Cheapest iPhone contract?

ThatLondonFella

Firstly, hello to all on MSE. I've been a longtime lurker but finally decided to join.

I'm in the market for a new phone as my current W950i has packed up and I am using a BB Bold, which is close to packing up too. I am currently with GiffGaff but find their service to be hit/miss, and when I require help it takes a while to get any. With my new job, I figure I should invest in a new reliable phone. I've been shopping round looking for preferably a iPhone 4S as the iPhone 5 seems a little out of my league in terms of price at the moment. The cheapest I have found is a refurb on 3's network where I have to pay £28/month but £19 for the 16GB phone itself. Obviously, I would prefer new over a refurb but I am confused as to where I can find the cheapest 4S in white.

If I had the money upfront then I would buy the phone and get a sim separately but I haven't got that I'm afraid.

If anyone could advise me on the cheapest deal for a iPhone 4S then I would be grateful.

Sidenote: I've tried phoning 3's sales team to get a good deal but the lowest I have managed is the phone for free, £32/month (£768) and £30 cashback for me and my mum, who is also on 3's network. However, I will try and call them back as they are offering 3000 minutes and I don't call much therefore don't need that many minutes. I'm just in for the texts and unlimited data.

horsepills

The £26 per month O2 deal at mobiles. co. uk seems to be the best around just now

ThatLondonFella

horsepills wrote: »

Thanks horsepills!

I'll hold out for now and wait until around/after X-Mas time, maybe in Jan to see what's available then.


There's the 3 deal for £24 but that's a cashback deal and I don't really trust that based off the reviews of that website.

Ultrasonic

ThatLondonFella wrote: »

I am currently with GiffGaff but find their service to be hit/miss, and when I require help it takes a while to get any.

By 'service' here are you talking about network coverage or customer support?

If you're looking at changing networks (e.g. to 3) have you got friends that use the network in your area to know what the coverage is like? If not, consider getting some PAYG sims to try before committing to a contract.

One other thought, you might find you get more bang for your buck if you go for an Android phone rather than an iPhone. You're clearly not wedded to all things Apple as you're currently using a BB...

silvercar

horsepills wrote: »

The £26 per month O2 deal at mobiles. co. uk seems to be the best around just now

out of stock

ThatLondonFella

Ultrasonic wrote: »

By 'service' here are you talking about network coverage or customer support?

If you're looking at changing networks (e.g. to 3) have you got friends that use the network in your area to know what the coverage is like? If not, consider getting some PAYG sims to try before committing to a contract.

One other thought, you might find you get more bang for your buck if you go for an Android phone rather than an iPhone. You're clearly not wedded to all things Apple as you're currently using a BB...

By service I mean both. At first they sent a SIM card that didn't work, then sent another which took a week to register. When I have issues it usually takes 4-5 days, when I can't get help from the community or find the answer on the web. Also, the service at my parents house is poor and where my new job is poor as well. It constantly drops out and on the BB the network constantly cuts off.

I've always bought Apple products and I am always happy with them. I used to have a iPhone 3G and that served me well and also have an Apple, which has also served me well. I had a play on my mother's SGII and although it's nice, I don't like it much. New phone yet it keeps freezing and some apps (Spotify, YouTube) crash often.

Triker

This if you are quick enough, expires midnight for the £100 Quidco cash back....iPhone 5 deal

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/apple-iphone-5-16gb-36-month-28-upfront-unlimited-calls-texts-1gb-internet-100-quidco-1377111?page=9#post16147509

ThatLondonFella

Triker wrote: »

This if you are quick enough, expires midnight for the £100 Quidco cash back....iPhone 5 deal

Missed it, unfortunately.

Ultrasonic

ThatLondonFella wrote: »

Also, the service at my parents house is poor and where my new job is poor as well. It constantly drops out and on the BB the network constantly cuts off.

Right, so rule out all O2 deals then (same network as GiffGaff). Do you know any networks that provide good coverage where you want? I'd be thinking along those lines rather than looking generally at deals. No good getting a phone cheaper if it doesn't work where you want it to.

I don't like it much. New phone yet it keeps freezing and some apps (Spotify, YouTube) crash often.

Absolutely stick to Apple, but FWIW I don't think this is normal for a SGSII (though I'm happy to be corrected if lots of people know otherwise).

bonkers_cs

customer service with 3 is shocking
- the phone i got was damaged they didnt want to replace in the shop because the renewal of my contract was via their website
- battery doesnt hold charge, back falls off, and needed to delete a txt to receive one

one 3 shop told me that there were 'demo' videos on the phone which were using up all the memory and that it must have been a pre owned/demo handset
he kindly deleted all of the videos - including a very precious one of my daughter '' oh well couldnt be helped'' !!!
18mnths on many visits to shops, call centre operators - back still drops off, batt still doesnt hold charge and txts still dont drop in without me deleting something and now hte screen doesnt work
their solution give them £63 to end the contract to get a new phone!!