The #1 Things To Consider Before Buying A New Phone…


The #1 Things To Consider Before Buying A New Phone...Pin

This post is designed to help you better understand the process of buying a new phone. If you’re unsure about what your options are or you just want to know about different ways of buying phones, this post is for you – we’ll cover everything you need to know as well as a few things you might not!


First, You Need To Decide What Phone You Want…

99.9% of phones sold on the planet are Android and iPhones. This is just a fact now, so basically whatever phone you end up going with it will more than likely either be an iPhone or an Android phone.

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iOS (Apple’s mobile platform) and Android are the two #1 mobile platforms on the planet. For applications, features, and capabilities they are the only options you need to be looking at. Many other tech companies have tried to muscle their way into the space, but ALL have failed. Even Microsoft. The mobile space is more or less 100% owned and controlled by Apple and Google.

Android Benefits

  • More Choice; Prices Vary From Ultra-Cheap to Ultra-Premium
  • Android Flagships Have The Latest And Greatest Tech – Things Like 5G and Quad-Lens Cameras
  • Android is More Open Than iOS; You Can Do More With Android – It’s More Customisable
  • You Don’t Have To Pay A Premium For OLED Displays (Pixel 3a Has One And It Costs $399)

iOS Benefits

  • More Secure Than Android
  • iPhones Get Better Software Support
  • iPhone Apps Are Better Than Android Apps
  • iPhones Tend To Last Longer Than Android Phones
  • Older iPhone Models Still Run Great (Years After Release)
  • Apple’s CPU is The Most Powerful On The Planet

Wanna Save Money? Buy An Older Flagship Phone

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Apple and Samsung phones – new, top of the line models – cost in excess of $1000. This is a huge sum of money. Even if you’re relatively flush, $1000 is still A LOT of money to drop on a phone.

However, you can get around this by simply buying older flagship models. My preferred way to do this is with refurbished phones. For instance, I can pick up the iPhone X or Samsung Galaxy Note 9 for around 40% less than their usual RRP via somewhere like Gazelle.

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Another option is Amazon’s awesome Renewed program; I’ve pulled in some of the latest deals for iPhones in the table below:

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Buying refurbished phones will save you a fortune, and as long as you go with a relatively new model – no more than two years old – the handset will still have more than enough potency for use in 2019. Right now, the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X are two excellent options in the iPhone space.

Want Android? You can pick up the Google Pixel 2 XL for less than $300 right now, and that phone will be getting Android updates until at least 2022. Another great Android-powered option would be the Samsung Galaxy S9 or the Galaxy Note 9.

Going the refurbished route isn’t for everybody, but if you want to save money, avoid getting locked into contracts, and still have a phone with plenty of spec and power, then it is highly advisable. I’ve bought a bunch of refurbished iPhones over the years and I’ve never had any issues with these types of iPhone.

Contract or SIM-Only – Which is Best?

This kind of depends on what you want. If you want the latest iPhone and you don’t mind paying for it, a contract is likely the easiest way to get the phone. As you can see below, you have plenty of options for iPhone 11 contract deals in the US and UK.

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Plenty of people still buy their phones outright, though, and the reason for this is SIM-only deals. A SIM-only deal is where you just get a SIM-card with a data allowance and calls/texts. SIM-only plans are cheaper than plans that come with a phone.

For this reason, and the fact that contracts are so expensive these days, many people are opting to buy their new phones using a credit card and then shopping around for the best SIM-only deal. The main benefit for SIM-only deals, besides price, is that you’re not locked into a contract. You can leave for a better plan whenever you like…

You can now get plenty of SIM-only deals with unlimited data too, so if you can afford to buy a phone outright (or refurbished), then SIM-only plans are totally the way to go. They’re cheaper, you get more data, in most cases, and you can leave whenever you like – no one can stop you! This is why I always buy my phones and use SIM-only deals.

