Latest news with #AppleiPhone16ProMax
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Rain, click and repeat: Smartphones that thrive in monsoon mood
The monsoon brings with it more than just rain; it's a season of mood, memories, and magic. And what better way to celebrate it than by capturing it in all its glory? We've put together a carefully curated monsoon gifting guide featuring some of the most powerful, camera-focused smartphones of the year perfect for those who love documenting rainy-day moments. Each of these devices has been tested by us in real-world conditions, from misty mornings to thunderous downpours, so you can trust they'll deliver come rain or high humidity. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Rain-soaked streets, vibrant skies, and spontaneous chai breaks, the monsoon is full of fleeting moments worth capturing. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple's most powerful and photography-centric iPhone yet, is built to turn those moments into memories. The latest iPhone features a revamped triple-lens camera system, including a 48MP main sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide lens perfect for capturing dramatic monsoon skies, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom ideal for those candid umbrella shots from afar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Move That Changed Their Lives – See How It Works Expertinspector Learn More Apple introduces its new AI-powered 'Clean Up' tool, letting you instantly erase raindrops on lenses or unwanted background clutter much like Google's Magic Eraser. Every photo is crisp, vibrant, and beautifully processed, thanks to Apple's top-tier computational photography. With a 6.9-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display, scrolling through rainy-day portraits or watching monsoon reels is buttery smooth. Powered by the A17 Pro Bionic chip and running on iOS 18, it offers performance that's as reliable as your favorite rain playlist. Starting at ₹1,44,900, the iPhone 16 Pro Max isn't just a device, it's your monsoon storytelling tool. Whether you're gifting it or getting it, it's built for those who love capturing life, rain or shine. Apple also has a very active community of photographers who have curated some suggestions on how you can capture monsoons with an iPhone using its best capabilities. Here are some tips from Gursimran Basra. 1. Leverage Ultra-Wide & Telephoto Lenses for Atmosphere - Ultra-Wide: Capture sweeping monsoon skies, cloud formations, and wide reflective landscapes. - 5x Telephoto: Focus on distant, rain-wrapped subjects from a lone umbrella to mist-covered buildings or raindrops on glass. 2. Use ProRAW + Night Mode for Depth & Drama - Shoot in ProRAW to retain dynamic range in low-contrast, overcast scenes. - Night Mode helps capture twilight storms and dimly lit rain scenes while preserving natural mood and reducing noise. 3. Experiment with Live Photos for Long Exposure - Capture motion in Live Photo mode for waterfalls, ripples, or bustling wet streets. - In editing, select 'Long Exposure' to create silky water flows or dreamy, blurred rain. 4. Tell Stories with Cinematic Mode - Use Cinematic Mode in 4K at 24 fps to shoot compelling monsoon sequences like someone walking through the drizzle or post-rain cityscapes. - Utilise rack focus between raindrops in the foreground and subjects in the distance to add depth. 5. Get Close with Macro Photography - Highlight the little details: dewdrops, wet leaves, and textures of soaked surfaces. - Use the macro lens to explore reflections in puddles or intricate rain-soaked patterns. 6. Use Rain as a Natural Filter - Shoot through car windows, transparent umbrellas, or wet glass for layered textures, bokeh, and dreamy distortions. - These elements add an organic, storybook quality to your compositions. 