch to a cheaper SIM Only deal the day your contract ends — you could save £10–£20/mo immediately.
What is an eSIM and do I need one?
An eSIM is a virtual SIM built into your phone — no physical card to insert. It activates instantly via a QR code. All iPhone 17 models, the Samsung Galaxy S26 range, and the Pixel 10 range support eSIM. Particularly useful for travellers and for keeping two numbers on one phone.
What does 'runs on EE' or 'runs on Vodafone' mean?
Several networks — like iD Mobile, Voxi, and Lebara — are virtual networks (MVNOs). They don't own their own masts; they lease capacity from a major network and sell it under their own brand, often at lower prices. You get the same underlying coverage as the host network.
Do prices rise mid-contract?
Some networks apply an annual price rise — typically every April — tied to CPI inflation or a fixed percentage. This is always disclosed in the contract terms. On Olimit, each deal card shows an annual price rise warning if applicable so you know before you sign.
Is it worth getting 5G?
5G is now included in most mid-range and flagship handsets at no extra cost, so you'll likely get it by default. In practice, 5G makes a noticeable difference for video streaming and downloads in cities and major towns. In rural areas, 4G remains more reliable.
Guides & reviews
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