Argos Smart Phones: The Useful Bits, Sorted

Quick answer: "argos smart phones" most likely refers to Argos. Argos began in 1972 as a catalogue shop and has belonged to Sainsbury's since 2016. Below: what to check, what it costs to shop there and where to find the current details.

November 2026 is the last update date, and with prices, offers and store details moving around a lot, think of this as a snapshot and make sure to check the official source before you buy.

You searched "argos smart phones", which tells me you want smart phones from Argos, or want to know if Argos even sells it. Here's what you should know before you buy, and how to get the best price.

The short version on Argos

Argos began in 1972 as a catalogue shop and has belonged to Sainsbury's since 2016. Since 2020 most standalone high-street shops have closed, with about 150 moved into Sainsbury's stores at the time and more collection points planned.

Buying smart phones at Argos

Phones and gadgets: compare SIM-free prices with contract deals, because the monthly bill is where the cost hides. Ofcom rules mean mid-contract price rises must be shown in pounds and pence, and networks have to unlock handsets on request. For a second-hand or refurbished device, ask about the battery health and the warranty. Check that accessories you rely on are compatible. If the Sainsbury's offers are not quite what you need, it is worth comparing them with the latest Aldi leaflet and the current Asda leaflet before you decide.

For smart phones, Argos will have a range of prices, and the cheapest isn't always the best fit. Look at the specification and the reviews, and compare with at least one other retailer on the same model.

What to know about Argos

There's a lot of choice at Argos, so the most useful thing is to decide what you want first. Look at the range on the official site, check reviews from people who've bought the exact thing, and compare with one other retailer. That takes ten minutes and often saves a tenner or more.

Check if Nectar prices are in effect on the day you’re shopping; Sainsbury's says Nectar Prices are not currently available in Argos.

Just head to argos.co.uk or use the app, reserve your item and either collect it yourself or opt for delivery. By the way, Sainsbury's announced in February 2023 that the Basildon and Heywood Argos depots will close by 2026.

For online buys, the Consumer Contracts Regulations grant a 14-day cancel right, and any shoddy items are protected by the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Check	What to do
Official site	argos.co.uk is the source for current prices, offers and policies
Delivery and collection	Check fees and minimum baskets at checkout
Returns	Know the window before you buy; legal rights apply regardless
Loyalty	Check whether the price needs a card or app

Tips that save money and hassle

Lost parcel? That’s the seller’s headache, not yours. Under the Consumer Rights Act, the risk stays with the seller until you or someone you’ve named physically receives the item. If the courier claims it’s been delivered but you can’t find it, have a quick chat with the neighbours, then write to the retailer requesting either a new one or your money back.

Supermarket own-label items are usually the best value, and Which? has repeatedly proven they’re cheaper than their branded counterparts, sometimes by a big margin, though taste tests can be hit or miss. Try the own-label version of the stuff you buy most often and, if you can’t tell the difference, you’ve landed a permanent saving.

When you’re eyeing buy-now-pay-later, remember that interest-free instalments are useful, but a slipped payment will rack up fees and blemish your credit file. Unregulated products lack the full protections of regulated credit and the rules are in flux, so read the conditions carefully and only use them for purchases you could've paid for yourself.

When you're about to drop some serious cash, take a moment: measure twice, read the returns policy, confirm delivery arrangements and who'll collect the previous item. A little foresight saves you from the nightmare of a new sofa that refuses to fit the front door.

Trading Standards deals with misleading adverts, unsafe products and rogue traders, and you report issues through the Citizens Advice consumer service. If you think a shop has broken the rules, you don't have to take it on alone. Keep evidence: screenshots, receipts, emails and dates.

Remember, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 gives you a 30-day window to reject a faulty item and get your money back, then the retailer gets one go-at-repair or replacement. Products must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described, so any ‘no refunds’ sign can’t sidestep the law. If a seller won’t play ball, call Citizens Advice free on 0808 223 1133.

When a big retailer sends you a text or email about a missed delivery, a prize or a 'reward', it’s likely a scam, so steer clear of the link. Go straight to the retailer’s website by typing the address yourself or open its app. You can forward any sketchy texts to 7726 for free and send suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. If you’ve already handed over card details, call your bank right away using the number on the back of your card.

Timing matters. Prices on bigger purchases tend to dip around January, in the summer lull and around Black Friday, and groceries have their own cycle with weekly offers. If you can wait, note the price today, set a reminder, and look again in a fortnight. A little patience beats paying the first price you see.

Make a habit of saving all the paperwork: the order confirmation, a photo of the receipt, the model and serial number of any electrical gear, and the name of the person you spoke to when you call customer services. It only takes a minute and can change a returns nightmare into a speedy refund.

Make sure you compare the total cost, not just the advertised price. Delivery fees, service surcharges, subscription costs, extended warranties and extra protection plans can inflate the price substantially. In particular, warranties on inexpensive items are often pointless since the Consumer Rights Act already protects you for a respectable time.

Frequently asked questions

What is Argos?

The story goes that Argos began as a catalogue shop in 1972 and then, in 2016, became a Sainsbury’s-owned business.

Is Argos worth using?

Your choice and purchase frequency matter, so make sure you compare costs and read the returns terms.

Where can I check current details?

The only place to get the genuine prices, offers and policies is the official site, argos.co.uk.

Sources

• Grocery Gazette, Sainsbury's to close two Argos depots: www.grocerygazette.co.uk
• Retail Sector, Sainsbury's to shut two Argos depots by 2026: retailsector.co.uk
• Sainsbury's Help, Nectar Prices terms: help.sainsburys.co.uk
• Citizens Advice, consumer rights: citizensadvice.org.uk
• GOV.UK, Consumer Rights Act 2015 guidance: gov.uk