Do you by your phone seperately?

competitivedad

I no longer get a 'free' handset from my provider, I get a cheaper monthly tarrif for the same minutes texts etc. and then buy my own handset seperately online or whatever.

I don't believe this saves much money, especially if you still want a high end handset, but I think it can save a decent amount if you find a good bargain.

What do others do?

BTW I am looking for a Samsung Galaxy SIII for my new phone.. anyone know any good deals?!

latecomer

http://www.moneysupermarket.com/mobile-phones/brands/samsung/galaxy-s3/

And there are various other mobile deal comparison sites too.

I've found for mid range phones its always been better to get it on a contract but this time round OH hasn't been able to get any deals. She's looking at the S3 and I'm considering one via mobiles.co.uk at £26/month (possibly £24/month after cashback by redemption) which has enough minutes etc

NFH

With an iPhone, it nearly always works out cheaper to pay full price for the phone (e.g. £500) and then get a SIM-only contract. It also provides more choice to switch providers and tariffs later, and given that it's not SIM-locked, you can use local SIM cards when abroad to avoid unreasonably high roaming charges.

competitivedad

Most shops are selling the S3 for £500+ but i've seen new ones going on eBay and gumtree for 300-350 the week it came out. surprising really the S2 didnt go that cheap for quite a while after it's launch

latecomer

If you buy an S3 at £300-350 from ebay/gumtree expect a scam or stolen phone

JJ_Egan

I always buy as a contract for me is a terrific waste of money not spent on the network .Likewise no insurance with excess and restrictions i prefer to stand the risk myself .
SGS3 + Giffgaff PAYG = cheapest long term for me .

jje

robbies_gal

it depends if you haave the money upfront though long term its easier for most people to get a contract but if u have the cash i would buy it outright

NFH

gabbyevs wrote: »

it depends if you haave the money upfront though long term its easier for most people to get a contract but if u have the cash i would buy it outright

If you can't afford it, then you shouldn't be buying it. When you get a "free" handset provided by a network and a 24-month contract, it's effectively quite an expensive 24-month loan.

cgk1

Always buy the phone separately and pair with a sim-only rolling contract.

competitivedad

latecomer wrote: »

If you buy an S3 at £300-350 from ebay/gumtree expect a scam or stolen phone

Ive bought and sold high end phones on both ebay and gumtree and never had this problem. Obviously it's a risky area so you need a decent IQ or you will be scammed.