WE COMPARE THE LATEST IN

  • Mobile Phone Deals
  • SIM only Deals & Handsets
  • Mobile Phone Contracts
Get Quotes
Car Image
Car Image

Best Mobile Phone Deals

  • Do you need a new phone? Are you looking for a new contract because you want to switch from your existing deal, or because your old contract is coming to an end? Whether you want to buy a mobile phone handset outright, find a phone and tariff deal to spread the cost, opt for a SIM only deal or a pay as you go mobile phone deal, Money Pug can help. On this website, you can easily search and find the best mobile phone deals and surf quickly to the option that is right for you.

Compare Mobile Phone Deals With Money Pug

When you compare mobile phone deals with Money Pug, you can rest easy knowing that you have not paid over the odds for the mobile phone or phone contract that is right for you. You can call or text your family and friends, listen, stream, watch or browse to your heart’s content, safe in the knowledge that you have not wasted your money and paid more than you had to pay for the privilege. Compare today to consider your options and look into how much you could save.

Compare Phone and Tariff Contract Mobile Phone Deals

  • If you need a smartphone, there are three different ways that you can get your hands on one and be able to use it. You can buy the phone outright and choose a sim only deal, or a pay as you go deal, but the most common option is to take out a standard contract, through which you will pay monthly for the phone and your tariff.

  • A standard phone and tariff contract allows you to spread the cost of a mobile phone over a couple of years, making it a good option for those who don’t have large chunks of cash around to spend on a higher end mobile phone handset. You will receive a new phone and pay monthly for that phone, and for a monthly allowance of calls, texts and data.

  • How many calls you are able to make, how many texts you can send, and how much data you can use will depend on the terms of your contract.  How much you can expect to pay will also depend on which contract you choose to take out, which handset you choose, and which network you choose to go on.

  • Typically, you will be tied to a network provider by a contract that will last between 18 and 24 months. During this time, if you wish to switch, you may have to pay an early release fee. This is something to bear in mind if you are thinking about taking out a standard contract phone phone deal.

What Do Mobile Phone Deals Usually Include?

The things covered by the tariff charge on a mobile phone contract will vary depending on the terms of the contract and the network you have chosen. However, the tariff will usually cover:

Inclusive Minutes

When choosing a mobile phone contract, you will get to choose how many inclusive call minutes you get each month. Finding the right deal involves making sure that you have enough minutes to meet your needs, as you will usually be charged if you exceed your minutes. Make sure you ascertain which calls will be covered, as contracts vary as to which calls are included in the inclusive allowance of minutes.

Inclusive Texts

Most mobile phone contracts also offer a certain number of inclusive texts. It is important to check each deal you are considering carefully to see how many inclusive texts you are allowed. If you send a lot of texts, you should be careful to make sure you find a deal that offers enough since, as with inclusive minutes, if you send texts over and above the inclusive allowance, you could well be charged for going over your limit.

Data Allowance

Most deals also come with a certain data allowance that can be used each month. When choosing a mobile phone deal, it is important to establish how much data you will require. To give you a rough idea of how much data you might use, it could be useful to know that 1 GB is about a million emails or 2,000 with attachments. It will allow you to download around 200 songs or stream one hour of high definition video. If you had an allowance of 500 MB, you would be able to do about half of this. Data can be gobbled up more quickly than you might think, so it is best to err on the side of caution and get a deal with a little more data than you think that you might need.

International Calls

If you often call overseas from the UK, it would be a good idea to look for an option that offers a good deal on international calls. Many contracts will charge hefty charges for international calls, so when looking for a mobile phone deal, see how the different provider’s charges will vary for the place or places that you tend to call most frequently to make sure you get the best prices.

Travelling Abroad

Many mobile phone deals will allow you to use your phone overseas, though to do so you will often incur roaming charges. Roaming charges apply to calls, texts and data and these can be high through some network providers. When choosing a mobile phone deal, be sure to check whether they offer free roaming, and always check the details of any contract to make sure it is suitable for you with regard to roaming, especially if you travel often.

