The best mobile offers in the UK 2023

If you've bought a new smartphone, now is the time for you to consider a new mobile offering. Telecommunications is one of the most lucrative industries in the world and mobile operators will make a profit no matter what. That's why you need to make a wise choice about your next mobile offer. This buying guide is here to help you!

Bouygues Telecom - Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G + Sensation 120Gb plan 1
9/10

Editor's Choice

Bouygues Telecom - Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G + Sensation 120Gb plan

The best mobile offering in 2021

With this mobile offer from Bouygues, you'll get a Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G for €630 against €759 in normal time. Of course, you'll have to subscribe to the Sensation 120Gb package to take advantage of it.

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The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G is one of the best smartphones released by Samsung in recent years. With this mobile offer Bouygues Telecom, you can acquire it by paying only 81 € at the purchase and after 42,99 €/month during 24 months. An excellent deal considering the 128 or 256 GB of RAM, the Snapdragon 865 processor, the monstrous photo module and the 4500 mAh battery.

However, you'll have to subscribe to Bouygues Telecom's 120GB plan to enjoy it. The main reason why you should subscribe to this offer is that the smartphone is really excellent, both in terms of performance, photo module, autonomy, as well as the reparability index set at 8.1/10. A godsend for Internet and social networking enthusiasts.

Lapostemobile - 24/24 SIM plan + unlimited SMS and MMS + 80 GB 4G 2
8/10

Best entry-level offer

Lapostemobile - 24/24 SIM plan + unlimited SMS and MMS + 80 GB 4G

The best entry-level mobile offering

Call unlimited for only 15 € per month with Lapostemobile. You also get 80 GB of data each time you renew your plan with this complete mobile offer without commitment.

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Affordable, this mobile offer of Lapostemobile will be perfect for those who call endlessly. A very high speed internet connection is also on the menu thanks to the network coverage of SFR (used by Lapostemobile). To give you an idea of the fluidity of the connection, This package offers a download speed of 150 Mbps.

Unlimited calls and SMS are available to fixed and mobile numbers in mainland France and the French overseas departments. After the internet package is exhausted, the network switches to 4G or 3G+ depending on the model and brand of smartphone you are using. The great advantage is that you can change your mobile offer at any time and without any conditions.

SFR - iPhone 12 + 120Gb 5G package 3
8/10

Best premium offer

SFR - iPhone 12 + 120Gb 5G package

The best premium mobile offering

An iPhone 12 is worth about €800! If you want it, but can't afford it all at once, SFR Mobile offers a 24-month payment plan and a great discount with the 120GB 5G plan.

See the offer

You probably wouldn't believe it if we told you that you could buy an iPhone that normally sells for €800 for just over half that. It's possible thanks to SFR's mobile offer, which allows you to pay €249 right away and €8/month for 24 months.

However, in order to benefit from this offer, you'll need to subscribe to SFR's 120 GB 5G package with a 24-month commitment. For the first 12 months, you'll have to pay €28/month and then €43/month for the last 12 months. The iPhone 12 is a great smartphone that comes with an A14 Bionic processor, a brand new OLED screen and a particularly good low-light photo module.

Orange - OnePlus Nord 2 5G + 70GB 5G package 4
7/10

Excellent 5G mobile offer

Orange - OnePlus Nord 2 5G + 70GB 5G package

A great 5G mobile offering

This mobile offer proposed by the market leader is distinguished by its 2-year warranty on the smartphone OnePlus Nord 2 5G. It will be yours if you for three times nothing if you subscribe to the 70GB 5G package.

See the offer

This mobile offer proposed by Orange allows you to the OnePlus Nord 2 5G smartphone for just €1. However, in order to take advantage of such a low price, you will also need to subscribe to a package. Here, we're talking about the 70GB 5G plan, which also gives you unlimited calls and SMS/MMS.

You can use this package in the UK, from and to Europe, DOM and Switzerland/Andorra. Regarding the OnePlus Nord 2 5G, it has some impressive specs, including a 50MP main camera module, 65W fast charging and a 6.43-inch FullHD display with a 90Hz refresh rate.

Red by SFR - 4G mobile plan without commitment 5
8/10

Without commitment

Red by SFR - 4G mobile plan without commitment

The best SIM-only mobile offering

Until December 6, the Red by SFR 4G mobile package is reduced from €20/month to €10/month. So take advantage of this offer to stay in touch with your loved ones in an unlimited way and at a low price.

