The cost of living crisis in the UK is hitting people hard. Inflation, combined with Brexit and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, is squeezing already tight finances harder.
To help out, Tesco has announced a new tool that compares various smartphone tariffs and contracts with Tesco Mobile's. The company says it is the only major carrier not raising prices at the moment.
From April 1, phone companies are expected to raise rates and prices for almost all services. Tesco says O2 and Virgin Mobile contract tariffs will rise by 11.7%, compared to 9.3% for EE and Vodafone and 4.5% for Three.
"This year, mid-contract mobile price hikes are at their highest ever and they couldn’t come at a worse time," says Tesco. "We know that phones are a lifeline which is why the price our customers pay when they sign up, is the price they pay for the duration of their contract."
"What’s helpful about our money saving calculator, is that families can find out exactly how much other networks are taking out of their pockets, making it easier for them to plan their finances for the future.”
T3's Advice
Given the importance of smartphones to everyday life, the rise in price is going to hit some consumers especially hard. Tesco's calculator at least goes some way to making sure that consumers are aware of what's coming.
Our advice would be to check out SIM only deals and buy a handset outright, which often works out to be cheaper in the long run. We've found the best cheap phones that compare well to the best smartphones.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Buying the smartphone often makes the contract cheaper because carriers charge more over time. Data, calls, and texts are relatively cheap in comparison.
The Nokia 3.4 is a good example of an incredibly cheap smartphone that does what it needs to do.
- We've found the best Android phones
Max Slater-Robins has written for T3 now on and off for over half a decade, with him fitting in serious study at university in between. Max is a tech expert and as such you'll find his words throughout T3.com, appearing in everything from reviews and features, to news and deals. Max is specifically a veteran when it comes round to deal hunting, with him seeing out multiple Black Friday campaigns to date.
-
When is Black Friday 2024 – this Friday or next? Here's the official answer
Black Friday is on 29 November in 2024 – a week later than the year previous. But that's not stopped retailers putting on their sales...
By Mike Lowe Published
-
Forget Black Friday, F1 24 is completely free for a limited time
This top racing game has a free weekend
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
I'm giving up Netflix to pay for Fitbit Premium
I think I have to give up Netflix to pay for Fitbit Premium – Thanks, cost of living crisis!
By Matt Kollat Last updated
-
JLab Go Air Pop review: these cheap wireless earbuds are surprisingly good
The JLab Go Air Pop cost about the same as takeaway pizza
By Yasmine Crossland Published
-
How to buy the best cheap 4K TV deal in early 2022: 5 tips from the experts
The next few months are a great time for get a bargain TV deal, so here's what to look for
By Matthew Bolton Published
-
Best cheap headphones 2024: budget wireless, in-ear & over-ear models
The best cheap headphones, in-ear buds and true wireless earphones that don't cost much money
By Yasmine Crossland Last updated
-
Best gaming headset deals, sales and prices for November 2024
Get a gaming headset for cheap with the best deals, sales and offers this month
By Troy Fleming Last updated
-
Best laptops under $500 2024
The best laptops under $500 that offer a great balance of power and performance at budget-friendly prices
By Robert Jones Last updated
-
Best Memorial Day Samsung TV deals for November 2024
The cheapest Samsung TV deals, sales and prices available this month – all in one place
By Troy Fleming Last updated
-
Best budget action camera 2024: feature-packed cams with bargain price tags
A round-up of the best budget action cameras to help you capture your adventures without breaking the bank
By Jamie Carter Last updated