What is a SIM Free Phone?
Not keen on being tied into a contract or stuck with one network? That’s exactly what a SIM free phone lets you avoid. Here’s everything you need to know.
What does a SIM free phone mean?
A SIM free phone is a handset sold on its own, with no SIM card included. It can also be used with any network.
As there’s no contract attached, SIM free phones are usually unlocked too, so that you can insert a SIM from any network straight away.
As there’s no contract attached, SIM free phones are usually unlocked too, so that you can insert a SIM from any network straight away.
Is a SIM free phone the same as unlocked?
Although the two are closely linked, SIM free means the phone came without a SIM card in the box. Unlocked means the phone isn’t tied to a specific network, so it’ll work with any compatible SIM.
In practice, almost every SIM free phone you buy will also be unlocked. However, SIM free is about what’s in the box, while unlocked is about what the phone can do.
In practice, almost every SIM free phone you buy will also be unlocked. However, SIM free is about what’s in the box, while unlocked is about what the phone can do.
SIM free vs SIM only vs pay monthly: what’s the difference?
The difference between SIM free, SIM only and pay monthly comes down to what you’re paying for. Here’s the difference:
● SIM free means you buy the phone outright and sort your own SIM separately.
● SIM only means you’ve already got a phone and need calls, text or data, usually on a rolling monthly deal with no long contract.
● Pay monthly bundles the phone and the mobile plan together into one bill, but ties you in for a set period, usually 12 to 24 months.
● SIM free means you buy the phone outright and sort your own SIM separately.
● SIM only means you’ve already got a phone and need calls, text or data, usually on a rolling monthly deal with no long contract.
● Pay monthly bundles the phone and the mobile plan together into one bill, but ties you in for a set period, usually 12 to 24 months.
Why would you buy a SIM free phone?
The main reason is flexibility. You’re not tied to one network, one contract or one fixed plan. Here’s what you get with a SIM free phone:
● No contract: switch SIM only deals whenever a cheaper one comes along
● Any network: pick whoever has the best coverage or price where you live
● Travel friendly: use a local SIM abroad or use Sky Mobile’s Roaming Passport Plus in 120 destinations for just £2 a day
● No mid-contract price spikes: you’re not stuck with annual increases within a long contract
● SIM free phones may suit you if you keep phones for a while, travel often or don’t want to be locked into a contract.
● No contract: switch SIM only deals whenever a cheaper one comes along
● Any network: pick whoever has the best coverage or price where you live
● Travel friendly: use a local SIM abroad or use Sky Mobile’s Roaming Passport Plus in 120 destinations for just £2 a day
● No mid-contract price spikes: you’re not stuck with annual increases within a long contract
● SIM free phones may suit you if you keep phones for a while, travel often or don’t want to be locked into a contract.
Do SIM free phones support eSIM?
Yes, most SIM free phones now support eSIM. Using an eSIM means you no longer need a physical SIM card, and it can be activated digitally. It lets you transfer your SIM from a previous device, allowing you to set up quickly.
You’re still free to switch networks and plans whenever you like, just without a physical SIM card.
You’re still free to switch networks and plans whenever you like, just without a physical SIM card.
Explore SIM free phones with Sky Mobile
SIM free phones are available to buy directly from Sky Mobile. All you need to do is add your SIM only deal, and you’re set.
Browse our SIM free phones and find the right one for you.
Browse our SIM free phones and find the right one for you.