A mobile expert has revealed five ways you can save on your phone bill.
Having a mobile phone may be a necessity today, but it often feels like a luxury we cannot afford.
Beyond not buying the latest versions and reducing your needs for additional features, there are some practical things you can do to lower the cost of your device.
To help you save money on your phone bill, Mobiles.co.uk mobile expert Kyle Wilson has detailed the changes you can implement to get the most for your money.
Kyle Wilson added: “Mobile phones with capabilities that make daily life easier and more efficient are a necessity.
“Unlike home services, phone bills can be an easier area to cut costs. People can discover the cheapest way to upgrade their contract to the latest phones.
“Additionally, there is a wide variety of phones to choose from in different price ranges, as well as choices you can make to lower the price of your new phone bill.”
If you’re looking to switch and save on your phone bill, you’ll find great SIM-free and contract iPhone and Android deals at Mobiles.co.uk.
How can I save money on my phone contract?
Be smart when choosing a phone
According to the mobile expert, most people when looking for a new mobile phone buy the latest version as soon as it becomes available.
He noted: “While flagship iPhone, Samsung and Google phones are attractive, they also come with higher price tags.
“But the same great brands also offer mid-range phones that offer quality features.
The expert recommended that people shop consciously to choose a deal that has an upfront cost.
He explained: “This will often reduce the line rent and make it cheaper over the life of the contract, saving you money in the long run.
“Whether you’re looking for a big screen, an advanced camera, or 5G connectivity, these features can also be found in mid-range phones.
“Why not consider the iPhone SE (3rd generation) instead of the iPhone 13 or the Samsung Galaxy A52s instead of the Galaxy S22?”
Here’s how you can save money on your phone contract. (Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)
Consider a refurbished phone
Refurbished phones are also a great option for those who are on a budget but want to buy the latest mobile phone.
The expert explained that smartphones that are no longer used or whose faults have been previously fixed are sold at a discounted price.
The pro advised that buying a refurbished phone is another great way to get the latest flagship device you’ve been looking for.
He went on to explain that in most cases, a refurbished device is significantly cheaper than a ‘new phone deal’ and will still have the benefits of returns and warranty.
Kyle added: “Refurbished phones are a great option for those on a budget but still want the latest mobile phone.
“These are phones that were returned for many possible reasons.
“One of the most common reasons is the phone being returned due to a change of heart.
“In other cases, there may have been a slight fault in the phone that was repaired to make the phone suitable for resale.
“Always make sure you buy from an authorized dealer as this will ensure that the products are inspected by technicians and refurbished where necessary before they are offered for sale at a discounted price.”
Another great way to save money is to go for the SIM-only option if you’re happy with your current device, the mobile expert said. (Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)
Save big with SIM only
Another great way to save money is to go for the SIM-only option if you’re happy with your current device, the mobile expert said.
He noted that you may not experience the excitement of unboxing a new mobile phone, but you may enjoy a lower monthly cost and the flexibility of shorter contracts such as 1- or 12-month deals.
However, if you have your eye on a new phone, you should still pay attention to contract agreements.
In most cases, the expert pointed out, a contract deal will be cheaper than buying the SIM-only and new phone separately.
Kyle explained: “If you’re happy with your current phone, SIM-only contracts can save you money, with SIM-only options starting from as little as £6 a month.
“SIM prices will vary depending on the amount of data, messages and minutes you want.”
Reconsider your data allowances
When choosing a new phone contract, the expert recommends choosing the data package that best suits your needs.
He explained that choosing a contract with a smaller data allowance is often the cheapest way to get the phone you want.
Kyle commented: “It’s important to be realistic about how much data you need and use. You should be able to control your data usage by logging into your network account.
“If you’re paying for more data than you’re currently using, it might be worth choosing a smaller data allowance when you next buy a contract, which could potentially help you save a lot of money.”
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Beware of extra fees
In-app payments and roaming charges are just some of the areas where you could incur extra costs on your phone bill. Check your phone bill closely to see if they make a difference in your payments.
Kyle explained: “Be careful when using apps on your phone as many may have in-app costs or free trials that will start to be charged to your phone bill once the free trial period ends.
“In-app payments are often found in games and can be accidentally activated, especially if you have children who are unaware of the consequences.”