You’re only seeing average speeds for your area Select your address and see the actual speeds you’d get in your home
SIM-Free Mobile Phones
SIM-Free Mobile Phones
Find the best SIM-free mobile phones and switch between providers without restriction. Choose what matters most to you and pay as you go.
What is a SIM-free mobile phone?
As the name implies, a SIM-free mobile phone is an unlocked smartphone that accepts SIM cards from different providers. On the other hand, SIM-free phone deals mean buying a smartphone only. It differs from mobile phone contracts because you only get a handset in a SIM-free mobile phone deal.
Since SIM-free mobile phones are unlocked, you can decide which SIM card or network provider you want to use. You won’t be tied to any lengthy contract if you choose a SIM-free mobile phone. However, you will need a SIM card to sign up for your favourite SIM-only or pay-as-you-go deal to use the phone.
How do SIM-Free Mobile Phones Work?
You must insert a SIM card into your newly purchased SIM-free mobile phone to use it. The SIM could be either your current SIM or a new one from your preferred provider. Once you insert the SIM card into your phone, it automatically connects to your provider to allow you to make and receive calls or send text messages.
Pay as you go phones offer more options than monthly contract phones because you are not bound by any contract and can easily buy credit and top up your phone whenever you want. However, pay as you go phones are typically locked to a single network provider, and you are committed to using that network unless you opt to have the phone unlocked. The majority of SIM-free available on the market are unlocked when you buy them, giving you complete freedom to select the mobile network provider of your choice.
Check to confirm that you inserted the correct SIM card size into your SIM-free phone if it fails to activate or allow you to make and receive calls. Alternatively, it would help if you verified that the phone is unlocked.
Sim cards come in a range of sizes, including mini, micro, and nano. To get your SIM functioning in your SIM-free phone, make sure your old SIM card fits. Older phones typically use standard-sized SIM cards, whereas most recently manufactured phones use micro and nano SIM cards.
If you are transferring your SIM from one sim-free mobile phone to another, it is important to back up your data, as SIM cards can only store basic information like phone numbers, messages, and data usage. Backups are crucial so that you do not lose your files, pictures, and other information stored on your phone.
What does it mean for a phone to be locked?
A locked phone is a mobile phone tied to a particular network. In this case, it can only work with a SIM card from the provider. You will need to unlock the phone before it can work with a SIM card from another provider. Kindly contact your provider to see if you have met the minimum contract requirements if you wish to unlock your phone. The simplest way to determine if your phone is locked is to insert your SIM card and attempt to use it to either make a call or send a message. If you insert a SIM into your phone and it requests that you enter a SIM unlock code, it simply means the phone is locked to a particular network. On the other hand, if your phone does not request an unlock code, try making a phone call, if the call goes through, then your phone is unlocked. If it doesn’t, there is no need to worry, simply contact your service provider. Some phone manufacturers have a step by step guide on how to unlock your phone on their websites.
Benefits of SIM-Free Mobile Phones
Despite requiring you to pay upfront for your preferred smartphone, buying a SIM-free mobile phone has numerous benefits. Some of these benefits include:
- Lower monthly payment: SIM-free phone contracts are usually cheaper since they do not include repayment towards purchasing a smartphone. You can also find cheaper deals by shopping separately for phone and SIM-only contracts.
- Flexibility: You can purchase a smartphone anytime, whether a brand new, a flagship model, a refurbished phone of your choice, or switch between providers without being held back by a lengthy contract.
- No credit check: SIM-free mobile phone deals do not require you to pass a credit check since you have to pay for the phone upfront. Because of this, SIM-free deals are suitable for anyone with poor credit history.
- Ideal for Travellers: If you travel frequently abroad, an unlocked SIM-free mobile phone is ideal for you as it offers more options, allowing you to purchase a low-cost SIM card for the country you’re visiting. You can easily swap SIM cards based on where you are in the world.
- No unwanted Apps: Some contract phones come already pre-loaded with applications that you sometimes might not be able to remove, even if you don’t want them. A SIM-free mobile phone gives you the freedom to choose what you’d like to have in your phone.
