Buying a mobile phone
Our guide to help you choose the perfect phone
Discover everything you need to know to find the best phone for you and get recommendations based on the features you care about the most. From budget-friendly feature phones to AI smartphones that take photography, productivity and gaming to the next level.
On this page
Shop by brand
)
)
)
)
Buying an Apple phone
iPhone is renowned for its stunning design, build quality, user-friendliness and seamless integration with other Apple products. The operating system, iOS, delivers an efficient and sleek experience optimised for iPhone users. iPhone 17 offers cutting-edge features, camera quality and processors. The best phone is iPhone 17 Pro Max for its screen size, refresh rate, battery life and the chip power to play demanding games and multimedia. iPhone 16e is big on features, lighter on price. iPhone Air packs the power of pro into the titanium frame of their thinnest iPhone ever.
)
Buying a Samsung phone
The Samsung Galaxy range features a wide range of phones, from the more affordable A Series to the performance-driven S Series, on a highly customisable Android operating system. Samsung phones boast stunning displays, powerful performance and innovative features such as folding screens. The latest flagship series is Galaxy S25, a pioneer in AI with top quality screens and cameras for photography. S25 Ultra is the best phone with a larger display, better cameras, built-in S Pen, bigger battery, and more storage.
Google Pixel phones have become a household name, by using world-class software integration and Gemini AI capabilities to compete at the high end of the market. Setup and workflow on Google apps have never been easier. The intelligent camera is a key feature. From pointing Google Lens at something to learn what it is, to fixing poorly-shot images or finding the best moments to take group pics, there are endless possibilities for creative photography. The latest range is Google Pixel 10.
Sony is a legend in the visual, audio and entertainment space. Xperia phones showcase the company’s technological expertise, with stunning displays, crisp audio and a sleek, durable design. Sony is a strong choice for multimedia lovers and gamers, typically releasing a low-end and high-end option.
Nokia is known for durability and affordability. Well-loved for solid, no-frills retro phones with buttons and long battery life, the more recent lineup brings the best of feature phones into a smartphone. The classics available on O2 are refreshed for today’s world with 4G and USB-C charging. They’re great choices for a connected, but distraction-free, life or for simplicity without sacrificing technology.
HONOR is a rising star, delivering exceptional value with stylish designs and strong performance. It excels in offering high-end features at great prices, with a focus on AI-enhanced photography, large displays and battery. It’s a good choice if you want a premium feel from a mid-range phone.
Motorola phones stand out for their user-friendly design, excellent battery life and innovative features like gesture controls. They cater to a wide range of budgets in the low to mid-range, offering durability. Motorola is a great pick if you value simplicity and reliability, or if you’re looking for a more affordable performance flip phone.
Types of mobile
AI and smartphones
Smartphones have become the modern standard for mobile users. The app-based operating systems open a world of opportunity to enhance every aspect of your life, from social media to health and productivity. Now, AI phones are introducing a new generation of assistance for notes, photo editing and live language-translation.
Flip & Fold
Flip and folding smartphones combine the nostalgia of classic flip phones with cutting-edge features and design. Flip functionality is compact and can be used as a half screen or split screen. A fold display expands for a tablet-like experience for watching movies.
Feature phones
Traditional button phones have stood the test of time for reliable texting and calling. Enjoy a stress-free life with straight-forward features, robust designs and batteries that keep on going. Perfect for light use or as a spare phone for work and travel. Nokia classics now support 4G, HD voice calls and internet browsing.
Budgeting choices
There’s more to buying a brand-new phone than just the excitement. You’ll also get durability – with full battery health your phone will last longer throughout the day. They’re also free from wear and tear and, with the right protection, a pristine phone has a higher trade-in value – so you can grab a better deal on the next upgrade.
Refurbished phones are a cost-effective way to get a model that’s otherwise beyond your budget. Our Like New refurbished phones give you most of the benefits of new, with a lower price. Plus, they all come with up to 3 years’ warranty, for peace of mind. Refurbished phones are growing in popularity for using less carbon compared to buying new.
The type of contract you go for depends on whether you want a phone as part of your package or not. If you do, pick the phone and airtime plan (minutes, texts and data) for you, and pay monthly for each. If you already have a phone, or would prefer to buy one outright, go for a SIM Only plan.
