uSwitch – Mobile News

Reboxed and Uswitch launch joint-branded online marketplace for used devices

Staff Reporter — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:00:11 +0000

Refurbished tech specialist Reboxed and comparison giant Uswitch have teamed up to power a new refurbished device marketplace and trade-in offering.

The new Reboxed and Uswitch site compares deals on refurbished and used devices. It has integrated Reboxed’s technology to allow users to purchase used devices and trade in old handsets for cashback

Uswitch is using Reboxed’s Circularity-as-a-Service (CAAS) platform. This which provides retailers with a single point for circular tech covering device sourcing, grading, logistics, repair, fulfilment and performance tracking. It has been designed to integrate with existing systems, allowing brands to incorporate circular commerce into their operations. It includes options for direct stock feeds and API integrations, along with inventory management and repair services.

Defining moment

“This is a defining moment for circular tech in the UK. Uswitch is one of the most trusted names in helping people make smart decisions about their devices and monthly costs,”said Reboxed co-founder Phil Kemish. “Circular upgrades aren’t a second option anymore, They’re simply the smart, mainstream choice.”

Kemish: defining moment for circular tech i

Kemish said the collaboration reflects Reboxed’s mission to make high-quality devices more accessible while reducing environmental impact.

Uswitch’s decision to enter the refurbished device space aligns with its strategy of offering value-driven decision-making and refurbished tech represents a logical extension of the comparison site’s mobile services.

The Reboxed alignment means Uswitch can offer verified stock, consistent grading standards, bundled warranties and a fully managed trade-in process to help reduce barriers to adoption for risk-averse consumers.

Reboxed co-founder Matt Thorne said the CAAS model allows partners like Uswitch to enter the refurbished market with “zero operational lift”.

Thorne: fully managed refurbished marketplace

“Our platform gives retailers everything they need to offer a truly circular upgrade experience. We provide a fully managed refurbished marketplace, instant trade-in valuations, verified like-new stock, carbon reporting and full customer-journey integration. Retailers plug in once and instantly unlock the full circular upgrade ecosystem.”

Reboxed says strict grading, warranties and quality checks have strengthened consumer confidence in the category. Analysts CCS Insight reckon 25 per cent of all UK smartphones sold in 2024 were second-hand, and over half of consumers are now consider buying refurbished. Aroound 63 per cent of 16–24-year-olds say they would choose a refurbished device for their next upgrade.

Consumers unimpressed by AI in smartphones – new survey

Staff Reporter — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 23:50:18 +0000

Almost half the UK population believes AI features on smartphones are overhyped, according to a new study commissioned by Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service.

The survey, conducted by research firm Opinium, quizzed 2,000 UK adults last month. The results reveal that consumers want AI tools to be practical, intuitive, and relatable. For brands to succeed in this space, they must bridge the gap between innovation and everyday value, ensuring AI becomes more than just a buzzword and delivers meaningful benefits to users’ lives.

While a third (34 per cent) of the UK population is keen to embrace AI, scepticism remains widespread, with many struggling to see the value in the latest tech offerings.

Despite the smartphone industry’s hype around AI, just six per cent of consumers consider AI features a priority when upgrading their phones. Instead, most favour brand familiarity (28 per cent) and battery life (21 per cent) as the top decision-making factors.

THE TRUST GAP IN SMARTPHONE AI

More than half of Brits surveyed (53 per cent) admit to never using the AI functions on their phones. Almost half (47 per cent) say they don’t know how to operate these features. The challenge is even more pronounced among older users, with 61 per cent of those aged 55+ struggling to navigate AI tools.

Even among active AI users, the focus remains on practical tools like security features such as facial recognition (24 per cent) and virtual assistants (21 per cent), rather than exploring novel AI applications.

Frustration with AI errors

Fiifty six per cent of users polled report experiencing mishaps, including incorrect predictive text messages (27 per cent) or digital assistant failures (14 per cent). This disconnect highlights a significant gap between innovation and practical utility, says Uswitch mobile specialist Ernest Doku.

WHAT DO USERS REALLY WANT FROM AI?

