Carphonewarehouse tend to supply unbranded, unlocked handsets, even with network tariffs. This is a massive bonus because you get genuine software rather than handsets ruined by network's own, less tested and more restrictive software. In the case of an Android handset, being unbranded can often mean you get the Android updates a good few months before those with branded handsets and on some occasions it's possible that branded handsets may not get the updates if the network looses interest in that particular handset and doesn't want to support upgrades for it any longer.
On the other hand, buying from the networks can sometimes see you get better deals. For example,
TMobile @ CPW
£40 per month, 1200 minutes calls, 500 texts, 1 gig internet
TMobile direct
£40 per month, 1200 minutes calls, unlimited texts, 3 gig internet
This is an example of a current tariff offered at CPW and TMobile's own webshop to highlight the difference. Clearly going direct to TMobile gets the better value for money on the tariff, however going to CPW gets you an unbranded and unlocked phone which for me would be more important in this case.
Ultimately it comes down to which you value the most.
Comments
they may be able to do a better deal, or may not as hey have to earn money too.
On the other hand, buying from the networks can sometimes see you get better deals. For example,
TMobile @ CPW
£40 per month, 1200 minutes calls, 500 texts, 1 gig internet
TMobile direct
£40 per month, 1200 minutes calls, unlimited texts, 3 gig internet
This is an example of a current tariff offered at CPW and TMobile's own webshop to highlight the difference. Clearly going direct to TMobile gets the better value for money on the tariff, however going to CPW gets you an unbranded and unlocked phone which for me would be more important in this case.
Ultimately it comes down to which you value the most.