Best mobile phone and Sim-only August deals 2024

With new smartphones launching every week, and stiff competition between the biggest manufacturers and contract providers, you can often find deals on even the most expensive handsets – including ones from iPhone and Samsung. 

Whether you choose a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) or a Sim-free deal, or you want a cheap contract to buy a handset now, we've rounded up some of the best deals on the latest handsets.

• Read our guide to the best smartphones to see which handsets impressed our experts, or check out the best and worst mobile providers.

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Best Android phone deals

There are a number of attractive discounts on Android handsets, so you don't need to spend a fortune on a big-name brand.

Our pick: Google Pixel 7 Pro

• Large 6.7-inch QHD+ display
• Versatile camera lenses
• Nearly six years of security support remaining

We like Takes superb videos and pictures

We don't like Short battery life

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is Google's most premium phone from its 2023 series, and it's seeing some superb discounts now the Pixel 8 series for 2024 is out.  

It's a big phone that packs in a lot of power. The Google Tensor G2 processor has 12GB of Ram and the screen has a sky-high resolution (3,120 x 1,440 pixels). And with three rear camera lenses, the cameras have versatile abilities.

Currys is currently selling this phone at half its launch price. See prices below, check contract deals on the 7 Pro or read our Google Pixel 7 Pro review.

Google Pixel 8 Pro

• Fastest Google Tensor processor
• Advanced cameras
• Seven years of support from launch

We like Streamlined and fast user experience with upgraded cameras

We don't like Battery could be better

If you want the very latest premium model from Google, the good news is that we've already found it on sale with a discount. It has a range of upgrades from the Pixel 7 Pro, including new camera lenses and fancy features such as a sensor that lets you scan an object to measure its temperature. 

Notably, it also offers seven years of security updates from launch, so you can keep the phone for a good while before it needs replacing.

Check prices below, check contract deals on the 8 Pro or read our Google Pixel 8 Pro review.

Samsung Galaxy A55

• Exynos 1480 chipset and support for Wi-Fi 6 and 5G
• 6.6-inch OLED display
• Three rear cameras, including 50Mp main lens

We like Quick processor, bright screen

We don’t like No wireless charging

This is the highest-spec phone from Samsung's 2024 A-range, which aims to combine performance with more affordable prices. Its display is a good size, with a high 120Hz refresh rate to keep content loading quickly for smooth browsing. The main camera has a high resolution and IP67 certification, which means it should be dust-resistant and survive 30 minutes in waterup to a depth of one metre.

Check prices below, compare contract deals and read our full Samsung Galaxy A55 review.

Interested in Samsung's flagship phones? Check out the latest deals we've found on the Samsung Galaxy S24 series. 

Samsung Galaxy A25

• Exynos 1280 processor
• 6.5-inch OLED display
• Three rear camera lenses

We like Durable, long battery life, high-resolution screen

We don’t like Weaker front camera

This is a mid-range 2024 A-series phone from Samsung Galaxy, which has great specs for a phone that's less than £200 for the first time. It has a thin build and stylish look with a large, bright screen. The main camera system has a macro sensor to improve the quality of close-up shots. It's available with 128GB or 256GB of storage. 

Check Sim-free prices below, compare the best contract deals and read our full Samsung Galaxy A25 review.

Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

• Large, high-quality display
• Improved processor
• Improved charging time

We like Amazing value

We don’t like Cameras could be better

You'll be hard pushed to beat the Samsung A15 based on pure value – it's part of the Galaxy range, but far undercuts the premium S-series. 

There are obvious compromises to be made, but if you're not too bothered about the latest camera technology (although it still has three rear lenses, including ultra-wide), or wireless charging, hardware improvements over the popular predecessor could make it an excellent lower-cost option. Also consider the 4G version of the A15 (SQUIRREL_TEXT_50013855).

Read our A15 5G review, check Sim-free prices below, or compare contract deals to spread out the cost.

Google Pixel 7a

• 6.1-inch OLED screen
• Two rear cameras
• IP67 certified against dust and water

We like Quick and powerful processor

We don’t like Low-resolution zoom on cameras

Since the release of the Google Pixel 8a, we're seeing great deals on the previous model.

Although the Google Pixel 7a is a scaled-back version of Google's 2023 flagship phone, it has sought-after specifications. The bright screen has a 90Hz refresh rate and 2,400 x 1,080-pixel resolution. It supports 5G and Wi-Fi 6E and runs on a Google Tensor G2 chipset. The high-resolution cameras can record videos in 4K.

