In need of contract buying advice

[Goose]

My vodafone rip off contract is due to expire soon and I want to try and get the best deal i can on a new contract. Basically, i know absolutely nothing about mobiles/smartphones, which networks are good, how to get the best deal (quidco and what not) etc etc.

My situation is that i'm a very light user, i really dont make many calls or send many texts. However, i dont really want to get a pay as you go thing because of the hassle of topping up plus i want to get a free new phone as my current one is on its last legs.

I've never felt like I need to a smartphone but im about to start a new job which involves a commute so having a gadget to play with would appeal. I think iPhones are out of the question because of the cost. I dont really know anything about HTC's and Samsungs etc.

If anyone can offer any advice i'd really appreciate it.

Thanks

 

[sarge78]

What's your monthly contract target?

Here's a few to look at/try out in a few shops. If your switching networks and live in the sticks, grab a free payg sim and test the signal quality.

o2 (Samsung Galaxy S2 - the best phone atm?)
http://www.buymobilephones.net/mobi.../O2-100-(24mths)-Internet-All-Rounder/9637151 (£39 SGS2 + 100mins/500MB for £21pm and £30 cashback from quidco)

t-Mobile deals
http://www.quidco.com/t-mobile/ (Free Motorola Atrix + 600mins/texts/500MB for £20pm and £40 cashback from quidco)

Talkmobile/vodafone (more data)
http://www.talkmobile.co.uk/pay-monthly/tariffs/htc/desire_s.html?tsc=all,all,all,all (Free HTC Desire S for £18pm)
or
SGS2 on £26pm Vodafone contract
http://www.mobilephonesdirect.co.uk/Brands/Samsung/b439/p102926.aspx

There should be a few cashback deals around for the iPhone 4 now it's quite old, free on a £25pm deal? (it's probably worth trying out in a shop)

 

[Goose]

Thanks for that. Didn't really want to spend more than £20 a month so i'll have a gander through those links and see whats what.

Is it possible to get better deals by negotiating with your current provider (Vodafone in my case)? If so, what's the best strategy to use?

Thanks

 

[dasyad]

Dialaphone had the Samsung Galaxy S II for ~£70 up front plus 20.50 a month for 300 mins and unlimited texts but with only 250mb data. This was for 24 months on Vodafone.

Might be worth looking into if you can handle the data allowance

 

[killianzz]

Dialaphone had the Samsung Galaxy S II for ~£70 up front plus 20.50 a month for 300 mins and unlimited texts but with only 250mb data. This was for 24 months on Vodafone.

Might be worth looking into if you can handle the data allowance

+1

I know another dialaphone deal that is 21.50 p/m for 100 mins and 500 texts plus 500 web, and includes a samsung galaxy s2 or a htc sensation - the two best phones out at the moment. The difference in free phones between a £21 p/m contract and a £15 p/m one is massive, probably about £200-300 price difference if you were to buy the phones upfront. Your a light user, so I recommend the £21.50 p/m deal with the galaxy s2 - best phone out at the moment, plenty of internet data, on a pretty good network (O2). Also, I think you can get £40 cashback from topcashback, which will average out the cost to under your target of £20 p/m. Iphone 4 costs more and is last years technology, but it is slightly easier to use if your completely clueless with tech.