Looking for an Android phone. Buy outright or contract? Reputable brand. UK.. Bring me back!!

[Costa_P]

Hi! I am coming back to Android soon as I have been with my Iphone 6 for the past 3 years! (2 Years on contract, the last year on sim-only).
But its time I come back to the light. I left to head to the darkness (although it was quite pleasant with iOS) as had a had experience with an LGG4C, so I left for the mountains of Mount Doom, but now I head back to Lothlorien (Android haha!)

Budget: £250-£370? I start my new job soon so will have a better understanding of my budget. But I think the price I have listed is ok for a mid(ish)-range phone? Whether I use a contract or buy outright I am not sure?

Carrier: I am currently on o2. I can move if the deal/price is right!

Country: United Kingdom. Maybe buying on Amazon? Ebay? Aliexpress/Cex?

Current phone: Iphone 6.

Max screen size: Between 5.2 and 6.1 inches (maybe a bit smaller?) I dont suit those fat big, bulky phones. A nice size to enjoy watching movies/streaming movies on.

Main features I need: Mainly for watching movies/using the streaming movies app. Thats why I want an upgrade on my Iphone 6 screen size, but I dont want something huge where it looks too big. A good screen size to enjoy movies/videos on. Thats a main reason for moving to Android; creativity and sideload movie apps / better storage.

EDIT: I have an 8 inch Huawei tablet, so I guess that can be my main movie watching device. I just thought its nice to have a nice sized device on you at all times that you can use to watch (the phone in this case).

I would also prefer a good/reputable brand. I have had a look at the Huawei p20 lite/mate, Honor 10, Poco (but that seems a bit too big), Samsung S8, Honor 10, a few Xiaomi's. Something thats come out in the past year?

I hear its better to go on contracts for more pricey phones, and mid range phones to buy outright? Not sure on your thoughts for this?

Please no Oneplus 6's or Pocophones lol, and the Nokia 7 Androidone grouped phones neither!
The formers I believe are too big, and the latter...well I just dont want a phone in a special category, seeing as I made a mistake with the LGG4C.

Thank you!

EDIT 2: I am now looking st the OnePlus 6 phones. Even thought quite big, I think it’s nice. Budget has increased a bit haha. But any mid range recommendations still welcome!

 

[Rukbat]

I hear its better to go on contracts for more pricey phones, and mid range phones to buy outright? Not sure on your thoughts for this?

Not better, cheaper every month. If you can afford £250, you can afford £25/month for an £800 phone.

Please no Oneplus 6's

Why not? The 6T looks pretty nice, and right for movies.

But as for choice, do the carriers there do what they do on this side of the pond - have live working phones you can play with? If so, "try a few on" and see what you like.

Amazon? Only new, not refurb (which, from the ones I've returned, are refurbished boxes and phones returned for manufacturing defects).

eBay? I wouldn't buy a phone on eBay. Maybe a £5 watch.

Ali Distress? Not with my money.

 

[Costa_P]

Not better, cheaper every month. If you can afford £250, you can afford £25/month for an £800 phone.

Well Carphone warehouse have bad deals. Just quickly looked up a Huaweo p20 pro and best I can find is 15GB, unlimited,unlimited for £34p/m, £99 upfront and 24 months. Dont know if its good or bad. I need to do the maths with finding a phone and comparing contract price to buy outright. Although, does the contract price of a phone, always add up to the Phones total price?

Why not? The 6T looks pretty nice, and right for movies.

Oops I meant the One plus 6. Had no idea there was a T version also which isnt eve out yet. Ye it does seem good but its that size. From videos it looks big, but I need to find an o2 store that has it, as only o2 in the UK have it I believe.

But as for choice, do the carriers there do what they do on this side of the pond - have live working phones you can play with? If so, "try a few on" and see what you like.

Yes I went into the store, but i was a quick browse. Thats why I felt the S8/P20 Lite size was good. But need to go in again for a thorough test

Amazon? Only new, not refurb (which, from the ones I've returned, are refurbished boxes and phones returned for manufacturing defects).

ahh ok. Because I see the Galaxy S8 for around £370 new, but from an different seller. Some uk warehouse maybe.

 

[Costa_P]

Cmon guys...no recommendations..?

 

[itic]

Moto G6+

 

[Javier P]

Moto G6+

^^ This. Unlocked Moto G6 Plus could be my first choice for that price and specs.