Rather than today’s AI offerings, respondents envision future tools like lost item locators, pet translators, and even lottery number predictions. Other desired applications include AI solutions for managing customer service calls, reflecting a strong demand for technology that simplifies everyday annoyances rather than adding complexity.

ANDROID VS APPLE: AI USAGE PATTERNS

The research uncovered clear differences in AI usage between Android and Apple users. Android users are more likely to rely on spam or scam detection (29 per cent vs. 22 per cent). Apple users lead in adopting virtual assistants (28 per cent vs.17 per cent) and biometric security features like thumbprint scanning (19 per cent vs.10 per cent).

Uswitch to sell eSIM Go data-only eSIMs to travellers from 13p a day

Staff Reporter — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 12:01:27 +0000

Comparison site Uswitch.com has teamed up with eSIM Go to launch data-only travel eSIMs, offering prices from 13p a day.

Customers can sign up online and connect to local networks at their destination or before they travel for instant connection on an eSIM-compatible device. The travel eSIMs use mobile data onl and exclude regular network calls or SMS messages.

Uswitch.com says it is now the first major UK comparison website to offer travel eSIMs alongside traditional UK SIM deals. The eSIMs come with several data package options, including 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, and more. When compared to roaming charges for Pay As You Go mobile provider offers in the UK, eSIMs come out as the clear winner.

Uswitch calculates that someone traveling to Morocco without a roaming cap and using 10GB of data could be billed £56,166, compared with £17 with a Uswitch eSIM.

“Even those visiting European countries may still benefit from an eSIM depending on their contract. UK mobile providers charge Pay As You Go roaming fees around 2p per MB for France, Spain, and Greece, for instance. A UK customer without EU roaming included in their home package using 10GB of data could see a bill of £214, compared to just £11 with a travel eSIM,” says Uswitch.

Couldrick: exciting opportunity to bring high-quality eSIMs to a wider audience

Zacchary Couldrick, CEO and Co-Founder of eSIM Go, comments: “Partnering with a UK consumer champion like Uswitch is a really exciting opportunity to bring high-quality eSIMs to a wider audience in time for the big summer getaway. We’ll be helping holidaymakers and other travellers get their first taste of how easy it is to stay connected abroad.”

Ernest Doku, Uswitch head of commercial for broadband and mobile, added: “After years of campaigning for better roaming protection, it’s brilliant to be able to offer a solution that really can give consumers peace of mind against shock roaming charges.

Doku: peace of mind against shock roaming charges.

Ofcom demands networks improve roaming alerts to customers to avoid bill shock

Staff Reporter — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 12:54:18 +0000

New Ofcom rules mean networks will have to send clearer roaming alerts to mobile customers from October and provide information about charges.

Ofcom says the quality of information being provided to roaming customers has been inconsistent and unclear and that its research found 19 per cent of holidaymakers were unaware they could face roaming charges.

Network operators need to notify customers when they start roaming and provide clear, free-information too esure they understand any roaming charges, fair-use limits or time limits that apply.

“Some customers aren’t getting clear information from their provider to help them manage their mobile use and plan their spend. Our new protections will mean you’re told what it’ll cost when you start roaming,” said. Cristina Luna-Esteban, Ofcom’s Director of Telecoms Consumer Policy.

An O2 spokesperson said: We’re proud to stand out as the only major mobile provider not to reintroduce roaming fees in Europe, saving our customers money and providing them with incredible value when they travel to the most popular holiday destinations.Our customers benefit from using their calls, texts and data as they would at home when they’re in Europe, up to 25GB, and wherever our customers go we send them a text message when they arrive at their destination explaining any data limits and charges”.

Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com said roaming protections for consumers have been eroded since Brexit, including the £45 worldwide data roaming cap which has now fallen away.

“There is now virtually nothing to stop providers from charging enormous sums when you use your phone abroad. While we support these new rules they fall vastly short of the protections that consumers had come to expect. They will only come into force from October. Those traveling abroad this summer will still need to take extra precautions to avoid any surprises”

Doku: There is now virtually nothing to stop providers from charging enormous sums

Half UK population unaware of 3G switch off

Staff Reporter — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 10:26:21 +0000

Half the UK population is unaware of the imending 3G network switch off according to an Opinium survey sample of 2,000 UK adults last December,

Respondents were asked:

‘In 2023 mobile providers will start to switch off their 3G networks to focus on 4G and 5G. Were you aware of this before today?

