Cheapest Apple iPhone 4S 16GB Contract Deals

Apple iPhone 4S 16GB contract: The lowdown

Here in the UK, much like many other smartphone markets around the globe, the Apple iPhone 4S is much in demand, despite the fact that prices remain quite high. 

If you want to buy one of these super sophisticated mobile phones then the 16GB model might turn out to be a cheap bet if you’re happy with slightly less storage.

One of the main reasons many people opt to buy themselves an iPhone 4S is that it has become something of a style icon. There’s no doubt that it oozes class and feels well-built too. 

However, when it comes to specification and performance, an iPhone 4S 16GB option gives you everything you need to enjoy the best from a modern touch screen phone.

Admittedly, to get the best from this handset, you’ll really want to plump for a contract, rather than a pay as you go or SIM-free deal. This is simply because you’ll want to enjoy the best and most flexible or unlimited internet plans that are available in order to really milk the most potential from its powerful charms.

But what’s so great about the latest iPhone 4S compared to other smartphones and indeed earlier incarnations of the Apple handset itself? Well, there’s a fast dual-core A5 processor, the iOS5-compatible operating system and a delicious user interface; all of which gets displayed via an excellent resolution screen. The iPhone feels robust too, which is a positive trait that most Apple products tend to boast (and that’s reflected in those high prices).

With a more potent processing capacity and more efficient delivery of graphics, the iPhone 4S also boasts an eight-megapixel iSight camera with revamped optics and the capacity for shooting 1080p HD video. All of this is a welcome addition for photo fans, supported by a beefier aperture ratio of f/2.4, a backside illuminated sensor, white balance controls, face detection and reduced motion blur to ensure better shots.

Getting Siri-ous

And although the design of the phone is much the same as the earlier version, it’s the likes of Siri, the voice recognition service from Apple that has really captured the imagination of new owners. Billed as an ‘intelligent assistant’, you can call upon Siri to act as your very own personal secretary. Enlist it to issue reminders, make phone calls or simply ask it a question and you’ll find that it gets things right on most counts.

Adding further appeal via the boosted inner workings of this handset is the improved aerial that beefs up connectivity for owners, but it’s perhaps the overall usability of the iPhone that wins many over. The gorgeous 3.5-inch Retina screen always gets admiring glances thanks to it’s crystal clear 960x640-pixel resolution, but it’s the way you can carry out a variety of daily smartphone chores with quick and efficient screen taps that impresses most.

Then, of course, you also have access to thousands of apps, which means that you can carry out everything from social networking chores using the likes of Facebook and Twitter through to watching video clips on YouTube. Being able to personalise what is already a hugely potent and cutting-edge gadget means that no two iPhone handsets are the same. And, if you want yours to look a little different, then it’s also possible to customise the exterior with a huge number of protective cases too.

Add to that the beefy battery, which gives you the confidence of having a talk-time of up to 8 hours and internet access of around 6 hours using 3G. Plus, there are pocket-friendly dimensions of 115.2x58.6x9.3mm and a reassuring weight of 140-grams, making the picture complete. Although the iPhone also comes in 32 and 64GB flavours, it’s likely that the 16GB model will prove cheapest of the options when you buy online.

Some less enthusiast fans of Apple will, alongside those high prices, also cite the somewhat clunky contacts listings on-board as a frustration. Meanwhile, a lack of Flash integration could also be seen as a negative factor too, although the iPhone actually makes for an entertainments powerhouse allowing you to keep movies, music and games all in one place. Overall then, it’s a hard act to follow.

Apple iPhone 4S contract deals

Some of the best offers for the ever-popular Apple handset come in the shape of iPhone 4S contracts, of which there are numerous deals that you can pin down if you’re prepared to do a little bit of comparison before you buy. Admittedly, it doesn’t matter which deal you compare, going for an iPhone 4S contract will never be the cheapest way to own a smartphone.

That’s basically because all Apple products tend to attract a premium price tag, so irrespective of the great reviews these mobile phones get from all and sundry, an iPhone 4S on contract is still going to carry a larger monthly charge than one of the many other 3G phones that are on the market presently.

However, the good news is that mobile phone providers, including the likes of 3 Mobile, Vodafone, T-Mobile, O2 and Orange frequently offer a range of iPhone 4S pay monthly options that might enable you to bag the handset of your choice. At the very least you’ll get something very close to what you’re after.

When you compare touch screen phones then use the comparison tables to hone your search, taking into account the major factors. This should focus on the number of minutes included, the amount of data you are permitted to use along with taking note of any fair usage policy the provider may have, and also the phone cost. If it’s a contract deal than you may find that it’s billed as free, although this is naturally factored into the cost of the contract itself.

Checking monthly costs

In that respect, you’ll also want to check the monthly cost of the tariff you’ll be signed up for throughout the duration of the contract; while the duration can vary, contract deals are usually 24 months, so you’ll have this phone for a few years before you can upgrade. One very handy pointer to how much you’ll realistically be paying after looking at all these factors is to pay close attention to the ‘Effective cost’ column of the iPhone 4S 16GB comparison tables.

Of course, if you’re going down the route of an iPhone 4S contract deal, of which there are numerous variations on the theme, you’ll definitely want to explore what sort of data allowance is included as part of the package. After all, modern smartphones such as the Apple device rely on constant data usage in order to function as efficiently as they’re supposed to (and to get the most downloads out of iTunes!).

That’s generally the best thing about the iPhone 4S contract offers that are up for comparison, because they usually have more generous allowances than PAYG, along with plenty of different payment options. If you’re the sort of person who thinks you’ll get a lot of use out of the Apple iPhone, then look to buy a contract deal that will allow you to enjoy its many features, without being penalised for staying connected. An unlimited or ‘all you can eat’ package might be ideal, for example.

It’s also a good idea to see what else might be thrown in as part of the package, because mobile networks often hand out extra incentives, such as free gifts, extra airtime and download allowances or run special offers on discounted handsets for limited periods. By spending time on your comparison you’ll be able to get a clearer picture of who is offering the best option for your needs, which can even come down to whether or not your shiny new iPhone comes in white or black.

Once you’ve carried out a comparison of the different deals and offers, as well as seeing what others think of their shiny new gadget via the plentiful supply of consumer reviews here in the UK, you’ll be all set to buy. And that’s the easiest part of all, because by clicking on the ‘Go’ link shown on the comparison page you’ll be instantly taken to the option that you like the look of best.