«
»
 
 

What Smartphone to Buy on What Network

Overall Conclusion

What phone to choose, which network and what type of tariff is the best for you to pick? The straight-forward, honest answer would have to be “it depends on your circumstances”.

However, that’s not very satisfying and not really scientifcially correct either. If we stick with our “lab set-up”, we would have no numbers to port, no contract to pay off or wait for to run out and we would not have a perhaps huge amount of paid-for apps which – at least in theory – would tie us to a particular platform.

From my personal point of view, I have been an avid iphone / iOS user for two years and have spent a moderate amount of money on apps. Why would I want to leave? Because I want my freedom of choice, more flexibility and up to date features. iPhone is good but it has let me down once too many times and I find it extremely restrictive.

From a scientific point of view, and to bring this review to its ultimate conclusion you would choose the following:

- HTC Desire HD w/ 16G card
- GiffGaff 30 Goodybag SIM only tariff
- Up-front cost: £482.31
- On-going cost: £30
or whatever you feel like in any given month!

Choose Android over iOS and you’ll have more freedom of choice when it comes to everything, from software to hardware accessories. Something the restrictive and somewhat closed-up Apple cannot beat.

Giffgaff is a new and novel way to get your mobile phone and internet service, at a lower cost (even when compared like for like with other SIM only tariffs) and with more value for money, provided the unlimited internet offer stays unlimited.

It’s offering unique features other networks don’t. Chiefly amongst them are: free Giffgaff to Giffgaff calls, unlimited internet use (no tethering), free calls to 0800.

Going SIM only also offers the best flexibility, as it doesn’t tie you to an expensive long-term contract. If a better deal comes along, just take it – although I doubt the bigger networks would be able to beat a lean under-dog like Giffgaff any time soon!

PS: I hope you found my review useful and I encourage you to not take my advice as gospel or by any means an unbiased view. I am not affiliated with any network and make no money from recommending anyone. However, if you do like a FREE SIM* card from Giffgaff, please email me and I will donate the money “earned” to charity.

*) The free SIM needs to be activated before use and requires a £10 top-up to be made. You will then have £10 air-time to spend as you please.

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

If you like this page, please share it

This entry was posted on Friday, October 15th, 2010 at 18:31 and is filed under Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

  • Ben Baker

    This is a great summary of the two operating systems, its the same conclusion i came to myself, i will add that not all android systems are the same it depends on which phone you have, i myself have the new Samsung Galaxy S and the android system can be a little buggy at times.

    Ben Baker (B_Baker_Media)

  • Ben Baker

    This is a great summary of the two operating systems, its the same conclusion i came to myself, i will add that not all android systems are the same it depends on which phone you have, i myself have the new Samsung Galaxy S and the android system can be a little buggy at times.

    Ben Baker (B_Baker_Media)

  • Simonh

    I am looking at exactly these two phones and which network and plan to go with, so this review has been extremely useful. I had more or less come to the same conclusion on preferred smartphone, and am now highly aware of the benefits of Giff Gaff. It occurs to me that if you purchase their ‘Goody Bags’, then your service can be essentially the same as a long-term pay-monthly contract, however you are only committed to this for one month instead of 12, 18 or 24!! Think my decisions are made… Thanks for the post :)

  • Simonh

    I am looking at exactly these two phones and which network and plan to go with, so this review has been extremely useful. I had more or less come to the same conclusion on preferred smartphone, and am now highly aware of the benefits of Giff Gaff. It occurs to me that if you purchase their ‘Goody Bags’, then your service can be essentially the same as a long-term pay-monthly contract, however you are only committed to this for one month instead of 12, 18 or 24!! Think my decisions are made… Thanks for the post :)

  • http://www.axelsegebrecht.com/ Axel Segebrecht

    Thanks for the feedback guys. Happy to see you found my review useful :D

    @Ben: At least Android is evolving whereas iOS feels like its stuck and gets more buggy with every version! My old 3G still in use but dare I run the latest iOS on it :-/ The 3GS I use everyday is a right pain… .

  • http://www.axelsegebrecht.com/ Axel Segebrecht

    Thanks for the feedback guys. Happy to see you found my review useful :D

    @Ben: At least Android is evolving whereas iOS feels like its stuck and gets more buggy with every version! My old 3G still in use but dare I run the latest iOS on it :-/ The 3GS I use everyday is a right pain… .