Compare Smartphone SIM-only Deals

Buyers' guide: Smartphone SIM-only deals

As you'll see from the growing selection of smartphones within this site, there is no end of choice when it comes to picking a hot new handset. The smartphone is fast becoming the tool of choice for many users who not only want a mobile phone but also a handset that they can do a multitude of other tasks with too.

Now that the smartphone can do many, if not all of the things you’d normally carry out on a computer, it's little wonder that this area of the handset market is becoming bigger by the day. While having a smartphone won’t be the cheapest way you can have a mobile handset, and in particular, touch screen mobile phones tend to be the priciest part of this marketplace, it is possible to buy a cheap device if you’re prepared to spend a little time carrying out a comparison using our site.

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Smartphones are better

When the first mobile phones became available a few years ago we were all happy if we could make a call on the move, but today we as consumers expect 3G phones to be capable of accessing the web. Touchscreen phones that enable us to use our fingers to multitask and all the while we expect to get the best deals, offers and prices that mobile providers can dish out.

The great thing is that because 3G smartphones, touch screen phones, call them what you will, are now reviewed all over the place. We even review them ourselves, so it’s quick and simple to see which models are the best, and pick from a whole array of manufacturers, like HTC, Apple, Samsung, BlackBerry and so on while also perusing the mobile deals offered by the likes of 3 Mobile, Vodafone, T-Mobile, O2 and Orange.

In fact, these are exciting times for potential smartphone customers and even more so if you're on the lookout for smartphone SIM-only contracts. Of course, as you'll see from our comparison tables there is no shortage of deals available for anyone wanting a touchscreen smartphone, but picking up a handset that is SIM-only might be an ideal option for you if you have specific needs and requirements.

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What are smartphone SIM-only contracts?

When looking into getting yourself a smartphone you'll first want to weigh up what kind of deal you want while you carry out the comparison of different deals. There are oodles of different tariffs from all of the usual providers outlined above. Have a think about pay-as-you-go, contract and SIM-only contracts. You'll need to consider how many minutes, texts and data you expect to use on a regular basis. This will help you to evaluate which provider you'll probably end up going with.

So, for example, if we take a look at one of the very popular touchscreen mobile examples of the moment, the Apple iPhone, we find that a smartphone SIM card only plan can be an ideal way to get connected. Many of the mobile providers have created deals and offers that are tailored towards the SIM-only marketplace.

It's possible to buy yourself any one of many smartphone SIM-only deals and these will often include things like unlimited texts plus a whole stack of data usage. So, armed with something like 1GB of mobile internet data usage you’ll be able to use your smartphone to view an almost endless supply of web pages on the internet or send and receive countless emails from the touch screen phone of your choice.

There are often also added extras like access to Wi-Fi hotspots and cross network talk time. The mobile providers terms and conditions need to be examined carefully before picking a deal though as different smartphone SIM-only plans have different degrees of rules and regulations. So be sure to carry out a full and thorough comparison on the deals in our tables before parting with your money.

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Smartphone SIM-only deals and points to consider

If you're interested in a smartphone SIM card only package then you'll need to do a bit of research, which as we've already pointed out can be done quickly and easily using our comparison tables. The reviews of all the smartphone touchscreen handsets will also give you a valuable insight into individual models and their technical specifications.

One you have an offer or package in mind then you'll need to check that the smartphone you want to use with a SIM card deal can actually be successfully configured to work once it has been inserted. You may need to get in touch with the provider if you’re moving networks, and they should be able to unlock any device that is locked into a particular network or mobile provider. The unlocking of smartphones can also be done in the high street for a small fee too.

There will also be stipulations associated with smartphone SIM-only deals too, and if it’s a contract option that you plump for you may well find that you have to stick to the contract for a minimum contract period, which will often be something like 12 months, although the upside of this is that you'll probably gain eligibility for an upgrade during that period.

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Smartphone SIM-only contracts: the benefits

The great thing about going down the smartphone SIM-only deals route is that you can buy a touchscreen handset that you feel really happy with and then select a SIM-only tariff using either a pay monthly contract or a pay-as-you-go tariff or package. One of the benefits of the pay monthly SIM-only contract could mean that you'll end up being able to save a few pounds a month compared to the equivalent 18-month touchscreen handset deal. It sounds a bit confusing, but the concept is actually pretty straightforward and if you’re looking to cut back on the costs involved with your handset then this can be a good way to do it.

As you'll see from our price comparison tables there are a wealth of smartphone SIM-only plans available from the mobile providers and this can often be the cheapest way of getting yourself kitted out with the latest in technology. A smartphone handset allows you to do all of the normal stuff you’d do with a mobile phone, but it also has a stack of extra features and added functionality including many things that you’d normally only find on a home computer.

All you need to do is select a SIM only phone, which can be done on a contract basis with the likes of O2, Virgin Mobile, T-Mobile, Vodafone or Orange. Alternatively select a handset from one of the many touchscreen mobile devices that are on the market and buy it outright via the SIM-free option. Then all you need to do is insert the SIM card of your choice into the unlocked phone.

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Ways to use your smartphone SIM card only handset

Once you've got yourself sorted out with a smartphone SIM card only deal you'll be free to fully exploit the features of your new phone. Although it’s still a mobile handset, the smartphone is able to do almost as much as a normal computer. Admittedly the screen size and keyboard will often be a lot more smaller, but this makes the smartphone perfect for computing on the move.

With the advent of social networks such as Facebook people want to stay connected to their friends, family and work colleagues wherever they go, and a smartphone handset is one of the best tools for doing this. What's more, it’s easy to do web browsing and emailing on the move while many newer smartphones have all manner of additional gadgets onboard, including GPS functionality, maps and sat nav as well as the more traditional music players, cameras and movie playing applications.

Of course, if you've got yourself a smartphone SIM card only setup then you'll need to remember that they often send and receive data while you’re on the move. This is not such a big deal while you're in the UK, but venture overseas and you could start spending more than you thought. So remember to read up on the terms and conditions relating to roaming charges if you plan on using your smartphone handset if you go overseas.

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Smartphone SIM card only handset precautions

In addition, it’s worth checking that your smartphone SIM-only deals will allow the phone to work overseas, because different locations aren’t always compatible with all models. Again, spend some time looking at the deals in our comparison tables and read the reviews of the various models in order to get an idea of the specification of the smartphone that you’re interested in. Nowadays, models are becoming increasingly powerful, but some of the cheaper handsets may not have quite the same capability as pricier touchscreen phones that come with all the bells and whistles.

Whatever model you end up going for, there’s no doubt that taking a look at smartphone SIM-only plans can be time well spent and they are an ideal way into this handset area if you’re a newcomer to the technology.

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