Mobile phones that are SIM-free can be a great way to save money and not have to sign a long contract. There are many SIM-free phones on the market, so how do you choose?
This will depend on whether you are looking for something affordable or powerful (the iPhone 13 and the Samsung S21). ).
No matter what route you choose, we have compiled our top 15 picks for SIM-free phones, including the budget iPhoneSE, the camera king Google Pixel5 and many more.
After you have found the right handset, you can now invest in SIM-only deals to beat the higher prices on the current market.
Take a look at our top 15 SIM-free phones. We also have a portion of our full reviews if you are still ah-ing. For a quick overview, scroll down to the bottom and use our price comparison chart to help you find the right mobile phone.
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The best SIM-free phones for mobile phones
(Image credit: Apple)
1. iPhone 13
Apple’s new handset is a great option
Resolution: 1170 x 2532
Amazing specs
Battery life is strong
Stylish design
Minimum changes above 12
The iPhone 13, Apple’s latest handset brings together all the latest 2021 specs in one Apple handset. It is Apple’s latest handset, but it’s still much cheaper than the iPhone 12 when it was first launched.
Apple has updated the processor to the A15 Bionic chip in this device – one the most powerful phones chips ever. The screen quality has improved and the battery life has increased significantly.
The camera is what most people are interested in. Although this camera is similar to that found on the iPhone 12, there are key differences. While the dual lens setup is still there, it now includes night photography and low-light shots.
This is a gradual upgrade of Apple’s device. The device makes improvements in key areas, and subtle changes such as reducing the size the notch. It is worth noting that the iPhone 12 (described further below) offers a similar performance at a lower price.
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(Image credit: Samsung)
2. Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung’s 2021 range-up offers a bargain price
Resolution: 1080 x 2400
Amazingly affordable
Powerful new processor
Impressive camera set-up
The screen quality could be improved
The Galaxy S21, Samsung’s latest flagship series, is sure to be a favorite choice for many people. The S21 launched at a lower price than the S20 and is often seen with big reductions in its price.
There are many upgrades on this device. The most important is the upgrade to the Exynos2100 processor. This processor is comparable to Apple’s A14 Bionic chip.
The S21’s camera will also be upgraded to improve its power and AI functionality. This allows you to make use of the 12MP wide lenses and ultra-wide lenses, as well as the 64MP telephoto lens.
It doesn’t have expandable storage, and the screen quality isn’t the best. However, it is one of the best Android experiences available for a slightly lower price.
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3. Google Pixel 5
Another excellent Google camera phone
Dimensions: 144.7 x 70.4 x 8mm
Excellent camera
Affordable pricing
Simple Android interface
No Telephoto lens
The Pixel 5 is the latest flagship device under the Google brand. It combines all that is great about Google into one compact package.
It is a 5G phone, future-proofing your phone to the slow rollout 5G. The camera AI software from Google makes it easily one of the top-rated camera phones currently on the market.
The dual camera setup, which offers a 12.2MP wide lens as well as a 16MP ultrawide lens, doesn’t look all that impressive on paper. But, with Google, all this happens behind the scenes.
Google can take great photos letting in lots colour. While it cannot keep up with Apple or Samsung for zoom and video, Google has the editing software to match both brands.
Google has included a 4080mAh battery, an efficient Snapdragon 765G processor and a 6.0 inch OLED display with 90Hz refresh rates.
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(Image credit: Future)
4. iPhone 12
Apple’s latest handset
Resolution: 1170 x 2532
Super-powerful processor
5G is now possible
Magsafe is an exciting feature
It is expensive
Although the iPhone 12 by Apple is not its latest device, it may still be the best. The iPhone 12’s price dropped dramatically when it was released, but that’s not surprising.
The iPhone 12 now costs only PS679 and is almost 100 percent cheaper than the iPhone 13. It is one generation ahead of the iPhone 13 in terms of processing power. The A14 Bionic chip, which is still the most powerful option, is used.
The iPhone 13 was a minor upgrade. You’ll get a very similar experience with the iPhone 12. The screen is the same size as the iPhone 12, but the battery is slightly smaller. Both feature Magsafe technology and 5G.
The iPhone 12 is very similar to Apple’s new model, with minor differences in the battery, camera and processor.
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5. Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus
Samsung’s 2020 best-value handset
Dimensions: 161.9 x 73.7 x 7.8mm
120Hz refresh rate
Screen with extremely high resolution
strong camera performance
It’s quite expensive
This is no longer the latest Samsung device, but it’s still an excellent choice. This is because, while the Samsung S21 Plus was a significant upgrade in many areas, the S20 Plus is better in certain areas.