Benefits of SIM-Only Deals

As noted above, the main benefits of going the SIM-only route are price and flexibility. You can basically shop around for the best deal and then use it – all you need to do is get your PAC number and you can switch from network to network, chasing the best deals.

In order to take full advantage of SIM-only deals, you’ll need to make sure the phone you buy is 100% unlocked, so you can use it on any network. This is important because if you buy a phone locked to AT&T or Verizon, you’ll ONLY be able to use it on those networks.

Amazon and Gazelle sell 100% unlocked, refurbished phones. I always get mine from here for this express reason. There is literally no point buying a phone outright if it is locked to a carrier. On top of this, once you get bored of the phone, you can simply sell it on and then use the money to buy another phone – either a later model or something completely different.

Owning a phone outright and running it on SIM-only deals places you in control of everything. There are no restrictions in place. Like leasing versus buying a car, it’s more expensive initially but is 100% more economical in the long run. If you want to get the most value for money and the best data/calls deals, buy outright and go the SIM-only route.

Best Unlimited Data Plans

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Competition is extremely stiff in the SIM-only market too, so there are ALWAYS plenty of juicy deals doing the rounds. Find one you like the look of, run for a few months, then check back to see if you can find an even better one. If you find a cheaper/better SIM-only deal, all you have to do is order it and you can switch your plan over.

How I Bought My Last Phone Outright (CASE STUDY)

When the iPhone X launched, I really wanted one. But it cost $1000 and this was just too much; I couldn’t pay that much for the phone. I needed a new phone, so what I decided to get smart and do something I hadn’t done before. Instead of committing to an expensive two-year contract for iPhone X, I got the iPhone 8 Plus fully loaded instead from Gazelle.

The iPhone 8 Plus I got was refurbished. I paid $450 for the handset, a fully-loaded, unlocked model. I then used this phone for a solid 12 months until the price of the iPhone X had come down to a reasonable level. Once the iPhone X hit the $600 mark, I sold my iPhone 8 Plus and got myself an iPhone X. Again, using Gazelle.

I paid for both phones using a credit card. And while the initial hit was large, I saved a bunch by using SIM-only deals. The average monthly cost of my plan was around $15 and I paid off the cost of the iPhone in a few months. Compared to a new iPhone 11 contract, which will set you back around $60 a month, this is a HUGE saving across 12 months.

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And you know what? The iPhone 8 Plus, despite being older and refurbished, still worked as good as new. That’s the thing you gotta remember: these modern phones are insanely powerful. Most people don’t even touch around 10% of their potential, so older models like the iPhone 8 Plus are still perfectly ideal for use a few years after their initial release.

Sure, the latest iPhone 11 is more powerful and has a better camera, but so what!? If I can get 80% of that experience for 80% less money, surely that’s a better option? I’m a technology journalist, I get access to the latest phones. But I’m a sucker for value for money. And right now, this is the way you extract the most value for money when buying a new phone.

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Buy refurbished. Get A SIM-only plan. Save hundreds of dollars over the following months. Simple, right? If you can stop yourself being suckered in by marketing, I guarantee that once you buy a phone using this method you’ll never buy a new phone again. I mean, why would you? New phones cost too much and you’re stuck on a crappy contract or plan for two years!

The only reason more people don’t do this is that they have no idea that you can! Apple and Samsung don’t want you buying old phones; they don’t make billions of dollars are quarter by people shopping smart and buying older phones for less money. This goes the same for networks – they want you locked into contracts. And the reason? Again, money! You spend more and they make more.

Latest Smartphone Releases


  • Xiaomi 15S Pro

    The Xiaomi 15S Pro didn’t come with a flashy launch, but it brings some seriously heavy hardware to the table. A custom 10-core chip, Leica-engineered cameras, and one of the brightest displays on the market

  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

    At just 5.8mm thick, it’s one of the thinnest Android phones ever made—but don’t let the slim profile fool you. This phone is all flagship under the hood.

  • Nothing Phone (3a) Pro

    It’s got the same slick design and OLED display, but adds a periscope zoom camera and a 50MP front-facing shooter.