Great value phones
On this page
Phone cameras
)
Wide camera
A wide camera lens lets you fit more into the frame. It’s great for group shots, night photography and capturing landscapes. Some high-end smartphones use wide-angle for the main camera, while mid-range options may include it as a second lens. Look for a 12+ MP (megapixel) sensor to ensure clear, detailed photos. Optical image stabilisation helps prevent blur.
)
Ultra-wide camera
An ultra-wide camera lens has a shorter focal length, allowing you to capture more of the scene without needing to step back. Keeping most of the scene in focus without perceptive distortion, it’s ideal for tight spaces such as indoors or architecture shots. High-end phones often include ultra-wide cameras to set themselves apart.
)
Telephoto camera
A telephoto camera uses optical zoom to capture a focal point in the distance without compromising image quality. This is great for wildlife photography and sport. Phones with at least 3x optical zoom are recommended for this feature.
Key camera specs
Higher MP count indicates greater detail as the lens can capture more information. Look for phones with at least 12 MP for good image quality.
The aperture is the hole in the middle of the lens that lets in light. The f-stop determines how much light you allow into the aperture. It’s worth being aware that the lower the f-stop number, the wider the aperture. So, a smaller aperture (higher f-stop) allows less light into the camera, providing greater depth of field and a sharper background in focus. And a wider aperture is often desirable for low-light performance. A typical range for a phone lens is between f/1.7 and f/2.2.
Larger sensors capture more light, improving photo quality, especially in low-light conditions.
Larger pixels (measured in microns) enhance low-light performance by capturing more light per pixel.
Look for phones with both optical and digital zoom capabilities. Optical zoom maintains image quality, while digital zoom can enlarge photos digitally.
Higher resolutions (4K) and frame rates (60fps) offer smoother, more detailed videos. FPS stands for ‘frames per second’.
Good phones for photography
Battery life and charging
A higher milliampere-hour (mAh) rating typically results in longer battery life. Large phones often have space for bigger batteries and longer video playback. This can be a lifesaver for heavy users. Look for ‘all-day’ battery, or at least 4000 mAh, if you need a smartphone with long battery life.
Wired
Wired charging is typically much faster than wireless. Phones with fast-charging capabilities often reach a significant charge in just 30 minutes. The USB-C cable is the modern standard for charging phones.
Wireless charging
Wireless charging is more convenient, albeit slower, than wired. A full charge could take 2-4 hours. Use wireless charging docks to power multiple devices, such as smartwatches and earphones, at the same time. Check that your phone has wireless-charging capabilities and that the charger’s Qi-certified, to ensure compatibility.
Good phones for battery life
How much storage do I need?
How you use your phone determines how much storage you need. Consider both your current usage and future needs so you never run out. When buying a new phone, improved capabilities, like better camera quality, can result in more bytes of digital information being stored. Plus, it’s common to transfer existing data to your new device. So, check your phone storage settings to make sure there’s plenty of free space before deciding whether to increase capacity. If in doubt, go for more storage space, or choose a phone with expandable storage via a MicroSD card.
Usage considerations for storage capacity:
64GB: Sufficient for casual users who mainly use their phones for calls, texts and some apps
128GB-256GB: Ideal for users who take many photos and videos, download music and install lots of apps
512GB and above: Best for heavy users who store large files, such as HD videos (especially 4K and 8K), high-resolution games and hundreds of apps
Phone screen
Screen size
Smartphone displays range from 4.7 inches for compact screens to around 6 inches standard size and over 6.6 inches for large screens. Think about the size of your hand as well as how you use your phone. Larger screens are better for watching boxsets and gaming, while smaller screens are more portable and easier to use with one hand.
Screen resolution
High resolution displays offer sharper, more detailed images. Full HD (1080 pixels) is generally considered to be good image quality. Upgrade to QHD (2,560 x 1,440 pixels) or 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) for sharper, more captivating visual experiences and to get the best out of movies and games.
Screen refresh rate
A high refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and more realistic motion when gaming. A 120Hz refresh rate gives you a much better overall user experience, but 60Hz is usually enough for daily use.
Sound quality
Most audio on modern phones is experienced through wireless earphones via Bluetooth connectivity. Brands like Apple and Samsung have music expertise and the engineering capabilities to finetune the sonic experience to their device ecosystems. The speakers are rich and loud on the latest models. Built-in microphones at the top and bottom produce clear calls. Sony is a key player in this space. Sony Xperia phones, like the Xperia 1 V1, support hi-res audio and Snapdragon Sound, with spatial audio with dynamic head-tracking for surround sound immersion. Most flagship smartphones have now ditched the 3.5mm audio jack used for wired headphones. Budget and feature phones are more likely to include a jack, but you can get the best of both worlds using a Type-C to 3.5mm adapter.
