Best mobile phone and Sim-only deals 2026

A smartphone can be a significant investment, so you'll want to make sure you're getting the best value for money when you decide to upgrade. To help, we've uncovered some great deals available now. You'll find a plethora of the best mobile phone and Sim-only deals right here, from iPhones to the top Android picks.

Our experts regularly trawl the deals and discounts to highlight the best offer throughout the year, including Sim-only deals from as little as £5 per month.

For more tips to help you shop smart in the sales, take a look at our guide to the best smartphones to buy in 2026.

Best Android phone deals 2026

There are several attractive discounts on Android handsets, so you don't need to spend a fortune on a big-name brand. The phones we've shortlisted all performed at least reasonably well in our tests, but you'll have to read our reviews to find out whether they're Best Buys.

See all the smartphones we've tested by going to our mobile phone reviews. And if you're wondering why you can trust our independent reviews, check out how we test mobile phones.

Our pick: Samsung Galaxy A36

Average price in the past six months: £435
Cheapest price in the past six months: £250*

• 6.7-inch screen
• Three rear cameras
• Durable for the price

We like: Great value

We don't like: Battery life

With a launch price of £399, the Galaxy A36 serves the lower end of the mid-range market but for many will be a more than capable phone. 

Just like with the rest of Samsung's most recent phones, you can get seven years of software support here, and the phone is set to receive the company's new One UI 8 update, bringing the software experience up to par with the rest of the range.

Specs-wise, you've got a large 6.7-inch display that uses AMOLED technology for vibrant colours and deep contrast. There's also a triple camera array on the back, which is headlined by a 50Mp sensor.

To know more about this mid-range handset, check out our Samsung Galaxy A36 review.

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Samsung Galaxy A17

Average price in the past six months: £160
Cheapest price in the past six months: £139*

• 6.7-inch screen
• Three rear cameras
• Good call quality

We like: Great screen

We don't like: Small battery

The Samsung Galaxy A17 is an entry-level smartphone but don't let the low price fool you. It still includes Samsung’s own octa-core Exynos processor, a 50-megapixel wide ‘main’ camera, a 5Mp ultra-wide, and a 2Mp macro lens for close-up shots, and a micro-SD card slot for expanding your storage. 

It's rated IP54, which means it’s protected against light dust and splashes. A fingerprint sensor and face recognition provide secure unlocking methods. The phone includes voice control for hands-free help and comes in three colours: black, blue and grey.

To know more about this A-series handset, check out our Samsung Galaxy A17 review.

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

Average price in the past six months: £677
Cheapest price in the past six months: £549*

• Snapdragon 8 Elite processor with 12GB of Ram
• 6.7-inch display
• Two rear camera lenses

We like: Stunning display

We don’t like: Shorter battery life than other models

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is slimmer than others in the S25 line-up, but its specifications look just as impressive as any other phone. It’s around 2 to 3cm thinner and 20 to 30g lighter than most smartphones we’ve tested, making it a great choice for those wanting something less bulky to carry in their pocket.

It runs off the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, which packs a hefty 12GB of Ram. The huge 200Mp main lens, 12Mp wide lens and 12Mp front camera all come with an autofocus feature.

The 512GB model is also discounted - get it for £649 from Laptops Direct

It might be lightweight, but does this smartphone score heavily? Find out in our Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge review.

Samsung Galaxy S25

Average price in the past six months: £709
Cheapest price in the past six months: £498*

• Snapdragon 8 Elite processor with 12GB of Ram and support for Galaxy AI
• 6.2-inch display
• Three rear cameras, including a 50Mp main lens

We like: Advanced camera system

We don't like: Few upgrades from the Galaxy S24

This phone is the standard model in Samsung's flagship range for 2025 and has some of the most premium specs you can find. It hasn't been out for long, but you can already save at least £100 off the launch price, as retailers such as Amazon and Currys are offering discount codes at checkout.

Galaxy AI software gives you a number of extra features. For example, you can edit people out of photographs and AI will fill in the gap and remaster shots. Also, with seven years of security updates provided, you can invest in it for the long haul.