Fifty one per cent said they didn’t know. Around 27 per cent of people surveyed knew 3G was for the chop.

Networks will switch off 2G and 3G over the next decade to free up spectrum for 4G and 5G.

EE also plans to start its switch-off in early 2024 Three aims to switch off its entire 3G network by the end of 2024. O2 has not yet announced plans but the Government has requested all 3G networks to be closed by 2033.

Vodafone’s 3G shutdown started this month and will apply to its MVNOs including Lebara Mobile, Asda Mobile, Talk Mobile and VOXI,

“3G is used by more than 30 million people. Our research shows more than 15 million aren’t aware it is being phased out or how this will impact their ability to get online. Focusing investment on 4G and 5G networks is a sensible move, However it’s important to make those relying on 3G networks are not caught unaware said uSwitch head of commerce; for broadband and mobile Ernest Doku

Doku: important to make those relying on 3G networks are not caught unaware

BT will shut down Plusnet Mobile to consolidate the EE brand

Staff Reporter — Wed, 24 May 2023 16:26:51 +0000

Bare bones BT Group MVNO Plusnet Mobile is shutting down over the coming months with customers being offered a 30-day SIM for £8 a month to switch to EE. Pusnet’s fixed broadband customers are unaffected.

Plusnet Mobile sold just SIM-only plans. It is closing down so that BT’s mobile offerings are all consolidated with EE. When Plusnet Mobile’s consolidation into EE is complete, current Plusnet SIM customers will no longer be able to make calls, send texts or access the internet but must witch to an alternative provider.

They have two options; either going with a deal offered by EE, or comparing other deals available. Customers will not need to pay an exit fee for changing providers in any case” said uSwitch mobile expert Catherine Hiley.

“EE is offering Plusnet Mobile customers an exclusive 30-day SIM for £8 per month as an incentive to remain with the provider, but you’ll need to check that it comes with enough data to suit your needs.

“Protecting consumer interests should be a top priority for EE and BT, so it’s important customers receive clear communication and do not feel pushed into accepting the EE deal. For those intending to switch, they can keep their existing number by texting PAC to 65075. This is a quick and easy service where your provider will send you a code, which can then be given to your new provider, allowing you to keep your existing number.”

Three to stock £1,749 Google Pixel Fold next month

Staff Reporter — Thu, 11 May 2023 13:21:00 +0000

Three has confirmed it will soon be stocking the £1,749 Google Pixel Fold announced yesterday.

Google has also updated the £449 mid-tier Pixel 6a with the Pixel 7a which has the same G2 Tensor chip as the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro,

Pixel 7a: mid-tier price of £449

“Despite the impressive engineering behind Google Pixel Fold, the jury is still out whether foldable phones represent the future of smartphones, or if they will remain a niche and very highly-priced product for a limited number of customers” said Ernest Doku, mobiles analyst at Uswitch.com

“Around 13 million foldable phones shipped last year which is barely one per cent of global smartphone sales. It will be interesting to see if the £1,749 Google Pixel Fold can significantly shift the dial, or whether that responsibility will rest with the mythical iPhone Flip”.

“Given the major price hikes facing mobile customers, it’ll be no surprise if the likes of the Pixel and Apple’s iPhone SE range are particularly popular options this year,” says Doku.

Doku: the jury is still out on whether foldable phones represent the future of smartphones

“There will be a middle-ground in terms of price later in the year, although Google fans will probably have to wait until October to get their hands on the flagship Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro”.

According to uSwitch Google’s Android powers around 72 per cent of all smartphones. The latest version of Google’s OS, Android 14, will launch later in the year and promises to deliver improved personalisation, privacy and security.

Meanwhile OPPO announced its foldable phone, the OPPO Find N2 Flip will be one of the first smartphones in the world to receive the new Google Android 14 Beta 1 update.

