Contract vs SIM Only

Citygirl1

My contract is about to run out. I was considering having a SIM only contract and keeping my phone (Samsung S3 mini) as I have heard its cheaper in the long run to buy your own phone. However, mine is starting to lose charge quickly and I have heard that phones are not meant to last for more than two years. I've looked at prices of Samsung Galaxy phones to buy outright and I don't want to pay this outlay. If my phone packs up straight away I would have to buy another one before I've had chance to save up.


I have been shopping around and been offered a SIM only contract for £10 a month and a contract for a Samsung S4 mini for £14 per month, both with unlimited texts, minutes and data, therefore I think the contract with the phone thrown in may be more worth going for. Any views? I don't want to jump in at the deep end. I currently pay £28 per month for my contract and am wanting to cut the cost next time.

Collabora

If you think your current phone is about to pack up and a new contract is 1/2 what you currently pay then it will be worth it, but will tie you to another 24 months when a SIMO will be either a 30 day contract or 12 month contract
Samsung S3 mini is £99 form GiffGaff while a Samsung S4 mini is £9.11 a month for the phone and then you can get a SIMO only as these are unlocked

grumbler

Citygirl1 wrote: »

My contract is about to run out. I was considering having a SIM only contract and keeping my phone (Samsung S3 mini) as I have heard its cheaper in the long run to buy your own phone.

It's not an absolute truth. It can be cheaper or more expensive, so you have to do your maths.

However, mine is starting to lose charge quickly

That's what replacement batteries exist for.

and I have heard that phones are not meant to last for more than two years.

You seem to take far too seriously everything you hear.

I've looked at prices of Samsung Galaxy phones to buy outright and I don't want to pay this outlay. If my phone packs up straight away I would have to buy another one before I've had chance to save up.

There are much cheaper phones than expensive top-of-the range ones.
A replacement that is far better than your S3 mini costs less than £150:
http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=5033&idPhone2=6647

I have been shopping around and been offered a SIM only contract for £10 a month and a contract for a Samsung S4 mini for £14 per month, both with unlimited texts, minutes and data, therefore I think the contract with the phone thrown in may be more worth going for. Any views?

Well, £10 for everything unlimited is an amazing deal if it's true.
If you get it for £14 with S4 mini thrown in this makes the phone cost just £24*4=£96 - really cheap for this phone.

JethroUK

If you're in the market for a new phone then get one for nowt on contract

If you are happy with the one you have then go sim only
Simples

grumbler

JethroUK wrote: »

If you're in the market for a new phone then get one for nowt on contract

....
Simples

It's not 'simples'.
Most phones on contracts are far from being "for nowt".

50Twuncle

Collabora wrote: »

Samsung S3 mini is £99 form GiffGaff while a Samsung S4 mini is £9.11 a month for the phone and then you can get a SIMO only as these are unlocked

£80 in Asda !!
(if you can find one)

gfplux

Samsung battery can be replaced if that is all that is wrong.