7. Edit for Mood in Apple Photos (or similar apps) - Boost contrast and shadows to emphasise the drama of overcast scenes. - Slightly desaturate greens and blues to avoid overly vibrant monsoon tones and achieve a more cinematic feel. 8. Stay Dry, Shoot Smart - Use a clip-on rain cover, umbrella rig, or waterproof pouch to protect your gear. - A dry lens means sharper images even in pouring rain. Vivo X200 Pro From misty mornings to rain-kissed streets, the Vivo X200 Pro is designed to turn monsoon moments into cinematic memories. Co-engineered with Zeiss, it features a powerful triple-camera setup: a 50MP main sensor for everyday brilliance, a stunning 200MP 85mm periscope telephoto lens for dramatic rain-soaked zoom shots, and a 50MP ultrawide lens perfect for capturing sweeping monsoon vistas. Whether it's the glisten of raindrops on leaves or the moody charm of a stormy skyline, the X200 Pro ensures every detail is captured with clarity and depth. Its smart AI tools, including generative enhancements and a Clean-Up feature akin to Magic Eraser let you effortlessly remove unwanted elements and bring your rainy-day shots to life. The 6.78-inch 1.5K LTPO AMOLED display makes visuals pop, even on grey days, while the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chip ensures smooth performance across photography, editing, and streaming. A massive 6,000mAh battery keeps you powered through every spontaneous monsoon photo walk or content session. Priced at ₹94,999, the Vivo X200 Pro is more than a smartphone; it's your creative companion this monsoon season. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge marks the return of the iconic 'Edge' branding with a refreshed focus on elegance and flagship power just in time for monsoon season. At only 5.8mm thin and weighing 163g, its titanium frame and Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 body are built to handle everyday splashes in style. Available in Titanium Silver, Jetblack, and Icyblue, it's as striking as a monsoon skyline. Capture the mood of overcast days and rain-lit nights with a 200MP main camera offering 40% better brightness in low light, and a 12MP ultrawide lens with autofocus perfect for landscape shots under dramatic clouds. AI tools like Audio Eraser and Drawing Assist give you more creative control in every frame. Powered by the Snapdragon 8® Elite chipset, the S25 Edge stays smooth and cool with its upgraded vapor chamber ideal for editing content or binge-watching indoors during a rainy day. Its display is enhanced with ProScaler and Samsung's mDNIe engine, making every scene vivid and immersive, even in low-light conditions. Packed with Galaxy AI features like Brief, Now Bar, and Gemini Live, the S25 Edge turns productivity into a seamless, intelligent experience all while safeguarding your data with Knox Vault. Priced at ₹1,09,999, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is built for those who want style, speed, and smarts rain or shine. OnePlus 13 Blending flagship performance with refined design, the OnePlus 13 is ready to take on the monsoon with confidence and style. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, it delivers seamless performance whether you're capturing rain-soaked streets, hopping on video calls, or multitasking through your day. Its advanced triple-camera system, co-developed with Hasselblad, ensures that every cloudy sky, wet pavement, or dramatic thunderstorm is captured with rich detail and vibrant color no matter the lighting. The AMOLED ProXDR display brings monsoon moods to life with deep contrast and punchy visuals, while the 5500mAh battery with fast charging keeps you going from sunrise showers to midnight drizzles, without interruption. Starting at ₹66,990, the OnePlus 13 is the perfect companion for anyone looking to blend speed, reliability, and style this monsoon season. Xiaomi 15 Sleek, smart, and ready for the season, the Xiaomi 15 packs flagship-grade performance into a compact frame — making it an ideal tech companion for the monsoon. Priced at ₹64,999, it's built for those who want cutting-edge features without compromising on portability. At its core is the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, paired with a Leica-engineered triple-camera system, including a 50MP main sensor that captures every rain-drenched detail with pro-level clarity. Whether you're shooting moody monsoon portraits or reflective street scenes, it delivers sharp, true-to-life results. The 6.3-inch LTPO AMOLED display brings out vivid visuals even on grey, overcast days — perfect for catching up on your favorite shows or reading indoors while it pours outside. A 5410mAh battery ensures day-long use, and fast charging gets you back up in no time if you're caught in a storm. Lightweight, durable, and effortlessly stylish, the Xiaomi 15 is a perfect balance of power, performance, and portability — designed to keep up with you, rain or shine.
