Buying New Mobile

[237SJ]

I usually buy my mobiles on a contract and at the end of the contract when the phone is paid off I get a sim only deal. I`ve decided that I want to buy the next one outright as I don`t want a load of preloaded apps on it. After a bit of debate I`ve decided I`m going to buy it in this country. I`ve looked at Carphone Warehouse and there seem to be lots of upfront payments followed by contracts and tied to networks. I just want a 'blank' phone so to speak. I was thinking Amazon but I need to make sure it's a reputable dealer. Any ideas where to get it? Was thinking Samsung or Huawei.

[Baldric]

We did that with our 'phones, used John Lewis when thay had a promotion on, saved a lot of money, well pleased.

[craft1948]

I bought my sim free phone from Carphone Warehouse, no problem...

[jennyjoan]

I always thought a sim in your phone held your numbers - if not - what purpose does it serve?

[Hopkirk]

Carphone Warehouse does sell them unlocked, SIM free with no contract.

[bhg481]

jenny - the phone number belongs to the SIM. Put the SIM in a different phone and the number goes with it.

[Buenchico]

Simply look for any phone which meets your requirements and is advertised as 'SIM-free' (or similar), then get a SIM card from Asda, GiffGaff or whichever cheap provider you prefer.

I bought an Alcatel A3 earlier this year and I've nothing but praise for it. Most retailers were selling it for around £130 but I got it from Argos for £90. They reduced it to £70 later in the year but have now discontinued it. However the Ideal World shopping channel are still offering it for that price, with free delivery:
https://www.idealworld.tv/gb/pp/alcatel-a3-5inch-hd-android-smartphone-13mp-16gb-piano-black-457708
(It's worth three or four times that price in my opinion).

For alternative phones I suggest avoiding specialist mobile phone shops and checking out what you can find in Argos or the major supermarkets. (Remember that you're looking for a SIM-free phone though. Most retailers offer both SIM-free phones and ones which are locked to specific phone service providers; you should definitely avoid the latter).

I put an Asda SIM in my phone. (You can order one online for free or pay just 50p in store). I'm currently paying £12 per month but I can probably reduce that to £10 per month. (Unlike a contract, you're not fixed to a certain payment. You can change it every month if you want to):
https://mobile.asda.com/bundles

I can recommend Asda Mobile, which uses the EE network, for their excellent customer service. Calls to their help lines get answered instantly, by friendly and knowledgeable staff based in the UK. The only provider I know that seems to get just as much praise from other ABers is GiffGaff, so they might be worth considering as well:
https://www.giffgaff.com/sim-only-plans

[Hopkirk]

Tesco mobile is excellent too, and they use the O2 network.

[Jackdaw33]

I too am confused. I am not into mobiles; I have one for emergencies only, but my understanding is that if you buy a SIM-free phone, then unless you insert the SIM from your old phone you will lose all your contact details. Or have I got it wrong?

[237SJ]

Thanks for the replies. I`ll have a look into it.

[ummmm]

Buy any phone and then chose your network. I liked Tesco (they triple your credit) but I'm currently with GiffGaff and really happy with them.

[BANANASPLITS]

I'm with giffgaff I also bought my sim free Samsung phone from them can't fault them

[Maydup]

You can import/transfer contacts from the old sim to the new one. Easy steps to follow online depending on which one you opt for.