Buy new mobile phone

Emmia

MikeJXE said:

Go to John Lewis, Curry’s or Argos and see what you are getting before you buy it 

I wouldn’t risk a phone coming in the post 

I would advise buying in person or ordering for store collection.

J_B

I seem to recall that you had a Motorola before - is that right?

If so, maybe another one? They are usually well priced.

jbrassy

Ayr_Rage said:

Look at the likes of Honor and Xiaomi, lots of very good products in the £200 range and ideal for your needs.

Argos sell several.

Edit : Don't rule out OPPO

https://oppostore.co.uk/

This YouTube reviewer is good and amusing too

https://www.youtube.com/@TechSpurt

I would avoid Chinese phones as they're seen as a bit of a security risk. That's why the US banned Huawei phones.

Stick with Apple or Samsung.

A lot of phones on amazon are imported from Hong Kong. They are the real deal and should be fine, but the risk is if something goes wrong. The warranty will be Asian and Samsung Europe may be unwilling to fix it. Better to get from Argos or John Lewis (or at least a reputable store).

Just out of curiosity, why do you want to buy the phone outright with a separate SIM? You can get the Samsung A35 for £13.99 a month (£9 upfront) from the Carphone Warehouse on ID Mobile. The contract has unlimited mins and texts and 50gb of data. The contract is £345 over 24 months. However, you can also get £50 cashback if you go through Top Cashback bringing the total cost down to £296. This is much better value than having a separate phone and handset. Contracts are generally better than separate phone and sim contracts when buying brand new.

Susan1942

J_B said:

I seem to recall that you had a Motorola before - is that right?

If so, maybe another one? They are usually well priced.

Yes you are correct.  I have had 3 Motorola phones.  I have had this one for more than 4 years I think.  Thought it was less but it was before Covid.  It is struggling between freezing and so slow to do anything.  So I really need to buy a new phone. When I went in to EE last week the sales person didn't rate Motorola reckoned that Samsung was superior.  I didn't touch either phone but he did just to let me see how fast it was in comparison to how my phone is.  I am so appreciative of all the information you are all giving me.  Thank you so much 

Susan1942

Kim_13 said:

Argos also sell it. Due to the boxes only being sealed with tape rather than plastic now, they can look a little worn but if you stick to the likes of John Lewis you should be OK. I would suggest collecting it from Sainsbury’s (if ordering from Argos) or Waitrose (if ordering from John Lewis) so that it can be opened in view of the store counter/CCTV to ensure that the phone is present and correct.

These phones had a £50 cashback offer on them at launch and Argos reduced them further after that, so potentially not the best time to buy from there at the moment, as they look to be full price (in fact I found the same price as JL via Google, but when I clicked into the Argos site it was higher so recently changed perhaps.)

I can’t comment on the A35 but my mum has the A55 and is very happy with it. John Lewis has the lilac, navy and white versions available for £364, but the lemon is more (pretty much at full price.) There will be plenty of YouTube videos offering a review/comparison of both models.

Edited to add: John Lewis seem to sell both the 6GB and 8GB RAM versions of the A35, with the 8GB currently cheaper. I didn’t realise they were selling the 8GB A35 in the UK - Argos only have the 6GB. The extra RAM (A55 is 8 as standard) was one of the reasons mum chose the A55, as she doesn’t upgrade often.

EnPointe said:

MikeJXE said:

Go to John Lewis, Curry’s or Argos and see what you are getting before you buy it 

I wouldn’t risk a phone coming in the post 

The Networks  aren't really interested in selling phones without a new  contract and plan, although sometimes  the  physical stores can be persuaded to, especially if your existing contract is with them . 

 Currys  both online and in store  and Carphone Warehouse online  will happily sell you a  phone  on device only / 'Sim free '  basis ,  as others have Said  John Lewis and Argos also pffer   phones on a 'sim free' / 'Device only' basis. 

