Guides

Buying help that cuts through

Clear, practical advice for contracts, SIM-only, SIM-free and refurbished — written for how people actually choose a phone in the UK.

SIM-only vs phone contract

When keeping your phone and switching plan beats a new handset deal - and when spreading the handset cost wins.

A practical UK guide to 5GB, 20GB, 50GB and unlimited - based on how you actually use your phone.

Monthly looks cheap until you multiply it. Here is how to read the full price of a UK phone or SIM deal.

Buy the handset outright and pick any SIM - or spread the cost on a network deal. Here is how to choose.

What grades mean, what to check before you buy, and when a refurbished handset is the smarter spend.

How PAC and STAC codes work in the UK, what to do before you leave, and how to switch without losing service.

Shorter terms cost more each month. Longer terms spread the handset - and keep you tied in. Here is the trade-off.

Many SIM brands ride on EE, O2, Vodafone or Three. Here is how to read who runs the masts - and why it matters.

A clear way to decide whether your next move is a new handset, a better SIM, or simply keeping what you have.

The numbers we put front and centre - monthly, upfront, true total, data and network - so you can decide with a clear head.

How to compare data, contract length and network coverage - then open the live merchant page to confirm price.

A practical buyer's guide covering cameras, display and total cost on contract.