New Paper
15-06-2025
- Business
- New Paper
Singapore start-up on a green mission to keep mobile phones in use for longer
Singaporeans are replacing their phones every 2.7 years, contributing to some 2.9 million mobile phones being stowed away, a new study shows. But one Singapore start-up is hoping to change this and keep phones in circulation for five years here. This will be even longer than the global smartphone replacement cycle of 3.5 years on average. Cinch plans to meet this target by renting out instead of selling the devices to consumers, ensuring that the returned units at the end of the rental period are refurbished to get a new lease of life with another user. "We're trying to extend the useful life of these devices beyond the average refresh rate," said Mr Mahir Hamid, chief executive and co-founder of Cinch, which commissioned the study to better understand consumer behaviour. Its study, conducted between late 2024 and early 2025, involved interviews with firms that handle e-waste and used devices, as well as a survey of 500 Singapore-based respondents. Fresh from raising US$28.8 million (S$37 million) in funding led by Monk's Hill Ventures, Cinch is now actively pursuing consumers, letting them pay a monthly fee to rent the latest premium models of phones, laptops and other devices. Cinch will also foot 90 per cent of the repair cost of devices damaged due to accidents. For instance, the latest Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge with 512GB storage is available from Cinch for a rental fee of $70 a month over two years. At the end of two years, consumers would have paid $1,680. The same model can be bought from Samsung for $1,808. An Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max with 512GB storage can be rented from Cinch for $120 a month over 12 months. This will amount to a total of $1,440 at the end of the year. The same model costs $2,199 upfront from the Apple store. Customers can also buy direct from Samsung and Apple with an interest-free instalment plan, but it would require them to have a credit card from specific banks such as DBS, OCBC or UOB. "There is a massive segment of the population for which a $2,000 to $3,000 purchase can be a significant proportion of their monthly salary," said Mr Hamid. "A subscription model allows them to access the premium device." Cinch, which has been operating here since 2023, has been leasing mostly to businesses such as those in the retail, logistics, information technology and public relations sectors. Around 10,000 devices such as laptops, smartphones and tablets have been leased, most of which were returned and refurbished for a second or third customer. "Every refurbished unit needs to be as good as new," said Mr Hamid. "If it doesn't meet our standards, it doesn't go back into circulation." He said that all returned devices undergo a professional diagnostic sweep and complete data wipe so users do not have to worry about privacy leaks. Customers can buy their rented devices from Cinch if they wish, but it would likely cost more than buying from retailers such as Shopee or Lazada, said Mr Hamid, urging users to rent instead. Cinch has also partnered with waste management firm Alba Group since the start of 2025 to collect and recycle devices that can no longer be refurbished for new leases. During recycling, valuable materials such as precious metals and plastics are extracted from the e-waste. Singapore generates more than 60,000 tonnes of e-waste a year, according to a report by the National Environment Agency in 2018. This is equivalent to 73 mobile phones disposed of per person in Singapore. Slowing down the device replacement cycle will reduce the overall volume of electronic waste that needs to be collected, sorted and processed, an Alba spokesperson told The Straits Times. "Alba supports efforts like Cinch's to keep electronic devices in circulation for a longer period, as it aligns with our mission to reduce e-waste and promote a circular economy in Singapore," said the spokesperson. The leadership team of Cinch, which has been operating in Singapore since 2023. PHOTO: CINCH The leasing of laptops, smartphones and tablets has become a standard practice among some businesses, as it allows them to access the latest technology without incurring huge upfront costs. Leasing is also a way of reducing depreciating assets. Leasing firms typically cover a device's configuration, maintenance, repair and eco-friendly disposal. Telcos Singtel and StarHub have been leasing devices to businesses since 2020 and 2021 respectively, while M1 does so only as part of a more comprehensive suite of tech services. Singtel started leasing devices to consumers in 2018, but ceased the programme in 2022. Mr Keith Leong, Singtel's managing director of enterprise, said consumers find that they get better value from buying devices bundled with mobile plans. But businesses in sectors such as government, infocomm and aviation continue to lease from Singtel. While the device leasing meets the specific needs of some businesses, many consumers still choose to buy devices as it gives them full ownership and control, which can be cost-effective over the long run, said Mr Leong. "Ultimately, both models provide valuable pathways to equip a mobile workforce effectively," he said. Other rental firms such as Circular and have also been in the market since 2021 to wean consumers from device ownership. Apart from renting out phones, laptop, and gaming consoles, also rents out home appliances such as digital door locks and washing machines. Leasing an iPhone 16 Pro Max with 512GB storage space would cost between $69 and $82 a month for two years from Circular, depending on the phone's condition. The same model would cost between $92 and $99 a month for two years from Cinch's adviser Arvin Singh said that Netflix and Grab have proven that ownership of storage discs and cars, respectively, is not essential. "Netflix for many years now has disrupted ownership of DVDs and hardware... So I think it's not a strange concept for consumers. When it comes to phones, maybe a bit more education is required," said Mr Singh. However, Ms Tracy Tsai, vice-president analyst of consulting firm Gartner, said that phones cannot be compared to DVDs, cars or bicycles as phones carry confidential personal data. The cost-effectiveness of renting also comes into question if users upgrade frequently, she added. "But if users want to chase the latest phone every year, renting might be less of an issue."
