If you’re looking for a deal on a brand new Apple iPhone, you’ve come to the right place. Compare deals on iPhones from plenty of UK networks using the comparison tables above – or if you’d like a little more guidance first, keep reading.
How to find the best iPhone deal
The best way to find the iPhone deal for you is by using our comparison engine. iPhone deals can vary a lot, from the cheap ‘n’ cheerful up to the latest model on a pricier unlimited data plan.
When looking for the best deal for you, here are some things to think about:
- Do you want a brand new shiny handset, or would you rather save money (and help the environment) with a refurbished model?
- How much monthly data do you need? Hint: the average UK mobile customer uses 8.1GB of data per month.1
- What’s your budget? How much can you pay monthly, and how much can you pay upfront?
- Which networks do you like? Can you get an existing customer deal from your current network?
- Do you have a handset to trade in and offset the cost?
Which iPhone handset should I get?
You aren’t short on choice for iPhones, with new models unveiled every year and a back catalogue going back over a decade. The question is, what do you want from your iPhone? The most up-to-the-minute tech? A lower-priced budget option? Or a certain screen size? Here are a few things you might want to consider:
- Latest iPhones – the most recent, up-to-date options are the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Next up is the iPhone SE (2022), as well as the previous year’s iPhone 14 range
- Older-gen iPhones - you can get great deals on older handsets, like the iPhone 13, iPhone 12, and even the iPhone X.
- Screen size – for an iPhone with a nice big screen, look at the ‘Pro Max’ and ‘Plus’ models. This includes the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max, as well as the new iPhone 15 Plus – all of which rock a 6.7-inch Super Retina display
- Smaller size iPhones – on the other hand, you might prefer a more pocketable design. In which case, you could consider the iPhone SE (2022), which has 4.7-inch display and an old school, Touch ID design. Apple has discontinued the iPhone 13 Mini, but networks like Three still have stock as of May 2024.
- Price – older models are always cheaper than the latest releases. Smaller-sized phones will be cheaper than larger ones, too, and the standard model will cost less than the ‘Pro’ and ‘Pro Max’ versions. You can also look into refurbished handsets for a bargain
- Best camera – for stunning high-res snaps and video, you should opt for the ‘Pro’ and ‘Pro Max’ models, which feature a triple camera set-up. You’ll also likely want an iPhone as new as possible, though any iPhone released in the past few years will be good
- Longest battery life – in general, a good rule of thumb is that the bigger the phone, the better the battery life. So you’ll find the most impressive battery life on Apple’s ‘Pro’ range of iPhones
Latest iPhone contracts
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone SE 2022
Older iPhone models
How to find cheaper iPhone deals
Top-of-the-line iPhones don’t come without a sky-high price tag, we’re afraid. But luckily, there are a few things you can do if you want a nice cheap iPhone deal:
- Compare your options – use our table to see what deals are on offer. Some networks’ iPhone contracts are considerably better value than others
- Pick a smaller sized handset – with less screen real estate to pay for, and less power under the hood to drive it, costs go down. So, the regular iPhone 14 will be cheaper than the no-holds-barred iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. You could even consider an iPhone SE, or the previous year’s iPhone 13 Mini
- Choose an older model – the most recent handsets will always be the most expensive. So, the older you go, the less you’ll pay. And with new iPhones being released every year, an older model will still feel pretty up-to-date
- Look out for existing customer deals – some networks, such as EE, reward loyal customers with access to exclusive deals
- Go with a budget network – plans from lower-cost networks like giffgaff have less in the way of features and extras, but make up for it with cheaper prices
- Buy through a reseller – such as Carphone Warehouse or Fonehouse. These companies buy plans in bulk for a lower cost, then pass the savings onto you
If you already have an iPhone and you're looking to upgrade, consider selling your iPhone for extra cash to put towards your next handset.
Which UK mobile networks offer iPhone deals?
iPhone deals are very easy to come by. In fact, you should be able to get an Apple iPhone from any UK network that offers pay-monthly contract. Bear in mind, though, that not all networks offer contracts on the very latest iPhone.
You can get an iPhone deal from networks such as:
- giffgaff – getting a phone contract with giffgaff is a little different to bigger networks, as it simply gives you the option to spread the cost of a handset. Nevertheless, if you can add a giffgaff SIM deal to it, you’ll get a flexible and affordable SIM plan that comes with inclusive EU roaming
- iD Mobile – depending on your plan, you could score a free few months of Apple TV+ or Disney+, or even some free headphones or smart devices. There’s also EU roaming included with all plans
- O2 – there’s O2 Priority, an exclusive reward scheme that gives O2 customers access to early bird tickets to gigs, as well as daily deals and discounts at shops and restaurants. Not to mention, many O2 contracts also come with entertainment subscriptions to the likes of Audible, Apple TV+ or Disney+. It also still has EU roaming
- Three – gets you free access to Virgin Media Wi-Fi hotspots, which covers the London Underground. Customers can also access exclusive offers from the likes of Cineworld and Caffè Nero, as well as presale tickets, via the Three+ loyalty app
- Vodafone – its rewards scheme, VeryMe Rewards, gives you weekly vouchers for high street shops and restaurants, as well as discounted cinema tickets and free treats
- EE – offers excellent coverage, and it’s the best for 5G coverage in the UK. Some of its deals come with Smart Benefits, which include subscriptions to the likes of BT Sport, Apple TV+, or Apple Music
You may also find deals on other networks sold through resellers (such as Carphone Warehouse).
