Phone leasing unleashed: Uswitch and Raylo break the contract cycle
Uswitch partners with sustainable tech startup Raylo to offer mobile phone leasing as a greener alternative to owning tech
Consumers can combine SIM only deals with SIM free phones for greater flexibility in comparison to conventional phone contacts
Customers could save £589.40 by leasing a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 phone for 12 months compared to buying the same handset outright[1]
Leasing increases a phone’s lifespan by over three years, reducing the carbon footprint and the problems with e-waste
Mobile phone users interested in securing the latest devices every year can now swap owning for leasing their handset, following a new partnership between Uswitch.com, the UK’s leading comparison and switching service, and Raylo, a sustainable startup.
Raylo is disrupting the 'buy-and-dispose' cycle with its device leasing service, offering customers more flexibility and low monthly pricing compared to traditional device ownership. The subscriptions are available for one, two, or three years, with the option to upgrade to a new phone at the end of each subscription term - and with nothing to pay upfront.
The affordability of Raylo's leasing plans makes them an attractive alternative to purchasing a new phone. For instance, customers can access a new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 in Graphite starting from £30.80 per month for one year, compared to the hefty £959 price tag when buying outright.[2]
Sample pricing and potential savings
| Leasing vs. Buying | Cost per month for 12 months (leasing) | Total cost for year (leasing) | RRP (buying outright) | £ saving (12 months) | % saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New iPhone 14 | £36 | £433 | £799 | £366 | 46% |
| New iPhone 14 Plus | £41 | £489 | £899 | £410 | 46% |
| New iPhone 14 Pro | £49 | £592 | £999 | £407 | 41% |
| New iPhone 14 Pro Max | £54 | £648 | £1,099 | £451 | 41% |
| New Samsung s23 | £33 | £394 | £849 | £455 | 54% |
| New Samsung S23 Ultra | £45 | £546 | £1,249 | £703 | 56% |
| ew Samsung Z Fold | £52 | £625 | £1,649 | £1,024 | 62% |
All RRP prices are taken from the Apple and Samsung websites. Savings based on a 12 month lease contract with Raylo vs. buying handset outright. Handset costs only (excludes any SIM packages)
The partnership with Uswitch offers a fresh approach to conventional mobile phone contracts. Phones are SIM free and unlocked, allowing customers the freedom to choose from a wide range of SIM only deals.
This flexibility empowers customers to switch their plans according to their changing needs and circumstances, offering greater control over their monthly expenses. For example, those who are looking to cut down on social media usage could opt for Lyca Mobiles’ £3.90 3GB data plan, while those who travel often can opt for deals from O2, inclusive of EU roaming.
A leasing model could also help reduce electronic waste, making it a suitable solution for tech lovers and sustainable shoppers. At the end of each lease, Raylo refurbishes and reuses the phone. This keeps the devices out of drawers and landfill, extending their lifespan and minimising their impact on the environment.
Research shows that only 17.4% of e-waste is officially recycled, leaving the remainder destined for landfill. Generally, phones are used for 2.3 years and then spend roughly 3.7 years in what Raylo calls ‘device hibernation’. They are unused and perhaps forgotten – gathering dust in a drawer rather than continuing as a useful device in another’s hands. Raylo's circular model significantly extends a phone's usage to around six years.
As prices continue to rise, clever and affordable solutions to help household bills are a welcome option for many.
Karl Gilbert, Co-founder and CEO of Raylo comments, “Our circular leasing model makes sustainable options more accessible, and we’re committed to working with partners like Uswitch to bring our leasing service into the mainstream.”
Ru Bhikha, mobiles expert at Uswitch.com comments, “We know our customers want more choice and more control over their phone contracts. Combining SIM only deals with SIM-free phones provides our customers with the flexibility to tailor their device choices to their own circumstances and usage.
“In the current cost of living crisis, our partnership with Raylo helps us offer consumers the chance to switch up their phones to the latest handsets every year - without having to pay top whack.”
To find out more about phone leasing with Uswitch and Raylo, click here.
Notes to editors
[1] When comparing buying a Graphite Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 with 256GB of storage from Samsung.com/UK for £959.00, with leasing the same phone through Raylo for 1 year at £30.80 per month. [£30.80 multiplied by 12 is £369.6 and then £959.00 take away £353.64 is £589.40]
[2] Costs taken from Raylo and Samsung.com/UK and comparing prices for Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 with 256GB of storage.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Yolanda Etrata
Phone: 07702 534 837
Email: yolanda.etrata@uswitch.com
Twitter: @UswitchPR
About Uswitch
Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including energy, broadband and mobiles.
More people go to Uswitch to switch their energy, broadband and mobile than any other site, and we have saved consumers over £2.7 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.
Free mobile app Utrack also helps households manage their home energy usage and make potential savings.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.