Top tips for buying a 4G-calling/5G phone ready for 3G switch off

3G coverage across the UK is being phased out. We will be switching off 3G from 9th September over a two week period to make way for faster and more reliable 4G and 5G services. As a result, many old phones will no longer be able to make calls, send texts or use data if they do not have 4G calling or 5G capability, making it essential to upgrade. You can check if your device will work with SMARTY after 3G switch off here.

If you do need to get a new phone to remain connected with SMARTY, this article will help you find the right device for you.

Buying a new phone can be complicated with so many options available, so here are some pointers to keep your search simple and save you from having to break the bank!

Where to shop for handsets:

MoneySavingExpert Cheap Mobile Finder

MoneySavingExpert offers a handy tool to find suitable new phones based on your budget or needs. It provides a list of the best handset options, and you can click on a link to purchase. This tool is easy to use and offers a wide range of choices. Use the tool here.

Shop SIM-free online

For those looking for cheaper phones or specific features, shopping online on sites like Amazon.co.uk or Argos can be beneficial. These platforms often have a larger selection, but be sure to research and read reviews as product pages can be heavy on technical details without much explanation of benefits.

Shop refurbished

Shopping refurbished can also offer great bargains, but check the seller's quality assurance and post-purchase care details.

We've teamed up with Reboxed® to offer great value on their range of refurbished phones, complete with a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee. To get the SMARTY discount, go to your SMARTY App, choose Handsets from the Menu options, or on the SMARTY dashboard, select the "Need a new phone" option, and your discount will be automatically applied.

4G-VoLTE compatible devices under £100

• Nokia 1.3: A reliable and affordable option with essential features for everyday use.

• Alcatel 1B: Offers a decent performance for basic smartphone tasks.

4G-VoLTE compatible devices under £200

• Moto G8 Power: Known for its long battery life and good performance.

• Samsung Galaxy A21s: A budget-friendly phone with a solid camera and display.

Great value iPhone and Samsung devices

• iPhone SE (2020): A cost-effective iPhone with great performance and a compact design.

• Samsung Galaxy A51: Offers good value with its large screen and versatile camera setup.

Pay monthly plans

Buying a phone outright and pairing it with a SIM-only deal can be cost-effective, but pay monthly plans for mid-range or slightly older flagship smartphones can also be a great option. Unfortunately SMARTY doesn’t offer contracts with devices however, this may be the best option for you if you need a more affordable monthly option.

Most plans offer unlimited calls and texts, so the handset and internet data allowance determine the cost. If you don't need a lot of data or high-end features, a pay monthly plan can keep costs manageable. Be sure to check for upfront costs and the length of the agreement.

Our sister company Three offers a great range of pay monthly plans with devices and we’ve managed to arrange a 20% discount off the airtime part of an airtime and device bundle from the selection here. There are also some great PAYG deals on this link too.

Wrapping up: finding your 4G-calling/5G phone made easy

Make sure to check out handy tools above, like the MoneySavingExpert Cheap Mobile Finder, or explore deals on Reboxed® to snag some fantastic offers. Remember, the goal is to find a phone that’s perfect for you—without the stress. So take your time, do a little research, and you’ll be all set to enjoy the faster, more reliable connectivity that 4G and 5G have to offer.

Disclaimer: If you click on the links in this article it will direct you to third party sites that have their own terms of service, privacy and cookies policy. This article is provided to help give you options of where to look for a replacement device, but we do not verify the products sold on these pages. External lists may also show non-compatible devices for SMARTY’s 4G-VoLTE network, please refer to this article for more information.