Click through to find out if you can get at least £100 off at the retailers below, compare contract deals and find out the full scoop in our Samsung Galaxy S25 review.

Google Pixel 9a

Average price in the past six months: £424
Cheapest price in the past six months: £318*

• 6.3-inch display with 2,424 x 1,080 resolution
• Google Tensor G4 processor with 8GB of Ram
• Two rear camera lenses, including a 13Mp ultra-wide camera

We like: Strong rear cameras

We don’t like: Basic selfies

This mid-range Android phone comes close to the capabilities of the higher-end Pixel 9 series models and comes with the promise of seven years of security updates, too. It has a pOLED (plastic OLED) display, a very high peak brightness level and a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s available in purple, pink, white and black.  

The 9a has 5G, and Wi-Fi 6E support, and it’s powered by the same Google Tensor G4 processor as the more expensive Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro phones. The camera system has also been improved with a 48Mp main lens and 13Mp ultrawide lens. On the front, there’s a 13Mp selfie camera. It’s also the first A-series phone to have the macro focus feature – aiming to provide extra detail when shooting a subject up close. 

Read our Google Pixel 9a review to see if these features work as well as you hope they will.

Google Pixel 9

Average price in the past six months: £546
Cheapest price in the past six months: £392*

• 6.3-inch display with 2,424 x 1,080 resolution
• Google Tensor G4 processor with 12GB of Ram
• Two rear camera lenses, including a 48Mp ultra-wide camera

We like: Powerful processor

We don’t like: No major upgrades from the Pixel 8

The 2024 Google Pixel 9 is already discounted at select retailers. It has the latest Android software and AI Gemini features, including clever camera tricks and assistance with taking notes, setting reminders and organising your photos.

You also get an OLED screen, Google's latest processing technology and high-resolution camera lenses. With seven years of security support from launch, this is a phone you should be able to keep for the long haul.

Read our Google Pixel 9 review to see if it's for you, or compare Pixel 9 contract deals.

More Google Pixel deals

These deals also caught our eye in the sales

• Google Pixel 9 Pro – more power and a 48Mp 5x telephoto make the 'Pro' version a tempting upgrade. SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017420
• Google Pixel 9 Pro XL – those who prefer a larger display can now find significant discounts on the 6.8-inch Pro XL. SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017421 

Oppo Reno 13 Pro

Average price in the past six months: £593
Cheapest price in the past six months: £449*

• 6.83-inch OLED display with 2,800 x 1,272 resolution
• MediaTek Dimensity 8350 processor with 12GB Ram
• Three rear cameras 

We like: Durable

We don’t like: Face recognition can be easily fooled

The Oppo Reno 13 Pro is the highest-spec phone in the Oppo’s Reno 13 range. On paper, it looks the business, with a 6.8-inch OLED screen, 5,800mAh battery, powerful MediaTek chipset and impressive camera system.

It has dual nano-Sim slots, as well as support for eSims. There’s a USB-C port for both charging (there’s a cable in the box, but no power adapter) and connecting accessories. The absence of a 3.5mm audio socket means you’ll need wireless headphones or a wired pair with a USB-C adaptor if you want to listen to tunes.

You can find out what we thought of this smartphone in our full Oppo Reno 13 Pro review.

Best Apple iPhone deals

Big discounts on iPhones are rare, but you can get a bargain on older models. See our pick of Apple iPhone deals for a full round-up, and see some highlights below.

Apple iPhone Air

Average price in the past six months: £950
Cheapest price in the past six months: £799*

• 6.5-inch (2,763 x 1,260 pixels) Super Retina XDR display
• Upgraded front-facing selfie camera
• Estimated minimum of six years of security updates from launch

We like: Stunningly thin and light design

We don’t like: eSim-only

The iPhone Air focuses on a thin and light design above all else – it's the slimmest iPhone ever, measuring a mere 5.6mm thick and weighing just 165g. Despite its delicate profile, it feels reassuringly solid thanks to a strong titanium frame and new ‘Ceramic Shield 2’ glass. It's available in blue, gold, white and black. 

