Smartphone

Is it time to buy yourself a new phone? If it is and you’re having a good look around, you’ve probably come across a wide range of options. One of the ones that could be taking your fancy is a contract phone with no upfront cost. But what exactly are we talking about when we say that?

Just what is a contract phone?

In a nutshell, you buy a new phone, but you don’t pay for it outright before you can use it. Each month, you’ll pay for a fixed fee until the contract ends. This fee includes your mobile network provider’s tariffs and payment for the handset.

This is different to a SIM-only deal, in which you pay for the handset outright and only pay for the mobile service. A lot of people like this option because the monthly cost is lower, although you pay more at the outset. 

Why get a contract phone?

One of the best things about a contract phone is getting a brand new phone when you sign up with the provider. You can even find mobile deals where you don’t have to pay upfront costs and still get free minutes, free data or even join a rewards programme, depending on the mobile service provider. They want your business, so make the most of the freebies.

When you apply, the provider will run a quick credit check and once you’re approved, they’ll send you the phone and sim card. You don’t have to lay down any cash. You just start using it and you’ll pay your monthly fee each month (but you can pay off the cost of the handset early if you wish to). 

If you’re worried about your credit score, it doesn’t mean you’re out of the game. You may not be able to get the most expensive, most happening handsets, but you can still get a phone even if you have a bad credit record. You’ll just have to go for a cheaper model, that’s all. 

Speaking of money management, if you struggle habitually to manage your money, a contract phone allows you to spread out the cost, making the phone itself more affordable. You can also get one of the latest models, which is a must if you’re a techie and want to keep up with the times!

Who does contract phones without any upfront costs?

It’s a bit of a battlefield out there and there’s a plethora of operators from which you can choose:

  • Vodafone
  • Three
  • O2
  • Sky Mobile
  • BT
  • Virgin Mobile
  • iD Mobile
  • Tesco Mobile
  • Giffgaff

The world’s your oyster, basically, and there are likewise loads of different brands who do handsets: Apple, Huawei, Samsung, Sony, Motorola, LG and more. You’ve just got to find a contract and a phone that suits your needs most. You can get a good handset and a deal to match if you’re patient, so don’t rush in. 

Out of all the options you’ll see, a contract phone with no upfront costs is one of the better ones. It makes some of the best mobile phones out there more affordable and you can get some extras into the bargain. If you’re not happy, you can just switch to SIM-only when your contract expires. 

By Nick

Nick is the founder of Life of Man with a passion for trying out the latest technology, eating out at the best local restaurants, trying the latest IPAs hitting the craft beer scene travelling the world. As a parent Nick loves to spend time with his family and write about days out as dad blogger.

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