Best phones on T-Mobile

T-Mobile isn't a popular mobile-phone network just because of its hot pink livery. The operator also offers some decent deals and an excellent choice of blowers.

As well as stocking many of the hottest smart phones, T-Mobile usually offers a few cheap pay as you go phones that are well worth considering. See below for some of our current favourites. 

As of 2010, T-Mobile is owned by the same company as Orange, but the two networks remain separate, offering different phone deals. The good news is that, if you're on T-Mobile and short of a signal, you can piggyback onto Orange's network. The downside is that you'll only be able to use Orange's 2G band, which means any Web surfing you undertake will be very sluggish.

For a 3G connection and faster Internet surfing, you must be on T-Mobile's network. You can tell which network you're using by looking at the name listed near the signal bars on your phone's screen.

If you plan on using plenty of data -- and you will if you invest in an Android smart phone or an iPhone -- T-Mobile may not be the best choice. It axed its data allowance to a mere 500MB in 2011.

But some relief is in store for new customers who take on a contract that costs more than £25.54 a month over two years. If you're one of these big spenders, you'll be glad to know T-Mobile recently launched a 'Truly Unlimited' plan that adds unlimited data to your deal for £5.10 per month.

If you're considering changing over to T-Mobile, you should check that you can get a strong signal in your area. Use the T-Mobile coverage checker to take a look at your street.

When it comes to customer service, T-Mobile struggles. A customer satisfaction survey by Which? magazine ranked the network third among contract customers and dead last among pay as you go clients. 

Ofcom's own data pegs T-Mobile as the second most complained about network, with only Three receiving more gripes per customer.