Plans
SIM-only or a phone contract?
If the phone you hold is fine, SIM-only is usually cleaner. A handset deal is for when you actually want a new phone and you are willing to read the term.
Keep the phone
A one- or two-year-old handset on a value SIM is how most people should buy data. Check the host coverage, then open Smarty, giffgaff, Tesco Mobile or 1p Mobile — or the host’s own SIM shop.
You can still buy a phone outright from Currys, Argos or AO and put any SIM in it.
Take the handset deal
Do this when you want this year’s iPhone or Android and you prefer monthly payments through the operator. EE, O2, Vodafone and Three are built for that. Read the term, the handset fee and what happens if you leave early.