With millions of Brits set to be hit with higher bills this month, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite deals on mobile and SIM only contracts to help keep costs down
As we head into April, the days are getting longer, the weather is warmer, but the bills are getting bigger. From April 1, millions of Brits will start to be hit with higher bills on essential outgoings like energy, council tax, broadband and mobile phones.
This means that people locked into a mobile phone contract will notice a higher fee on their next bill. This happens every year as inflation rises as networks offset the increase and cover rising business costs and network upgrades.
While there’s no way to stop companies from upping their prices, there are some ways you can avoid the hikes, such as upgrading to a new contract and locking in the price or simply finding a cheaper deal and switching providers. With this in mind, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite mobile phone and SIM-only deals to help you beat the April price increase from brands including Amazon, Giffgaff and Carphone Warehouse.
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Mobiles.co.uk
Mobiles.co.uk is one of our favourite retailers for lower-cost contracts, and its new deal on the latest Google Pixel even undercuts Amazon’s prices. Shoppers can currently knock £100 off the Google Pixel 9 upfront cost with the discount code PIXEL100.
The handset is available on contracts such as iD Mobile’s 500GB plan, for £20.99 per month and £59 upfront. This works out at £580.76 over the 24-month plan, including the upfront cost and the inflation-linked price rise in April 2026 – when the rate will rise to £22.49.
Even with the increase, Mobiles.co.uk beats Amazon’s reduced price of £627.96 – a £65.20 saving.
Smarty
Smarty is an ideal option for SIM-only deals that provide flexibility and peace of mind, as it offers a variety of rolling one-month plans that can be cancelled or changed at any time. It also doesn’t include any annual price rises with these plans, so you always know where you stand.
Options range from £6 for 12GB to £20 for unlimited data or £10 for 80GB in a double data deal. Smarty says it covers 99% of the UK with its 4G network and its customers have awarded it a 4-star rating on Trustpilot.
One customer said: “Great value for money. Being a low data user, it’s absolutely perfect for my needs. I’m not paying over the odds for data I’ll never use, couldn’t be happier with the price and service.”
Another said: “So impressed with the folk at Smarty. So kind, helpful, polite and willing to help and solve any problem asap.”
A third said: “The company is great, and the app is very easy to use. A very big plus is to make changes to your package at any time without penalty, and Smarty has some great offers.”
However, it’s always worth checking Smarty’s coverage to ensure it suits your needs, as the same customer found out: “My biggest gripe is the lack of coverage in a lot of areas I travel to.”
Giffgaff
Giffgaff also offers a raft of SIM-only contracts ranging from £8 for 6GB to £25 for unlimited, all of which run for 12 months. It also offers monthly rolling options, but these can’t beat Smarty’s prices.
There are many budget-friendly smartphone contracts if you’re willing to commit to a 36-month plan. Options include the new iPhone 16e for £26.64 and £20 upfront, the Google Pixel 8a for £23.31 and £20 upfront, or the Motorola Moto G75 for £15.53 and £10 upfront.
Giffgaff has earned a slightly lower Trustpilot rating compared to Smarty, with customers awarding it 3.8 stars. One member said: “Good service and honest feedback on data usage, which could be less than currently paying.”
Another said: “It’s a brilliant service, plenty of options to suit everybody and really priced well. I wouldn’t go with any other provider, the whole family are on Giffgaff.”
However, this less-impressed customer said: “Poor service if you have an issue, but you get what you pay for, I guess.”
Amazon
Usually, buying a phone outright is far cheaper than paying for one on a monthly contract. While it may hurt the wallet at first, doing so saves money over time if you can afford the upfront cost.
You can then use the phone with a cheaper SIM only contract – or a current one that’s locked into a cheaper monthly rate. Amazon offers countless handsets from Apple to Samsung and everything in between and often undercuts rival brands and retailers.
More affordable options include older models like the Samsung Galaxy S24 (£649) if you’re not fussed about having the latest and greatest, or refurbished ones like the iPhone 15 (£480). But some brand-new budget-friendly options include the Samsung Galaxy A05 (£68.30), Samsung Galaxy A16 (£149), Google Pixel 8a (£349).
Carphone Warehouse
Carphone Warehouse offers countless deals whether looking for a smartphone contract, SIM only or a refurbished model. Among the standout handset deals include the new iPhone 16e for £27.99 per month and £9 upfront on iD Mobile, the Samsung Galaxy A36 for £14.99 per month and £49 upfront.
Those happy to pay a little more upfront could also upgrade to the Samsung Galaxy S25 for £24.99 per month and £99 upfront. Those going down the SIM-only route can also get up to £120 cashback or a £75 Currys gift card on select Vodafone plans, but keep in mind these prices are higher than Smarty’s options.