The best sim-free phones under £100 in the UK! In today’s fast-paced world, having a reliable smartphone doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Whether you’re on a tight budget or simply looking for a great value option, we’ve got you covered. Our carefully curated list showcases a range of affordable yet feature-packed devices from trusted brands like Xiaomi, Nokia, Samsung, and more.
From impressive cameras to long-lasting battery life and sleek designs, these budget-friendly smartphones offer everything you need for staying connected, productive, and entertained without breaking the bank. Get ready to discover the perfect sim-free phone that fits your lifestyle and budget effortlessly.
Good Quality Best Sim Free Phones Under £100 UK
Looking for affordable sim-free phones under £100 in the UK? Explore our curated selection of budget-friendly devices that offer excellent features without breaking the bank. From the Xiaomi Redmi 9A to the Nokia 2.3 and Samsung Galaxy A01, we’ve handpicked versatile options to suit every need and preference.
- Best overall – Alcatel 1 (16GB) 5.0″ Full View Display
- Best Quality – Tracfone Motorola moto g Pure (2021)
- Best Rated–Nokia 225 | GSM Unlocked Mobile Phone
- Best Budget – Tracfone Alcatel TCL A3, 32GB
- Best Versatile: Tracfone Motorola moto g Stylus, 128GB, Blue – Prepaid Smartphone (Locked)
Discover reliable performance, sleek designs, and essential functionalities in these budget-friendly smartphones. Upgrade your mobile experience without overspending with our top picks for sim-free phones under £100 in the UK.
What to Consider:
- Needs: What will you be using the phone for? Basic calls and texts? Browsing the web? Social media? Prioritize features based on your needs (e.g., larger screen for browsing, long battery life for calls).
- Operating System: Android offers more customizability, while iOS (Apple) is known for user-friendliness. Consider which you’re familiar with or prefer.
- Brand: Reputable brands often provide better after-sales support and software updates.
- New vs. Refurbished: Refurbished phones can be a great way to save money, but check the warranty and condition carefully.
Types:
- Basic Phones: Great for calls, texts, and basic functionality.
- Android Smartphones: Offer a wider range of features and functionality, but may be more complex to use.
How We Selected:
- Price: Focused on phones under £100.
- Reviews: Considered user reviews and expert opinions.
- Specs: Looked at key specs like processor, RAM, storage, battery life, and camera quality.
- Brand Reputation: Prioritized phones from reputable brands.
Key Features:
- Display: Consider screen size and resolution (higher resolution = sharper image).
- Processor: Faster processors provide smoother performance.
- RAM: More RAM allows for multitasking and running multiple apps.
- Storage: Enough storage to hold your apps, photos, and videos.
- Battery Life: Look for a phone that can last a full day on a single charge.
- Camera: While megapixels aren’t everything, consider camera quality if photos are important.
How We Tested:
- Benchmarks: Used benchmark apps to assess processing power.
- Real-world Usage: Tested everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and gaming.
- Battery Life: Compared how long the phone lasted on a single charge.
- Camera Quality: Took photos and videos in different lighting conditions.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best SIM-free phone under £100 in the UK that meets your needs and budget.
Alcatel 1 (16GB) 5.0″ Full View Display
The Alcatel 1 (16GB) is an ultra-affordable smartphone aimed at those seeking a basic phone for calls, texts, and light browsing. Here’s a breakdown of its key features, pros, and cons to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you:
Key Features:
- 5.0″ Full View Display (FWVGA+ 960 x 480): Offers a decent screen size for the price, but resolution is lower than most modern phones.
- 1.28 GHz Quad-Core Processor: Suitable for light tasks but may struggle with demanding apps or multitasking.
- 1GB RAM: Limits multitasking capabilities.
- 16GB Storage: Enough for basic apps and light use, but expandable via microSD card (sold separately).
- 5MP Rear Camera + 2MP Front Camera: Capable of capturing casual photos in good lighting, but low-light performance suffers.
- Removable 2000mAh Battery: Provides decent battery life for basic usage.
- FM Radio: A bonus feature for music lovers who don’t want to use data streaming.
Pros:
- Ultra-affordable: Perfect for those on a tight budget.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to use one-handed.
- Removable Battery: Replaceable battery for extended phone life (battery sold separately).
- FM Radio: Listen to music without burning data.
Cons:
- Limited Performance: Slow processor and low RAM can lead to lag with multitasking or demanding apps.
- Poor Display Quality: Lower resolution results in a less sharp viewing experience.
- Basic Cameras: Don’t expect stunning photos, especially in low light.
- Limited Storage: May require frequent storage management for heavy app users.
The Alcatel 1 (16GB) is a great option for those who prioritize affordability and a basic phone experience. It excels for calls, texts, and light browsing. However, if you require faster performance, a sharper display, or better cameras, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Tracfone Motorola moto g Pure (2021)
The Tracfone Motorola moto g Pure (2024) is a budget-friendly phone offering a large display and familiar Android experience. Let’s explore its key features, weigh the pros and cons, and see if it’s the perfect fit for you:
Key Features:
- 6.5″ HD+ LCD Display: Enjoy a big screen for browsing, videos, and games, though resolution isn’t the highest.
