Smarty SIM only deals Updated: 2024-12-05 10:14:54
Smarty is a SIM only network that offers straightforward plans that aim to be fair, transparent and smart.
Smarty is a SIM only network that offers straightforward plans that aim to be fair, transparent and smart.
- 5G ready SIMs
- 1 month contract
- No speed caps
All you need to know about Smarty Mobile
Smarty was launched in August 2017 as a no frills SIM only provider. Owned by Three and operating on their network, Smarty offers simple and affordable plans without long contracts.
Let's take a look in more detail at what Smarty Mobile has to offer.
Smarty plans
Smarty has two types of SIM plans. Both have unlimited minutes and texts and are on rolling 30 day contracts.
All The Data You Need For Less
These SIMs are designed for more data heavy users. The allowances are 30Gb, 50Gb and unlimited.
Data Discount plans
Smarty's data discount plans are great for lighter users. £5 is the base monthly rate, this covers Smarty's expenses and the unlimited minutes and texts. The rest of the cost is for data at a rate of £1 per Gb. So for example, the 2Gb plan costs £5 + £2 = £7.
The plans currently come in either 1Gb, 2Gb or 3Gb.
The main selling point of these plans is that at the end of the month, any data you've not used Smarty will buy back from you and discount your next month. Most providers just roll over unused data into the next month, but if you're consistently under using your data it's probably because you didn't need so much in the first place. So what's the point in accumulating more?
Family plans
With Smarty's group plans you can save 10% on every SIM, up to a maximum of 8 SIMs. Invite both family or friends to the group. Each group member has their own plan, with no contract.
Things to note though are the group owner can see every member's usage, including call history, they can also remove members and cancel their plan at anytime. Group members are also unable to buy any data add ons or change their plan, only the owner can do that.
Data Only SIMS
Smarty has a range of data only plans available on 1 month contracts, perfect for tablets, dongles and mobile broadband.
Choose between 2GB, 15GB, 40GB, 100GB or Unlimited Data Only SIMs. All are perfect as a tablet Data Only SIM.
Why choose Smarty Mobile?
Money back for unused data
If you are on one of the data discount plans, then Smarty will buy back your unused data and give you the money of your next month. This is something unique to Smarty and a great way to only pay for the data you use. This is restricted to the data discount plans though, so be sure to check if the plan you're signing up to qualifies.
Unlimited minutes and texts
It's pretty common now for providers to give unlimited minutes and text as standard. Although it's nothing special, it does help to keep things simple when deciding on the best plan for you.
Flexible
Smarty's flexible 30 day contracts are a great way to make sure you're always on the right plan. If your needs change, your plan can change with you.
No credit check
As their plans don't have long contracts, there is no need for a credit check.
Coverage
Smarty's owned by Three and so piggybacks onto their network. The network covers 98.6% of the population (indoor) and 99.5% (outdoor).
Superfast 5G
You can now enjoy superfast 5G speeds at no extra cost. Perfect for streaming films on the go and enjoying super-smooth video calling with all your favourite people.
All Smarty’s SIMs are 5G Ready, so as long as you’re in an area with 5G coverage and you have a 5G enabled phone, you can connect to the 5G network.
Refer a friend
Refer a friend and you’ll both get a free month.
Speed
Smarty's plans don't have any speed restrictions. They use Three's network which averages at 22.55Mb.
Data add ons
If you run out of data during the month you can buy more at the price of £1 per Gb of data. An extra bonus is that add ons don’t expire as long as you have a live plan.
Tethering
You are free to tether with Smarty (assuming your device supports this). Tethering is turning your phone into a personal hotspot so that you can use your mobile data allowance to get online with other devices like a laptop or tablet.
This can really chew through your data though so make sure to keep your eye on your allowance.
Roaming with Smarty Mobile?
With Smarty you can continue to use your allowance in European destinations to make calls and send texts to the UK and you can use up to 12GB of data to get online.
If travelling outside the EU, then you can buy an 'Out of plan' add on then pay as you go. Anything you don't use can be put towards money off your next month.
Visit Smarty Mobile to view the full list of countries included.
What's bad about Smarty Mobile?
No WiFi hotspots
Smarty doesn't give you access to any WiFi hotspots. This might not be an issue for you, especially given a lot of business have free WiFi you can use anyway, such as in cafes etc.
Very little in the way of extra perks
Smarty is a no frills provider so their perks are few. You won't find the little extras such as free social media data, or discounted event tickets like you get with the bigger providers.
No handsets
Smarty are a SIM only provider so there is no option to purchase a handset from them. This may change in the future but for now, if you need a handset plan then Smarty isn't for you.
Data discount plans have max 3Gb data
If you want to sign up to the data discount plans, the only plans that pay you back for any unused data, then the maximum data allowance is 3Gb. If you need more data you will have to buy an add on.
Customer service is online only
To keep costs low, customer service is reduced to online only. There is no phone number you can call and get help right away.
Frequently asked questions
Which network does Smarty Mobile use?
Smarty is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), which means it doesn’t have its own network and instead uses someone else’s. Smarty is owned by Three, so it will come as no surprise that it uses Three’s network. The Three network covers 99% of the UK population, as well as having the UK's fastest 5G network.
Does Smarty Mobile support WiFi calling?
Yes, they do! Smarty announced in November 2020 that they would be adding WiFi Calling to all plans. So, you’ll be able to use WiFi to make calls and send texts.
Can I get a handset from Smarty?
No, Smarty are a SIM only provider. There is no option to purchase a handset from them.
Can I get unlimited data from Smarty?
Yes, you sure can! Smarty offer a SIM only plan that has unlimited data, minutes and texts!
Does Smarty run credit checks?
No, Smarty doesn’t run credit checks. You pay in advance so there is no need for a credit check and there are no surprises at the end of the month.
How do I switch to Smarty SIM only?
Switching to Smarty SIM only couldn't be easier. Once you have found the deal you want, simply click the ‘View Deal’ button. This will take you to Smarty’s website, who will guide you through the rest of the process. Or you can click the link below to go direct to the Smarty website.
