Mobile phone deals in March 2023: best SIM-free, contract and SIM only offers

A phone contract is not always going to be the best option for everyone, especially if you have the money to spend upfront. That's why for some, a SIM-free phone and SIM plan can secure the best overall value.

In this case, you can simply get the SIM on its own. With SIM only deals, you can either get one on a pay as you go basis (not advisable unless you rarely use the internet or calls/text) or get a contract.

When you get a SIM plan, you are simply paying a much lower monthly fee for just your calls, texts and data. These can be on 1-month rolling contracts, 12 months or even 24 months.

Much like phone contracts, there are a lot of different providers who offer SIM plans. 

Three SIM only deals for example give you affordable pricing and massive data plans, EE SIM only deals are slightly more costly but the UK's fastest and the best all-round, while Vodafone SIM only deals are affordable and great for extra benefits and speed. Then you have the O2 SIM only deals, which, much like Vodafone, are a great all-rounder. Smarty SIM only deals are fantastic for 1-month rolling contracts and are pretty affordable with big data. 

A SIM-free phone is exactly as the name suggests - a phone lacking a SIM. Buying a SIM-free device is, in most cases, cheaper than getting any contract mobile phone deals but it does require a large upfront spend.

That's because you're paying the full price of the handset upfront. Then you can simply buy a SIM plan or put in one you already have. In almost all cases, this is the cheapest option as long as the upfront cost isn't too hard-hitting for you.

There is no simple answer to this question and it will completely depend on your own usage. For most people you can simply look at how much data you used with your last mobile phone deals, if this is your first phone, here's a simple guide:

- 500MB-2GB:
If you rarely use the internet or many apps while away from the internet, you can get away with a low data cap. The lowest possible is 500MB a month which will allow for the occasional Google search, a trip on Google Maps and some light social media.

Go up to around 2GB and you can do an extension of the above - light uses of data throughout the month.

- 2GB-5GB:
This region will work perfectly for a lot of people. If you're not planning on streaming or downloading on the go, you'll be able to quite comfortably use the internet and apps on the go without fear of hitting your cap.

However, intensive usage or any kind of video streaming will see you quickly run through data.

- 10GB-30GB:
This is the cap that we would imagine working for the largest number of people. Like the above, you'll be able to use social media, Google Apps and general small uses of data without any worry.

However, with this you'll also be able to download and stream on the go without running into your cap - just avoid intensive gaming or HD streams.

- 30GB+
Anything from 30GB up through the 200GB+ caps is going to be plenty for almost anyone. Streaming in HD, gaming on the go, downloading big apps - all of this will be fine.

- Unlimited:
Finally, completely unlimited caps. This is really only going to be for those who tether other devices off their phone, anyone who doesn't have internet where they live or if you really are burning through data.

Here's a full guide to how much data you need for a more detailed breakdown

While most people will think of the main four networks - EE, O2, Vodafone and Three - there is actually loads of networks to choose from, all with their own benefits.

Which network is best for your next mobile phone deals will depend on a number of factors. Do you want something fast? A network with good 5G? Or maybe you just want the cheapest option, even if that means signing on for longer.

Read more: What's the best network?

Depending on what handset you choose, you'll be presented with a few storage size options. The majority of choices will start at 128GB of storage these days but some do drop as low as 64GB.

If you tend to save things on the cloud and rarely download any music, videos or general large files, 64GB will suffice. However, for most people, a minimum of 128GB will be a necessity.

The bigger question is whether its worth considering the 256 or 512GB options we're seeing these days, and even sometimes a 1TB option! In most cases, it's not worth it.

Unless you're downloading an entire library of Kindle books, hoarding Spotify playlists and trying to have the entirety of Netflix at your fingertips, these larger options just aren't worth the additional costs.

Of course, the easiest way to know is to look at how much storage you're using on your existing phone and work off of that. 

Many Android devices offer expandable storage as well so if you've gone for a storage size too small, you can always remedy it with certain mobile phone deals.

One of the biggest questions you'll need to consider when choosing a new phone is whether you want to go for Apple or Android. Realistically, this will entirely come down to your preferred operating system.

Apple is simple and easy to use. Because it is the sole brand using this operating system, the apps tend to be more consistent and there is a higher level of security.

However, there is far more choice with Android and no matter which Android brand you choose, there is more customisation available to you.

Each Android brand offers a slightly different operating system. Samsung's is highly customisable with lots of features, Google's is stripped back and easy to use, much like Apple's, OnePlus' is a simpler version of Samsung's and Huawei...well, Huawei is in a bit of a limbo as it decides what to do without Android.

In essence, if you want something simple and secure, Apple will be a great choice for new mobile phone deals (if you don't mind paying a bit more of course). If you like more choice and like to customise to your exact requirements, Android will be the way to go.

Still unsure? We have a full Android vs iPhone guide to help you out.

While it is very much the future of phone contracts, 5G isn't really something we would worry too much about right now. Still in the early days of its rollout, 5G isn't all that available right now.

Yes, most networks now offer 5G and most of the new handsets being released come with 5G capability but, in terms of actual practicality, it's just not there yet.

Walk around the streets and you'll be lucky to even notice a boost to 5G, even when you're in the city centre - the main place it has been rolled out already.

So if the phone you're going for happens to be 5G - great, you've future-proofed yourself for the future. If not, we really wouldn't worry too much about it - there's still plenty of time.