IN store you will be able to see the  sealed box  on collection and Currys / PCW  use  very secure UK based  Distribution  run by GXO and  Delivered  by GXO's own loogistics if sent to store or by DPD if sent to home /work and for  some store deliveries 

The first two phones I purchased I bought in store from Car Phone Warehouse but the current phone I ordered online from John Lewis.  When the phone came and I can't remember what the problem was when I set it up.  I called them and they sent a new phone to Waitrose and it was agreed that I would return the other phone.  I bought my Samsung TV from John Lewis they had a policy of price match.  It had to be with a store and not an online source.  I think it was the same with the phone and I think they give a 5 year guarantee with the TV and 2 years with the phone.  Have not had a problem with either,  Again thank you so much for your advice Sue 

Susan1942

jbrassy said:

Ayr_Rage said:

Look at the likes of Honor and Xiaomi, lots of very good products in the £200 range and ideal for your needs.

Argos sell several.

Edit : Don't rule out OPPO

https://oppostore.co.uk/

This YouTube reviewer is good and amusing too

https://www.youtube.com/@TechSpurt

I would avoid Chinese phones as they're seen as a bit of a security risk. That's why the US banned Huawei phones.

Stick with Apple or Samsung.

A lot of phones on amazon are imported from Hong Kong. They are the real deal and should be fine, but the risk is if something goes wrong. The warranty will be Asian and Samsung Europe may be unwilling to fix it. Better to get from Argos or John Lewis (or at least a reputable store).

Just out of curiosity, why do you want to buy the phone outright with a separate SIM? You can get the Samsung A35 for £13.99 a month (£9 upfront) from the Carphone Warehouse on ID Mobile. The contract has unlimited mins and texts and 50gb of data. The contract is £345 over 24 months. However, you can also get £50 cashback if you go through Top Cashback bringing the total cost down to £296. This is much better value than having a separate phone and handset. Contracts are generally better than separate phone and sim contracts when buying brand new.

I have just read you post again.  Food for thought.  I have got a SIM from EE for £4 a month.  Just added this to the cost of the phone and it is certainly cheaper.  But I don't change my phone every 2 years.  I suppose I would if I was taking a contract.  Thank you so much.  I have not been on this forum for a long time. I could not work out how to start a new question Sue 

Susan1942

MikeJXE said:

Go to John Lewis, Curry’s or Argos and see what you are getting before you buy it 

I wouldn’t risk a phone coming in the post 

I would have to go to Leeds but there is Curry's and Argos in Harrogate but not all that convenient for me,  A taxi would do it.  Thanks for the advice.  I suppose I could get John Lewis to send it to Waitrose,  

Ayr_Rage

jbrassy said:

Ayr_Rage said:

Look at the likes of Honor and Xiaomi, lots of very good products in the £200 range and ideal for your needs.

Argos sell several.

Edit : Don't rule out OPPO

https://oppostore.co.uk/

This YouTube reviewer is good and amusing too

https://www.youtube.com/@TechSpurt

I would avoid Chinese phones as they're seen as a bit of a security risk. That's why the US banned Huawei phones.

Stick with Apple or Samsung.

A lot of phones on amazon are imported from Hong Kong. They are the real deal and should be fine, but the risk is if something goes wrong. The warranty will be Asian and Samsung Europe may be unwilling to fix it. Better to get from Argos or John Lewis (or at least a reputable store).

Just out of curiosity, why do you want to buy the phone outright with a separate SIM? You can get the Samsung A35 for £13.99 a month (£9 upfront) from the Carphone Warehouse on ID Mobile. The contract has unlimited mins and texts and 50gb of data. The contract is £345 over 24 months. However, you can also get £50 cashback if you go through Top Cashback bringing the total cost down to £296. This is much better value than having a separate phone and handset. Contracts are generally better than separate phone and sim contracts when buying brand new.

Rubbish, no issues with Chinese phones, the US threw their toys out of the pram and banned all Huawei products, the UK banned 5G equipment but their phones are available here and in most markets, albeit with their own OS as they cannot install Android.

