Saving money by decoupling

Why Buying Your Phone and Plan Separately Saves You Money

New smartphones packed with the latest technology are released all the time — and Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 is no exception. But just because the phone may cost a lot, your mobile plan doesn’t need to. In Denmark, buying your phone and your SIM-only plan separately can often save you hundreds of kroner in the long run.

The True Cost of Bundled Contracts

Carrier contracts usually spread the price of a new phone over 24 or 36 months. While the monthly payments seem manageable, you often end up paying more than the phone’s retail price—sometimes much more. On top of that, you’re locked into a plan that may not be the best fit for your usage.

The Benefits of Buying Separately

Lower overall costs: Buying a phone outright means you avoid hidden interest or markups built into monthly payments.

Freedom to choose: You can shop around for the best SIM-only plan—often far cheaper than bundled contracts.

Flexibility to switch: If a better deal comes along, you’re not tied down. With an unlocked phone, you can change providers whenever you like.

No surprises at the end: Once you’ve paid for the phone, it’s yours. Your monthly bill only covers the airtime you actually use.

Let’s do some sums

Let’s say a new smartphone costs £1000. On a carrier contract, you might pay £26 a month for the phone but you’ll be committed to pay for the phone over three years. There will also be an upfront cost for the handset, let’s say £40. When you add in the cost of airtime for £32, with a two year commitment, your total cost will be just under £1800 (£1784) for the upfront cost of the phone, the three year contract for the device, plus a two year contract for the airtime.

If you bought the same phone upfront for £1000 and paired it with a Lyca Mobile SIM-only plan at £24 per month, your two-year cost would be £1,576—a savings of just over £200.

The Bottom Line

While bundled phone contracts seem convenient, they often cost more in the long run. By buying your device outright and pairing it with a Lyca Mobile SIM-only or prepaid plan, you’ll likely save money and enjoy the freedom to choose the plan that fits your lifestyle best.

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