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Unlimited calls and SMS, 100 GB data allowance, 4G or 3G network... Red by SFR's offer is the best mobile SIM only offer for travelers. They have even added a 12 GB/year internet bonus to it! The operator offers options to customize the package according to your needs. For the internet connection, a 50GB top-up is available for €10.

However, you can upgrade from 100 GB to 200 GB by adding only 2 € to the normal package. For a 300 GB data envelope, the subscription price becomes €24/month instead of €20/month. The international option is also very interesting with a price of €5 per month and can be cancelled at any time.

Free 5G 6
8/10

5G SIM-only mobile offer

Free 5G

The best 5G mobile offering for more connectivity

Here is a 5G mobile offer without commitment to make unlimited calls and enjoy 150 GB of data for 1 month. All this for only €20. What's more, subscribers benefit from the 5G network at no extra cost.

See the offer

Freebox Pop subscribers can access this offer for €9.99/month instead of €15.99/month. However, even at this second price, It's the best 5G offer, because it's available at the same price as the 4G packages. The data envelope is higher than those of competitors.

And international calls are not left out. Outside of Europe, these offers are valid to the USA, Canada, China. For Freebox customers, internet is unlimited with this package. For the others, the speed decreases beyond the 150 GB provided. In any case, you need a 5G smartphone to enjoy the benefits of this offer.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best mobile offering

Any specific needs?

The best mobile offering in 2021

The best entry-level mobile offering

The best premium mobile offering

A great 5G mobile offering

The best SIM-only mobile offering

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best mobile offers

THE BEST It's not expensive Top of the range Excellent 5G mobile offer Without commitment 5G without smartphone
Bouygues Telecom - Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G + Sensation 120Gb plan 7
9/10
Lapostemobile - 24/24 SIM plan + unlimited SMS and MMS + 80 GB 4G 8
8/10
SFR - iPhone 12 + 120Gb 5G package 9
8/10
Orange - OnePlus Nord 2 5G + 70GB 5G package 10
7/10
Red by SFR - 4G mobile plan without commitment 11
8/10
Free 5G 12
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Bouygues Telecom - Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G + Sensation 120Gb plan
Lapostemobile - 24/24 SIM plan + unlimited SMS and MMS + 80 GB 4G
SFR - iPhone 12 + 120Gb 5G package
Orange - OnePlus Nord 2 5G + 70GB 5G package
Red by SFR - 4G mobile plan without commitment
Free 5G
With this mobile offer from Bouygues, you'll get a Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G for €630 against €759 in normal time. Of course, you'll have to subscribe to the Sensation 120Gb package to take advantage of it.
Call unlimited for only 15 € per month with Lapostemobile. You also get 80 GB of data each time you renew your plan with this complete mobile offer without commitment.
An iPhone 12 is worth about €800! If you want it, but can't afford it all at once, SFR Mobile offers a 24-month payment plan and a great discount with the 120GB 5G plan.
This mobile offer proposed by the market leader is distinguished by its 2-year warranty on the smartphone OnePlus Nord 2 5G. It will be yours if you for three times nothing if you subscribe to the 70GB 5G package.
Until December 6, the Red by SFR 4G mobile package is reduced from €20/month to €10/month. So take advantage of this offer to stay in touch with your loved ones in an unlimited way and at a low price.
Here is a 5G mobile offer without commitment to make unlimited calls and enjoy 150 GB of data for 1 month. All this for only €20. What's more, subscribers benefit from the 5G network at no extra cost.
Commitment period
24 months
24 months
12 months
Price smartphone
630 €
9.90 €
249 €
1 €
Price plan
22,99/month then 42,99 €
14.99 €/month
28 €/month
24,99 €/month
20 €/month
19.99/month
Features phones
Amoled screen FullHD+, internal storage 128 GB, ram 6 GB, battery 4500 mAh
OLED screen 2532 x 1170 pixels, internal storage 64 GB, ram 4 GB, battery 2815 mAh
FullHD+ Amoled screen, 128 GB internal storage, 8 GB ram, 5000 mAh battery
Internet
120 GB
80 GB
120 GB
70 GB
100 GB
150 GB

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Buying guide - mobile offering

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How to choose your mobile offering

Choosing a mobile offer is easier said than done. Fortunately, if you take into account the right criteria, it is possible to make the selection and thus facilitate the decision. Here are these criteria!

