How to get best deal on iphone on o2?

debtdalek

OH currently has a LG Viewty on Simplicity with o2. He's due an upgrade and wants an iphone - can be a 3 or a 4. (Going to use the LG phone as PAYG for me)
What's the cheapest way to achieve this please? Both in terms of phone cost and in particular, monthly cost.
Do we go through o2 themselves, or can we go with another company who can supply a phone on the o2 network?
Also not having had any dealings with smart phones of any description, could do with some help on which of the various models to choose from.
Only want light phone useage, hardly ever send texts - need more info on the internet aspects and apps really.

poshparrot

Hey Deb

An iPhone 4 would probably be the best option for your OH not only because it's more advanced and quicker than the iPhone3 but also because there are very few retailers still selling new iPhone3's.

Depending on which contract you go for, the phone cost could be free, so then it's all down to the monthly cost - and as for going through o2 themselves, give them a ring and say that you're considering moving to another network (even if you aren't) and ask what the best monthly deal they can give you on the iPhone 4 is - they don't want to lose your custom so will most probably offer a better deal!

If o2 don't offer a decent deal, then there are other ways to go about it, and as you mentioned you could use a retailer such as Tesco Phone Shop or Phones4U who sell iPhone's on the o2 network. Some deals also offer cashback which will effectively cut costs too.

From doing a quick comparison at moneysupermarket then the cheapest price on o2 mobiles.co.uk is £28.91 and includes 3000mins Unlimited Texts and 1000MB data however this is factoring in cashback which you have to claim and you may not want to do this.

In terms of internet, it completely depends on how much the phone will be used, 500MB is plenty if it's just going to be used for light browsing whilst out and about, because when at home you can connect the phone to your wi-fi meaning that no data will be used from your o2 package.

In terms of apps, there are some which connect to the internet by themselves to update, thus meaning that your allowance will start being eaten into - a lot of apps (e.g. Amazon) are free from the app store whilst others charge you to download them.

NFH

Pay full price for the iPhone from Apple (up to £500) and then get a cheap SIM-only tariff from O2 or another provider of your choice. Over 12 or 24 months etc, you will pay less overall and your iPhone won't be SIM-locked to a network, giving you more flexibility to switch networks or to use local SIM cards abroad to avoid roaming charges.