Poll: Standard Contract vs SIM Only vs O2 Refresh

[azibux1]

Hi all,

What's your views on the above?

For someone who will have a package of (roughly) unlimited minutes, unlimited texts and 1GB or 2GB data and probably want to change the phone every couple of years

Is SIM only contract and buying the phone SIM free always best? What about the new(ish) O2 Refresh hybrid-style contracts?

What do you think?

Interested to hear views as I'm probably upgrading/signing a new contract of some sort when the M9/Galaxy S6 is released

Thanks!

EDIT: Can a mod please add a poll to this? I'm guessing only mods can do this since I can't see an option for it? Thanks

 

[azibux1]

Thanks for poll

Spacemonkey that is a great deal, my only concern would be warranty/returns in the event of a fault... If I had a problem I'd go back to carphone warehouse... Would you then have to go to Samsung or mobiles.co.uk?

Thanks for all responses, I have looked at a couple of current tarrifs, but the latest high end phone (for a good price comparison to the S6), is iPhone which is overpriced in comparison to most phones... But yes, even then SIM free seems a bit cheaper, as mentioned though it isn't by much... Maybe £20 or £30

 

[azibux1]

You can go through either, as they also supply unlocked/unbranded phones, its just as easy to go through the manufacturer as it is the supplier

Are their prices/contract offers typically cheaper than what you can get direct from the network provider then?

Also, are their phones all unlocked by default (as I think Carphone warehouse is) or is it only if you buy a SIM free phone?

 

[azibux1]

Find a nice refurbished set from O2 refresh for a reasonable price and cancel within 14 days just paying off the phone bit and go SIM only.

Unlikely to be any refurbished S6's or M9's though... I'd ideally like to get the phone as soon as possible after it is released

For the first time ever I've gone sim only this year, works out much cheaper plus I have the flexibility of doing what I want with phones.

Flexibility is good. Even if the saving is only a small amount I suppose it is worth it just for the flexibility in phone buying decisions

I see more one off amazing contract deals on mobiles (owned by CPW) than on any other site, and yes a lot cheaper than direct with the networks!

And all phones I've ever had from them have been unlocked and unbranded (other sites tend to mix up unbranded and branded phones, network and deal dependent)

Nice!! Will have to read some reviews and maybe check them out once they have S6 prices (if the phone is good).

Are they usually quite quick when it comes to new phones?

 

[azibux1]

Yeah I got the Note 4 on release day (ordered before with pre-order)

Nice!

Contract - always.

Yeah spacemonkeys note 4 deal was very good too

Any suggestions for reliable and trustworthy third party sources to buy from? Other than the already mentioned mobiles.co.uk

 

[azibux1]

Yer Sim only only works if you're changing phones every year or so. They why phones have slowed down now I don't see the point. Not to mention you have to drop £550+ on the phone, I'd rather have that cash in my bank in case I need it and just pay monthly.

Keep your eye out for really good 12month contracts, last two I had came in VERY cheap.

I've used mobilephonesdirect most of the time.

Out of interest, were those two contacts signed quite close to the phone being released? Or after a while when the phone was no longer 'new'?

 

[azibux1]

Thanks for all comments and votes

I wasn't overly impressed by the M9 at all during the release today, will hopefully be going for the S6 Edge

If anyone spots any good deals please post them here!