Buying a phone without being tied to a network.

h2005

Hi I want to buy a phone with windows 8 and switch to the 48 network. Where would I go to purchase one of these phones? I have looked but every where seems to tie you to a network.

Kristopherus

Try Amazon.co.uk. Their windows phones are sim-free.

h2005

Thanks!

StaticNoise

Alternatively, use Amazon.de (the cheapest for phones), find a phone and price, and use Flubit.com to get a guaranteed (nearly) lower price.

I picked up my Note II over €100 cheaper than on the UK site.

Davy

Or post what phone your looking for and you might come some suggestions,

Also try the sticky for some more links

h2005

Thanks for the replies. I`m not that fussy would like one with a windows 8 OS. Will take a look at the stickies now cheers!

jwof2006

Are phones more expensive when they aren't tied to a network like this? Also any suggestions for a good first time cheap smart phone? Thanks

Davy

jwof2006 wrote: »

Are phones more expensive when they aren't tied to a network like this? Also any suggestions for a good first time cheap smart phone? Thanks

Yes phones are more expensive because when you buy via a network they part subsidise the phone and you pay for via your plan/calls etc.

You get the option to switch networks without unlocked the phone, and you wont have any network branding like logos software etc. You will get new software updates quicker than a network model most of the time

jwof2006

Thanks for the reply. Is there a substantial price differance?

Kristopherus

jwof2006 wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. Is there a substantial price differance?

Up to 50%.

coylemj

jwof2006 wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. Is there a substantial price differance?

There's no hard and fast rule. For some of the more expensive models like iPhone and Samsung Galaxy, a network shop will typically offer you different options like sign up for 12, 24 or 36 months with different packages (50/100/150 minutes talk etc). The more you agree to pay per month and the longer the contract, the bigger the subsidy.

I have found that the 'subsidy' is a complete con and my advice is that if you can afford to pay the sim-free price to a mail order company like Amazon, expanys etc., you'd be better off doing so because then you have complete freedom to shop around for the best deal that suits you and you can move network any time you choose to.

Stormington

coylemj wrote: »

There's no hard and fast rule. For some of the more expensive models like iPhone and Samsung Galaxy, a network shop will typically offer you different options like sign up for 12, 24 or 36 months with different packages (50/100/150 minutes talk etc). The more you agree to pay per month and the longer the contract, the bigger the subsidy.

I have found that the 'subsidy' is a complete con and my advice is that if you can afford to pay the sim-free price to a mail order company like Amazon, expanys etc., you'd be better off doing so because then you have complete freedom to shop around for the best deal that suits you and you can move network any time you choose to.

This. This right here.

As an example, I have a buddy that has just signed an 18 month contract for €80 a month with Unlimited calls & texts and 5gb on Meteor and received a "free" phone (Xperia Z, I think). That's going to cost him 18 x €80 = €1440. Fwiw, he didn't ask me for advice first.

If he had paid €530 for it in Carphone Warehouse and paid €30 to get it unlocked he could have got a different deal like emobile's €32 per month sim-only deal for Unlimited calls, texts and 15gb data. That's going to be 32x18 = €576 + €560 for the phone which would be €1136.

Even if unlocking the phone costs €50 then he would still have saved the bones of €300 over the lifetime of the deal. Contracts with the bigger mobile companies (Vodafone, Meteor, O2) here aren't worth it as they gouge you and give so little. Most of their Payg deals aren't as good either.

I myself am on Vodafone but I'm off to Tesco as soon as my sim card arrives: Vodafone and their 500mb of internet for €30 payg offer can go and suck it.