UK users would you get from EE or Samsung direct?

[aldo82]

I'm wondering whether to upgrade my contract with EE to get the Note 8 or whether to buy direct from Samsung. The main advantage from EE is that VoLTE is included without having to mess with firmwares etc. The main advantage with sim free is updates should come as quick as possible and may be able to get on beta programmes for Oreo etc. What approach would you take?

 

[thegame161]

Looks far cheaper on the samsung upgrade program if you decided to go that way

 

[evohicks]

I'm wondering whether to upgrade my contract with EE to get the Note 8 or whether to buy direct from Samsung. The main advantage from EE is that VoLTE is included without having to mess with firmwares etc. The main advantage with sim free is updates should come as quick as possible and may be able to get on beta programmes for Oreo etc. What approach would you take?

I have WiFi calling option on my UK unlocked Note 8 (not tried it yet so I can't comment) direct from Samsung on the upgrade program. It's a 24 month contract, around £80 deposit and around £32 ish per month.
I have a BT SIM which costs me £5 per month so im paying around £37 -£38 per month.
Try getting a contract with EE anywhere near that, or any other network for that matter, even a SIM for £10 per month comes in far cheaper than street prices.
Also you get the option of an upgrade every year with Samsung Upgrade program.

Edit, one or two guys have successfully flashed the EE software to their Note 8's for Volte, so that is also an option if you would want to go that route.