Straits Times
14-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Singapore start-up on a green mission to keep mobile phones in use for longer
Old mobile phones collected by waste management firm Alba Group, which are sent for sorting and recycling. PHOTO: ALBA GROUP Singapore start-up on a green mission to keep mobile phones in use for longer SINGAPORE – Singaporeans are replacing their phones every 2.7 years , contributing to some 2.9 million mobile phones being stowed away, a new study shows. But one Singapore start-up is hoping to change this and keep phones in circulation for five years here. This will be even longer than the global smartphone replacement cycle of 3.5 years on average. Cinch plans to meet this target by renting out instead of selling the devices to consumers, ensuring that the returned units at the end of the rental period are refurbished to get a new lease of life with another user. 'We're trying to extend the useful life of these devices beyond the average refresh rate,' said Mr Mahir Hamid, chief executive and co-founder of Cinch , which commissioned the study to better understand consumer behaviour. Its study, conducted between late 2024 and early 2025 , involved interviews with firms that handle e-waste and used devices, as well as a survey of 500 Singapore-based respondents. Fresh from raising US$28.8 million (S$37 million) in funding led by Monk's Hill Ventures, Cinch is now actively pursuing consumers, letting them pay a monthly fee to rent the latest premium models of phones, laptops and other devices. Cinch will also foot 90 per cent of the repair cost of devices damaged due to accidents. For instance, the latest Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge with 512GB storage is available from Cinch for a rental fee of $70 a month over two years . At the end of two years, consumers would have paid $1,680 . The same model can be bought from Samsung for $1,808 . An Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max with 512GB storage can be rented from Cinch for $120 a month over 12 months . This will amount to a total of $1,440 at the end of the year. The same model costs $2,199 upfront from the Apple store. Customers can also buy direct from Samsung and Apple with an interest-free instalment plan, but it would require them to have a credit card from specific banks such as DBS, OCBC or UOB. 'There is a massive segment of the population for which a $2,000 to $3,000 purchase can be a significant proportion of their monthly salary,' said Mr Hamid. 'A subscription model allows them to access the premium device.' Cinch, which has been operating here since 2023 , has been leasing mostly to businesses such as those in the retail, logistics, information technology and public relations sectors. Around 10,000 devices such as laptops, smartphones and tablets have been leased, most of which were returned and refurbished for a second or third customer. 'Every refurbished unit needs to be as good as new,' said Mr Hamid. 'If it doesn't meet our standards, it doesn't go back into circulation.' He said that all returned devices undergo a professional diagnostic sweep and complete data wipe so users do not have to worry about privacy leaks. Customers can buy their rented devices from Cinch if they wish, but it would likely cost more than buying from retailers such as Shopee or Lazada, said Mr Hamid, urging users to rent instead. Cinch has also partnered with waste management firm Alba Group since the start of 2025 to collect and recycle devices that can no longer be refurbished for new leases. During recycling, valuable materials such as precious metals and plastics are extracted from the e-waste. Singapore generates more than 60,000 tonnes of e-waste a year , according to a report by the National Environment Agency in 2018 . This is equivalent to 73 mobile phones disposed of per person in Singapore. Slowing down the device replacement cycle will reduce the overall volume of electronic waste that needs to be collected, sorted and processed, an Alba spokesperson told The Straits Times. 