Finding The Best New Phone Deal For You

February 8, 2023

Customer finding the best phone deal

While it is always exciting to get a brand new phone, selecting your new phone deal can often be a daunting task with so many different phone deals and contract options to choose from.

At Three, we’re here to make your life much easier with our guide to finding the best new phone deal. 

How to find the right phone deal for you

When you’re looking for a new mobile phone deal, there’s several factors that you should think about that will help filter your search:

  • Network provider
  • Type of plan
  • Phone model
  • Price
  • Data allowances, texts and minutes
  • Contract length

We’ll run through all the most important things you should consider when comparing new phone deals, so that you can feel confident you’re choosing the best mobile phone and plan to suit your needs. 

Network provider

When it comes to looking for a new phone deal, you need a network you can rely on. The fact our combined 3G and 4G network already covers 99% of the UK outdoor population means that with Three, you can use your phone from almost anywhere.

Not only that, but we’re also currently dedicating more spectrum to our 5G network than any other UK mobile operator. We might be a little biased, but choosing Three seems like the ideal option for many.

Once you’ve got your plan on Three, you’ll be able to take advantage of our 5G at no extra cost, giving you access to the UK’s fastest 5G internet. What’s more, all of our plans come with unlimited texts and minutes. We also offer truly unlimited data, giving you all the data you’ll need with no caps or speed limits. Plus, with Go Roam, you can unlock your UK allowance in over 160 destinations around the world.

We always recommend using our Coverage Checker to see if you can get adequate coverage wherever you are.  Simply enter your postcode and find out if 3G, 4G or 5G is available for you.

Type of contract

One of the first things to consider when looking for a new phone deal is what type of contract you want. When deciding between a Pay Monthly, Pay As You Go or SIM only contract, you’ll need to consider your own phone usage.

Generally, pay monthly deals are the most popular choice. With a pay monthly contract, you get a brand-new phone alongside a generous amount of data, calls and texts, with the exact data allowance depending on your monthly fee.

Pay monthly deals often make it much more manageable to get your ideal new mobile, as they spread the cost over the length of your contract. They also have the added benefit that you always know how much you're spending as it’s set at a fixed price for each month.

If you’re interested in getting a SIM only plan, you can learn more about them in our recent blog on SIM only deals.

Phone model

The easiest way to narrow down your search for a new phone is to filter by phone manufacturer. You might be an Apple devotee who always wants the latest update, an avid Android user who’s happy with a range of brands, or you might want something new entirely.

No matter your preference, you can find a phone that’ll suit you at Three. 

Apple iPhone

If you’re interested in the latest Apple models, take a look at our iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max deals.

Or, you can check out and compare deals from previous iPhone models, including the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 mini,  iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini,  iPhone 11, and iPhone SE

Samsung Galaxy

Are you after the newest android phone? The Samsung Galaxy S22 series are the latest additions to the Galaxy family- check out the most popular S22, S22 Plus and S22 Ultra offers.

Alternatively, you can see our latest offers on the rest of the Galaxy family, including the Z Series, S21 FE, S21 Plus, A23, A53 and A13

Looking for something else?

We also have great deals on other phones too, such as the HONOR X6, HONOR 70, Google Pixel 7 Pro, Google Pixel 6A, Xiaomi 12T Pro and OnePlus 9 Pro. 

Data allowances

Since all of our mobile phone deals come with unlimited texts and minutes, you only really need to consider how much data you’ll need when it comes to allowances. First, think about how much you use your mobile phone and how often. Right now, we offer allowances of 1GB, 4G, 12GB, 30GB, 100GB and unlimited data on our pay monthly plans.

If you’re usually connected to Wi-Fi and only do a little bit of browsing online outside of your home, then 1GB to 4GB should be more than enough. However, if you regularly stream music and TV on the go, it might be worth getting a 12GB or 30GB plan. If you’re a social media enthusiast, avid gamer or serial downloader, you’ll probably want 100GB or unlimited data. Our larger data plans are perfect for those looking to use their smartphone as a hotspot for their laptop, making it easy to work on the move.

Price

One of the main things you’ll need to decide is how much you want to spend on a new phone, considering both the monthly and upfront cost.

At Three, we have some great offers and plans with some unmissable savings:

Best iPhone deals: You can get the latest iPhone 14 with unlimited data on a 24-month plan from £30.50 a month, with 6 months half price and an upfront cost of £30. Or you can get the iPhone 13 with unlimited data on a 24-month plan from £28.50 a month for 6 months, with an upfront cost of £30

Best Samsung deals: You can get unlimited data and enjoy 12 months of Disney+ with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 for just £32.50 a month, with 6 months half price and an upfront cost of £50. Or with the S22 from £24.50 a month, with 6 months half price and an upfront cost of £30.

If you’re looking for a cheaper phone deal, we have a number of phone contracts that come with little or no upfront cost, including the HONOR X6 and Xiaomi Redmi 9AT.

Upgrading or switching?

If you’re thinking of switching to Three, we’d love to have you join our network! Ready to switch? Head over to our switching hub to find out everything you need to know about making the move.

If you’re already an existing Three customer, you can take a look at our range of exclusive deals or explore your upgrade options.