On this page
Speed and connectivity
Processors
High-end processors, such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite or Apple’s A18 Pro Bionic, ensure smooth performance and multitasking. They’re particularly important for gaming, video editing and running other demanding apps. Smartphones are reshaping mobile gaming with incredible graphics and performance. For this, the powerful Central Processing Units (CPUs) in the latest high-end phone models are a huge advantage, but for other basic activities, you might not notice much of a difference.
4G vs 5G
5G can deliver much faster internet speeds and lower latency (or lag), which is ideal for streaming, online gaming and downloading large files quickly. 5G-ready phones protect you against apps becoming less responsive in the future and advancing technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality. While 5G coverage is expanding, it’s still limited in some areas. 4G continues to be popular, with widespread adoption around the world. 4G phones on a quality network offer affordability and benefit from clear calls, timely downloads and fast browsing.
Good phones for gaming
SIM and data
How much data do I need on my phone?
Understanding your data requirements is key to choosing the right phone plan.
Light users: 1-3GB a month is sufficient for basic web browsing, Google Maps, weather, email and light-to-moderate music streaming and social media.
Moderate users: 5-10GB a month is ideal for regular music streaming, social media and occasional viewing of standard-quality TV.
Heavy Users: 20GB+ a month is recommended if you often stream high-definition videos, play online games or use your phone as a hotspot.
Choosing a SIM
Pay As You Go: Contracts aren’t for everyone. If you only use your phone on occasion, Pay As You Go gives you the flexibility to pay for airtime by topping up whenever you need.
SIM Only: If you’ve got a phone already, and you know what you typically use, a SIM Only monthly rolling airtime plan is an easy and cost-effective way to pay for your calls, texts and data.
SIM Free: Enjoy the freedom of a new phone and decide on the best SIM deal for you later.
Operating systems
IOS
iOS by Apple is developed and optimised specially for Apple hardware. The closed ecosystem allows for greater efficiency and easier integration between products. Apple is a pioneer in creating user-friendly interfaces and experiences on smartphones. And when it comes to safety, security and privacy, iOS doesn’t cut corners. Apps undergo a strict review process and need explicit permission to track sensitive data. The App Store is home to countless apps built exclusively for iPhone, with regular updates. Payments are simple using Apple Pay.
Android
Android is a versatile operating system used across most mobile brands. Widespread adoption and familiarity make switching phones seamless, with a wide range to choose from. The open-source software allows for boundless customisability. Whether reskinning the interface, moving widgets around or managing files and folders, the freedom is yours. Android supports multitasking with split screen (version 7.0 or higher), unlocking new ways to express creativity and productivity. The Play Store is user-friendly and houses millions of free apps.
Waterproof ratings
An IP rating is an international standard for testing the level of protection against water and dust. No phone is completely waterproof. High-end phones aim to achieve an IP68 rating to provide the best water resistance when submerged in fresh water to a maximum depth of 1.5 metres for up to 30 minutes. The first number represents the degree of dust protection - 6 being fully dust-tight. The second number measures water resistance. That means a phone rated IP67 provides the same protection from dust as IP68, but its water resistance isn’t as good – in this case it can manage submersion up to one metre.
When a device doesn’t have a rating yet, the number may be replaced with an X. Check our phone pages’ FAQs for more information on waterproof ratings. And remember, ratings don’t guarantee damage protection from other liquids, including salt water in the ocean. Most phones are covered for splashes like rain, but you should avoid submersion wherever possible, and always dry ports before charging.
Accessories
Cases
Protect your mobile from drops, scratches and damages with a robust cover. Phone cases come in all colours, shapes and sizes, but all are not created equal. Look for a lightweight and durable case that’s compatible with your specific model – supporting wireless charging if needed.
Screen protectors
Screen protection keeps your glass display safe from shattering and scratches. Quality covers are strong, clear and smudge-free. Anti-microbial properties offer added protection from bacteria. Look out for protectors that are responsive to touch and easy to apply.
Power banks
Keep your phone charged on the go with a power bank. Plug sockets for chargers aren’t always available, so a power bank is a great option. They’re easy to store and just require a charging cable. The ideal power bank depends on the phone battery capacity, but 4000+mAh will be enough to get most devices through the day.