Is there a big difference between the iPhone 13, 14 and 15?
The iPhone 15 marks a step change from the older iPhone 13 and iPhone 14. The notch design is gone, replaced with the sleek Dynamic Island function first seen on the iPhone 14 Pro.
This addition means a full screen experience with an easy-to-interact-with section at the top of the display, built for notifications and additional widgets. In short, it’s a major upgrade.
Its screen is brighter and the iPhone 15 also features USB-C instead of Lightning, meaning it can work with any charger used for Android phones and tablets, as well as newer iPads. That’s a huge win.
The dual lens camera now comes with a 48MP main lens, a major boost from the 12MP effort found on the older iPhone 14.
The design is largely the same, although the contoured edges of the iPhone 15 help it stand out slightly. It also comes with an A15 Bionic chipset for lightning fast performance.
The iPhone 14 is still a great phone, but the iPhone 15 is a clear boost on its stablemate. Of course, the main advantage of choosing an iPhone 14 instead right now is the price – as an older model, it costs less. If you aren’t fussed about getting the latest features and would prefer to save a bit of cash, it isn’t much of a downgrade.
Which iPhone has the best battery life?
As a rule of thumb, the largest iPhones have the best battery life. That means the new iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Plus lead the way.
However, the older iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone Plus are also long lasting, while the regular sized iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro are no slouches either. We’re talking an hour here or there.
The main thing is that with regular use you’ll get more than 24 hours out of these devices, with more if you don’t spend all day streaming, gaming and scrolling through social media.
Is it worth buying older iPhone models?
The best thing about buying older iPhones is that they may still support the latest versions of iOS. That includes devices dating back six years – meaning even the iPhone XR and iPhone XS can take advantage of the latest features.
You can still buy the iPhone 11, iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 from networks and resellers. And while they don’t have the best cameras or chipsets going, they can make use of cutting edge iOS features like Focus and homescreen widgets. What’s more, they cost a lot less.
However, when buying an older iPhone, consider how long it will support iOS for. An iPhone 11, for example, may only get newer iOS versions for two years.
iPhone vs Samsung
They’re major rivals on the smartphone scene, both boasting powerful tech, stunning design and top cameras. But which comes out top: an Apple iPhone or a Samsung mobile? With so much going for each brand, the answer may simply come down to personal preference.
Pros of choosing an iPhone:
- It’s fully integrated into the Apple ecosystem – including your Mac computer, iPad, and Apple Watch. For a truly seamless experience, you can sync up your devices, answer texts on your computer, pause music on one device and pick it back up on another, and even copy text from one device to another
- Slick, easy-to-use software – whether you’re a tech savant or a brand new smartphone user, Apple’s iOS software is a breeze to use, thanks to its smooth and intuitive design
- Fantastic customer service – if you’re having a technical problem with your phone, just take it to an Apple store and one of their dedicated Apple ‘Geniuses’ will help you out. No faff, no fuss, and no waiting around on hold to a helpline
- Apple Pay – you can set this up on your phone for a convenient and secure way to pay for purchases
- A wider choice of accessories – from AirPods and MagSafe wireless chargers to funky cases and arm straps, you’ll be spoilt for choice
Pros of choosing a Samsung phone:
- More choice – Samsung mobiles come in a greater range of shapes, sizes and specs than iPhones. You can spring for a Samsung Galaxy S flagship, go high-tech with Galaxy Z Flip or Fold, or save money with a mid-range Galaxy A. Whatever your needs may be, there’s bound to be a Samsung to suit you
- A more customisable system – you have more control over how your operating system looks, with themes, widgets, custom home screens, and more. It might be less straightforward than the iPhone’s design, but it’s great for people wanting to play around and tweak things
- Samsung mobiles cost less than comparable iPhones – although not by much. But if you’re on a budget, you can usually find a brand new Samsung model for cheaper than an iPhone. Plus, Samsung has a mid-range A series that's much more affordable
- Samsung Pay Google Pay and Android Pay – many payment systems are available, for making purchases on the go
- Easier and cheaper to repair – physical repairs, such as a broken screen, can be performed by a third party at (usually) a far lower cost than a similar iPhone repair.
When is the next iPhone coming out?
Apple releases its new iPhones at special events held each September. It tends to release four new models per generation, with Pro and regular versions aimed at suiting a variety of needs and budgets.
About Apple
Apple is arguably the biggest tech brand in the world. Its iPhone brand helped to kickstart the smartphone revolution in 2007, since when it’s been engaged in a battle with Samsung for global domination.
Its remarkable designs and easy-to-use software have helped to give Apple a loyal customer base, with many smartphone users refusing to countenance using products from anyone else. Yes, you’ll pay more. But with Apple, high quality is always guaranteed.