'Alba supports efforts like Cinch's to keep electronic devices in circulation for a longer period, as it aligns with our mission to reduce e-waste and promote a circular economy in Singapore,' said the spokesperson. The leadership team of Cinch, which has been operating in Singapore since 2023. PHOTO: CINCH The leasing of laptops, smartphones and tablets has become a standard practice among some businesses, as it allows them to access the latest technology without incurring huge upfront costs. Leasing is also a way of reducing depreciating assets. Leasing firms typically cover a device's configuration, maintenance, repair and eco-friendly disposal. Telcos Singtel and StarHub have been leasing devices to businesses since 2020 and 2021 respectively, while M1 does so only as part of a more comprehensive suite of tech services. Singtel started leasing devices to consumers in 2018 , but ceased the programme in 2022. Mr Keith Leong, Singtel's managing director of enterprise, said consumers find that they get better value from buying devices bundled with mobile plans. But businesses in sectors such as government, infocomm and aviation continue to lease from Singtel. While the device leasing meets the specific needs of some businesses, many consumers still choose to buy devices as it gives them full ownership and control, which can be cost-effective over the long run, said Mr Leong. 'Ultimately, both models provide valuable pathways to equip a mobile workforce effectively,' he said. Other rental firms such as Circular and have also been in the market since 2021 to wean consumers from device ownership. Apart from renting out phones, laptop, and gaming consoles, also rents out home appliances such as digital door locks and washing machines. Leasing an iPhone 16 Pro Max with 512GB storage space would cost between $69 and $82 a month for two years from Circular, depending on the phone's condition. The same model would cost between $92 and $99 a month for two years from Cinch's adviser Arvin Singh said that Netflix and Grab have proven that ownership of storage discs and cars, respectively, is not essential. 'Netflix for many years now has disrupted ownership of DVDs and hardware... So I think it's not a strange concept for consumers. When it comes to phones, maybe a bit more education is required , ' said Mr Singh. However, Ms Tracy Tsai, vice-president analyst of consulting firm Gartner , said that phones cannot be compared to DVDs, cars or bicycles as phones carry confidential personal data. The cost-effectiveness of renting also comes into question if users upgrade frequently, she added. 'But if users want to chase the latest phone every year, renting might be less of an issue.' Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
South Wales Argus
23-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
How to get the best UK mobile phone deals for your budget
When an upgrade becomes available, it's tempting to make a beeline for the latest handsets and the biggest data plans, but in both instances there's a good chance your bill will end up higher than it needs to be. It's often worth looking at how you can pare back your phone bill costs and still get the handset you want, without compromising on what you really need. Assess your current plan and phone usage First up, take a look at your historical usage from your current plan. Aside from the phone itself, the big-ticket item is data – how much are you using each month? 'Before starting your search, figure out what you need,' says Andy Aitken, CEO and co-founder of Honest Mobile. 'If you only use 4GB of data every month, there's no point paying an extra £10 per month for 20GB – no matter how good a deal it is. 'You can find your data consumption on previous mobile bills. Start there, and then look for a deal that matches what you need.' Next, ask what you're mainly using your phone for Is a powerful camera important to you? Do you live in an area with good 5G coverage? Do you regularly play demanding games and need a processor that can handle them? If you don't need particular features, don't prioritise them with your new phone. Even if you do want them, there's a good chance the budget version of a flagship device, or a slightly older model, will do everything you need at a fraction of the cost. If you want the newest phones, consider switching providers for the best phone deals If you have your heart set on a specific phone, it pays to shop around for it. While many of us upgrade time and again with the same network, often, the best deals on specific handsets are to be had by switching providers. It's worth checking out the best current deals, for example Vodafone currently has an Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB, with a deal saving up to £360 on your Airtime, or a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB saving up to £576 on