Sim Only Contract Mobile Phone Deals

If you would rather pay upfront for your mobile phone then you could opt for a Sim only contract. A Sim only contract allows you to pay a smaller monthly payment for the tariff only, rather than paying for the phone over time. Sim only deals can often save you money, as the initial cost of the phone plus the monthly sim only payment often amounts to considerably less than you would pay over the course of a standard phone and tariff contract. For certain handsets, you could save as much as £200 by buying the handset upfront and opting for a sim only deal.

With a sim only deal, your contract will include only minutes, texts and data for the monthly free. It will not include an actual phone. Since the handset is not included, these deals are great for those on a budget, as they cost a lot less than a standard mobile phone contract’

A sim card is a microchip that holds all the information on your phone, including the number of the mobile, the call plan, and contacts and other messages, photos or data that you store on your phone. Once a sim card has been activated, it is tied to a particular network, though not to a particular phone. This means that you can change handsets and still hold on to your old number and keep any personal items you have stored on your mobile and saved onto the Sim.

Pay As You Go Mobile Phone Deals

  •  If you do not use your phone very often, or do not wish to be tied into a contract mobile phone deal then you could also consider opting for a pay as you go deal. With a pay as you go deal, you will not make a monthly payment but will rather pay only for what you use. This can be a very affordable option for those who don’t make a lot of calls, send a lot of texts or use a lot of data. It can also be an option for those who don’t have a good enough credit history to get a mobile phone contract.

iPhone Deals

If you are looking for a mobile phone deal, you may already have decided what sort of handset you are after. On Money Pug’s comparison site you can search for deals from all the major network providers to find a deal for a specific type of handset. For example, you might be looking for an iPhone deal.

If you are looking for an iPhone deal, you need look no further. On this website you will find a range of deals to allow you to get the latest iPhone models for the best price possible. You can search for and compare contracts and deals on:

  • iPhone X
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone XS
  • iPhone XS Max

As well as other cheaper iPhones in Apple’s back catalogue. Checking out out pages on each of the most recent iPhone models will help you find the right iPhone for you, whatever your needs and whatever your budget.

Android Phone Deals

  • If you are more of a fan of the Android operating system, you will have even more choice when it comes to finding an excellent mobile phone deal. Whatever sort of Android phone deal you are looking for, you can find suitable options through this website.
  • On this site you can find links to allow you to access deals on all the major Android phone handsets and contract options. You can compare prices on deals for:

  • the Samsung Galaxy range
  • Nokia phones
  • HTC phones
  • LG phones
  • Motorola phones
  • Huawei phones
  • Sony phones

No matter what Android phone you are looking for, Money Pug can help.

What To Look For in A Mobile Phone Deal

  •  There are a number of different things to consider when choosing a mobile phone, and a mobile phone contract, including:

Regarding the mobile phone itself:

  1. The manufacturer of the handset. (Each manufacturer makes phones with specific strengths – read reviews and look into the specs of the handsets you are considering before deciding on a purchase.)
  2. The operating system the phone runs with. (Do you want an iOS, Android or Microsoft phone?)
  3. Camera quality on the phone. (Thus is especially important if you are a photographer or plan to take a lot of pictures with your new device.)
  4. Screen size and image quality. (Go for the best option within your budget).
  5. 3G/4G (or even 5G) capability. (4G phones are faster than 3G ones for browsing and streaming.)
  6. Data storage capability on the phone. (Data is particularly important if you will be gaming or streaming video and storing lots of pictures, music, or video on your mobile phone).
  7. The battery life of the phone. (You don’t want a phone to need to be charged too often.)

Regarding the contract:

  1. Whether it is a standard contract, a sim only or pay as you go deal.
  2. The make and model of smartphone available (if included).
  3. The length of the contract. (Usually 18-24 months on a standard contract).
  4. The amount you would be paying each month. (Make sure it is affordable).
  5. What is included on the contract. (E.g. minutes, texts, data, international calls, roaming…) Take care to make sure that you will be covered for the way in which you generally tend to use your smartphone and look out for hidden costs/ exemptions in the small print.)
  6. What additional fees you may have to pay for international calls, roaming etc..
  7. How much it would cost if you wished to switch before the end of your contract.
  8. The level and quality of customer service with the network provider you are considering.
  • You should also take a look to see whether there are any added incentives or special time-limited deals available which could sweeten the deal and make taking a certain contract a little more attractive.