#1 - The network coverage

No matter which plan you choose if you end up on a network with a poor mobile network, choosing an operator with strong coverage is a good place to start. How do you know what's good? One approach is to visit each operator's website and look at their coverage maps, which provide a snapshot of the existence of cell towers deployed in your city or region. But coverage maps offer an incomplete assessment. You can supplement your research by checking independent tests and user reviews online.

Today, you can access the 4G network anywhere in the UK. So you'll have to choose a 4G/4G+ mobile offer if you want to have the largest possible network coverage. For 5G, coverage is still limited to the big cities and its surroundings.

#2 - The data consumption

How much data do we really need? That's a tough question because most of us don't know how many bytes we consume when we watch a video on YouTube, browse social networks or chat on Skype. Everyone's data usage varies, so you'll need to look at your monthly data usage and calculate an average.

On your carrier's website, log in to your account and view your data usage report. On most smartphones, there is a built-in tool that allows you to get a clear picture of your data usage. (Daily, weekly, monthly).

#3 - The mobile operator

Todetermine the best mobile operator that will best meet your needs you must first determine which one has the best network coverage. Focus on places where you spend a lot of time and need a phone network, such as your home, office, and entertainment venues where you go every weekend.

Usually, operators post their network coverage on their website. But to really get an idea of local network coverage, you'll need to ask your friends and family about their experiences.

in the UK, the main mobile operators are Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom. You can also opt for small operators who often offer low-cost offers. In reality, they are mobile virtual network operators (MVNO) that use the network of one of the three historical operators.

Of course, in order to be able to offer very low prices, these MVNOs usually offer less additional options. They focus on the essentials namely, calls, sms anddata

#4 - The mobile offer with or without smartphone included

Many operators, especially the incumbents (Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom), offer mobile deals with smartphones, which allow to acquire the latest flagships at lower cost. This type of offer is generally subject to a 12 to 24 month commitment, depending on the operator.

These subsidized offers are often very attractive, but they are not without drawbacks: the initial price of the monthly offer is quite high, and the cost of the subscription can be quite expensive in the end. The main advantage is that you can pay for your smartphone little by little. This will always be interesting, especially if you have a limited budget.

#5 - Offer with or without commitment

Whenchoosing an offer with commitment, you will have to wait until the end of the commitment period before you can cancel the offer, otherwise you will have to pay the full amount of the remaining subscription period .

The period can be from 12 to 24 months depending on the offer subscribed and the operator. On the other hand, you can terminate the offers without commitment at any time. The user can freely change operator or type of package as often as he wants.

Incumbent operators and MVNO: what is the difference?

MVNOs or mobile virtual network operators or low-cost operators are a bit of a strange concept at first glance. But we have to admit that they offer an excellent way to get a mobile offer with a limited budget. So, what are they and how do they differ from incumbent operators?

First of all, it is important to note that the main mobile operators in the UK are Orange, SFR and Bouygues. You can also include Free Mobile in this group, although its coverage is still inferior to that of the three major incumbents.

MVNOs, on the other hand, are brands that do not own or operate their own technology, but "piggyback" on the services of one of the incumbent operators. This allows them to be much more affordable, but it means they are the first to be limited during peak periods and don't have access to as many additional benefits. MVNOs are also much less likely to offer 5G mobile deals, though that will certainly change in the coming months.

The different types of mobile offers

There are basically two types of mobile offers: postpaid and prepaid. Prepaid mobile offers are options without a bill, but with a payment in advance. Postpaid mobile offers come with a monthly bill. Apart from that, prepaid mobile offers tend to be cheaper, while postpaid mobile offers tend to bundle a better overall value in its monthly charges. Let's take a closer look!

Prepaid mobile offer

A prepaid mobile offer means that you always pay/recharge your offer in advance. With prepaid mobile offers, you buy a starter kit (with or without handset), which gives you access to the telephone network and a fixed volume of calls and data.

When this volume is exhausted, you can "top up" with credits and extend your access to the network, which is limited to a set period depending on the amount you pay.

