Cheap UK mobile deals for budget iPhone and Samsung buyers

Yes, for budget buyers who want iOS. The iPhone 7 no longer receives the latest iOS updates (iOS 15 was its final version), but it still receives security patches and runs all major apps including banking, messaging and streaming. A Grade A refurbished model from a reputable UK seller costs around £60 to £80 and comes with a 12-month warranty. Paired with a cheap SIM-only plan, the total monthly cost can fall below £10. If you need the latest camera features or iOS version support, step up to the iPhone 8 or iPhone SE (2020). Detail in our iPhone 7 deals guide.

Yes, provided you buy from a seller that offers a clear 12-month warranty and a returns policy. UK consumer law (the Consumer Rights Act 2015) requires sellers to accept returns for 30 days if the item is not as described. Reputable refurbishers (Back Market, musicMagpie, Envirofone, CEX) grade handsets as A (near-perfect), B (light wear) or C (visible wear but fully functional). Grade A units look and feel like new. Avoid marketplace listings without a warranty or returns policy. Full breakdown in our refurbished phones pros and cons guide.

For most budget buyers, SIM-only is cheaper overall. A Pay Monthly deal bundles the handset cost into the monthly payment and adds a network markup. Buying a refurbished handset outright and pairing it with a 30-day SIM-only plan gives you the same phone for less money over 24 months, plus the flexibility to switch network whenever a better deal appears. The exception is cashback-by-redemption deals from specialist retailers: these can bring the total effective cost below what you would pay buying separately, but only if you claim every cashback instalment on time.

giffgaff and Asda Mobile consistently offer the cheapest PAYG and SIM-only prices in the UK. giffgaff goodybags start from £6/mo for 500 MB data and unlimited calls and texts, with no credit check and no contract. Asda Mobile runs on the Vodafone network and has competitive rolling plans. For data-heavy users, Smarty and iD Mobile often undercut the big four. All PAYG SIMs require no credit check. Compare current prices on our mobile networks page.

Cashback by redemption is a deal structure used by aggregator retailers like Mobile Phones Direct. The headline monthly price is achieved only after you submit cashback claims at set intervals (typically months 6, 12, 18 and 24). The retailer posts a cheque or bank transfer for each approved claim. The risk is that if you miss a claim deadline, you lose that cashback tranche. When all claims are made successfully, the effective monthly cost can beat any network-direct price. Set calendar reminders as soon as you sign up. Our Mobile Phones Direct review covers the process in full.

Typically 25 to 40% off the new price for Grade A refurbished handsets. For older flagships, the saving is larger: a refurbished iPhone 7 costs around £60 to £80 versus £200 or more for the cheapest current-generation new iPhone. A refurbished Samsung Galaxy S9 is around £80 to £100 versus £350 or more for a new Galaxy S series. The 12-month warranty means the risk is comparable to buying new from a network, provided you use a reputable UK seller.

Yes, as long as the handset is unlocked. Most reputable UK refurbishers sell unlocked stock. An unlocked phone works with any UK SIM: EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, giffgaff, Asda Mobile or any other MVNO. If a handset is locked to a specific network (less common on older models), the original network is legally required to unlock it for free once the original contract has ended. Always confirm "network unlocked" before purchasing a refurbished handset.