There are no LG contract deals in South Africa, because LG no longer makes phones. LG announced in April 2021 that it was closing its mobile phone business worldwide, and the wind-down was completed later that year. LG still sells TVs, appliances and other electronics locally, but not smartphones. If you want an LG phone today, your only realistic option is a pre-owned model, such as an LG G8X, Velvet or Wing, bought for cash and used with a SIM-only plan. To compare phones that are available on contract, see Phone Contract Deals.
Latest LG Contract Deals
PLAN FACT: This page covers LG contract deals, including LG Wing, LG Velvet and LG phone contract searches. CURRENT MARKET FACT: LG closed its mobile phone business worldwide, so there are no new LG phones and no LG contracts from South African networks.
Here’s what LG’s exit means:
- No new LG phones. LG stopped developing and producing phones after closing its mobile division.
- Remaining stock has long sold through. LG said existing inventory could still be sold after the wind-down, but that was years ago, so new-in-box LG phones are now rare.
- Software support was time-limited. LG committed to service support and updates for existing phones for a period that varied by region. For most LG phones, that support has now ended.
- LG’s other products continue. LG remains active in TVs, home appliances and other electronics.
You can read LG’s own announcement on closing its mobile phone business. For brands that networks carry today, see phone contract deals by brand.
LG Contract Deals by Network
| Route | LG phone available? | Warranty | Credit check | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vodacom, MTN, Telkom or Cell C contract | No | Not applicable | Not applicable | Compare current phones the network carries |
| Pre-owned sellers and marketplaces | Sometimes | Usually none | No | IMEI, battery health, Android version, screen condition |
| Refurbished stock from independent retailers | Occasionally | Seller warranty only | No for cash | Warranty length and who does repairs |
| Cash purchase plus SIM-only plan | Yes, once you have the phone | Depends on seller | SIM-only contracts may involve a check | Unlocked status and 4G band support |
Using an LG phone with a SIM-only plan
If you still use an LG phone or buy one pre-owned, a SIM-only plan is the sensible way to connect it. You pay for data, minutes and SMS without handset repayments. Month-to-month plans work well while you decide when to replace the phone.
Network lock and band checks
Many LG phones were sold through networks and may be locked. Before buying pre-owned, confirm the phone is unlocked or locked to the network you use, and that it supports 4G on that network.
Popular Models on Contract
No LG models are on contract. These are the models South African buyers still search for.
| Model | Type | Status | Realistic route |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG Wing | Swivel-screen smartphone | Discontinued | Pre-owned only, rare |
| LG Velvet | Mid-to-premium smartphone | Discontinued | Pre-owned only |
| LG G8X ThinQ | Flagship with optional dual-screen case | Discontinued | Pre-owned only |
| LG G6 | Older flagship | Discontinued, no updates | Pre-owned only |
| LG G5 | Older modular flagship | Discontinued, no updates | Pre-owned only |
| LG G4 | Older flagship | Discontinued, no updates | Pre-owned only |
| LG X Power | Budget phone with a large battery | Discontinued, no updates | Pre-owned only |
LG Wing
The Wing, with its swivelling main screen, was one of LG’s last and most unusual phones. It’s now a collector’s item more than a practical daily phone. Replacement parts for the swivel mechanism and second screen are very hard to find.
LG Velvet and G8X
These were among LG’s final premium phones. They may still work well for everyday calls, messaging and browsing, but they no longer receive the security updates a newer phone would.
LG G4, G5, G6 and X Power
These older models were popular contract phones years ago. Today they run outdated Android versions. They’re best suited to basic use or as a spare phone. Buyers searching for LG X Power no contract deals will only find pre-owned units bought outright.
