Compare Our Best iPhone Deals

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:

• Which iPhone handset do you want? Are there multiple models you’d consider?
• How much monthly data do you need? Are you set on 5G too?
• 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 want a brand new shiny handset, or would you rather save money (and help the environment) with a refurbished model?

Adjust the filters to fit your needs, and you’ll find iPhone deals that suit you.

Which UK mobile networks offer iPhone deals?

Since it’s the most popular brand of mobile phone, 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:

• BT Mobile – gets you unlimited access to BT’s millions of public Wi-Fi hotspots, as well as monthly discounts if you’re a BT broadband customer. Some plans even give you a free subscription to the BT Sport app
• 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
• 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
• Virgin Mobile – some plans come with a free trial subscription to streaming services like Disney+ or Apple TV+, or bundled with other gadgets (such as AirPods). Plus, EU roaming is still included
• 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

You may also find deals on other networks sold through resellers (such as Carphone Warehouse).

iPhone unlimited data deals

Many UK networks offer iPhone contract deals with unlimited data, including EE, Three, iD mobile and Vodafone, to name a few.

Meanwhile, many other networks have plans with 50GB+ or even 100GB+ monthly data. That’s more than enough for most of us – so, if you can’t find an unlimited data deal, it’s well worth considering these options, too.

iPhone contract no upfront cost

Deals on iPhones with no upfront cost are widely available, on a choice of networks and handsets. That includes major networks, unlimited data plans, and even the latest models.

You’ll find even more choice if you can pay just a small amount upfront – say, £25 or less.

iPhone comparison: 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 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Next up is the iPhone SE (2022), as well as the previous year’s iPhone 13 range
• Screen size – for an iPhone with a nice big screen, look at the ‘Pro Max’ and ‘Plus’ models. This includes the iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro Max, as well as the new iPhone 14 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. If that’s a little too small, the iPhone 13 mini is the next step up, sporting a 5.4-inch screen
• 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

Should I wait for the next iPhone?

Brand new Apple iPhones are usually unveiled around September or October every year. If that date is coming up very soon, then yes – it could be worth waiting to see what the new offering is like. That’s also the time when the current latest model will drop in price.

Of course, that’s no help if you’re currently without a phone, or putting up with a broken one, or one that's constantly overheating. If time is of the essence, why not take the plunge right now? If you feel like you’ll be missing out on an even greater handset down the line, don’t worry – with Apple announcing new iterations every year, even an ‘older’ phone will still perform well and feel new.

What’s the cheapest iPhone?

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

Is it better to buy outright, or pay monthly?

This depends on quite a few variables: the model of iPhone, the network, the plan, whether it’s direct or through a reseller, and so on.Your best bet is to compare iPhone deals using our comparison engine above. Each listing will tell you the total cost over the course of the contract. Then, you can compare SIM-only deals that fit your needs too, and see which option works out cheapest for you.

Is it better to buy an iPhone from Apple or a carrier/network?

There are benefits to buying a handset upfront from Apple. You’re less tied down to a contract, and can change a SIM-only plan more easily, more often, and without hefty termination fees. Also, it typically works out cheaper than getting a pay-monthly contract in the long run.

The main downside is that the upfront cost is very high, while phone contracts allow you to spread that cost over many months. Pay-monthly plans may also offer additional perks that aren’t available to SIM-only customers, such as free subscriptions, extra data, or discounted insurance on your handset (which can cover water damage and other types of damage).

Plus, it makes upgrading your handset to a new one very straightforward – and often with attractive deals for existing customers – when the time comes.

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.