Additionally, a SIM-free mobile phone puts you in control of the number of call minutes, the number of text messages you can send or receive, and the amount of data you can use in a month. Sim-free mobile phones are not tied to any network and are sold without SIM cards, allowing customers to select a sim-plan that best suits them. learn about SIM-Only deals
Disadvantages of SIM-free mobile phones
Although there are many benefits associated with SIM-free mobile phones, there are also flip sides you need to consider before signing up for one. These disadvantages of SIM-free mobile phones include:
- Upfront payment: SIM-free mobile phone deals require you to make upfront payments for your preferred smartphone. Because of this, the contract may not be suitable for you if you are on a budget or cannot afford to purchase flagship mobile phones outright.
- More expensive plans: Monthly contracts usually offer cheaper call rates. Because of this, you will end up paying higher rates for calls, texts, and MB of data if you sign up for a pay-as-you-go contract.
- Limited add-ons and perks: Providers usually provide phone contract customers with specific offers unavailable to SIM-free customers. Therefore, you may be unable to access some of these add-ons and extras.
- No-credit cut-off: You may get cut off during an emergency call if you run out of SIM credit. Although you will still be able to receive calls and text messages, being cut off in the middle of an important or emergency call could be frustrating.
Best SIM-free Phones
It is essential to state that what constitutes the best SIM-free phone depends on your needs and preferences. To find the best SIM-free phone for your lifestyle and budget, you should first decide whether you prefer an iPhone or an Android. Secondly, check your budget to find the best SIM-free phone that meets your needs without breaking the bank. There are a variety of SIM-free phones available in the market. You can also purchase your phone from mobile network providers like O2, EE, Vodafone, Tesco Mobile and others
If you are still trying to figure out the best SIM-free mobile phones, here are a few models you may wish to consider.
iPhone 14 Pro Max – Overall Best SIM-free Mobile Phone
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – Camera
Google Pixel 7 – Value
iPhone SE – Best for Budget
Motorola RAZR 40 Ultra – Best Folding Phone
Cheap SIM Free Mobile Phone Deals
Signing up for a cheap SIM-free mobile phone deal helps you save costs and avoid being tied to a lengthy contract. You can also cut costs without compromising your personal needs and preferences. Buying a phone outright provides better long-term value for money as opposed to buying a contract phone, which comes with a payment agreement, and you may end up paying interest on your new phone. For the most recent flagship models, this will mean paying a significantly higher amount in addition to the price of the phone. Here are a few ways to get a cheap SIM-free phone that meets your needs and lifestyle:
Buy a mid-range SIM-free phone
Analysing your needs and usage patterns could be all you need to identify a mid-range, cheap, SIM-free phone that is perfect for you. Ask yourself if you need the latest Samsung Galaxy phones or an iPhone 15, and settle for a more affordable alternative that meets your needs. Bear in mind that the most recent models will always be more expensive. Remember that there are a lot of mid-range phones that perform just as well as high end phones.
Buy a refurbished phone
If you love high-end smartphones but are on a budget, you can consider opting for a refurbished version. By standards, a refurbished phone has undergone rigorous maintenance and repair checks. It has been restored to its original factory setting. It is an excellent option to save money on high-end smartphones.
Go for older models
Older models drop in price as manufacturers release new models. Because of this, you can get many fantastic older-model phones at an affordable price. Confirm that the phone meets your requirements before paying for it. For example, if you prefer iPhones, the price of the iPhone 13 will drop with the release of the new iPhone 15.
Other ways to get a cheap SIM-free phone include buying a second-hand one and swapping or trading-in your old one. Most mobile phone manufacturers and mobile network providers allow you to trade in an older phone model for a new one. After getting your preferred affordable SIM-free smartphone, you can sign up for many cheap SIM-only deals.
Providers that offer SIM Free Mobile Phone Deals
Aside from high-street retailers, several network providers offer SIM-free mobile phones in the UK. Because of this, getting a new SIM-free phone is usually straightforward. If you prefer to get your favourite SIM-free smartphone from providers, here are some you may wish to consider.