It’s powered by the new A19 Pro chip and a generous 12GB of Ram, giving it a noticeable speed boost over last year's models. Storage options are plentiful, starting at 256GB and going up to 1TB. But to achieve its slim frame, Apple has made this an eSim-only phone – you'll need to contact your provider to see if you can convert it to a digital Sim.

Has Apple compromised on camera or battery functions to deliver this slender phone? Our Apple iPhone Air review reveals all.

Apple iPhone 16

Average price in the past six months: £682
Cheapest price in the past six months: £584*

• 6.1-inch (2,556 x 1,179 pixels) Super Retina XDR display with Dynamic Island
• New dedicated Camera Control button
• Estimated minimum of seven years of security updates from launch

We like: Boosted A18 performance, new camera controls and modes

We don’t like: Still uses a 60Hz refresh rate display

The Apple iPhone 16 from 2024 set a new standard at the time. Its screen is bright and sharp, and it finally gets the Dynamic Island previously reserved for Pro models. Under the hood, the new A18 chip speeds things up. Backed by a powerful 5-core GPU and 8GB of memory, it aims to make games run smoothly and apps load without a stutter. There's a main 48Mp camera, and the front-facing camera keeps its sharp autofocus for great selfies.

A new dedicated Camera Control button is a welcome addition for photographers, making it easier to line up shots. It also unlocks extra modes like macro photography (now standard) for getting super close to your subject.

Compare iPhone 16 contract deals, or see if it's worth it in our iPhone 16 review.

• The iPhone 16 Plus has also seen a minor price drop, down from its original price of £899 to £841 at Laptops Direct
• The more affordable iPhone 16e is now going for even less. Originally £599, the phone is now listed for £449 at Lebara
• Going back a generation, the iPhone 15 is now just a fraction of what it originally sold for. Right now you can get it for £529 at Appliances Direct

Read our dedicated guide to the best Apple iPhone deals for more expert picks.

How to spot a good deal on a mobile phone

Adam Speight, Which? mobile phones expert, says:

• Avoid buying a phone that will imminently lose its security support. Sometimes deals can look great, but if it's a much older model, it might be at risk of losing important security updates fairly soon after you buy it. Security updates and patches are important to keep your data safe. We only recommend deals on phones (see above) that we estimate have at least two years of security patches remaining.
• Decide what's most important to you in your new phone. Cameras are generally the biggest expense, but you might find the pricey camera features aren't important to you. Often, a long battery life and crystal-clear screen can be found on much cheaper phones. Check out our mobile phone reviews to explore all there is to offer.
• In general, Android phones are cheaper than Apple iPhones and the deals are likely to be better, too. Find out the cheapest we recommend in our mobile phone reviews by using the Great Value filter. 

Our best mobile phones page shows the handsets that impressed our experts, and you can see how your current provider ranks among the best and worst mobile providers.

Best second-hand phone deals

You can get good savings on a smartphone by looking at the second-hand and refurbished market. Below, we've picked out some great deals that will save you some serious money.

Or check our mobile phone reviews for popular handsets that are now only available second-hand, and read our guide on how to buy a second-hand or refurbished phone.

Apple iPhone 15 (original price £799, now around £300 second-hand)

Despite the release of the iPhone 17 series, the iPhone 15 remains a brilliant choice in 2026. The phone features a refined design with contoured edges and a soft matte glass back, making it more comfortable to hold than the previous generation. It finally swapped the old Lightning port for the universal USB-C and introduced the 'Dynamic Island' — a shape-shifting notification hub at the top of the screen. 

Under the hood, it’s powered by the fast and responsive A16 Bionic chip, and the upgraded 48Mp camera delivers professional-grade photos with ease. We expect Apple to support it with regular security updates until at least September 2029. 

We've seen it on sale for around £411 in 'very good' second-hand condition at Music Magpie. Find out the full story in our Apple iPhone 15 review.

