What is the difference between SIM-only and a phone contract?
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In short: SIM-only pays for airtime and data only — you use your own phone. Phone contracts spread handset cost over the contract term plus airtime — usually more expensive overall but spreads the device price.
Last reviewed:
Reviewed by Kaiser Khan
Leaving a phone contract early often triggers handset balance plus exit fees.
Compare total cost over the full term including disclosed annual rises.
See compare mobile deals guide.
Primary source: ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband
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