Android 14 includes several updates to enhance productivity, performance, privacy, security and user customisation. It offers more intuitive system user interfaces, such as the new mid-display back arrow and an improved system share sheet. To strengthen users’ privacy, the system allows apps to limit the visibility of specified views only to accessibility services.

Samsung leads 6G research and development says uSwitch

Staff Reporter — Wed, 10 May 2023 12:16:08 +0000

Samsung spent $2.24 billion on 6G research and development in 2021

Samsung recorded 221 6G-relevant patents making it the top company developing 6G, according to comparison site uSwitch

Ericsson is the next biggest 6G spender. It filed 143 patents by the end of last year and invested $472 million in research and development, with a likely proportion of this going towards 6G technology by 2030 in applications including e-health, precision health care, smart agriculture, earth monitor, digital twins, cobots and robot navigation.

Chinese multinational technology company Baidu ranks third, having invested $249 million into its research and development in 2021. By the end of 2022, the company had filed a total of 95 6G-related patents, demonstrating they are invested in developing the technology

South Korea is the leading country in the race to 6G, and has the fastest 5G internet speeds in the world, recording a download speed of 814 Mbps in the top 10 per cent of users says uSwitch.

Source: uSwitch

Used Samsung models are the top refurbished phones to buy – uSwitch

Staff Reporter — Wed, 03 May 2023 13:49:42 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the highest-rated refurbished mobile phone according to a study by Uswitch.com mobiles which analysed popular mobile phones that have been discontinued in the last two years.

They were measured on factors including battery life, camera quality, warranty periods and review scores to reveal the most reliable refurbished mobile phones.

The Samsung S20+ model was ranked second scoring 9.5 out of 10 and the third most reliable refurbished mobile is the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. The Samsung brand offered the biggest saving with average savings of 61 per cent.

The refurbished phone offering the biggest saving is the Galaxy S9. This launched at £739 but can now be picked up for £169. The Google Pixel 6 and 7 Pro are tied as the most reliable mobile phones, with an impressive overall score of 9.47/10.

Overall results of the uSwitch study measuring various models for battery, camera quality, water resistance, warranty period, processor.

UK soon to overtake Norway as biggest generator of e-waste per head of population

Staff Reporter — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 21:10:52 +0000

UK could produce around 55,000 tonnes of e-waste garbage by 2030

The UK generates the second highest amount of e-waste per capita in the world after Norway, the UK will overtake Norway by next year to become the world’s biggest contributor. according to an analysis by the price comparison site Uswitch

The study analysed data from the Global E-waste monitor 2020 to reveal the countries that generate the most e-waste. IT and telecoms e-waste almost doubled in the UK between 2008 (19,053 tonnes) to 2022 (37,631 tonnes estimated).

“If the current trend continues, the UK will be producing just under 55,000 tonnes of e-waste by 2030. It is estimated that each smartphone produces 93kg of CO2 and around 40 per cent of the UK’s e-waste is illegally exported to be disposed of in other countries” says Uswitch

Mobile phones fall under the category of “IT and telecoms”, alongside items such as laptops, tablet computers and fax machines.

36,681 tonnes of household waste electrical and electronic equipment were generated from these devices in 2021

Uswitch’s analysis says that 36,681 tonnes of household waste electrical and electronic equipment were generated from these devices in 2021 which is 15 per cent more than in 2020., The amount of electronic waste dropped drastically following the coronavirus pandemic but there are signs that e-waste has started to rise once again.

Since records began in 2008, the amount of IT and telecoms waste electrical and electronic equipment has steadily grown. In 2008 there were 19,053 tonnes, which rose to 52,008 tonnes in 2016 (a 173 per cent increase).

“In total, IT and telecoms e-waste has increased by just under double (98%) between 2008 to 2022. If it were to follow this trend in future, we could be generating just under 55,000 tonnes by 2030. This means that the number of toxic materials being released into the atmosphere via e-waste would be at an all-time high. Not only this, but it also means that we would be throwing away vast amounts of precious metals such as gold, silver, copper, platinum and aluminium” said Uswitch report editor Ray Ali.