Compare Monthly Prices and Contract Terms
Since LG contracts don’t exist, compare buying a pre-owned LG with a current phone on contract.
| What to compare | Pre-owned LG (cash) | Current phone on contract |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Once-off pre-owned price | Usually low or none |
| Monthly cost | SIM-only plan or prepaid only | Device repayment plus plan |
| Term | None for the phone | Typically 24 or 36 months |
| Security updates | Ended | Ongoing, depending on brand and model |
| Warranty | Usually none | Manufacturer warranty |
| Repairs | Parts increasingly scarce | Local repair channels |
| Credit check | No | Usually yes |
What to check if you take a contract instead
Compare the monthly payment, contract term and total cost over the term, including once-off fees. Check the included data and minutes, whether prices increase annually, and when you can upgrade.
Pre-owned LG buying checklist
Pre-owned LG phones are now several years old, so condition varies widely. Before buying:
- Check the IMEI and confirm the phone isn’t reported lost or stolen.
- Test your SIM with a call, an SMS and mobile data.
- Check the battery. Older batteries lose capacity, and replacements for discontinued phones can be hard to source.
- Inspect the screen. Look for burn-in, dead pixels and touch problems, especially on the Wing’s second screen.
- Confirm account removal. The previous owner’s Google account must be removed, or the phone may lock after a reset.
- Install your key apps to check they still run on the phone’s Android version.
Repairs for LG phones
With no LG phone division, official repair channels and genuine parts are no longer widely available. Independent repair shops may help with common repairs, like screens and batteries, but parts for less common models, like the Wing, can be very difficult to find. Factor this into what you’re willing to pay for a pre-owned LG.
What to check on a SIM-only plan
Compare the monthly price, data allowance, minutes, whether it’s month-to-month or fixed term, and out-of-bundle rates.
Double Deals and Device Bundles
There are no LG phone double deals or LG phone bundles in South Africa.
LG does still sell TVs, soundbars and appliances, but these aren’t bundled with cellphone contracts. If you see a bundle advertised that includes an LG phone, confirm whether the phone is new old stock, refurbished or pre-owned, and who provides the warranty.
If you need two phones on one account, compare double deals from networks on brands they currently carry. Check whether each device is financed separately and what the combined monthly cost comes to over the full term.
How to Choose the Right Deal
1. Accept that any LG phone will be pre-owned. There are no new LG phones or contracts. 2. If you like a specific LG feature, such as the Wing’s swivel screen or the G8X’s dual-screen case, weigh that against the lack of updates and parts. 3. Buying pre-owned? Check the IMEI, battery health, screen condition, Android version and network lock. 4. Pair it with a SIM-only plan or prepaid, not a phone contract. 5. Compare a current phone on contract. You’ll get a manufacturer warranty and security updates. Networks carry out credit and affordability checks, and approval isn’t guaranteed.
Other brands to compare
If you’re replacing an LG phone, compare affordable Android brands still sold in South Africa. Hisense contract deals and TECNO contract deals both include phones that may be available on contract, prepaid or for cash.
LG Contract Deals FAQs
Can I get an LG phone on contract in South Africa?
No. LG closed its mobile phone business worldwide, and no South African network offers LG phones on contract.
When did LG stop making phones?
LG announced the closure of its mobile phone business on 5 April 2021, and expected to complete the wind-down by 31 July 2021.
Do LG phones still get software updates?
LG provided updates for existing phones for a period that varied by region. For most LG phones, that support period has ended, so they no longer receive security updates.
Can I still buy an LG Wing or LG Velvet?
Only pre-owned, and availability is limited. Check the phone’s condition carefully, as replacement parts are scarce.
Will my old LG phone keep working?
It should keep working for calls, SMS and data, as long as it supports 4G on your network. Some apps may stop supporting older Android versions over time.
Can I use a SIM-only plan with an LG phone?
Yes. Any unlocked LG phone that supports your network works with a SIM-only plan or prepaid.
Does LG still offer warranty repairs on phones?
Not in a way you can rely on today. LG committed to service support for a limited period after closing its phone business, and that period varied by region. For a pre-owned LG phone, assume there’s no manufacturer warranty and budget for independent repairs.
What should I buy instead of an LG phone?
Compare current Android phones by budget, data use and the features you valued on your LG, such as screen size or battery life. A current phone on contract, prepaid or cash comes with security updates and local warranty support.