The main reason the Galaxy S20 Plus has risen in price over its older counterpart is its newfound price. The S20 Plus is now significantly cheaper because it’s an older phone that’s no longer available on the Samsung website.
You get 5G, a powerful 4500mAh battery, and Samsung’s Exynos 9990 processor, despite the price drop. This device is still great, thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate and 6.7-inch AMOLED2X display.
The newer Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is larger and has a better camera and processor, but the S20 Plus has a bigger screen and expandable storage. Plus, you get a charging cable and headphones!
6. OnePlus 9
Unexpectedly low price for a high-spec phone
Dimensions: 160 x 74.2 x 8.7mm
Amazing specs at a great price
Good camera performance
Rapid battery charging
No Telephoto Camera
The OnePlus 9 was one of the latest launches by the brand. This could be the ideal alternative for Samsung’s flagships.
The OnePlus 9 offers incredible specs at a great price. It will cost you only PS629 but it boasts one of the most powerful batteries in this area. It has a remarkable life span and fast charging.
You’ll also get a powerful processor, a high-quality display and, most importantly, a stunning camera. This was all possible thanks to the collaboration with Hasellblad.
Although it’s not the most powerful phone on the market and does not have an IP rating, the OnePlus 9 is a great overall choice.
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Mobile phones with SIM-free budget:
7. iPhone SE
Apple’s new iPhone is cheap
Dimensions: 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm
Lightweight design
Apple at a low price
A powerful chipset
Battery life is very low
The iPhone SE, Apple’s only budget handset, is sure to appeal to many people. The iPhone SE is a remarkable smartphone for such a high-end brand with its nearly-PS400 price tag.
Despite the low price, you get Apple’s A13 Bionic Chip – the same chip featured in the iPhone 11 series. This device is quite powerful considering that most devices of the same price have much weaker processors.
The processor upgrade also gives the camera an extra boost, which, despite having only one lens, allows for some really amazing shots even on a tight budget.
There are also downgrades available to lower the price. The iPhone SE is very similar to the iPhone 8.
The iPhone SE has a small 1821mAh battery, and a screen that measures just 4.7 inches. This is not a 5G phone, so it’s not surprising.
(Image credit: Future)
8. Samsung Galaxy S10
A Samsung older device at a much lower price
Dimensions: 147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5m
In-screen fingerprint scanner
Powerful camera despite age
Affordable price
One of Samsung’s older phones
Although this is not the best option for everyone, as the Samsung Galaxy S10 was released in 2019, it could still be an excellent way to get Samsung without breaking the bank.
The Samsung Galaxy S10, despite its age, is an excellent smartphone. The S10 has a decent battery and an in-screen fingerprint scanner. It also features a powerful camera, which is impressive considering its age.
The biggest draw is the price. Second hand Samsung Galaxy S10s are often less than PS400. The Galaxy S10 is no more in Samsung’s lineup so you will have to purchase it second-hand.
9. OnePlus Nord 2
This is one of the most affordable phones on the market right now
Dimensions: 158.9 x 73.3 x 8.2mm
Strong performance
Amazingly fast charging
Great camera experience
There is no official IP water resistance rating
Lacklustre design
The OnePlus Nord 2 device is a great option for those who want a low-cost, yet powerful device. This device is one of OnePlus’s cheapest yet.
This device is a great value for money, and we give it a 4.5-star rating. It offers fast charging and a great camera experience.
The design of the OnePlus Nord 2 is basic, and there is no IP rating (like other OnePlus phones), but it is still very good value for money.
Every day, we check more than 250 million products to ensure the best price
(Image credit: Future)
10. iPhone 8
Apple quality without the high price of an iPhone
Dimensions: 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6mm
iPhones at a Cheap Price
It’s easy to use
Manufactured without top-notch features
The iPhone 8 back in the day was an impressive iPhone. It has fallen behind, and the iPhone SE is now a more powerful version. However, because it is older, the iPhone 8’s price has dropped significantly.
This allows you to get the iPhone 8 often for less than PS300, which is almost PS200 more than its original price. Although the specs are not impressive, these phones will work well for budget-minded users who want Apple products.
The device features a powerful point-and-shoot cam (limited to one 12MP wide angle), wireless charging, and a glass back. The device has a 4.7 inch display, making it easy to use. It also has a battery capacity of 1821mAh. However, the device doesn’t drain as much battery as other newer models.