Best Mobile Phone Deals FAQs

Why Are Mobile Phone Contracts Not Always the Cheapest Option?
  • They over-run their contract and end up paying extra for a phone handset they already own.
  • They fall foul of price hikes and end up with a worse deal than ‘new’ customers.
  • They end up paying for extra data/ minutes/ services that they do not need.
  • They are pressured to accept a sub-par deal by pushy salespeople in a store.
  • They have not shopped around and compared for the best deal.
  • They have not haggled with their current provider regarding upgrades or better deals.
  • They have upgraded or opted for the very latest phone model when they did not need to.
  • They do not know their rights regarding price hikes and cancellation.
  • They are slow to switch when things are not right.
  • Keep reading the questions below for more in-depth investigations of each of the issues mentioned above, and to be a savvy shopper and a sensible customer when it comes to your mobile phone contract.
How Do I Change To a SIM Only Deal?

If you want to change to a SIM Only deal with your existing network, the first thing to do is check whether you are out of contract and have fulfilled your contractual obligations. The easiest way to check is simply to phone up your network and ask. Tell your network that you will like to switch to the SIM only deal that you’ve selected through using our comparison service. All being as it should be, you will then simply be transferred to your new SIM only deal 30 days after your current contract was due to end – easy as pie!

Want to Pay As You Go SIM-only Contract?

Pay as you go SIM-only deals could be a good choice if you have a poor credit rating and are rejected for a longer term contract phone deal. Pay as you go SIM only deals, which allow you to pay month by month, can also be a good choice if you want a very flexible arrangement. These monthly rolling arrangements can be good if you are on a tight budget – starting from not much more than £5 per month.

Who do we include in MoneyPugs Mobile Phone Comparison?

We include every UK Mobile phone provider. Which includes the latest mobile phones, and the best deals from all websites.

Why Is It Important to Pay Attention To When Your Contract is Up?
  • Mobile phone service providers are not particularly scrupulous when it comes to telling customers when they are nearing the end of their existing contracts. If you are not careful, you can continue on a contract, paying extra for a handset the cost of which has already been paid in full (and often more) over the contract period.
  • Failing to check when you contract is up can mean that you are pretty much throwing money away! Whether you are currently on a contract, or contemplating taking out a new one, it is crucial to take note of when the contract will be done, and to act before that date arrives to make sure you are not wasting your hard-earned cash.
  • Being fully aware of what is being paid and when it will be paid is crucial to getting the best deal. Make sure you are organised. Make a note in your diary or personal schedule – set an alert on your smartphone – however you keep track of the contract term and end date, make sure that you do. Failure to extricate themselves from an expired contract is the number one way in which people end up paying more than they have to pay on their mobile phone contracts.
Why Can It Be A Good Idea To Switch Service Providers Rather than Sticking With One?
  • Even if your contract is not yet up, it is a good idea to keep up to date with any changes to your contract and to carefully monitor how much you are paying. Even before you are free to leave without penalty, it is definitely worthwhile checking around for mobile contract deals to make sure that you are not being short changed by your service provider. According to Ofcom, around 1.5 million people continue to pay the same price after the minimum contract period and are paying more than they should be paying for their communication needs since they are paying for a handset that they already own.
  • Even if this is not the case for you, you could still be being short changed. Sometimes, in order to entice new customers, service providers will offer introductory rates to new customers – while existing customers are left on far less advantageous deals. Why should you stick with what you have, while new customers are offered far more favourable terms? It may be time to speak to your service provider to find out what they can do for you. Or, if they just won’t play ball, it might be time to shop around and find yourself a better deal by switching to a new provider. Even with the charge to break a contract, you could end up saving money by switching at just the right time.
  • It is important to keep an eye on what exactly you are paying, even mid contract. Mobile phone companies are entitled to raise your monthly tariff in line with inflation each year, when it states that they can do so in there terms and conditions before you sign on the dotted line. Changes are often made in February or March with reference to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the prices are raised by more than the RPI, however, then you should note that you are entitled to leave your contract penalty free.
What Do I Need To Know To Get a Good Deal on a Mobile Phone Contract?