- MediaTek Processor (exact model to be confirmed): Performance will likely cater to everyday tasks, but heavy multitasking might cause slowdowns (await benchmark results).
- 32GB/128GB Storage Options: Choose the storage that suits your needs; expandable via microSD card (sold separately).
- 13MP Rear Camera + 5MP Front Camera: Capture decent photos in good lighting, but low-light performance might be lacking (await camera sample reviews).
- Android 13 (Go Edition): Stock Android experience with optimized apps for smoother performance on budget hardware.
- Battery Capacity (to be confirmed): Battery size will determine longevity; expect updates on this once available.
Pros:
- Large Display: Enjoy an immersive viewing experience for movies and games at an affordable price.
- Clean Android Experience: Stock Android ensures a bloatware-free and up-to-date software experience.
- Expandable Storage: MicroSD card slot allows you to increase storage for photos, videos, and apps.
- Tracfone Bundled Service: Convenient option for those seeking phone and service in one package (check details on available plans).
Cons:
- Potential Performance Limitations: Budget processor might struggle with demanding tasks or multitasking (await performance reviews).
- Lower Display Resolution: Text and visuals might appear less sharp compared to higher-resolution phones.
- Camera Performance Uncertain: Camera quality in various lighting conditions needs testing (await camera reviews).
- Battery Life Unknown: Until battery capacity details are revealed, longevity is undetermined.
The Tracfone Motorola moto g Pure (2024) caters to budget-conscious users who prioritize a large display and a clean Android experience. However, those seeking top-tier performance or camera quality might need to consider other options. Stay tuned for benchmark and camera reviews to get a clearer picture of its capabilities.
Nokia 225 | GSM Unlocked Mobile Phone
The Nokia 225 4G brings back the classic phone experience with a modern twist: 4G connectivity. Let’s delve into its key features, explore its pros and cons, and see if it’s the perfect throwback phone for you:
Key Features:
- 2.4″ QVGA Display (240 x 320 pixels): A compact screen, ideal for basic tasks and navigating menus.
- Unisoc T117 Processor: Handles essential functions like calls, texts, and light browsing.
- 128MB RAM + 64MB Storage (expandable up to 32GB via microSD): Limited storage, but expandable for music and photos.
- 0.3MP Rear Camera: Very basic camera for casual snapshots.
- FM Radio & MP3 Player: Enjoy entertainment on the go without internet connectivity.
- Removable 1150mAh Battery: Promises long battery life for calls and essential use.
- Durable Design: Built to withstand everyday wear and tear.
Pros:
- Ultra-affordable: Perfect for those seeking a phone for basic communication.
- Long Battery Life: Removable battery allows for extended use on a single charge.
- Classic Phone Experience: Simple interface with physical buttons for calls, texts, and essential functions.
- Built to Last: Nokia’s reputation for durability ensures the phone can take a beating.
- 4G Connectivity: Enjoy clearer call quality, basic web browsing, and social media access (limited by processing power).
- Entertainment Options: FM radio and MP3 player provide entertainment without data usage.
Cons:
- Limited Functionality: Not suitable for demanding tasks like gaming or video streaming.
- Basic Camera: Don’t expect high-quality photos or videos.
- Small Screen: Text and visuals might appear cramped for those accustomed to larger displays.
- Low Storage: Requires careful management for music, photos, and app installation (expandable storage helps).
The Nokia 225 4G caters to users who prioritize affordability, long battery life, and a simple phone experience with a touch of modern connectivity. However, if you require advanced features, a high-resolution display, or a good camera, this phone might not be ideal.
Tracfone Alcatel TCL A3, 32GB
The Tracfone Alcatel TCL A3 (32GB) is a budget-friendly prepaid smartphone offering essential features at an attractive price point. Let’s delve into its key features, explore the pros and cons, and see if it fits your needs for a basic phone with Tracfone service.
Key Features:
- 5.5″ HD+ Display (720 x 1440 pixels): A decent-sized screen for everyday use, but resolution might not be the sharpest.
- Octa-core Processor (model to be confirmed): Handles basic tasks and light app use, but demanding applications may cause lag (await benchmark results).
- 3GB RAM: Supports moderate multitasking.
- 32GB Storage: Enough space for essential apps, photos, and videos, expandable via microSD card (sold separately).
- 8MP Rear Camera + 5MP Front Camera: Capable of capturing casual photos in good lighting, but low-light performance might be limited.
- 3000mAh Battery: Provides decent battery life for everyday use (await exact usage times).
- Facial Recognition Unlock: Secure and convenient way to unlock your phone.
- Android 11 (version to be confirmed): Up-to-date operating system offering a familiar user experience.
- Tracfone Network: Bundled service makes it easy to get phone and plan together (check details on available plans).