Also consider these popular phones that can now be found cheaper at multiple second-hand retailers:

• Apple iPhone SE 2022 (original price £419, now around £150 second-hand): Previously the most affordable phone in Apple's line-up, the iPhone SE 2022 gives you access to iOS on a budget, and it's very portable with a 4.7-inch display. Right now it can be bought for just a fraction of its original price, going for around £150 in 'excellent' condition over at iOutlet.
• Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (original price £1,199, now around £560 second-hand): This was the first iPhone to feature a titanium design and the exclusive 5x telephoto zoom lens. With a massive 6.7-inch display and the powerful A17 Pro chip, it remains a performance beast for gamers and photographers alike. You can currently find it for around £560 in 'very good' condition at Music Magpie.
• Apple iPhone 13 mini (original price £679, now around £235 second-hand): If you prefer a smaller device, this is the best pocket-sized iPhone available. It packs the same A15 Bionic power as its larger siblings into a 5.4-inch display. While the battery life is shorter than larger models, it is incredibly portable and durable. We’ve spotted it for around £235 in 'very good' condition at Music Magpie.
• Apple iPhone 14 (original price £799, now around £310 second-hand): Now available at a deep discount, the iPhone 14 is a solid mid-range contender. It features the A15 Bionic chip and clever camera modes in a familiar, reliable design. You can pick one up for approximately £310 in 'very good' condition from Music Magpie.

Looking for more offers on tech products? See our pick of the best iPad tablet deals.

Mobile phone contract calculator

A key question will be whether you buy outright or on contract. How much each will cost overall can be difficult to work out, so use our calculator below to discover the best deal for you.

Best Sim-only deals

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Getting a Sim-only deal for your handset can be a great way to get a real bargain on your monthly data and calls allowance. Here's our pick of some of the best low, medium and high-data deals in the sales. 

Best low-data Sim-only deals 

You shouldn't pay for data you don't need, so if you don't use much, opt for a cheap monthly contract that gives you the ability to switch around as your circumstances change. 

Our pick: Lebara (Vodafone network)

Lebara is a solid low-cost provider that allows you to use included data (up to 30GB) for mobile roaming within the EU at no extra cost. Read our Lebara review to see how it fared in our survey.

Other low-data deals to consider

Alternatively, check the low-data deals below for more packages we think also represent good value for money.

Best medium-data Sim-only deals

These deals could be suitable if you use mobile data fairly frequently but don't require large amounts for activities such as HD downloading or streaming.

Our pick: Talkmobile (Vodafone network)

Talkmobile includes 5GB of free EU roaming each month as part of this deal, plus its Sim-only contracts aren't hit by costly inflation-based, mid-contract price increases. You can also easily check the renewal price before the end of each month, with the flexibility to switch easily if you find a better deal. Read our Talkmobile review to see how it did in our survey. 

Other medium-data deals to consider

Alternatively, check the medium-data deals below for more packages we think represent good value for money.

Best high-data Sim-only deals

A high-data deal is ideal if you're after continuous connectivity, downloading, streaming and hotspot use. These types of deals may require a 12-month contract, so consider how committed you are and how much data you're likely to use. 

Our pick: iD Mobile (Three network)

iD Mobile allows up to 30GB of free EU roaming in 50 destinations, with unlimited minutes and texts. It's a popular low-cost network with a wide range of excellent Sim-only deals – you can see how it fares in our survey by reading our iD Mobile review. 

Other high-data deals to consider

Alternatively, check the high-data deals below for more packages that we think represent good value for money.

Not found one that's quite right for you? Browse all the best Sim-only deals on Which? Mobile Switch.

Pros and cons of buying a mobile phone on a monthly contract

With a traditional monthly contract, you pay a fixed minimum fee by direct debit each month. This consists of paying for the phone (usually through a credit agreement, meaning you get credit-checked) and the Sim itself, with an allowance of calls, texts and data. You'll have to commit to a period of time, typically two years. Depending on your plan, there may also be an upfront fee, which is worth considering if you're set on a contract. 

What are the advantages of monthly contracts? 

• Free/cheap phones – With a monthly contract, you'll get a wide choice of free or subsidised handsets, which is ideal if you fancy an upgrade. 
• Good value – Paying in advance for a fixed amount of minutes, texts and data can be much cheaper than topping up a PAYG phone. 
• Hassle-free – You’ll never get cut off for forgetting to top up your credit. 
• Can build your credit score – Paying off a mobile phone contract monthly can be a good way to build your credit score. Bear in mind that missed payments or defaulting can make your credit score drop, though. 