Postpaid mobile offer

Postpaid mobile offers are usually subject to a 12 to 24 month contract with a minimum monthly service fee, which usually includes a certain amount of calls, SMS and data .

They include the cost of a handset, which can make a brand new smartphone easier to pay for in installments, but rest assured you'll end up paying for the phone.

Mobile offers with SIM only

SIM-only mobile offer is a form of postpaid mobile offer. The big difference is that, like prepaid, you must already have your own smartphone, but you still pay a monthly bill after the fact.

If you come to the end of a postpaid contract, you are effectively on a SIM-only plan, including postpaid plans where you pay for the handset. At the end of a postpaid contract where you pay off a handset, that handset is now fully paid off.

Postpaid mobile offer or prepaid mobile offer

Postpaid mobile offer

Postpaid mobile offers can have cheaper call rates or even unlimited calls and SMS, which is becoming more and more common, even for low-cost MVNO offers. Some operators offer a bill cap (where you name a maximum monthly expense), although the minimum cap can be quite high.

However, costs can increase quickly, especially if you operate outside of coverage areas to make calls and send texts. This is something to consider if your budget is tight. Before signing up for a long-term postpaid mobile plan, think about the length of the commitment and the minimum total costs; it's also a good idea to know if you can switch to a higher or lower usage plan at any time without risking penalties.

Prepaid mobile offer

With a prepaid mobile offer you will be able to closely control your spending. This is perfect if you are very budget conscious or if the smartphone is for a child or teenager. Prepaid tends to be the cheapest option for people who don't make a lot of calls or who make episodic high volume calls.

Here, you won't receive a bill. However, you can check the status of your call credit or data at any time (usually via a toll-free number or online). Please note that international prepaid roaming is not available with all operators. If you want to access another network, you may have to pay additional fees.

Verdict

In the end, as long as you're disciplined with your data usage, postpaid mobile deals are a great way to keep monthly expenses in check. In addition, postpaid mobile plans are a great option for people who are looking to buy the latest smartphone but can't pay for it all at once.

Today, prepaid mobile offers are only for seniors and students. Anyone looking for predictable spending and who has a smartphone they are happy with should consider the savings of a prepaid mobile plan.

The advantages of the different mobile offers

With a postpaid mobile offer, no more expensive phone calls

Generally a prepaid mobile offer will allow you to avoid expensive phone bills when making international calls. If the country in question is supported by your operator, you will use the same type of minutes that you use to make national calls.

The convenience of automatic renewal with a postpaid mobile plan

With a postpaid mobile plan, automatic renewal will not be a problem. This means you won't have to manually recharge your smartphone.

A mobile prepaid offer allows you to define your exact needs

Making a contract is a tricky business, especially if you're buying your first smartphone, because you don't really know how much time you'll spend talking on your smartphone each month. A pay-as-you-go plan can help you estimate how many minutes you need each month before you have to sign a contract. Once you've established your needs, you can always call your carrier and get the contract that works best for you.

There are no mandatory monthly fees with a prepaid mobile plan

When using a prepaid mobile plan, you don't have to pay at the end of each month. Some operators will charge you a small amount each month, but if you don't use your smartphone much, you won't have to worry about it. However, be aware that some operators may deactivate your SIM if you don't use it for a long time.

A prepaid mobile plan teaches teens to manage their time

With postpaid plans, your teens will always be glued to their smartphones because they won't have to worry about the bill. However, with prepaid plans, they will be cautious and always monitor their time with the smartphone, because once the plan limit is exceeded, they will not be able to use it anymore.

The best brands of mobile offers

In our opinion, the best brands of mobile offers in 2022 are :

Orange
Bouygues Telecom
SFR
Free Mobile
Prixtel

Formerly France Telecom, Orange is a major French provider of mobile, fixed, Internet and VOD services. Orange is the market leader in high and very high speed Internet. Orange offers the best mobile deals on the market today, with or without commitment, post-paid or prepaid, with or without smartphone.

BouyguesTelecom is a French group founded in 1952. Established in 80 countries, Bouygues presents 3 activities including construction, Telecom and media. Chronologically, Bouygues holds the third place as a French telecom operator. Bouygues is present in fixed and mobile telephony, as well as internet access offers.

