MOBILE phones are one gadget that most of us struggle to do without.
But although they may be smart, they can also be very expensive.
Here are some ways to dial down the costs . . .
SIM-ONLY: You can often save cash by buying a phone outright and opting for a cheap rolling SIM-only contract.
This is much cheaper than signing up for a deal incorporating the cost of a handset.
Use a comparison site such as uswitch.com to look for the best SIM-only deals based on how much data you need each month.
Don’t buy a plan with more data than you need. You can easily find out how much data you use under the settings on your phone.
Often the best deals are away from the big, well-known brands EE, O2, Three and Vodafone.
If you travel often it can be worth looking at a smaller provider which offers free roaming within the EU — many of the big networks now charge for this.
BUY REFURBISHED: Rather than opting for a new handset, try a second-hand or refurbished phone professionally fixed up to meet set standards.
Phone makers including Apple offer refurbished models, as do networks such as O2 and Giffgaff.
Handsets are graded by visible wear and tear.
You will pay most for a model that looks pristine but you can save even more if you don’t mind a few scratches on the device.
KNOW YOUR NETWORK: Once you have settled with a provider, make the most of any perks that come with being a customer.
Cheap coffee, discounted cinema tickets, free subscriptions and early access to concert booking are just some of the benefits you can get through mobile firms.
When your contract is up, try haggling down costs rather than staying put.
Many providers will happily discount your costs rather than see you walk out the door
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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