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The best Android phones from the UK’s MVNOs
July 31, 2025
We have covered the four major networks in the UK, but the market is also bustling with smaller retailers running on the larger infrastructure provided by the main networks. These MVNOs offer a range of SIM deals, contract options and are even selling flagship handsets these days.
So, let’s take a look at the best Android phones available from some of the UK’s minor mobile players.
#1 – Samsung Galaxy S6
Flagship smartphones aren’t just reserved for the big carriers these days, Samsung’s cutting edge Galaxy S6 is also available on a number of minor networks in the UK.
The Galaxy S6 features some of the finest mobile hardware around, including a 5.1-inch QHD AMOLED display, an octa-core processor, 3GB of RAM and a 16 megapixel camera. There’s also 4G LTE connectivity to make the most of the UK’s expansive 4G network.
Starting prices are roughly similar across all of the networks that we’re looking at, but Tesco Mobile is probably the best deal, as it offers the most minutes without an upfront cost. GiffGaff’s month-by-month contract is also a compelling option, if you’re able to stump up the lump sum. A comparison of the cheapest offers from each carrier can be seen below, although they all offer more expensive options with additional data and some also allow for tweaking the contract length.
#2 – Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
Despite its compact form factor, the Z3 Compact still features processing power that rivals larger flagships. The handset also comes with a 20.7 megapixel camera for crisp photos, 2GB of RAM for smooth multitasking and IP68 water and dust resistance for extra protection.
The Z3 Compact is also less expensive than many larger flagship smartphones. Virgin Mobile is by far the cheapest deal, although the call and data limits are quite restrictive. Fortunately this can be bumped up to a more competitive 2500 mins, 1GB of data and unlimited texts for £24 per month.
#3 – LG G4
If you are in the market for a larger high-end smartphone, then the 5.5-inch LG G4 is the most recently major flagship in its class.
As well as featuring LG’s latest curved QHD LCD display, a high-end Snapdragon 808 processing package and 3GB of RAM, a lot of fuss has been made about the handset’s camera. With a 16 megapixel resolution and f/1.8 aperture, the G4 boasts impressive camera capability in bright and low light conditions.
The G4’s specifications are compelling enough, but the phone is also a fair bit cheaper than its competitors. Over the course of a 24 month contract you may save hundreds of pounds over the Galaxy S6, and its PAYG price tag is also notable cheaper from some networks.
The best deal this time comes from GiffGaff, which offers a decent monthly package, the lowest overall contract cost and also has the smartphone reasonably priced if you can stump up the cash up front.
#4 – Motorola Moto E
Next in our list of best Android phones is the Moto E, an excellent low cost phone with everything you need for day to day tasks.
The phone comes with a compact 4.5-inch display, 1GB of RAM and a quad-core Snapdragon 410 SoC. There’s also a 5 megapixel camera for some basic photography, 8GB of storage with a microSD card slot and the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop OS on-board. The inclusion of 4G in the latest model also ensures that you can make the most of the faster data speeds now available in the UK.
While the specifications aren’t top of the line, the price point is very hard to beat. Contract costs start at just £10 per month with no up front costs, or you can pick your own SIM-only deal by buying the handset up front for just £100 from Tesco Mobile.
#5 – Samsung Galaxy A3
There’s a fine balance to be struck between affordable hardware and building a device that still feels and look great. This is where Samsung’s Galaxy A3 comes in, which comes with a well-designed metal-rimmed case but a price tag that won’t break the bank.
The internal hardware is quite similar to the Moto E, but Samsung has thrown in a better rear camera, an additional 512MB of RAM and double the internal memory, which makes up for the increased price.
All of our MVNOs stock the Galaxy A3, which has helped keep the price very competitive. The best deal is awarded to the Carphone Warehouse’s ID network this time, which probably offers the best balance of data, calls and price.
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