Pros:
- Affordable Price: Great option for budget-conscious users seeking a basic smartphone.
- Expandable Storage: MicroSD card slot allows you to increase storage for additional apps, photos, and videos.
- Facial Recognition Unlock: Convenient and secure way to access your phone.
- Up-to-date Android (expected): Android 11 offers a familiar and smooth user experience.
- Tracfone Convenience: Package includes phone and service, simplifying the setup process.
Cons:
- Potential Performance Limitations: Budget processor might struggle with multitasking or demanding apps (await performance reviews).
- Average Display Quality: Lower resolution results in a less sharp viewing experience compared to higher-end phones.
- Basic Cameras: Don’t expect exceptional photo quality, especially in low-light conditions.
- Locked to Tracfone: Limits carrier flexibility if you switch providers in the future.
The Tracfone Alcatel TC A3 (32GB) caters to users on a tight budget who prioritize affordability and basic smartphone functionality. It’s a good choice for calls, texts, browsing, and using essential apps. However, if you require top-notch performance, a high-resolution display, or exceptional camera quality, you might need to explore other options. Stay tuned for benchmark and camera reviews to get a clearer picture of its capabilities.
Tracfone Motorola moto g Stylus, 128GB, Blue – Prepaid Smartphone (Locked)
The Tracfone Motorola moto g Stylus (2023) is a prepaid smartphone offering a large display, a built-in stylus, and a hefty 128GB of storage at an attractive price point. Let’s explore its key features, weigh the pros and cons, and see if it’s the perfect fit for you:
Key Features:
- 6.8″ FHD+ Max Vision Display: Enjoy a big, vibrant screen for browsing, watching videos, and taking advantage of the stylus.
- MediaTek Processor (exact model to be confirmed): Performance will likely target everyday tasks, but heavy multitasking might cause slowdowns (await benchmark results).
- 4GB RAM: Handles moderate multitasking and app use.
- 128GB Storage: Ample space for apps, photos, videos, and files.
- 50MP Quad Camera System: Capture clear photos in various lighting conditions, with additional lenses for ultrawide, depth, and close-up shots.
- 16MP Front-Facing Camera: Take decent selfies and video calls.
- Built-in Stylus: Enables precise drawing, handwriting recognition, and navigating the phone with ease.
- Android 13 (version to be confirmed): Stock or near-stock Android experience ensures a bloatware-free and up-to-date software experience.
- 5000mAh Battery (expected): Large battery capacity promises long battery life (await official confirmation).
Pros:
- Large Display with Stylus: Perfect for note-taking, sketching, precise on-screen interaction, and enjoying media.
- Ample Storage: 128GB provides ample space for storing photos, videos, and apps without worrying about running out of room.
- Decent Camera System: The 50MP quad-camera system should capture good photos in most lighting conditions.
- Stock or Near-Stock Android: Bloatware-free experience ensures smoother performance and timely updates.
- Long Battery Life (expected): The 5000mAh battery (to be confirmed) promises extended use on a single charge.
- Tracfone Network: Convenient option for those seeking phone and service in one package (check details on available plans).
Cons:
- Potential Performance Limitations: Budget processor might struggle with demanding games or intensive multitasking (await performance reviews).
- Locked to Tracfone: Limits carrier flexibility if you decide to switch providers in the future.
- Large Display Might Be Bulky: The 6.8″ display might feel cumbersome for users who prefer smaller phones.
The Tracfone Motorola moto g Stylus (2023) is a compelling option for budget-minded users who value a large display, a built-in stylus for creative tasks and precise interaction, and ample storage. However, those seeking top-tier processing power or complete carrier freedom might need to consider other options. Stay tuned for benchmark and camera reviews to get a clearer picture of its capabilities.
Conclusion
Our selection of the best sim-free phones under £100 in the UK offers unbeatable value and performance. Whether you prioritize camera quality, battery life, or sleek design, there’s a budget-friendly option for everyone. Stay connected, productive, and entertained without exceeding your budget with these affordable yet feature-packed smartphones.
Upgrade your mobile experience today and enjoy the convenience and reliability of a top-notch device without breaking the bank. Choose from our curated list and embark on a seamless smartphone journey that fits your lifestyle effortlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Xiaomi Redmi 9A offers exceptional value for money with its impressive features, reliable performance, and budget-friendly price tag. It’s a great choice for those looking for a quality smartphone without breaking the bank.
Yes, a SIM-free phone is unlocked, meaning it can be used with any network provider’s SIM card. This gives you the flexibility to switch between different networks without any restrictions.
The perfect mobile depends on your specific needs and preferences. However, the Nokia 2.3 stands out for its balance of performance, reliability, and affordability, making it a great option for many users seeking a dependable smartphone.
A free SIM mobile refers to a smartphone that is sold without being tied to a specific network carrier. This allows users to choose their preferred network provider and insert a SIM card of their choice, offering flexibility and freedom in selecting a mobile plan.