Three
As one of the UK’s leading network providers, Three has many impressive SIM-free mobile phones that you may consider. Whether you prefer the latest iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, or other phone brands, Three always has something for everyone, regardless of your budget and personal preference.
Three prides itself on being the best network for data in the UK. As a result of this, in addition to having amazing deals on sim-free mobile phones, 3 Mobile also has sim only deals that you can choose from without having to purchase your phone from them, Some of these deals include: 250GB sim only deal for a period of 12 months at £22, 250GB sim only deal for 24 months at £25. Other notable brands from Three include Google Pixel phones, Oppo, Nokia, Alcatel, Xiaomi, and Honor. However, you should be aware that you must top up your SIM credit with a minimum of £10 if you purchase a SIM-free phone from Three and sign up for a Pay as you go (PAYG) deal.
O2
O2 has an extensive list of SIM-free mobile phones on offer. Whether you are a fan of iPhones, Samsung, or anything Android, you will find a deal that meets your needs and budget. Some SIM-free mobile phones from O2 include iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, Google Pixel, Motorola, Oppo, Nokia, Doro, and Xiaomi.
O2 also offers refurbished SIM-free mobile phones on a pay-as-you-go contract. The models you can get include Samsung, Google, Motorola, Oppo, and the iPhone. However, this depends on the availability of the item you want to purchase. O2 offers all kinds of amazing deals and add-ons when you purchase your sim-free mobile phones from them. For example, you can buy the Galaxy S24 Ultra and claim the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro plus a SmartTag2. Another one is to buy the iPhone 15 Plus 128GB on select tariff plans and claim a £150 digital prepaid Mastercard. You can also buy the Google Pixel 8 Pro and claim an Asus Chromebook C214. All these deals and many more are time-bound and subject to some terms and conditions that the customer must fulfil.
Vodafone
You can access almost all the smartphones available on a pay-monthly contract if you purchase a SIM-free mobile phone from Vodafone. However, you should be prepared to pay a substantial upfront cost if you opt for a flagship model.
There are lots of options available to you on Vodafone. From high-end smartphones to mid-range models, Vodafone caters to the unique needs and preferences of different categories of users. Some mobile phone brands available on SIM-free deals include iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, Motorola, Nokia, Oppo, TCL, Doro, Xiaomi, Honor, Sony, and Mobiwire. Vodafone also offers a wide range of refurbished phones that you can choose from. Remember that refurbished phones are a great way to enjoy the benefits of high-end phones without paying a premium or breaking the bank.
EE
EE is one of the most popular network providers in the UK that offers SIM-free mobile phone deals to customers. Some SIM-free deals for EE customers include smartphone brands like Samsung, Alcatel, Motorola, Nokia, Doro, Oppo, IMO, and Mobiwire. EE has a sim-free phone for everyone and every budget, as prices range from £90 to £769.
iD Mobile
ID Mobile offers diverse kinds of SIM-free deals. They also have various models of phones for you to choose from. Some of the SIM-free mobile phones available include, the iPhone range, Samsung, Motorola, Redmi, Google Pixel, Honor, and Nokia. Some phone brands come with add-ons such as free earbuds, when you purchase them from iD Mobile. They offer amazing sim only deals, pay as you go sim deals, as well as brand-specific deals for Apple, Samsung, and some selected products. iD Mobile also offers you the option of trading in an old one for a new one through their trade-in and cash in programmes.
Tesco Mobile
Named the 2024 network of the year at the Uswitch Telecoms Awards. Tesco Mobile has excellent customer service, as the company also won the award for customer service from a network. They also have wide network coverage as they share O2’s network. Tesco Mobile offers amazing deals on SIM-free phones. They have a wide range of phone selections for you to choose from, such as iPhones, Samsung, Alcatel, Motorola, Nokia, and Doro.
