The popularity of SIM-onlys in the Netherlands has risen sharply in recent years. In this article, we’ll show you what to look out for if you’re considering a sim-only iPhone.
More and more popular
Recent figures show that the number of users with a SIM-only subscription has increased enormously in our country in recent years. The main reasons for this are that people use their device longer and more often opt for a second-hand or refurbished iPhone. Half of the Dutch say that they only replace their smartphone when it is broken. Given the average lifespan of an iPhone – 6 to 7 years – that is not surprising. If the device has been purchased in combination with a subscription, a cheap follow-up subscription will be considered afterwards.
The Dutch seem more price conscious, focused on sustainability and at the same time more aware of the advantages of a SIM only. No device is included in the monthly price, so you get more data, text messages and call minutes for less money. If you need a small bundle, you can often be ready for less than ten euros a month.
Another advantage of SIM only is that you often take out a one-year subscription, after which you can ‘shop’ again for lower prices. Various providers even offer the option to cancel a new subscription monthly. That way, you’re never stuck with a subscription for long if you’ve found a better deal elsewhere. SIM-onlys that can be canceled monthly are slightly more expensive, but very attractive if you only need a temporary subscription.
Separate iPhone with sim only
If you want a smaller SIM only subscription or if you have a subscription that has not yet expired, it may be smart to buy a separate iPhone. You can go for a new one, although refurbished is also becoming increasingly popular. A refurbished iPhone has been used, but inspected, cleaned and, where necessary, fitted with new parts. In many cases you buy a virtually new device with a 1 or 2 year warranty. Because the conditions and prices differ from different providers, it is good to do some research before making a purchase. On this page we give various tips for purchasing a refurbished iPhone.
If you opt for a refurbished iPhone, you save an average of 15 percent compared to the new price. If you want to save even more, you can look for a second-hand iPhone on auction sites such as Marktplaats and eBay. They are cheaper, although they often no longer have a guarantee. It is therefore good to check the iPhone from head to toe before purchasing and make sure everything is working properly. Ask for the original packaging, accessories and purchase receipt; it is often a good sign if all are present. You can find more tips here.
Compare SIM only iPhone plans
Have you made your choice and you want to go for a sim only, then you can easily compare all sim only subscriptions in our comparator. Select the number of MBs, text messages and calling minutes and choose the cheapest plan that suits you. In addition, you can indicate what your budget is, so that you do not receive offers that are too expensive.
If you do not know exactly how many data, minutes and text messages fit your use, then use the Selection Help. By answering a number of simple questions, you will immediately gain insight into what you need.
9 tips for a new SIM only iPhone subscription
Before you take out a SIM only, it is important to keep a number of things in mind. Below we have listed the most important tips.
- Virtual providers such as Tele2 and Simyo are often cheaper than the operators of their network (KPN, T-Mobile or Vodafone). Because they have less brand awareness, they stunt with prizes to get noticed;
- Virtual providers often offer a slightly lower internet speed or 4G is not standard. In that case, you pay a few euros extra every month to use it. Check this before taking out a subscription;
- Because a provider wants to keep you longer, a two-year subscription is often cheaper than a one-year sim-only iPhone subscription, but it does not make much difference;
- At Ben, Robin Mobile, Simyo and Tele2 you can cancel your sim only subscription per month. Youfone also offers this option; useful if you need a temporary subscription. Subscriptions that can be canceled monthly are often 1 or 2 euros more expensive;
- Before taking out your subscription, check which SIM card your iPhone supports. The iPhone 4S and 4 use micro-sim and from the iPhone 5 (S) you need the smaller nano-sim;
- You can usually take your current number with you under the heading ‘number retention’. You must explicitly indicate this when taking out a new SIM only, after which your new provider will take care of it for you;
- Many discounts are for a few months or the duration of your subscription. Pay close attention to this and always calculate how much money you will spend over the entire term of the subscription;
- Usually providers charge per minute. So always assume a slightly broader bundle: for example 175 minutes if you call an average of 150 minutes per month;
- Always check the conditions: Some providers allow you to pay for your MBs after transferring your bundle; others only reduce the speed.
→ For more tips and personal advice, visit our sister site OnlySim.nl