The best mobile phone deals in 2026

Handset contract or SIM-only plus a phone?

A pay-monthly handset contract spreads the cost of a new phone over 24 or 36 months alongside your airtime. It is convenient, but you can pay more overall, and the airtime keeps charging even after the phone is paid off unless the plan splits the two. The alternative is to buy the phone outright (or keep your current one) and take a cheap SIM-only plan. Over two years that is often the cheaper route.

How to judge a phone deal

• Total cost of ownership. Add the upfront cost to every monthly payment across the full term. The headline monthly figure hides the real price.
• Split contracts. Plans that separate the handset loan from the airtime mean your bill drops once the phone is paid off. Prefer these.
• Data and coverage. Match the data to your usage and check the network has good signal where you live.
• Upfront vs monthly. Paying more upfront usually lowers the monthly cost, so choose the split that suits your budget.

New, refurbished or last year's flagship

The newest model carries the biggest premium for the smallest real-world difference. Last year's flagship, or a good refurbished handset, often gives almost the same experience for a lot less. If budget matters more than having the very latest, these are smart buys.

Timing your upgrade

Prices on existing models tend to soften when a new generation launches. If you do not need the latest device the week it lands, waiting a little can cut the cost. Browse current handsets, such as the latest iPhone deals, on our mobile deals pages.

The bottom line

Compare on total cost across the whole contract, favour split plans where the bill drops after the phone is paid off, and weigh a refurbished or previous-generation handset against the newest model. If you are happy with your current phone, SIM-only is usually the cheapest path of all.