It's available from the retailers below or compare contract deals. Find out the full results for this popular phone in our Google Pixel 7a review.

Motorola Moto G84 5G

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset
• 6.5-inch screen
• Two rear cameras with flash

We like Easy to use

We don’t like Limited camera abilities

Released in September 2023, the Motorola Moto G84 5G was already reasonably priced, but now you can get it for even less.

It has a thin and stylish design, and has a 6.5-inch screen with 2,400 x 1,080-pixel resolution. The storage is generous at 256GB and you can add to this using an SD card. With 5G, it has future-proof connection and is fuelled by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with 12GB of Ram. 

The large 5,000mAh battery should last, but find out the results in our full Motorola moto G84 5G review. It's available from the retailers below, or compare contract deals. 

Motorola Razr 40 

• Wi-Fi 6E compatible and powered by a Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor
• 6.9-inch foldable screen
• Two rear cameras lenses with 4K video recording

We like Durable hinge

We don’t like Short battery life

Named after the iconic Motorola Razr from the noughties, this ultra-modern version has a large foldable screen. When flipped down there's a small screen to alert you to quick notifications without having to open it. It has a 4,200 mAh battery and is supplied with a quick 33W charger. 

This is the first time we've seen a foldable phone on a deal for less than £500 Sim-free. Find out how it performs in our Motorola Razr 40 review, buy it from the retailers below or compare contract deals.

How to spot a good deal on a mobile phone

Amy Axworthy, Which? mobile phones expert, says:

• Avoid buying a phone that will soon lose its security support. Sometimes deals can look great, but if it's a much older model, it might be at risk of losing important security updates fairly soon after you buy it. Security updates and patches are important to keep your data safe. We only recommend deals on phones (see above) that we estimate have at least two years of security patches remaining.
• Decide what's most important to you in your new phone. Cameras are generally the biggest expense, but you might find the pricey camera features aren't important to you. Often, a long battery life and crystal-clear screen can be found on much cheaper phones. Check out our mobile phone reviews to explore all there is to offer.
• In general, Android phones are cheaper than Apple iPhones and the deals are likely to be better, too. Find out the cheapest we recommend in our Great Value picks.

Best Apple iPhone deals

Discounts on iPhones are rare, but you can get a bargain on older models. Interested in the latest range? Find out if the Pro is worth the extra cash in our guide to the Apple iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Pro.

Apple iPhone 14

• 6.1-inch (2,532 x 1,170 pixels) Super Retina XDR display
• Dual-camera system with a larger sensor
• Estimated minimum of six years of security updates from launch

We like Camera upgrades

We don’t like No Dynamic Island notch on the display

The Apple iPhone 14 from 2022 is being discounted now that the Apple iPhone 15 has been released. It's the standard model in the 14 range and the cheapest, but it has a number of premium perks. The processor – called the A15 Bionic chip – is the same as in the iPhone 13, but it received an upgraded 5-core GPU and 6GB of memory. The front-facing camera has powerful autofocus, making it smarter at focusing in pictures.

It comes in five different colours and with 128GB, 256GB or 512GB of memory. Cinematic mode records in 4K, but the cameras aren't as advanced as on the iPhone 14 Pro.

To find out if it lives up to expectations, check out our iPhone 14 review.

Apple iPhone 14 Plus

• 6.7-inch screen
• 4,323mAh battery
• 5G capable

We like Large screen

We don’t like Security features aren’t as easy to use as some

The iPhone 14 Plus is simply the 14 with a bigger screen and battery, featuring the screen found on the iPhone 14 Pro Max, but without the extra processing power.

It comes in three storage options – 128GB, 256GB or 512GB – and in five colours: blue, purple, black, white or red.

To find out if it lives up to expectations, check out our iPhone 14 Plus review.

Read our dedicated guide to the best Apple iPhone deals for more expert picks, and advice on how and when to buy. 

Best second-hand phone deals

You can get good savings on a smartphone by looking at the second-hand and refurbished market. Below, we've picked out some great deals that will save you some serious money.

Or check our mobile phone reviews for popular handsets now only available second-hand and read our guide on how to buy a second-hand or refurbished phone.

