Best mobile phone and Sim-only deals 2025

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.

For more tips to help you shop smart in the sales, take a look at our guide to the best smartphones to buy in 2025.

Best Android phone deals 2025

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.

*References to ‘Average price' and 'Cheapest price' are based on Which? market knowledge and information supplied by our partners. Prices are checked for the six calendar months prior to publication. Not all retailers are included in our checks.

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: £368
Cheapest price in the past six months: £279*

• 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 S25 Edge

Average price in the past six months: £936.50
Cheapest price in the past six months: £599*

You can now get the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge for only £579 from Laptops Direct.

• 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 at Laptops Direct, making it available for £699 now.

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

Google Pixel 9a

Average price in the past six months: £452.15
Cheapest price in the past six months: £345.95*

• 6.3-inch pOLED screen with 2,424 x 1,080 resolution
• Google Tensor G4 processor with 8GM Ram
• Two rear cameras 

We like: Long-term software support

We don’t like: Limited selfie camera

The Google Pixel 9a has 5G and Wi-Fi 6E support and is powered by the Google Tensor G4 processor. It has a 6.3-inch pOLED (plastic OLED) display and is available in purple, pink, white and black.

Google promises seven years of security updates for this phone from launch. This is one of the longest guarantees we've seen, meaning you'll be able to keep using it for longer.

Find out more about the Google Pixel 9a in our full review.

Google Pixel 9

Average price in the past six months: £598.94
Cheapest price in the past six months: £499*

Amazon is now selling the Pixel 9 with a 45W wall charger included for £499.

• 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 

Nothing Phone (3a)

Average price in the past six months: £320.21
Cheapest price in the past six months: £232.90*

• 6.77-inch AMOLED display
• Two rear-facing cameras
• 5000mAh battery

We like: Excellent design

We don’t like: Facial recognition is flawed

You can spot Nothing Phones from a distance because they stand out amongst most modern handsets with a unique design approach, and that extends to the Nothing Phone (3a).

Despite being a more budget-friendly device, the (3a) has a premium look, and it features Nothing's uncluttered take on Android. There's also a large 5000mAh battery and 50W wired charging to boot.

Read our Nothing Phone (3a) review to see if it's the right phone for you.

Motorola Razr 50 Ultra

Average price in the past six months: £760.53
Cheapest price in the past six months: £499*

• 4-inch outer display
• Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset
• Two 50MP cameras 

We like: Sturdy build

We don’t like: Face unlock isn't secure

With a large four-inch outer display, Motorola has designed the Razr 50 Ultra in such a way that for most tasks, you don't need to interact with its 6.9-inch interior display. There are two 50MP sensors (one wide, one ultrawide) and they can be used in conjunction with that outer display to take more detailed selfies.

The Razr 50 Ultra packs a 4000mAh battery that can be topped up either by 45W wired charging or 15W wireless charging. The power button also operates as a fingerprint scanner to unlock the phone.

Tempted to upgrade to a foldable phone? Read our full Motorola Razr 50 Ultra review to see what's in store.

• If you'd rather opt for a newer device, the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra can now be picked up for £810 at Voxi, after launching with a price tag of £1099.
• For the folks who would rather upgrade to a book-style foldable than a clamshell one, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is now a fraction of its initial price tag, going for £999 at Laptops Direct.
• For a more traditional Motorola phones, Amazon is now selling the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion, which has 512GB storage and a 6.67-inch pOLED display, for £228.99.

Nothing Phone (3)

Average price in the past six months: £744.27
Cheapest price in the past six months: £534.65*

• Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset
• 6.67-inch OLED display
• Three 50MP cameras 

We like: Eye-catching design

We don’t like: Call quality at times

While Nothing has more of a reputation amongst the budget to mid-range phone market, the Nothing Phone (3) is the company's first attempt at a high-level flagship designed to compete with the latest iPhones and Samsung Galaxy handsets.

To achieve flagship-level status, the phone has three 50MP rear-facing cameras, alongside 4500 nits of peak brightness and the Snapdragon 8s Gen chipset. There's also 65W fast charging over a wired connection.

Read our full Nothing Phone (3) review to see how the brand's first-ever flagship fared in our tests.

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 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 roundup, and see some highlights below.

Apple iPhone 16

Average price in the past six months: £693.80
Cheapest price in the past six months: £599.00*

Lebara currently has the competition beat on pricing, with the network now selling the iPhone 16 for £599.

• 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.

It comes in five different colours (Black, White, Pink, Teal, and Ultramarine) and with 128GB, 256GB or 512GB of memory. 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 price drop thanks to Laptops Direct, which is now selling the larger handset for £719, down from its original price of £899.
• The more affordable iPhone 16e is now going for even less courtesy of Lebara's sale. Originally £599, the phone is now listed for £449.
• 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 over at Appliances Direct.

Apple iPhone 14

Average price in the past six months: £524
Cheapest price in the past six months: £446*

• 6.1-inch (2,532 x 1,170 pixels) Super Retina XDR display
• Dual-camera system with a larger sensor
• Estimated minimum of six years of security updates from launch

We like: Camera upgrades

We don’t like: No Dynamic Island notch on the display

The Apple iPhone 14 from 2022 has dropped in price at a number of retailers. It's the standard model in the 14 range and the cheapest, but it has a number of premium perks. The processor – called the A15 Bionic chip – is the same as in the iPhone 13, but it received an upgraded five-core GPU and 6GB of memory. The front-facing camera has powerful autofocus, making it smarter at focusing in pictures.

It comes in five different colours and with 128GB, 256GB or 512GB of memory. Cinematic mode records in 4K, but the cameras aren't as advanced as on the iPhone 14 Pro.

To find out if it lives up to expectations, check out our iPhone 14 review.

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

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 14 (original price £799, now around £340 second-hand)

Since the release of the iPhone 16 in September 2024, the iPhone 14 series from 2022 is available with some major discounts in the second-hand market. It doesn't have the advanced cameras of an iPhone Pro, but it doesn't scrimp on specs: you'll get Apple's A15 Bionic Chip, a striking display and clever camera modes. We expect Apple to support it with regular security updates until at least September 2028.

We've seen it on sale for around £340 in 'good' second-hand condition at Music Magpie. Find out the full story in our Apple iPhone 14 review.

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

• Apple iPhone 12 (original price £799, now around £200 second-hand): More and more iPhone 12s are appearing in the second-hand market. You should find them for £180 to £400, depending on the phone's condition. The best value option we've found in Grade A condition was at iOutlet for around £200.
• Apple iPhone 13 Pro (original price £1,149, now around £310 second-hand): The iPhone 13 Pro has the most premium cameras of the 13 series. It currently goes for a lot less than half its original price in 'very good' second-hand condition. We've seen it on sale for around £310 at Music Magpie.
• Apple iPhone SE 2022 (original price £419, now around £199 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 £200 in 'excellent' condition over at Laptops Direct.
• Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max (original price £1199, now around £435 second-hand): With a 6.7-inch display and no less than three rear-facing cameras, the iPhone 14 Pro Max was Apple's top tier phone only a few years back, but now it's down to a mid-range price. This refurbished offer lets you get the 14 Pro Max for £435 in 'very good' condition, courtesy of Music Magpie.

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

Compare mobile phone and Sim-only deals today

Get a great deal on a mobile phone contract, or browse Sim-only deals starting from around just £5 a month

See how much you could save

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.