Methodology

Spec-based rankings

Each “best” list scores phones on the specifications that matter for that feature, for example battery capacity and charging speed for battery life, or optical zoom, sensor size and video modes for cameras. Specs come from the manufacturer and carry a source and a date. These are spec-based rankings, not lab tests.

Fit Score

Fit Score (0 to 100) combines feature scores using weights you choose in Phone Finder, together with your budget. With no answers, it uses equal weights. The exact weights for each ranking will be published here when rankings go live.

True cost

For every phone we compare three ways to pay over 24 months: the cheapest contract, buying the phone outright plus the cheapest suitable SIM only plan, and a refurbished phone plus SIM only. Totals include upfront costs and every price rise the network has announced in pounds.

Price rises

Since January 2025, Ofcom requires networks to state mid-contract price rises in pounds and pence. We take the amounts from each network’s own price change pages and review them every month, more often in February and March when April rises are confirmed.

Coverage

Coverage figures come from Ofcom Connected Nations. They are predictions supplied by the operators, so real signal can vary indoors and in rural areas. Networks that run on another operator’s masts get that operator’s coverage.

Prices

Prices and deals come live from our comparison partner and are refreshed automatically. We record the lowest outright and contract price for each phone every day for our price tracker.

Corrections

If you spot an error, tell us through the contact page and we will check and correct it.