Are there any drawbacks with monthly contracts?

There are a few. As mentioned, you may end up paying more overall, so you'll need to weigh this against the appeal of a lower upfront cost. 

Pay attention to the length of the contract – most last two years, but some can last three, in order to keep the monthly cost attractive. You should also make a note of when your contract ends because some providers continue to charge you the full monthly cost, even after your contract has been paid off. 

If you exceed the minutes, messages or data in your bundle, additional charges can be significant. It's especially important to be aware of this while roaming. Most providers now set a default cap to prevent this, but if you remove it in order to continue using your phone, costs can quickly spiral. For more information, read our guide on how to keep track of your minutes and data and how to save money on roaming charges.

Consider network reception with a great mobile phone deal

Signal is another consideration – if you know a particular network is good in your area, you may want to stick with it but move to a different provider. If it isn't, it could be time to switch. 

Here are the core networks the virtual providers use:

• EE: BT Mobile, Plusnet Mobile, Utility Warehouse
• O2: Giffgaff, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile, LycaMobile, Virgin Mobile
• Three: iD Mobile, Smarty
• Vodafone: Asda Mobile, Lebara, Talkmobile, Voxi

When it's time to switch mobile phone provider

If all else fails, it might be time to switch. Outside the Big Four – EE, O2, Three and Vodafone – a wide range of operators are now competing for your business and some offer great-value Sim-only deals. Switching is easy and you should be able to keep your old number.

Arming yourself with a price you could get elsewhere is an important haggling tactic. Compare mobile phone contracts and Sim-only deals to find out how much you could be paying.

Smaller mobile networks consistently do better than the big four in our mobile networks survey. Read our guide to the best and worst UK mobile networks to find out more.

How to get the best mobile phone deal on popular brands

Generally, you'll find the best deals on mobile phones at retailers such as Amazon, Currys and John Lewis, rather than on the manufacturer's website. However, knowing when sales are on for specific brands can be useful if you're trying to find the best deal on a specific model you want. 

iPhone deals

It's notoriously tricky to bag an iPhone on a budget – and when discounts are available, they're usually smaller than on Android devices. However, iPhones hold their value better than older Androids, so you often see them on the second-hand market.

If you look in the right place at the right time, you can get some money off. Retailers such as Amazon and Argos occasionally bring their prices down, but make sure you're buying a new – rather than a refurbished – handset.

New iPhones usually launch in September, so the end of the year is a good time to look for previous models, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas sales.

Apple also offers a trade-in scheme, so you can knock the price of a new handset down slightly if you're upgrading from an older iPhone.

Browse all our iPhone reviews to see how all Apple handsets scored in our lab tests.

Google mobile phone deals

Google launches its flagship phones in October, so it's worth putting a Pixel on your shortlist late in the year.

You'll see the best bargains on older handsets, but more recent phones can sometimes get early discounts at major retailers such as Carphone Warehouse and Laptops Direct.

See if it's worth investing in a Pixel by reading our Google Pixel reviews. 

Samsung mobile phone deals

If you're after a discounted Samsung Galaxy, you may be tempted by some of the reasonably priced handsets in its A range. Mid-range models have come on in leaps and bounds over the past few years, and spending £300 to £400 can get you a slim, stylish and powerful model that may not look too different from a high-end version.

If you have your eyes on the premium prize, though, it could be worth holding out for a top-of-the-range Galaxy S series. The Samsung S series usually launches in the first quarter of the year, with the first discounts on the latest handsets beginning in the summer. It's worth keeping an eye out on Amazon Prime Day in July.

We've reviewed more than 40 Galaxy phones. Pick your perfect model in all our Samsung phone reviews.

Mobile phones and security updates

Deals on phones are easier to find when they've been on the market for a while, but depending on the brand and handset, this could mean they won't be receiving security updates for much longer. Check our security update calculator for models you're interested in buying. See our guide to mobile phone security. 

Looking for more offers on Tech products? See our pick of the best iPhone deals and best broadband deals.