SFRis yet another French radiotelephone company created by the Compagnie Générale des Eaux in 1987. It is very popular in the UK and ranks right next to Orange for its internet offers. In terms of network coverage, this company has a very good figure. It covers, according to the operator, more than 99% of the country's population in 3G and 4G.

Subsidiaryof the Iliad group, Free mobile is the fourth mobile operator in mainland France. It specializes in telecommunications. Free offers the best quality of service in calls and SMS, and continues to improve in mobile Internet. Nevertheless it is a serious and reliable operator.

Prixtelis a mobile operator that specializes in low-cost packages that are adjustable to consumption. This operator really wants to facilitate access to the internet with its Prixtel Forfait Mobile 4G and 5G offers.

What is the price for a mobile offering

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
1 £ to 20 £
Mid-range
20 £ to 60 £
High-end
more than 60 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Check your plan and usage habits often

The easiest way to save money on your mobile bill is to pay no more than you need to. To really determine your monthly usage needs, we highly recommend checking in from time to time to see what you're actually using. You may be surprised to find out how much Wi-Fi data you use versus cellular data, especially if you work from home. After that, it might be time to ditch that expensive unlimited plan for a cheaper prepaid plan.

Take advantage of migration offers

Many operators, especially the larger ones, offer attractive discounts to new customers who are willing to switch mobile offers and transfer their number to its network. Discounts on packages, handsets and even free phones are sometimes up for grabs with these switching offers, so it's definitely worth keeping an eye out for these promotional offers when you're looking for a new mobile deal.

Take advantage of promotional offers

Ifyou're a student or a senior citizen, there's a good chance you'll get a discount on a mobile offer from some operators. They offer this quite frequently. Although some of these discounts may be quite minor, any small drop is welcome.

Beware of hidden fees

In particular,you'll need to watch out for early termination fees that some of the larger carriers like to keep hidden in the fine print of their postpaid mobile deals. Normally, there is no charge for changing plans per se, but it is common for customers to pay for their phone up front if they are having it financed through the operator. The smartphone is usually locked to the carrier's network until it is paid in full so you will definitely want to read your contract carefully before signing.

Don't change your smartphone frequently

With thespeed at which smartphone manufacturers are making new devices, it can be tempting to change handsets frequently, especially considering the number of operators offering mobile deals with commitments and installment payments (usually by the month). Because of these monthly payments, you may not realize how much you are actually paying.

FAQ

How to cancel a mobile offer contract?

Be careful if you want to cancel your mobile offer contract early, as you may be charged high cancellation fees. In fact, before subscribing to any mobile offer, check carefully if you have the right to cancel your contract and if so, under what conditions. Generally, if you cancel before the end of the minimum contract term, you will be charged an early termination feeor have to buy back your contract. In most cases, these fees are very high.

When should I opt for a family mobile offer?

A family mobile planworks very well when everyone is an average user. Most users use between 2GB and 5GB of data per month. Even if you have slight variations, you can still find family deals that will give you all the flexibility you need.

Can I use a prepaid mobile offer when traveling abroad?

Yes,with most operators, you can use your prepaid mobile offer to call, text and use the Internet outside of France, in most European countries. For more details, read carefully the offers proposed by the operator. If it is not indicated, contact the customer service by phone or email and ask them.

What are the disadvantages of mobile offers with smartphone?

Witha mobile offer with smartphone, the main shadow to the picture concerns the duration of the commitment. Thus, before subscribing to any mobile offer, you should carefully read the terms of commitment of the operator. It is not excluded that the package can be more expensive, but it also depends on your consumption habits.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information. See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Bouygues Telecom - Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G + Sensation 120Gb plan 13
Bouygues Telecom - Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G + Sensation 120Gb plan
Lapostemobile - 24/24 SIM plan + unlimited SMS and MMS + 80 GB 4G 14
Lapostemobile - 24/24 SIM plan + unlimited SMS and MMS + 80 GB 4G
SFR - iPhone 12 + 120Gb 5G package 15
SFR - iPhone 12 + 120Gb 5G package
Orange - OnePlus Nord 2 5G + 70GB 5G package 16
Orange - OnePlus Nord 2 5G + 70GB 5G package
Red by SFR - 4G mobile plan without commitment 17
Red by SFR - 4G mobile plan without commitment

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