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SIM only vs contract phone
The different types of mobile phone contracts can sound confusing – SIM free, SIM only, pay monthly – it’s difficult to know where to start and which one will suit you best. So, here’s all the info you need to choose the right option and avoid paying for extra services you might not need.
What is a SIM only deal?
If you go for a SIM only plan you’ll get a bundle of calls, texts and data for a monthly price. It’s a great choice if you have a phone you’re happy, because you’re only paying for your actual allowances. Check out some of our best SIM only deals.
Advantages of SIM only deals
There are lots of advantages in going SIM only. Here are some of the best.
You can stick with your own phone. If you’re happy with your current device and don’t fancy a new one, you can keep it. All you have to do is plug your new SIM in and you can start calling, texting or using your data straight away.
You can choose your network. With SIM only, you can pick whichever network works best for you.
Lower monthly costs. SIM only deals almost always work out cheaper than pay monthly contracts, because you’re not buying a phone and there’s no upfront cost to pay.
You can choose shorter contracts. Some SIM only contracts are as short as one month, giving you plenty of flexibility when you need it.
Less intensive credit checks. To get a SIM only contract your credit history will still need to be checked, but the criteria you need to meet is lower than a pay monthly phone contract.
Disadvantages of SIM only deals
Where there are pros, there’s got to be cons. Here are a few things you might not like about SIM only.
You need to own a phone. Unless you plan on using your current phone, you’ll need to buy a handset outright which can be pretty expensive.
Upgrading is costly. You might not want to upgrade to a new phone right now, but when you do it can cost hundreds of pounds.
Your phone might become obsolete. If you keep your phone for too long, it might eventually become outdated. Most devices eceive system and security updates for around 5 years.
You might need to unlock your phone. If your phone is tied into a specific network that’s different from your SIM only provider, you’ll need to go through the hassle of unlocking it.
Who are SIM only contracts for?
If you own a phone you love (and it’s set up just the way you like it) but want a better price on your texts, calls and data, then a pay monthly SIM only deal could be the right choice for you.
Many SIM only deals don’t require a full credit check, which can be really handy if your finances are tight, you’ve been rejected for a phone contract before, or have no credit history.
Finding A SIM only plan that suits you is easy, and there are plenty of plans to pick from. Still not sure? Find out more about what a SIM only plan is, and if it’s right for you.
What is a phone contract?
A pay monthly phone contract is usually 24 months. You pay a monthly fixed fee, and in return you get a phone, and a set amount of data, calls and texts. Then at the end of the contract, you own the phone. Nice! Costs vary depending on how much monthly data, but it’s a great option if you like owning one of the latest new phones.
Advantages of phone contracts
Monthly phone contracts are a popular choice for lots of reasons. Here are just a few of them:
You get great deals on the latest handsets. If you like having a new phone jam-packed with the most up-to-date features, pay monthly lets you have it in your hand from day one.
You can spread your payments out monthly. A pay monthly mobile phone contra is a great way to spread the cost while you get to enjoy one of the latest phones.
It’s great for your credit score. A pay monthly phone contract will build your credit rating – as long as you pay your bills on time and in full each month.
Disadvantages of phone contracts
No matter how many advantages there are, it’s always good to look at the other side of the coin before you commit to a lengthy contract. Here are a few possible pay monthly disadvantages to consider:
You’re stuck with the same phone for a certain period. Unless you’re prepared to pay to upgrade early, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to swap phones during your contract.
You’re tied to the same network. When you agree a phone contract deal, you’ll be with the same network provider for the whole contract – which could be up to 24 months.
You don’t own the phone until the end of the contract. It’s true. That dream phone technically isn’t yours until you make the final payment.
You need to keep up all those monthly payments. If you don’t pay on time and in full each month, it can negatively impact your credit score.
Who are phone contracts for?
Contract phones are great for anyone that want ones of the latest phones without shelling out for it upfront. at once). It’s also a helpful (and simple) way to boost your credit score – as long as you make the payments on time and in full. Take a look at our Vodafone pay monthly plans to see if there’s a deal that suits you.
Are contract phones more expensive?
The total cost of pay monthly phones can sometimes work out a little more expensive than paying for the phone in one go, but it’s not always the case. Sometimes choosing a pay monthly contract phone can work out cheaper than buying the phone on credit. Do the maths and find the best option for you.
Dual SIM phones
A dual SIM phone allows you to have two SIM cards in one device. This is handy if you have separate phone numbers for work and for home – or if you need to have a local number while travelling in a foreign country, and still want to keep your original number active.
You can have two different data plans too, so you can easily pick the one that you need. For example, one SIM might get a lot of calls and texts, and the other can be packed full of data to scroll, stream and game away on.
Dual SIM phones are divided into two types: DSDA and DSFA. DSDA stands for Dual SIM Dual Standby which means that when you’re using one SIM card, the other is put into standby. So, if you receive a call on the first SIM, the second one would be put on standby – almost like an engaged call. DSFA phones stands for Dual SIM Full Active which allows both SIM cards to connect, meaning you could get a call on both lines at the same time. If either of these options sounds like something that you’re interested in, check out all our dual SIM phones.
