Samsung S21 - direct from Samsung?

Knitty_to_the_gritty

Stupid question alert... but is this the best way to buy a new phone? Direct from the manufacturer?
I need a new phone (mine is ok and I would have kept it but son needs a new one and I'll give him my Huawei P30).
Looking at Samsung S21 with 2g data as I don't use much. Not available on mobiles.co.uk.
Upgrade from O2 is £35.83 pm = £1289 in total over 3 years.
Direct from Samsung website with EE 5g £315 upfront and £26 pm  = £939 total over 2 years.
I know the best money saving thing is to get a refurbished phone and a sim deal.
I could just pay for a phone outright and get a giffgaff etc but I need to keep something going as a regular payment as my credit is not great (DMP paid off 2 years ago) and I want to get a mortgage soon.

chistery

Most people would be better off nowadays buying a phone direct paying in full or with a 0% deal and then getting a SIM only plan. Apple, Samsung, etc. do these plans, and you won't be faced with two in contract massive price rises on the phone part of the plan, which hasn't gone up in cost.

RR1742

Be careful when you order to look at the delivery schedule. I ordered a S21 Ultra and paid over £1300 up front. Delivery stated 2-4 weeks but after 4 weeks still no confirmed date after speaking to customer service. I also placed the order as there was an offer of free galaxy buds worth £150 but this now looks unlikely as the deadline was to make the claim within 30 days and it required the IMII number of the handset.