Smartphone users look for cheap sim free mobile phone offers for all sorts of reasons. Freedom of choice is one of the main benefits of sim free packages, opening choices up not least from major networks and MVNOs but also retailers. Competition in mobile phone handset retail is fierce, which benefits customers as the competition forces lower prices. The best sim free mobile deals are also on unlocked handsets, meaning that you then have the option to take out a sim only plan with a network of your choosing. As many providers offer benefits to multiple sim card packages, like Sky Mobile’s data rollover for second sims offer, you can find plenty of ways to make the most of the sim free mobile packages on offer here.

How Much Do I Have To Spend On A Sim Free Phone?

The good news for smartphone users when it comes to sim free mobile deals is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get yourself a handset. The best Android deals include a range of handsets, even within a single manufacturer. Samsung, Xiaomi and Huawei all have wide ranges that span top level handsets right the way down to entry level smartphones. These include cheap sim free phones that start under £100 and sit side by side top shelf handsets from Apple, Sony and Samsung. As with finding the best mobile phone contracts, there are options to suit all budgets.

Are Sim Free Phone Packages Popular?

Just like pay monthly phone plans or sim only contracts, sim free phone deals aren’t relevant for everybody. Every smartphone user is in a different situation, whether you are in the middle of an EE 24 month contract or have just started a one month rolling giffgaff plan. Over the years, sim only packages have become increasingly popular with smartphone users, who are increasingly choosing to keep hold of handsets for longer rather than upgrade their handset every year. According to YouGov, the percentage of sim only contracts supassed 50% of the UK market at the start of 2021, which means that sim free phones are also growing in popularity. As always, though, which phone package you choose is down to you, your situation, budget and preferences. 

Can I Spread The Cost Of My Sim Free Handset Over A Longer Period?

Generally, sim free phone purchases are made in single upfront payments. This contrasts with pay monthly phone plans, which spread the cost of your handset across 12, 24 or 36 months. Some mobile providers charge interest over the course of your contract, while major networks such as EE, Vodafone and O2 do not. If you pay interest with smaller providers you will end up paying more for your phone, but the option to spread the cost over a long period of time appeals to many. The upfront cost is the main downside to sim free phone deals, so if you don’t have the budget to pay upfront for a handset you might be better off looking at a longer term pay monthly plan. 

How Do I Find The Best Price For My Sim Free Phone Deal?

At Best Mobile Contracts you have the option to compare the sim free packages on offer at the touch of a button. Next to your handset you will see the retailer offering the price shown, but if you click the “All Shops” button it brings up every retailer’s price for that handset. This gives you an instant comparison, which saves you having to trawl through all of the sim free package offers from every single retailer. You can then skip straight to the cheapest retailer - or your preferred seller, if those aren’t one and the same. 

Can I Use My Sim Free Phone On Any Network?

Nearly every handset made available by retailers on the Best Mobile Contracts site is unlocked. This gives you more flexibility to choose from the many sim only deals offered by UK mobile networks to go with your new handset. Even the BT sim free handsets aren’t locked to the BT or EE networks, with BT taking on retailers in a bid to offer the best sim free deals. When you click through to one of the retailers’ homepages the product description highlights that the handsets are unlocked, meaning you can purchase the handset from your chosen manufacturer and pair it with any network sim of your choice.

What Is The Best Sim Only Deal To Go With My Sim Free Phone?

You will need a sim card to go with your sim free phone if you want to use your phone and not keep it as something shiny and new to look at on your mantelpiece. That means taking out one of a selection of cheap sim only packages from MVNOs like VOXI or giffgaff or with one of the major networks. Often, the big four UK networks - EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three Mobile - compete on price with MVNOs by offering perks to taking out one of their sim only deals. The Three Mobile sim only packages are available in 1 month rolling, 12 month or 24 month deals, going toe-to-toe with the likes of giffgaff who offer completely flexible sim only plans.

Do Retailers Offer Free Gift Promotions With Sim Free Phones?

Mobile networks offer monthly phone plans that come with free gift promotions as incentives to purchase, and retailers also offer various deals to attract customers. These could be in the shape of free or discounted tech, such as Galaxy Buds Live, discounts off your handset or free cases for your chosen phone. It is always nice to get a little bit extra for your money, and these free gift promotions or money back deals often prove the difference between completed purchases and empty baskets. 

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