One in five Brits have more than one mobile phone or contract in order to get the latest handset or cheapest deal, says Moneysupermarket.com.

According to the comparison website, eight percent of those have multiple handsets because they claimed it was the only way to get the texts and minutes they wanted for a cheapest price, while six percent revealed they had taken out a second contract in a bid to get a brand-new must-have handset.

One in eight users also revealed they had an additional handset for 'privacy' reasons.

Many Brits take out a second mobile phone contract in a bid to get the latest handsets, such as Apple's iPhone

James Parker, manager of mobiles at Moneysupermarket.com, said: "Mobiles have become an integral bit of kit and are seen as an essential accessory for most Brits, so much so that many people seem to need multiple handsets and contracts".

"Whether it is to boast the latest technology or even to hide incriminating texts away from a partner, people have no qualms about buying more than one handset or signing up to several contracts," he added.

Parker also warned Brits to check their monthly usage and shop around for a new deal rather than taking out a second contract.

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