Buying a mobile phone involves a few key decisions that are worth thinking through before committing to a contract. For NHS staff, the starting point is whether to use an NHS-specific discount scheme from a major network or find the best standard deal from any provider. The two do not always give the same answer.
Start with the NHS discount, then compare
The confirmed NHS mobile discounts from O2 (25% off airtime), Vodafone (25% off pay monthly) and EE (20% off airtime) are worth calculating before shopping around. The discount applies to the airtime portion of the bill rather than the handset cost, so working out the actual monthly saving on a specific plan makes for a more accurate comparison against deals elsewhere.
Contract versus SIM-only
Pay monthly handset contracts bundle the device cost and the airtime plan into one monthly payment, with a set minimum term, typically 24 months. SIM-only plans cover the airtime cost only, on the assumption that an existing unlocked handset is already available. For anyone happy with their current phone, a SIM-only plan at a lower monthly cost is usually better value. NHS airtime discounts from O2, Vodafone and EE apply to both types of plan.
How much to spend on a handset
Premium flagship models from Apple and Samsung represent the highest outlay and tend to offer the best cameras, processors and build quality. Mid-range handsets in the £200 to £400 range give strong performance for everyday use including photography, social media and streaming without the premium price tag. Budget models under £200 handle calls, texts, messaging apps and basic web use adequately.
Buying a previous-generation flagship as a refurbished or end-of-line model can give high-end specifications at a significantly lower price than the current equivalent.
Storage, battery and screen
Storage of 128GB is now the standard entry point for most mid-range and flagship handsets, which is sufficient for the majority of users. Those who shoot a lot of video or store large amounts of media locally should look for 256GB or above, or consider a model that supports expandable storage via a microSD card.
Battery life varies significantly between models. Checking independent reviews for real-world battery performance is more reliable than comparing milliampere-hour ratings alone. Screen size is a personal preference, and larger screens make video and browsing more comfortable but increase the overall size of the handset.
Negotiating on price
Networks and retailers will sometimes improve an offer when asked directly, particularly at or near the end of a current contract. Mentioning that a better deal is available elsewhere gives the provider the option to match or beat it rather than lose a customer entirely. This applies to both new customers and those renewing an existing contract.
The full list of confirmed NHS mobile deals is on the Mobile Phones discounts page.
