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Prices for the same model fluctuate regularly between retailers. While manufacturers typically sell their phones only at the recommended retail price, third-party retailers may relinquish them depending on availability levels and age, so shop around and check out a variety of price comparison tools, such as Google Shopping, Kelkoo, PriceRunner or Price Spy.
Beware of deals that look particularly cheap, as they may not be UK models or may not be sold by the UK, which may affect warranty or after-sales support.
Compare contracts or direct deals
Paying for a phone in advance is usually the cheapest way to own it in the long run, but not always. Newly launched models may be cheaper if purchased under a contract with a telephone operator, especially if they are performing a transaction or if they include other services, such as Spotify or Netflix, at a discount.
It is worth making calculations based on the total price for the entire duration of the plan relative to the price of the phone, plus that of an equivalent, cheaper deal for a SIM card only. Keep in mind that if you break your phone, you will still pay for it every month until your contract expires.
The time is right
You can often get a bargain on Black Friday, Cyber Monday and many other annual sales, but compare prices to make sure the “sale” is really a bargain. Photo: Jonathan Cherry / Reuters
Buying a phone at the right time of year can mean big savings. Bargains can usually be made at traditional sales such as Black Friday, Christmas and Boxing Day, around Easter and on the way back to school on the eve of September.
But individual manufacturers also reduce their smartphones at different times depending on their annual cycles of launching new devices. Some manufacturers, including Samsung and Google, offer discounts and free gifts with very early pre-orders for their new phones before launch, which can be worth it.
Samsung typically launches its high-end S-Series smartphones in January, which are then reduced in summer sales. Apple’s iPhones are rarely severely discounted, but are usually the cheapest in August on the eve of the release of a new version in September, with savings of up to £ 150 depending on the model, according to data from the price tracking site CamelCamelCamel.
Exchange or sell your old one
Trading your old phone is a great way to recover some of its value or get a discount for a new model. Apple and Samsung offer up to £ 470 off their new phones, and Google up to £ 676 depending on the model, brand and condition of the phone you’re trading.
Alternatively, you can sell your phone to a repairman for money. There are a number of retailers who buy old technology, including street and online phones, including CeX, MusicMagpie, Envirofone and many more. Mobile operators, including EE, Giffgaff, O2, Three, Vodafone and others, also buy used phones, as do Carphone Warehouse and other phone retailers.
Comparison sites can help you find the best price. These include SellMyMobile, Compare and Recycle and Compare My Mobile. And as with buying a new phone, time is important for the exchange if you want to maximize your return.
“We forecast that in the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 range, the price will fall by about 22% between now and the launch of a new model in October 2022,” said Denise Timis, brand manager for Envirofone. “This means exchange rates of up to £ 157 less for the iPhone 13 Pro Max and up to £ 125 for the iPhone 12 Pro.
If your phone is in good condition and you’re ready to get some work done, you can get more money by selling it privately on eBay or other markets. Check the recently sold prices on the sites to see how much such phones cost.
Buy refurbished
Not only is this better for the planet, but it can also be great for your wallet. The latest data from Giffgaff shows that you can save around 50 kg of carbon and an average of £ 200 by buying a refurbished one compared to a new one. While the biggest bargains can be made for older devices, the latest models can often be found updated by both manufacturers and third parties about six months after launch. They usually cost 50-100 pounds less than RRP.
At a time when many people are really feeling the rising cost of living, refurbished devices can be a great option for Giffgaff’s Ash Schofield
“At a time when many people are really feeling the rising cost of living, refurbished devices can be a great option,” said Ash Schofield, CEO of Giffgaff. “You still experience this new feeling of a phone without breaking the bank. Our research shows that while many people see repair technology as a viable option, many still miss out on savings.
There are many places to buy refurbished models. Those that are straight from the manufacturer are often the best after being completely restored to new standards, but most phone or technology stores, mobile operators and specialist repair shops sell models in a variety of conditions and prices from almost new to worn, but still functional.
Get older models with long software support
The latest models are the most expensive, so buying a phone a year or two, new or refurbished, can save you a package – but only if you choose the right model.
Unfortunately, not all manufacturers provide durable software support for their smartphones. Many provide only two or three years of updates from the date the phone is released. Regular security updates are crucial for the safe use of a smartphone, so once a model is no longer supported, you should not use it.
Only Apple and Samsung provide up to five or more years of software support for their latest smartphones, making their older models like the iPhone 11 or Galaxy S20 still worth buying. Google has recently committed to maintaining its Pixel phones for five years, but only from this year’s Pixel 6 onwards.
Apple’s iPhone SE (2022) is particularly good value, offering the company’s best chip, 5G and more than six years of software support. Photo: Samuel Gibbs / Guardian
While high-end phones are the most exciting, mid-range smartphones have improved dramatically in recent years and can be purchased for significantly less. However, not all mid-range phones are manufactured in the same way, and many do not have long-term software support.
Highlights include Apple’s iPhone SE (£ 470) and Samsung’s Galaxy A series (from £ 129), which receive four to seven years of software support, depending on the model.
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