Apple iPhone 13 (original price £799, now around £340 second-hand)

Since the release of the iPhone 15 in September 2023, the iPhone 13 series from 2021 is seeing some major discounts on the second-hand market. It doesn't have the advanced cameras of the iPhone 13 Pro, but it doesn't scrimp on specs: you'll get Apple's A15 Bionic Chip, a striking display and the sought-after cinematic camera mode. We expect Apple will support it with regular security updates until at least January 2027.

We've seen it on sale for around £340 in 'good' second-hand condition at Music Magpie. Find out all you need to know in our Apple iPhone 13 review.

Also consider these popular phones that can now be found cheaper at multiple second-hand retailers:

• Apple iPhone 12 (original price £799, now £220 second-hand) More and more iPhone 12s are appearing on the second-hand market. You should find them for £200 to £500, depending on the condition. The cheapest one in 'good' or grade B condition we found was at iOutlet for around £220.
• Apple iPhone 12 Pro (original price £1,149, now £290 second-hand) The iPhone 12 Pro is an upgrade from the 12, with better cameras. It currently goes for almost a quarter of its original price in 'good' second-hand condition. We've seen it on sale for around £290 at MusicMagpie.
• Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (original price £699, now £245 second-hand) This is Samsung's toned-down version of the Galaxy S21, with excellent specs. It was released in January 2022, but is already prominent on the second-hand market for around £230 to £375. Samsung will support it with regular security updates until January 2027. The cheapest deal we found in stock for one in a grade B condition was from CeX in white for around £245, which comes with a two-year warranty. 

Find out more: how to make big savings on a second-hand phone.

Mobile phone contract calculator

A key question will be whether you buy outright or on contract. How much each will cost overall can be difficult to work out, so use our calculator below to discover the best deal for you.

Best Sim-only deals

Getting a Sim-only deal for your handset can be a great way to get a real bargain on your monthly data and calls allowance. Here are our pick of some of the best low, medium and high-data deals in the sales. 

Best low-data Sim-only deals 

You shouldn't pay for data you don't need, so if you're a light-data user, opt for a cheap monthly contract that gives you the ability to switch around as circumstances change. 

Our pick: Talkmobile (Vodafone network) 6GB of data

5GB of EU roaming is included with this great-value low-data deal. Talkmobile have announced that it won't be raising prices on monthly plans in 2024 for both new and existing customers. Out-of-plan charges, such as roaming and international rates, are excluded. Read our Talkmobile review to see how it fares in our survey.

Other low-data deals to consider

Alternatively, check the low-data deals below for more packages that we think also represent good value for money.

Best medium-data Sim-only deals

These deals could be suitable if you use mobile data fairly frequently, but don't require large amounts for activities such as HD downloading or streaming.

Our pick: iD Mobile (Three network) 30GB of data

iD Mobile includes 30GB of EU roaming each month as part of this deal, plus its Sim-only contracts aren't hit by costly inflation-based, mid-contract price increases. You can also easily check the renewal price before the end of each month, with the flexibility to switch easily if you find a better deal. Read our iD Mobile review to see how it fares in our survey. 

Other medium-data deals to consider

Alternatively, check the medium-data deals below for more packages that we think represent good value for money.

Best high-data Sim-only deals

A high-data deal is ideal if you're after continuous connectivity, downloading, streaming and hotspot use. These types of deals may require a 12-month contract, so consider how committed you are and how much data you're likely to use. 

Our pick: Smarty (Three network) 120GB of data

Smarty includes 12GB of EU roaming in this great-value high-data deal. Even better, its 30-day Sim-only contracts mean customers aren't hit by costly inflation-based, mid-contract price increases. Plus, it's easy to switch if you find a better deal elsewhere. Read our Smarty review to see how it fares in our survey.

Other high-data deals to consider

Alternatively, check the high-data deals below for more packages that we think represent good value for money.

Not found one that's quite right for you? Browse all the best Sim-only deals on Which? Mobile Switch.

Pros and cons of buying a mobile phone on a monthly contract

With a traditional monthly contract, you pay a fixed minimum fee by direct debit each month, made up of paying for the phone (usually through a credit agreement, meaning you get credit-checked) and the Sim itself, with an allowance of calls, texts and data. You'll have to commit to a period of time, typically two years. Depending on your plan, there may also be an upfront fee, which is worth considering if you're set on a contract. 

What are the advantages of monthly contracts? 

