PAYG handset and SIM

where2save

My Mum has asked for a mobile phone for Christmas and I think PAYG will be best. It'll only be used a little bit to make the odd call and she may learn to text (but I doubt it). Therefore, I'm looking for quite a simple phone but she will also want the call charges to be kept low.

I've seen from a recent thread that there is a good deal from CPW (but it's not clear to me if the call costs are low):
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1289293

Separately, I've read about the Asda SIM deals with 8p/min call costs but I think I'd need to get a separate handset and SIM for this.

What is the best approach in these circumstances? I am happy to go through Quidco or CBK to secure a better deal through a cashback site.

I've only ever had contract deals and so need a bit of advice when it comes to PAYG.

ariba10

If you live near an ASDA call in and see what handsets they have on offer.

angelatgraceland

Id take a chance on Orange above t mobile but check out the reception in the area it will be used-thats one of the factors I go by. Virgin isnt great where I live and neither is O2 but Vodaphone and Orange are good.
I think the samsung has a fairly decent lcd display which is good-especially when you are typing in a number-Im judging by mine which is a different model but looks very similar. For tarrifs you do need to check the various networks sites-they have lots of offers. Im guessing that it wont be used for text but for a few quick calls. Id invetigate the asda options due to their tarriffs being the lowest Ive found as yet. However-their cheapest phone on asda network is £32.97-asda piggybacks vodaphone I believe. If it were me Id buy the carphone warehouse one on orange. or there is this one:
http://www.dialaphone.co.uk/pay-as-you-go/orange/nokia-2610/

This is the one I bought:
http://www.dialaphone.co.uk/pay-as-you-go/virgin/samsung-e250/
then I bought an unlocking clip so it is now open to any network.

The cheap phones tend to have to buy airtime with them-this subsidises their cost. Virgin are reasonable but check your signal in your area.

Woby_Tide

If you are getting an Asda SIM then bear in mind you can buy any Vodafone branded PAYG phone and it will work in it so that opens up an extra set of potential offers if you intedn to use Asda SIM

linni

Excuse me for butting in on this post but what is an unlocking clip? I need to unlock my phone so hubby can use it on a different network. Does it work on all phones or just one and how much is it?

angelatgraceland

no it doesnt work on all phones. Theres a dedicated thread on here for unlocking nokias. Some phones can be unlocked with a code-others with software or a clip. Find the forum which deals with unlocking moodile-I had 2 nokias unlocked here via browntoas instructions. My particulr phone needed a clip which I bought on ebay after looking up something like samsung unlocking clip. Always double check makes models and versions first. Cost about £6 inc postage. Many phone shops-markets do this also.

linni

Thank you angelatgraceland, it is not a Nokia it is a Sony Ericsson. I was just asking in general because when the kids get bored with their phones we swap them around. We are all on T mobile but hubby is on 02, and as his is used for work he doesn't need a posh phone so he uses the old ones. I have now looked it up but it don't seem worth paying to unlock it. Cheaper to buy a new phone. Will buy Nokia's in future!

Woby_Tide

depends what Sony Ericsson it is, I unlocked a W810i for free using various info from the internet the other week, a bit fiddly but saves paying for it. Nokias are easy but some Sonys can still be unlocked for free also

genesis0

hello Wiby_Tide
I'm looking to unlock my Sony Ericsson W810i and have scrolled through several pages before I finally found yours. Could you tell me how you did it? Or anyone else who's reading this post and knows how, I would really appreciate your help.