So, you are switching or beginning a brand new mobile phone contract. But what do you need to know before you search and compare, and decide upon the best deal for you? There are certain things that you should think about before you make any decision about a mobile phone contract:

About You:

In order to make sure that you get a great deal on a mobile phone contract, the first and most important thing (once you’ve decided to go for a contract deal in the first place) is to make sure you are fully aware of your own phone and data use habits. If you don’t know how many minutes or how much data you need, then you can end up paying well over the odds for minutes or data that you simply do not need. You could also end up costing yourself money if you end up going over your data allowance and having to purchase more data month after month.

You can use an online tool to work out what data allowance you really need. Two sites have been accredited by the regulator Ofcom which will analyse your bills from the past three months to determine your average usage. These are Billmonitor and Ctrlio. Both can read bills from many of the main UK mobile phone service providers.

About Your Phone

In addition to understanding your own needs and smartphone habits, it is also worthwhile doing your research to make sure that you get the right handset for you. When choosing a handset, whether on contract or when purchasing one outright or with personal borrowing, be sure to consider:
Brand, manufacturer and operating system. (Think about any prior experience you may have with any of these things, and also the experience of others – family, friends and people reviewing phones online.)
Storage capacity. (How much data will you want to store on your phone? Will the phone’s storage be sufficient?)
Technical specs. (Consider processing speed, graphics, screen details, operation etc.. and carefully consider whether the handset you are considering is suited to your needs.)

About the Service:

Another thing to consider when you choose a mobile contract is how good internet and phone coverage from the network or service provider you have chosen will be where you live. Coverage varies considerably, and while black spots in coverage are becoming rarer and rarer, it is important (especially if you live in a more rural or remote area) to make sure that you will be able to get a good phone and Internet service where you live.

Why is Comparing Contracts Online is a Better Idea than Buying Under Pressure In-Store?

It may seem obvious, but when we have the time and space to consider our choices carefully and take the time to compare deals online, we get better deals on mobile phone contracts. One of the problems with heading into a store to sort out a mobile phone contract is that it can be easy to be pressured into accepting a sub-par deal.

Pushy salespeople have a job to do – sell you a contract deal. Unfortunately, that can often mean that you will end up pressured into something, and saddled with a contract deal that is not right for you. Rather than trying to contend with the human, sales elements of the process straight away, it is better to take some time online to search and compare contracts and do your research while keeping a clear head. When you take a beat or two before rushing in, you are far more likely to make the right decisions and not be bamboozled into an impulse purchase. An impulse in store could lead to a headache for months to come if you are saddled with the wrong contract deal.

Be sure to use Money Pug’s handy and easy to use comparison service, and do some more reading and research around the subject before you commit to anything. That research and preparation is one of the best ways to save money and make sure you do not pay over the odds for your mobile phone contract.

Should I Consider an Upgrade Offer From My Current Contract Provider?

If you are coming to the end of an existing mobile phone contract, you may be considering whether it is worth your while considering an upgrade offer, or whether you would be better switching provider as soon as you are free to do so. The answer is not a simple yes or no. Rather, the answer to this question will depend on what exactly is on offer. First off, ask yourself:

Do I really need to upgrade my handset?

  • You may be feeling the need to upgrade your handset for a number of different reasons. Perhaps you feel that your phone is getting old. Perhaps it is becoming less reliable. Perhaps you are no longer finding that the technical specs are sufficient for your needs. There are a number of good reasons for consider switching out your handset for a better model.
  • Remember, however, when deciding whether or not to go for an upgrade offer from your current mobile phone service provider, that selecting to purchase a new handset through a contract deal is not always the cheapest or best option. As mentioned above, you may wish to purchase a new handset in a different way – a different way which could be cheaper in the long run. Before you commit to an upgrade offer, be sure to weigh up all the different possibilities including buying a new handset outright, or arranging personal finance such as a credit card or personal loan.
  • If you do need a new handset but don’t require the very latest model then a refurbished handset could also be a good way to go, and a second hand mobile phone that is in good condition could be a cheap and sensible way to go. (We’ll look at the idea of a refurbished handset a little later in this Q&A.)
  • But perhaps you do not even need a new handset. Many of us are easily seduced by the shiny and new. But sometimes it is better to stick with what works well rather than always opting for the very latest thing. There are a number of reasons why it is a good idea to stick with an existing handset, as long as it still works well and it suitable for your needs. First of all, of course, opting not to buy-in to quick-turnover, disposable, consumerist culture is better for our planet and for the future of humanity. Sticking with a phone that works – at least for now – can often be the most sustainable choice.
  • Another reason to consider sticking with your existing phone for a little while longer is that you could use the extra time to save up (so you then may be able to buy your next phone outright, using the money you have saved by sticking with the same phone and opting for a competitive sim only deal.)
  • When offered an upgrade by your existing mobile phone contract provider, the key thing to remember is that you should remain firmly in the driving seat, Money Pug always aims to help make sure that the customer is always in control – able to make the right decisions for themselves and never taken for a ride by unscrupulous service providers.
  • Before you even consider accepting an upgrade deal on your mobile phone contract, be sure to do your homework. Shop around to see what other deals are out there on the market, and act accordingly. But just because you have found a better deal elsewhere, that does not always mean that you should switch provider.
  • Your mobile phone contract provider should work for you. They are providing a service and being paid for it, not doing you a favour. As a customer, you have the right to discuss things with the company with whom you are doing business. Haggling is perfectly acceptable.

