Smartphones appeal to us in many different ways, and for many the newer and smarter the phone the better, and some of the latest models to enter the market are very smart indeed. For instance phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S III and HTC One X boast respectively quad core 1.4 GHz and 1.5 GHz processors, and it is rumoured that the next iPhone will have a quad processor too. It is not just raw computing power that makes these phones so desirable: they have superb high definition displays; brilliant operating systems; powerful still and video cameras; just about every type of sensor that has been dreamed of; and also a fabulous quantity and quality of apps.

If there is a downside then it would be nice if they had longer battery lives and that they weren’t as expensive as they are, but as they say you get what you pay for, and if you finance these or similar phones through a phone contract, at least you don’t need to find a lot of cash up front.

Not everybody is overly desirous of the very latest smartphone on the market; many of us are quite happy with yesterday’s technology, particularly when things are changing as such a rapid pace. The above mentioned phones might be the best at the moment, but should you happen to be reading this article this time next year, then as far as fans of the latest gizmos are concerned such phones will be old news and everybody will be speculating what the Apple iPhone 8 will have in store.

If you can’t decide whether or not to take the plunge and go for one of these technology wonders right now, then there is one good reason why you might consider holding back for a few months. It is highly likely that by early 2013, if not before, the mobile phone networks will begin rolling out the latest in network technology known as 4G. 4G will revolutionise the way in which we experience broadband on our phones; instead of struggling with 1Mbps internet speeds we should be enjoying true broadband speeds of 7 to 10 Mbps, and possibly even faster.

Of course you could get a new phone now and then upgrade in a year or so; in many ways that might be the best strategy. As soon as 4G networks become available, new 4G compatible phones will appear, but it might well be worth allowing a little time for things to settle down before you choose the best 4G phone for you.

If your current phone contract is coming to an end and you would rather wait before deciding which phone to buy in the future, then perhaps you should consider a pay as you go SIM deal or even a SIM only contract. These are likely to cost you less than you would pay if you were to just continue with your existing contract and with the former you have complete flexibility regarding when to upgrade to a 4G phone.

Why not try a Virgin contract phone or pay as you go?