Last updated: August 2026
These guides cover the decisions behind a cellphone contract rather than the deals themselves. If you are starting from scratch, read how to choose a cellphone contract first — it sets out the order that produces a good outcome, and most people work through it backwards.
Before you choose
- How to choose a cellphone contract — the six steps, in the right order
- How much phone contract can I afford — working out your own figure
- SIM only vs phone contract — the biggest saving most people miss
- Prepaid vs contract — cost against control
- 24 vs 36 month phone contract — why longer is not cheaper
- Alternatives to a phone contract
Coverage and networks
- Check coverage before a phone contract
- Check coverage before an internet deal
- Cheapest network for phone contracts
- Vodacom vs MTN
- Switching networks on contract
Applying, credit and approval
The most consequential section, particularly if your credit position is uncertain.
- Cellphone contract requirements
- What documents are needed
- Phone contract credit check
- Phone contract with bad credit
- Can I get a contract if blacklisted
- Declined — what now
- When can I reapply
- No credit check phone options
- How long approval takes
- Application status explained
SIM, RICA and setup
- RICA requirements for a contract SIM
- Proof of address for RICA
- Proof of address for a contract
- How to RICA a SIM online
- How to activate a contract SIM
- Bank account and debit order
Data and home internet
- How much data do I need
- Uncapped vs capped internet
- LTE vs fibre
- 5G vs LTE internet
- Best internet for working from home
- Month to month vs contract internet
- Data SIM vs SIM only
Choosing a handset
- Best phone brand for contracts
- iPhone vs Samsung
- Flagship vs mid-range
- Samsung A-series vs S-series
- Cheap Android vs iPhone
- iPhone storage size guide
- New vs pre-owned iPhone
Bundles and families
- How double phone deals work
- Are 2 for 1 deals worth it
- Double deal vs two separate contracts
- Double deal credit check
- Best phone contract for a family
- Is a phone and tablet bundle worth it
Upgrades and mistakes
To compare live options rather than read guidance, start at best contract deals South Africa, cellphone contract deals or SIM only deals.
More comparisons
These pages cover closely related options worth comparing alongside this one.
- Cellphone Contract Application South Africa
- SIM Only Vs Cheap Phone Contract
- Best Network For Phone Contracts South Africa
- Cell C vs Telkom SIM Only Deals
- 5G Home Internet Vs Fibre
- Cell C Contract Deals
- Payslips And Bank Statements For A Phone Contract
- Sim Only Vs Prepaid
- 2 Phones 1 Contract vs Family Plan
- Cheap Double Deal vs Single Premium Phone
- Best Network For iPhone Contracts
- Best Network For Samsung Contracts
- Vodacom vs MTN 2 For 1 Deals
- MTN vs Telkom Data Deals
- Telkom vs Vodacom Data Deals
- Telkom vs Vodacom LTE Deals
- SIM Only vs Phone Contract For Approval
- Honor vs Samsung Contract Deals
- Oppo vs Samsung Contract Deals
- Vivo vs Oppo Contract Deals
- New vs Pre-Owned Double Phone Deals
- Telkom Bundle Deals
These guides are general information, not financial advice. Pricing, coverage and approval criteria are set by each provider and change regularly.