How to Haggle:

  • Haggling is not about being needlessly rude or pushy. But it is about being assertive, and making sure that you are getting the best possible deal. It is very true when it comes to mobile phone contracts that if you don’t ask, you don’t get. Remember when you are asking for something, to speak clearly and to explain why you think it would be fair for you to get a better deal. There is often far more flexibility in contract deals than you may have imagined.
  • Bargaining chips might include the fact that the better deal is being offered to ‘new’ customers of the same service provider, or that another comparable deal from another company is more competitively priced. You can also bargain using the fact that you have been a loyal customer for a number of years… or have several mobile phones (for your family) all linked to the same contract. Again, it is worth saying again – if you don’t ask, you don’t get. The worst they can say is ‘no’ – and if they do, and your contract is coming to an end, it might be time to switch.
  • When you are trying to get the best deal, the key is to make your displeasure clear without being impolite (remember the person on the end of the phone is just an employee, trying to do their job).Your aim initially is to be put through to ‘customer disconnections’ – often known internally as ‘retentions’ as their job is to keep your custom if they can. Remember, when haggling, or negotiating a better deal, that the power is in your hands and companies want to keep your loyalty.
  • If at first you don’t succeed, don’t be afraid to phone back a few days later to get through to a different member of staff to see if you have any headway with someone new. Some staff may be quicker to proffer the best deals than others. Don’t be pushed into accepting an offer too quickly – sometimes a first offer will be bettered if you stay on the line and be firm a little longer. Don’t be afraid to pause and have them fill a silence with a cheaper deal offer.
  • Even once you’ve reached a deal you are happy with, consider asking for extras too – if you don’t ask then you don’t get, so ask for it all, and see what happens. You probably won’t get absolutely everything that you want, but you will certainly get more by being firm than you would have done if you had simply gone for the original upgrade or renewal offer.
Can I Avoid Upgrading My Handset When I Need More Storage?

One of the number one reasons for people deciding that they need an upgrade is that they have run out of storage space on their current smartphone. If your phone is full up, that can be very frustrating. But it is important not to jump too quickly to the conclusion that you need a new and better model which could cost you a lot of money. Before you decide to upgrade your handset, make sure that you have considered how you might be able to free up some extra space.

How to Free Up Memory and Increase the Storage on Your Phone

It can be very frustrating if you go to take a picture or install a new app or download your new favourite tune, only to get the message that your phone is full! But before you jump to the conclusion that you need a new handset with a larger capacity, it is worthwhile taking some basic measures to free up memory.

Check through your photos, videos and music and take the time to delete any duds, or anything that you no longer want. Often, you will find things that you forgot were on there that you can get rid of to quickly free up a little more space.

The photos, videos etc. that you do want, you should consider moving these to storage elsewhere. While you could opt to store these on your own hard drive, a cheaper and more feasible option for most people is online storage – which you can get for free. Whether you have an Android or an Apple smartphone, you can use Google Photos. IOS users can get free storage on iCloud with their Apple ID. There are also plenty of other free online storage solutions for your photos and other media.

