Buying a mobile: Online or In-store?

[Kompany is King]

My Vodafone contract is coming to an end in next few weeks.

Thinking of upgrading my HTC Wildfire and like the look of Samsung S2 and Samsung S3, depending on price or possibly an iPhone.

Any thoughts on where I can get best deal, on-line or in-store?
Had a quick look on-line. Anybody got any comments on service provided by
Buy Mobile Phones.net <a class="postlink" href="http://www.buymobilephones.net/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.buymobilephones.net/</a>
Phones 4 U <a class="postlink" href="http://www.phones4u.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.phones4u.co.uk/</a>
Mobile Phones Direct <a class="postlink" href="http://www.mobilephonesdirect.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.mobilephonesdirect.co.uk</a>

Is there much difference between the various networks for reliability and coverage?

Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[cheddar404]

Tell Vodafone you're thinking of leaving and see what they offer you. If it's not what you want, shop round for a deal and go back to Vodafone to cancel and they might match it.

 

[waspish]

Go on the 3 site they have some of the best deals around and reliable in my experience....

 

[Kompany is King]

Thanks for the info. Contract expires soon so will do.

Is 3 coverage as good as Vodafone?

 

[Belly]

In store every time! I like to hold them in my hand see what the build quality is like, see how the operating system works, nothing worse than being lumbared with a nasty plastic cheap phone with a laggy operating system for 24 months.

 

[Kompany is King]

Fair point.

Prefer to hold and feel the phone myself too.

Of course just because you go in the store it doesn't mean you have to buy.

 

[waspish]

Thanks for the info. Contract expires soon so will do.

Is 3 coverage as good as Vodafone?

Been fine for me

 

[TimmyP]

The one plan on 3 has been immense for me. No worries about data use, tethering allowed and more than enough minutes and texts. Highly recommended.