your Airtime with a 24-month 5GB Xtra Airtime Plan. There's a Google Pixel 9a 128GB, with a saving of up to £480 on your airtime on a 36-month Phone Plan with a 24-month 5GB Airtime Plan, and a SIMO Unlimited deal, with unlimited data half price for the first six months when you buy a 24-month Unlimited max SIM only plans. Terms apply to all those deals, so check they work for you before you purchase. Recommended reading: Check out smaller providers The big-name brands, such as EE, O2, Vodafone and 3, have the biggest phone selections and claim to have the best coverage, but if you're more flexible on the handset you want, there are plenty of lesser-known names that offer more competitive prices. Check out giffgaff, iD, Tesco Mobile, Lebara, Lyca Mobile, and VOXI, for example. Many of these use the same networks as the biggest players, but their contracts tend to offer better value. Be sure to browse and compare before locking in. Text the magic number On his Martin Lewis Money Show Live broadcast on ITV, the consumer champion explained that 14 million people are out of contract on their mobile phone bill, and thus free to switch to a cheaper deal. SIM-only deals normally offering the best prices, as they aren't tied into paying back a contract. The easiest way to find out if you're still locked into a contract is to text this number, and it wont cost you a penny: Martin said: 'You text 'INFO' for free to 85075 to check. If you're on Three, or ID Mobile, or SMARTY, you will need to confirm this by entering your date of birth once they've messaged you. Those of you still in contract, you can't switch at the moment, you'd have to pay a termination fee. Those of you who aren't, well you're a free agent - you can go and get the cheapest deals and you can cut your cost.' Find out if you're out of contract in seconds for free… #MartinLewis — Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) January 14, 2025 Consider SIM-only plans and refurbished handsets Is your current phone still running okay? Even if it's showing the slowdown and finicky qualities typical of a late-contract smartphone, ask yourself whether you can live with those minor niggles. If you can, you can forgo the phone-based upgrades and just change your SIM plan to cut the costs by a fair margin. If your phone's long past its best, or if the manufacturer has stopped delivering updates for it, you still needn't splash out on a brand new device. Refurbished handsets are a brilliant option for getting a high-end phone at a bargain price, and they help to minimise environmental waste too. It's an idea that's backed by Aitken: 'I'd recommend opting for a SIM-only plan and simply keeping your current phone or getting a refurbished one. The refurbished market is growing and you can get the latest model that seems as good as new, all while doing your bit for the planet and saving money.' Haggle with your provider You might be pleasantly surprised by what a little negotiation will land you. When you're at the end of your contract, give your provider a call and see what they can offer. Call centre agents will often offer better deals than what you'll see on the website, especially if you mention packages from other providers that have caught your eye. If you've been a customer for a few years, mentioning your loyalty can help, too. Be sure to go into the conversation with some competitor research under your belt, plus a clear understanding of what you need from your new plan, and you'll stand a good chance of getting a solid discount. According to Ofcom, there are three steps to a better deal: Check your account and see if you are out of contract Use a price comparison site to find the best deal in the market Contact your provider to see if they will match it They estimated that in 2022, more than 20 million customers were out of their initial contract period, and many of these were paying a lot more for their services than they needed to. They tightened up the rules for broadband, phone and pay-TV contracts from February 2020, meaning your provider must now tell you when your contract is coming to an end – and they must also tell you about their best available deals. If you're already out of contract, you must be reminded you're out of contract, and told every year about your firm's best deals. But you don't have to wait to hear from them. By shopping around and speaking to your provider you could save a huge amount - and it all starts with one simple text.