Any Chinese phone that uses Android as the underlying OS is fine and are quite often much better value than Samsung or Apple.

Just remind us where most Apple phones are put together!

jbrassy

Susan1942 said:

jbrassy said:

Ayr_Rage said:

Look at the likes of Honor and Xiaomi, lots of very good products in the £200 range and ideal for your needs.

Argos sell several.

Edit : Don't rule out OPPO

https://oppostore.co.uk/

This YouTube reviewer is good and amusing too

https://www.youtube.com/@TechSpurt

I would avoid Chinese phones as they're seen as a bit of a security risk. That's why the US banned Huawei phones.

Stick with Apple or Samsung.

A lot of phones on amazon are imported from Hong Kong. They are the real deal and should be fine, but the risk is if something goes wrong. The warranty will be Asian and Samsung Europe may be unwilling to fix it. Better to get from Argos or John Lewis (or at least a reputable store).

Just out of curiosity, why do you want to buy the phone outright with a separate SIM? You can get the Samsung A35 for £13.99 a month (£9 upfront) from the Carphone Warehouse on ID Mobile. The contract has unlimited mins and texts and 50gb of data. The contract is £345 over 24 months. However, you can also get £50 cashback if you go through Top Cashback bringing the total cost down to £296. This is much better value than having a separate phone and handset. Contracts are generally better than separate phone and sim contracts when buying brand new.

I have just read you post again.  Food for thought.  I have got a SIM from EE for £4 a month.  Just added this to the cost of the phone and it is certainly cheaper.  But I don't change my phone every 2 years.  I suppose I would if I was taking a contract.  Thank you so much.  I have not been on this forum for a long time. I could not work out how to start a new question Sue 

If you take out a 2 year contract, you can switch to sim only when the contract ends. SIM only is good if you already own a phone after a contract has expired or if you buy a used phone. However, if you want a brand new phone, contract is almost always cheaper.

jbrassy

Ayr_Rage said:

jbrassy said:

Ayr_Rage said:

Look at the likes of Honor and Xiaomi, lots of very good products in the £200 range and ideal for your needs.

Argos sell several.

Edit : Don't rule out OPPO

https://oppostore.co.uk/

This YouTube reviewer is good and amusing too

https://www.youtube.com/@TechSpurt

I would avoid Chinese phones as they're seen as a bit of a security risk. That's why the US banned Huawei phones.

Stick with Apple or Samsung.

A lot of phones on amazon are imported from Hong Kong. They are the real deal and should be fine, but the risk is if something goes wrong. The warranty will be Asian and Samsung Europe may be unwilling to fix it. Better to get from Argos or John Lewis (or at least a reputable store).

Just out of curiosity, why do you want to buy the phone outright with a separate SIM? You can get the Samsung A35 for £13.99 a month (£9 upfront) from the Carphone Warehouse on ID Mobile. The contract has unlimited mins and texts and 50gb of data. The contract is £345 over 24 months. However, you can also get £50 cashback if you go through Top Cashback bringing the total cost down to £296. This is much better value than having a separate phone and handset. Contracts are generally better than separate phone and sim contracts when buying brand new.

Rubbish, no issues with Chinese phones, the US threw their toys out of the pram and banned all Huawei products, the UK banned 5G equipment but their phones are available here and in most markets, albeit with their own OS as they cannot install Android.

Any Chinese phone that uses Android as the underlying OS is fine and are quite often much better value than Samsung or Apple.

Just remind us where most Apple phones are put together!

It's not rubbish: https://www.phonearena.com/news/Chinese-phones-from-OnePlus-Xiaomi-and-Oppo-are-laced-with-spyware_id145537

Manufacturers can modify Android as its partially open source. Chinese phones are cheaper, but that comes at a price in terms of privacy. No Government agency or business would hand out Chinese phones to their employees for a reason.