Pay in full or on a monthly plan: how the two options compare

On a NexCell phone page you can pay for the phone in full today, or spread the cost over 12 or 24 months with a plan from O2, Three, Sky Mobile or Vodafone. Neither is right for everyone, so here is how they differ.

Paying in full

You pay once and the phone is yours. In return you get 40% off the list price and a free accessory pack, such as a case and a charger. Watches and earbuds have their own discount, shown on each product page. This is the cheapest way to buy, and there is no credit check and no contract on the phone.

A monthly plan

You spread the cost over 12 or 24 months. Phone repayments over time are interest-free credit, agreed with the network and subject to status and a credit check. NexCell does not provide the credit. The monthly figure includes the airtime plan, so check the allowance and the price before you commit.

You can mix the two

Paying for the phone in full does not stop you adding a SIM plan. The plan is a separate agreement with the network, so you can still choose the airtime that suits you.

Things to check before you decide

• The network's own documents. They are the legally binding version, and we link to them from the phone page and the network policies page.
• Price rises. Networks can change plan prices, including annual increases in April, so read the price guide for the plan you pick.
• How long you will keep the phone. If you tend to change phones every year, a 12 month term fits better than 24.

If you are unsure, message us and we will talk it through with you.