North Wales Chronicle
22-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
How to get the best UK mobile phone deals for your budget
When an upgrade becomes available, it's tempting to make a beeline for the latest handsets and the biggest data plans, but in both instances there's a good chance your bill will end up higher than it needs to be. It's often worth looking at how you can pare back your phone bill costs and still get the handset you want, without compromising on what you really need. First up, take a look at your historical usage from your current plan. Aside from the phone itself, the big-ticket item is data – how much are you using each month? 'Before starting your search, figure out what you need,' says Andy Aitken, CEO and co-founder of Honest Mobile. 'If you only use 4GB of data every month, there's no point paying an extra £10 per month for 20GB – no matter how good a deal it is. 'You can find your data consumption on previous mobile bills. Start there, and then look for a deal that matches what you need.' Is a powerful camera important to you? Do you live in an area with good 5G coverage? Do you regularly play demanding games and need a processor that can handle them? If you don't need particular features, don't prioritise them with your new phone. Even if you do want them, there's a good chance the budget version of a flagship device, or a slightly older model, will do everything you need at a fraction of the cost. If you have your heart set on a specific phone, it pays to shop around for it. While many of us upgrade time and again with the same network, often, the best deals on specific handsets are to be had by switching providers. It's worth checking out the best current deals, for example Vodafone currently has an Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB, with a deal saving up to £360 on your Airtime, or a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB saving up to £576 on your Airtime with a 24-month 5GB Xtra Airtime Plan. There's a Google Pixel 9a 128GB, with a saving of up to £480 on your airtime on a 36-month Phone Plan with a 24-month 5GB Airtime Plan, and a SIMO Unlimited deal, with unlimited data half price for the first six months when you buy a 24-month Unlimited max SIM only plans. Terms apply to all those deals, so check they work for you before you purchase. Recommended reading: The big-name brands, such as EE, O2, Vodafone and 3, have the biggest phone selections and claim to have the best coverage, but if you're more flexible on the handset you want, there are plenty of lesser-known names that offer more competitive prices. Check out giffgaff, iD, Tesco Mobile, Lebara, Lyca Mobile, and VOXI, for example. Many of these use the same networks as the biggest players, but their contracts tend to offer better value. Be sure to browse and compare before locking in. On his Martin Lewis Money Show Live broadcast on ITV, the consumer champion explained that 14 million people are out of contract on their mobile phone bill, and thus free to switch to a cheaper deal. SIM-only deals normally offering the best prices, as they aren't tied into paying back a contract. The easiest way to find out if you're still locked into a contract is to text this number, and it wont cost you a penny: Martin said: 'You text 'INFO' for free to 85075 to check. If you're on Three, or ID Mobile, or SMARTY, you will need to confirm this by entering your date of birth once they've messaged you. Those of you still in contract, you can't switch at the moment, you'd have to pay a termination fee. Those of you who aren't, well you're a free agent - you can go and get the cheapest deals and you can cut your cost.' Find out if you're out of contract in seconds for free… #MartinLewis Is your current phone still running okay? Even if it's showing the slowdown and finicky qualities typical of a late-contract smartphone, ask yourself whether you can live with those minor niggles. If you can, you can forgo the phone-based upgrades and just change your SIM plan to cut the costs by a fair margin. If your phone's long past its best, or if the manufacturer has stopped delivering updates for it, you still needn't splash out on a brand new device. Refurbished handsets are a brilliant option for getting a high-end phone at a bargain price, and they help to minimise environmental waste too. It's an idea that's backed by Aitken: 'I'd recommend opting for a SIM-only plan and simply keeping your current phone or getting a refurbished one. The refurbished market is growing and you can get the latest model that seems as good as new, all while doing your bit for the planet and saving money.' You might be pleasantly surprised by what a little negotiation will land you. When you're at the end of your contract, give your provider a call and see what they can offer. Call centre agents will often offer better deals than what you'll see on the website, especially if you mention packages from other providers that have caught your eye. If you've been a customer for a few years, mentioning your loyalty can help, too. Be sure to go into the conversation with some competitor research under your belt, plus a clear understanding of what you need from your new plan, and you'll stand a good chance of getting a solid discount. They estimated that in 2022, more than 20 million customers were out of their initial contract period, and many of these were paying a lot more for their services than they needed to. They tightened up the rules for broadband, phone and pay-TV contracts from February 2020, meaning your provider must now tell you when your contract is coming to an end – and they must also tell you about their best available deals. If you're already out of contract, you must be reminded you're out of contract, and told every year about your firm's best deals. But you don't have to wait to hear from them. By shopping around and speaking to your provider you could save a huge amount - and it all starts with one simple text.
