Last updated: August 2026
If you are looking for the best phone 2019 contract deals, it is worth saying up front that the phones released in 2019 are no longer sold on contract in South Africa. Networks stopped carrying them years ago, most have reached the end of their software support, and the ones still circulating are second-hand. That does not make the search pointless, though. A lot of people arrive here because a 2019 flagship is what they currently own, and they want to know what it is worth now and what should replace it.
This page covers what the 2019 flagships were, why they are no longer contract options, how to judge whether yours is still worth keeping, and how to compare the deals that have taken their place.
What the 2019 flagships were
2019 was a strong year. It was the last full year before 5G became standard on premium handsets, and several of the phones released then were unusually well built.
- Samsung Galaxy S10 and S10+ — curved AMOLED displays, an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint reader, and a headphone jack, which Samsung dropped the following year.
- Apple iPhone 11 and 11 Pro — the iPhone 11 in particular sold in very large numbers and had unusually long software support.
- Huawei P30 Pro — the periscope zoom camera that pushed the whole industry toward long optical zoom. It was also the last Huawei flagship released with full Google services.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10 — the S Pen line at close to its peak.
- OnePlus 7 Pro — a 90Hz display at a time when almost nothing else had one.
Why they are no longer contract options
South African networks generally carry a handset on contract for around 18 to 24 months after launch, then move it to clearance and retire it. A 2019 device passed that point long ago.
The more important reason is software. Most 2019 Android flagships stopped receiving security updates several years ago. The iPhone 11 held on considerably longer, which is one of the genuine advantages of buying Apple, but it too is now near the end of its support window. Signing a 24-month contract on a phone that has stopped receiving security patches is not a sensible position, which is why providers do not offer it.
There is also a network consideration. South African operators have been refarming spectrum away from older technologies. A 2019 handset will still work today, but it does not support 5G, and its practical performance will keep declining as networks prioritise newer standards.
Is your 2019 phone still worth keeping?
If you already own one, the decision is not automatic. Work through these questions.
| Question | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Is it still receiving security updates? | If not, that is the strongest single reason to replace it, particularly if you use banking apps on the device. |
| How is the battery? | A 2019 battery is likely well past 80% of its original capacity. A replacement is often cheaper than a new contract. |
| Do your essential apps still run? | App developers drop support for old Android and iOS versions over time. If your banking or work apps have stopped updating, replacement is close. |
| Do you need 5G? | If you are on a good 5G signal at home or work, a 2019 phone is leaving real speed unused. |
If the answers point to keeping it a while longer, a SIM-only plan is almost always cheaper than a contract and keeps your options open.
Compare by deal type
Once you decide to replace it, there are three routes, and they suit different situations.
- Contract with a handset. Spreads the device cost over 24 or 36 months with data and minutes bundled. Simplest option, highest total cost, and it ties you to one provider.
- SIM-only plus an outright handset. Usually the lowest total across two years, and you can change networks whenever you like. Requires cash up front.
- Upgrade on your existing line. If you are already with a provider and out of contract, an upgrade is often quicker to approve than a new application.
Compare by network
| Provider | What to check |
|---|---|
| Vodacom | Bundled data against the monthly figure, and when upgrade eligibility begins. |
| MTN | Whether the offer is a fixed-term contract or device financing, and the total across the term. |
| Telkom | Coverage where you actually use data, and how the bundle compares against SIM-only. |
| Cell C | Roaming arrangements in your area and the effect on everyday speeds. |
Compare by budget
The successors to the 2019 flagships now sit in the upper mid-range rather than at the top of the market, which is good news on price. A current mid-range phone comfortably outperforms a 2019 flagship in most day-to-day respects, and costs considerably less per month.
For a full view across price points, start with contract deals South Africa, or browse the current range on the Samsung contract deals and cellphone contract deals pages.
Application notes
- RICA. Proof of identity and proof of address are required to RICA the SIM.
- Credit and affordability. Providers run a credit assessment and an affordability check. Approval depends on your circumstances and the provider’s criteria, and cannot be guaranteed.
- Total cost. Multiply the instalment by the term and add once-off connection or delivery fees before comparing offers.
- Existing contracts. If you are still inside a term, check the early cancellation position before applying for something new.
The apply online page sets out the documents and steps.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still get a 2019 phone on contract in South Africa?
No. Networks retired those handsets from contract ranges years ago. Any 2019 device available now is second-hand or refurbished and is sold outright.
Is my 2019 phone still safe to use for banking?
That depends on whether it still receives security updates. If it does not, most security guidance would advise against using it for banking. Check your manufacturer’s support status for your specific model.
What is the best replacement for a Galaxy S10?
The current Samsung A-series covers the same everyday ground at lower cost, while the S-series remains the direct flagship successor. Compare both against your actual usage rather than against the S10’s spec sheet.
Will a 2019 phone work on 5G?
No. 5G was not standard on 2019 handsets in South Africa. You would need a newer device to use 5G.
Is SIM-only cheaper than a contract?
Over a full 24-month period it usually is, provided you already have a working handset or can buy one outright. The trade-off is the up-front cost of the device.
Related comparisons
These pages cover closely related options worth comparing alongside this one.
- Best Phone With Contract Deals
- Contract Deals
- Best Phone Right Now Contract Deals
- Do Cellphone Contracts Check Credit Score?
- Best Internet For Working From Home South Africa
- Check Network Coverage Before Phone Contract
- Upgrade Vs New Phone Contract
- Upgrade Phone Contract Online
- Celk C 2019 Contract Deals
Pricing, availability, stock, coverage and approval criteria change regularly and are set by the provider. Confirm all current terms directly with the network or retailer before applying.