You may wonder why an individual would prefer a SIM-free phone over a phone that comes with a monthly deal as well as the phone all in one convenient package. Typically, they are less expensive, if you purchase a SIM-free mobile phone, you own it outright and will not have to pay for it over a period of 2 years. This significantly lowers the price you pay for a sim-free monthly plan, as you only have to pay for the network minutes for calls, text messages, and data. SIM-only deals are not only cheaper, they also offer more flexibility, as you can switch deals from one provider to another if you’re unhappy with your current provider.
You may also be interested in Unlimited data SIMs
Cheap Broadband Deals
Compare Broadband deals with Docalla
Can I pay monthly for a SIM-free mobile phone?
Some high-street retailers offer flexible payment options that allow you to pay monthly instalments for a specific period. Another option is to buy your preferred SIM-free phone on a 0% purchase credit card, enabling you to purchase upfront and pay later. However, it would help if you fully repay before the 0% period elapses.
Is SIM-free the same as pay-as-you-go?
SIM-free deals are different from pay-as-you-go. The difference is that a SIM-free mobile phone is a handset without a SIM card. The phone is unlocked to work with any compatible SIM card or provider. On the other hand, pay-as-you-go is a mobile phone plan that allows you to top up your SIM credit upfront.
What are the benefits of SIM-free mobile phones?
You can use SIM-free phones with a SIM card from any network provider. Also, it does not require you to sign any lengthy contract, making it easy to switch providers or plans. Aside from this, you can change your smartphone at any time without being restricted by contract terms. However, you should be aware that signing up for a SIM-free phone deal requires a substantial upfront cost.
Is a SIM-free phone a good option for someone with a poor credit history?
Yes, signing up for SIM-free mobile phones requires no credit check. Because of this, it is a good option for anyone with a bad credit score. However, you should be aware that you will be required to pay the total cost of the smartphone upfront.
Do I need an unlocked phone to sign up for a Vodafone SIM-only contract?
Yes, you need to get your phone unlocked to use the Vodafone SIM-only plan if your phone is locked to another provider. However, unlocking your phone is unnecessary if it is locked to the Vodafone network.
Can I use my existing SIM in my new SIM-free phone if my contract has run out?
Yes, a SIM-free phone allows you to use any connected SIM. With a SIM-free phone, you have the option of switching to a SIM-only plan, either through a new deal, upgrading from an existing deal, or even porting your number to a different mobile network.
Sky Broadband
£45.90/month
Unlimited minutes
12 months of 500 GB data
12 months
Contract length
£30.9 upfront cost
250 mbps Total Cost
Unlimited Text
Sky Broadband
£45.90/month
Unlimited minutes
12 months of 500 GB data
12 months
Contract length
£30.9 upfront cost
250 mbps Total Cost
Unlimited Text
Sky Broadband
Offer ends 30th Jan. 2023
£45.90/month
Unlimited minutes
12 months of 500 GB data
12 months
Contract length
£30.9 upfront cost
250 mbps Total Cost
Unlimited Text
Sky Broadband
Offer ends 30th Jan. 2023
£45.90/month
Unlimited minutes
12 months of 500 GB data
12 months
Contract length
£30.9 upfront cost
250 mbps Total Cost
Unlimited Text
Sky Broadband
£45.90/month
Unlimited minutes
12 months of 500 GB data
12 months
Contract length
£30.9 upfront cost
250 mbps Total Cost
Unlimited Text
Sky Broadband
£45.90/month
Unlimited minutes
12 months of 500 GB data
12 months
Contract length
£30.9 upfront cost
250 mbps Total Cost
Unlimited Text
Sky Broadband
Offer ends 30th Jan. 2023
£45.90/month
Unlimited minutes
12 months of 500 GB data
12 months
Contract length
£30.9 upfront cost
250 mbps Total Cost
Unlimited Text
Sky Broadband
Offer ends 30th Jan. 2023
£45.90/month
Unlimited minutes
12 months of 500 GB data
12 months
Contract length
£30.9 upfront cost
250 mbps Total Cost
Unlimited Text