  • Nothing Phone (3a)

    The Nothing Phone (3a) nails the formula: give people what they actually want, keep the price low, and make it look cooler than anything else in its class.

  • Motorola EDGE 60 Pro

    With a bold design, flagship-like display, and surprisingly refined camera system, it’s one of the most interesting mid-range phones of 2025.

  • Google Pixel 9

    I’ve been using the Pixel 9 for a few weeks now, and honestly? It nails all the basics—and a bit more. Killer stuff all round!

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro

    I’ve used the Pixel 9 Pro as my daily device, and it’s hands-down the best balance of power, practicality, and photography you’ll find on Android right now.

  • OnePlus 13

    I’ve been using the OnePlus 13 as my daily driver for a few months now—and I’ve got to say, it’s easily one of the best Android phones I’ve tested this year.

  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra

    After using the Xiaomi 15 Ultra for over a week, I can confidently say: this phone is an absolute beast. It’s made for camera nerds, power users, and creators.

  • iPhone 16 Pro Max

    If you’ve been holding out for a truly complete iPhone, the 16 Pro Max delivers—hard. After using it daily, I won't be going back…

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

    Big screen, big battery, and even bigger brains—this is the Pixel to get if you want Google’s best hardware and longest support.

  • Google Pixel 9a

    The Pixel 9a brings Google’s flagship-level smarts to a budget-friendly package, and it’s easily one of the best-value Android phones of 2025.

Best SIM-Only Plans & Deals


  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Premium Plan

    Boost’s top-tier option brings the heat: 50GB of premium data, hotspot, North America roaming, global talk & text, and $430 off select devices. All-in at $60/month with no contract.

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    Data: Unlimited (50GB premium speed)

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited+ Plan

    Level up with 40GB of premium data, hotspot access, global calling, and up to $300 in device savings. All for just $50/month. No contracts and flexible phone options included.

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    Data: Unlimited; Speed Caps After 40GB

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Plan

    Start strong with 30GB of premium data, unlimited everything, and a killer intro offer: just $15/month for the first 3 months, then $25/month forever. No contracts. No fluff. Big value.

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    Data: Unlimited (Speed Caps Over 30GB)

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    Another high-data, low-cost option with no contract. 108GB for just £9, full 5G access, and the same goodies you get with 12-month deals.

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    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 20GB

    The lowest price option. 20GB for £6 with all the same perks as pricier plans. Great if you don’t use much data and want to save every penny.

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    Data: 20GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 110GB

    This plan gives you big data and zero commitment. 110GB for just £10 with all perks intact. If you need more data but want the freedom to cancel, this is the one.

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    Data: 110GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    More data, same price. For just £8/month, you get 60GB on a no-strings 1-month rolling plan. Ideal for users who stream often but don’t want long commitments.

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    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 40GB

    Perfect if you want full flexibility. You get 40GB and all of iD Mobile's perks with no lock-in, annual increases, or setup fees. Great for short-term users.

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    Data: 40GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    One of the best pound-per-GB plans around. You get 60GB for £8 with £25 cashback, which means you’re effectively paying closer to £6/month. Includes roaming and data rollover.

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    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    This deal gets you a healthy 108GB of 5G data for less than a tenner, with no upfront costs and £24 cashback. All the perks are included too: data rollover, roaming, and loyalty rewards.

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    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: Unlimited Data

    This iD Mobile plan doesn’t just compete on price, it’s up there with the best of them. Unlimited everything, a year-long lock-in with no price rises, and £42 cashback straight to your pocket. It’s like getting nearly 3 months free.

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    Data: Unlimited, No Speed Caps

  • Mint Mobile 20GB Plan

    If you're looking to save some cash on your bills, this plan is an awesome option. You'll get 20GB of data per month and 20GB hotspot data allowance. For moderate to heavy users, that should be more than enough. I seldom use more than 10GB of data a month, and I'm always using my phone

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    Data: 20GB