• Free/cheap phones With a monthly contract, you'll get a wide choice of free or subsidised handsets, which is ideal if you fancy an upgrade. 
• Good value Paying in advance for a fixed amount of minutes, texts and data can be much cheaper than topping up a PAYG phone. 
• Hassle-free You’ll never get cut off for forgetting to top up your credit. 
• Can build your credit scorePaying off a mobile phone contract monthly can be a good way to build your credit score. Bear in mind that missed payments or defaulting can make your credit score drop, though. 

Are there any drawbacks with monthly contracts?

There are a few. As mentioned, you may end up paying more overall, so you'll need to weigh this up against the appeal of a lower upfront cost. 

Pay attention to the length of the contract – most last two years, but some can last three, in order to keep the monthly cost attractive. You should also make a note of when your contract ends because some providers continue to charge you the full monthly cost even after your contract has been paid off. 

If you exceed the minutes, messages or data in your bundle, additional charges can be significant. It's especially important to be aware of this while roaming. Most providers now set a default cap to prevent this, but if you remove it in order to continue using your phone, costs can quickly spiral. For more information, read our guide on how to keep track of your minutes and data, and how to save money on roaming charges.

Consider network reception with a great mobile phone deal

Signal is another consideration – if you know a particular network is good in your area, you may want to stick with it but move to a different provider. If it isn't, it could be time to switch. 

Here are the core networks the virtual providers use:

• EE BT Mobile, Plusnet Mobile, Utility Warehouse
• O2 Giffgaff, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile, LycaMobile, Virgin Mobile
• Three iD Mobile, Smarty
• Vodafone Asda Mobile, Lebara, Talkmobile, Voxi

When it's time to switch mobile phone provider

If all else fails, it might be time to switch. Outside the big four – EE, O2, Three and Vodafone – a wide range of operators are now competing for your business and some offer great-value Sim-only deals. Switching is easy and you should be able to keep your old number.

Arming yourself with a price you could get elsewhere is an important haggling tactic. Compare mobile phone contracts and Sim-only deals to find out how much you could be paying.

Smaller mobile networks consistently do better than the big four in our mobile networks survey. Read our guide to the best and worst UK mobile networks to find out more.

How to get the best mobile phone deal on popular brands

Generally, you'll find the best deals on mobile phones at retailers such as Amazon, Currys and John Lewis, rather than on the manufacturer's website. However, knowing when sales are on for specific brands can be useful if you're trying to find the best deal on a specific model you want. 

iPhone deals

It's notoriously tricky to bag an iPhone on a budget – and when discounts are available, they're usually smaller than on Android devices. However, iPhones hold their value better than older Androids, so you often see them on the second-hand market.

If you look in the right place at the right time, you can get some money off. Retailers such as Amazon and Argos occasionally bring their prices down, but make sure you're buying a new rather than a refurbished handset.

New iPhones usually launch in September, so the end of the year is a good time to look for previous models, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas sales.

Apple also offers a trade-in scheme, so you can knock the price of a new handset down slightly if you're upgrading from an older iPhone.

Browse all our iPhone reviews to see how all Apple handsets scored in our lab tests.

Google mobile phone deals

Google launches its flagship phones in October, so it's worth putting a Pixel on your shortlist late in the year.

You'll see the best bargains on older handsets, but more recent phones can sometimes get early discounts at major retailers such as Carphone Warehouse and Laptops Direct.

See if it's worth investing in a Pixel by reading our Google Pixel reviews. 

Samsung mobile phone deals

If you're after a discounted Samsung Galaxy, you may be tempted by some of the reasonably priced handsets in its A, J and M ranges. Mid-range models have come on in leaps and bounds over the past few years, and spending £300 to £400 can get you a slim, stylish and powerful model that may not look too different from a high-end version.

If you have your eyes on the premium prize, though, it could be worth holding out for a top-of-the-range Galaxy S or Note series. The Samsung S series usually launches in the first quarter of the year, with the first discounts on the latest handsets beginning in the summer. It's worth keeping an eye out on Amazon Prime Day in July.

Phones in the Note range tend to launch in August, so new models are ripe for a decent discount when Black Friday rolls around. If you miss out, the Boxing Day sales are a good time to buy, too.

We've reviewed more than 40 Galaxy phones. Pick your perfect model in all our Samsung phone reviews.

Mobile phones and security updates

Deals on phones are easier to find when they've been on the market for a while, but depending on the brand and handset, this could mean they won't be receiving security updates for much longer. Check our security update calculator for models you're interested in buying. See our guide to mobile phone security.