  • Do an app audit and consider deleting any apps you do not use.
  • Clear the caches on your apps. (Careful not to delete data that you do want.)
  • Clear the cache on your phone’s browser.
  • Consider deleting old messages (this could clear a lot of space, especially if there are lots of images or videos involved).
  • Consider deleting podcasts that you have already listened to.
  • Consider deleting books you’ve already read.
  • Consider deleting films/ TV/ video or storing these elsewhere.
  • Disable pre-installed apps on your phone that you do not use in your phone’s settings.
  • Move music from your phone to a back up on a PC or laptop. Music takes up a lot of space, so consider moving from storing your music locally to a streaming service like Spotify.
  • You can also stick with your own music but keep it online using Google Play Music, which allows you to upload up to 50,000 tracks for free and download or stream them whenever you want.
  • You may be surprised by how little storage you truly need, especially when you avail yourself of free online storage solutions.
Should I Consider Getting a Refurbished Mobile?

If you do decide that you need a new mobile phone but are worried about the cost then a refurbished mobile could be a good solution. These phones, which have been returned by customers and checked and repaired – are far cheaper than new handsets. They usually don’t come with original packaging and sometimes do not have all accessories, but they should be in full working order and will have been thoroughly tested. Often, they come with a warranty. However, if you are considering a second hand refurbished phone then you should bear in mind that not all refurbished models were created equal. Refurbished phones from the manufacturer tend to be the best bet, since these are most reliable and guarantee to a higher standard.

Refurbished phones are usually graded by retailers to give an idea as to quality. Unfortunately, these grades are not set independently, so quality can and does vary. But typically, the grades are as follows:

Grade A – appears new – few minor signs of handling or wear, if any.
Grade B – May have scratches, chips or other slight cosmetic damage.
Grade C – will show signs of wear and look used.

The warranty is the most important factor when choosing a refurbished phone. It is important to make sure that you are covered should a fault develop or become apparent. Warranties usually cover a phone for one year, though it can be a shorter period, so it is important to check before you buy. While it can feel great to save a bundle on a smart new-to-you smartphone, it is important to make sure that you are covered should there be a problem.

When Should I Ask For My Pac Code From My Current Mobile Phone Contract Provider?

So, your existing contract will come to an end, you’ve got something great lined up, and have decided to switch. Whether you are jumping into another mobile phone contract, or opting for a Sim only deal, it is important to ask for your pac code from your current mobile phone contract provider before the very end of your contract. Remember that, with most contracts, you will have to give 30 days notice (and pay for 30 days) before you can leave. Make sure you don’t have to pay more than you should by making sure that you give notice and ask for you pac code a month before the contract ends. That way, you can see your notice period out without it costing you extra.

Can I Get a 'New Customer' Deal as an Existing Customer?

Earlier on in this Q&A we discussed the importance of haggling. Remember, if you don’t ask, you don’t get. If you notice that your service provider is offering a better deal for new customers, then the first thing that you should do is phone them up and ask politely if they will match it.

  • If they will not play ball, but you would still like to stay with the same company, then you could consider temporarily porting your number to a different network before coming back to the old network as a ‘new customer’. This may sound like a hassle – but it is easier and more simple than you might imagine.
  • You can’t technically port your number within the same network, so in order to keep your number but get a new customer deal, you will need to get a free pay as you go Sim from a different network, port your existing number across to it, then port the number again to the new contract once it has been set up. While it is a bit of a pain, it should not take more than a week to get set with the better ‘new customer’ deal.
Could a 'Cashback' Deal Help You Save More?

When comparing contracts, you may come across cashback options which could help you save more on your mobile phone bills. There are sometimes extra savings to be had through a cashback deal – but this is by no means guaranteed. There are three types of cashback deals available, each of which works a little differently. These are:

Redemption Cashback

  • These biggest discounts are on ‘cashback redemption’ deals which are offered through reseller sites. These involve sending off your bills at several points throughout your contract and getting paid in instalments. Miss one and you will lose out.
    Automatic Cashback
  • Also via resellers, these deals mean that you will be sent a cheque automatically within a few months without having to claim – though the discount is not usually as big.
    Cashback via Cashback Sites
  • It is sometimes also possible to beat the deals above by going for a powerhouse offer through a dedicated cashback website. Be aware, however, that there can be a range of potential problems involved in going this route.

Compare through MoneyPug today! and SAVE Money

Facebook Twitter Instagram Google