5 things you should know before you buy an iPhone XR deal

Oh 2018, you've been very kind to us mobile phone fans. The Samsung Galaxy S9 kicked things off with a bang back in March, before the Huawei P20 Pro boosted the Chinese manufacturer into the upper echelons of today's top smartphone makers. The Samsung Note 9 and iPhone XS Max pushed the limits of what a modern mobile can achieve so many Sony Xperia handsets.

And now the iPhone Xr is here to get you off the phone (yes, Google Pixel 3, we know you're not at the shelves yet – but your pre-orders started last week). And we reckon the year is ending on a high note.

That's because the iPhone XR is a lot more affordable than the pricey iPhone XS, but still has a number of noteworthy features and lush design. So like its bigger brother, the XR has that virtually bezel-less screen (bye-bye home button, hello notch) and A12 Bionic chip. While the Liquid Retina screen looks great and the camera is vastly improved over the iPhone 8 as well.

The Big Deal is not trying to play the salesperson here. In fact, we reckon we may be preaching to the converted. So assuming that you're looking to buy an iPhone XR but want to ensure that you've done your full due diligence first, then these are exactly what you need to buy.

1. The best iPhone XR deals can be found on TechRadar

We're in a pretty privileged position here at TechRadar Towers, as we've built up contacts with the UK. They're actually a lot more interesting than you might imagine! It means that when we build a guidebook like our best iPhone XR deals we believe … nay, we KNOW that we're recommending the finest offers around.

Still not happy? Fine, we'll make things even easier for you. XR price comparison, with the best call outs at the very top. Or we can just tell you our favorite three here:

– iPhone XR on O2 for £ 75 upfront and £ 49 per month with 100GB data and unlimited calls and texts from Mobiles.co.uk

– iPhone XS on EE for £ 69 upfront and £ 48 per month with 50GB data and unlimited calls and texts from Mobile Phones Direct

– iPhone XS on Vodafone for £ 400 upfront and £ 23 per month with 4GB data and unlimited minutes and texts from Mobiles.co.uk

2. Carphone Warehouse will give you a £ 40 Currys / PC World voucher – but only on TechRadar

With all these new mobile phone launches of late, Carphone Warehouse has really learned what makes buyers tick. And once again it's giving away £ 40 Currys vouchers with every XR contract it sells – but only for TechRadar customers.

To get this exclusive Carphone Warehouse promotion, you need to click on the link, fill in your email address and then pick out your favorite XR plan. Again, you will be eligible to claim via the above link. As long as you order your mobile by the end of October, that Currys / PC World voucher will land in your inbox in a few weeks time. A handy little high to go with your retail therapy.

3. Trade in your old phone

OK, so £ 40 vouchers do not it for you and you reckon you can do better than the comparison in our price comparison. Fair enough, we will not take offense (* sniff *). On the contrary, we feel the battle-hardened by your valuables determination to squeeze every last penny of value out of your iPhone XR purchase. We doth our metaphorical caps.

This is usually the place where we promote your iPhone and SIM stand alone SIM only. But on this occasion, that just does not work. Going for a contract can actually work out for you.

So what other hacks are there out there? Well did you consider what you might do with your old phone? Do you want to keep it up to date? Maga 2017 – but that's what the cloud is for (and trust us, some of those snaps are better off deleted). Retailers like the Carphone Warehouse and are offering hundreds of pounds when you send them your old phone.

And before you get excited about being able to get old, cracked Motorola under your bed, the trade-in value depends on the handset and condition.

4. Buying another phone would be much cheaper

We've already banged on the other handsets that 2018 has bestowed – it really has been a bumper batch. And it probably will not surprise you that they are much better than the iPhone XR. There's the Samsung Galaxy S9 for starters – one of the best phones ever made and almost £ 500 cheaper over the years for some of the points we've been cooing over for the XR. And then there's Huawei P20 Pro deals, which are really good considering the high quality of the handset.

And if you think we're trying to get along with non-Apple products, you could not be mistaken (if you do not mind us saying so). We'll happily guide you to the best iPhone 8 deals. In fact, you can save a packet if you go for something like the iPhone 6S – a smartphone we still really admire.

Basically, you can check out all the best XR alternatives.

5. The 'b' word is just around the corner

You did not say anything, did not you. There's a month to go until, yes …Black Friday is upon us, but it's hard to get rid of our thoughts (and, sometimes dreams). We all know that it's the season of bumper sales and discounts, but will the iPhone XR be included?

Well if last year is anything to go by, it's a "yes … but." There were iPhone 8 cuts, but they were not exactly spectacular. More like slithers from the pricing pie, rather than a heaving great slice. So if you're not desperate for it, then waiting for Black Friday could be an option. Prices are not going to go up, but just do not expect them to plummet completely. Sorry!

If you want to discuss, discuss or discuss any phone deals The Big Deal, then head over to our @TRDeals twitter feed – you'll also find the latest offers on phones, TVs, consoles, broadband and more tech.