Vodafone UK has kicked off a new price plan which allows customers to get a new phone every 12 months, with a 2GB monthly data allowance and unlimited calls and texts. Vodafone Red is the carrier's latest effort to stand out in an increasingly competitive market, flanked by the 4G-toting EE and the unlimited data-offering Three.
But there's a catch -- Vodafone Red Hot customers won't actually own their handsets, they'll lease their phones from the carrier, and pay a hefty fee if they're returned in a damaged or "modified" state when the contract comes up for renewal.
Right now Red Hot is limited to the iPhone 5 and Samsung's Galaxy S3 and Note 2. Pricing breaks down as follows for a 12-month contract --
- Samsung GALAXY S3 16GB - £47 per month
- Samsung GALAXY S3 32GB - £52 per month, £29 up-front fee
- Samsung GALAXY Note 2 - £52 per month
So the main benefit here is you're not paying anywhere near as high an up-front cost to get your hands on these devices. Nevertheless, we'd be a little wary of any contract that says we're just keeping our phone warm for the carrier, rather than legally owning it.
More: Vodafone UK
