These days, we rely on phones for more than just calls and texts, and you need a smartphone of one form or another to survive in the modern world. But not everyone wants to spend $1,000 or more to upgrade to the latest model from Apple or Samsung. Fortunately, there are plenty of deals that can get you a flashy new phone for hundreds of discounts — or even put one in your pocket for free. Whether you are looking for iPhone, Galaxy, pixel Or something a little more affordable from a smaller brand, CNET is here to help you find it for less.
Hey, did you know? CNET Presentation Scripts are free, easy, and save you money.
We’ve rounded up some of the best deals available online right now, so you can focus on buying the phone that suits your needs and financial requirements. If you’re not sure which plan or carrier to use, you may want to choose an unlocked model from a retailer like Amazon or Best Buy and sign up for the service later.
If you know which network works best for you, you can take advantage of discounts, exchanges, or new lines through major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
The best unlocked phone deals right now
Shopping for a new phone from a carrier comes with all kinds of red tape and fine print that can be a headache to figure out. If you’re looking for an easier alternative, you can opt for an unlocked model instead. Choosing an unlocked phone means you won’t immediately be locked into a multi-year contract or service plan, and you can always activate it with your preferred carrier after the fact. In addition, there are a lot of deals that do not have conditions attached to lower the initial price.
These deals won’t save you as much as the carrier deals below but they don’t require a trade-in or a new service line. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best unlocked phone discounts you can shop right now.
For Android users, Samsung Galaxy S24 he Best phone On the market now. This is the entry-level model from Samsung’s latest flagship range, and features a 6.2-inch display, 128GB storage and a large 4,000 mAh battery.
This deal also comes with one free month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and you can save even more by trade-in or by opting for same-day activation.
You won’t find any direct discounts on Apple’s latest flagship phones, but you can get the previous-generation iPhone 15 for less at Best Buy. This deal also comes with three free months of Apple TV Plus, Apple Music, and Apple Fitness Plus, and four free months of Apple Arcade if you’re a new subscriber. Plus, you can save even more with a qualifying trade-in or if you sign up with AT&T or Verizon.
With a 3.6-inch cover display and a stunning 6.9-inch inner display, the Motorola Razr Plus 2024 is our phone Favorite flip phone In the market. Even at full price, it’s $300 cheaper than the comparable Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, and this deal brings it down even further. As with almost all of Best Buy’s phone deals, you’ll get an extra $100 off if you sign up with AT&T or Verizon, and you can trade in an old phone for even greater savings.
While its phones may not be as popular as Apple’s or Samsung’s, OnePlus’ devices have consistently impressed our reviewers here at CNET. The OnePlus 12 flagship phone is one of the The best phones of 2025Now you can disable this Previous generation model At a great price.
That’s as cheap as it goes for a new smartphone from 2024. The Motorola Moto G Play has 64GB of storage, a sleek sapphire blue design, a 6.5-inch display as well as a 50-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel display. – Megapixel front camera. It’s unlocked and ready to go.
If you let Best Buy help you call your carrier, you can get this phone for $30.
Best phone deals from carriers
You can also save by trading in your old device or activating a new line of service with major carriers, which means you have plenty of places to look for phone deals. That’s why CNET works with Navi To help cut through the confusion. Navi is an independent marketplace that collects information about service plans and phone deals to help consumers find the best options and prices in the market. Below you’ll find some of the best offers available for new and existing carrier customers who are adding lines, trading in phones, and more.
Read more: Best phone plan deals
Carrier contracts as we knew them may not exist anymore, but these newer phone deals from Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and others are similar in many ways. With monthly bill credits, you can get a phone for almost nothing in many cases. The condition is that you must remain a customer for a specific period of time in order to continue receiving credits. Otherwise, you are responsible for the remaining costs and possibly more, depending on the carrier.
Additionally, some carriers will only let you take advantage of these deals on select plans, which are usually some of the more expensive 5G plans. So make sure you understand the monthly costs associated with switching before taking advantage of the “free phone” deal you see advertised.
Read more: Cheap phone plans, comparison
T-Mobile is offering several ways to save on its iPhone 16 lineup right now. If you have an old phone to replace, you can save $1,000 if you’re on a Go5G Plus or Next plan, $300 if you’re on a Go5G plan, or $200 if you’re on other eligible plans. T-Mobile also offers special discounts for military personnel, first responders, and people over 55.
The iPhone 16 Plus is part of Apple’s latest lineup of smartphones. Although prices typically start at $900, you can get the 128GB model for free at Boost Mobile if you get a qualifying line. Its plans start at $65 per line.
The iPhone 16 has an A18 chip that supports intense gaming, a 6.7-inch display and a 48-megapixel Fusion camera, among other improved specifications over its predecessors.
Google Pixel 9 at AT&T
Save $454 with our installment plan
Google’s latest flagship phone – the Pixel 9 – is Best model There for Android lovers. And now you can get one for just $11 per month when you buy it on AT&T’s installment plan. There’s no need for a new line or line replacement, but you’ll need to get or switch to a qualifying unlimited plan.
Trade in your old Galaxy phone to Verizon and get up to $1,000 off a new Galaxy Z Fold 6 when you sign up for a new line on the Unlimited Welcome, Plus, or Ultimate plan. The balance is spread over 36 months, and if you cancel the service before the 36 months are up, you will have to pay the remaining balance. Also be aware that credits start within three bills and require you to pay all taxes and fees associated with the retail price upfront.
If you have an old phone you want to trade in, you can get a free 3G iPhone SE at T-Mobile, as long as you’re on a Go5G Next or Plus plan. If you don’t have a qualifying trading program, you can still save up to $215 when you add a new line in the qualifying plan. The discount will be applied as a bill credit over 24 months.
Do you get the best phone deals when you switch carriers?
To attract new customers, carriers often reserve deep discounts for remitters. This means you may find a more attractive phone deal if you’re considering moving carriers. It’s a straightforward process for individuals but can be a bit complicated for those with multiple lines. Ultimately, it’s worth shopping around when it’s time to upgrade your phone if someone else is offering some sort of switch bonus or switch-exclusive phone deal.
Unlocked vs Carrier: Which Phone Deals Are Best for Most People?
Whether you want to get your new phone under a deal with a carrier or unlock it depends on your preferences and circumstances. For many people, the ability to spread the cost of a phone over two or three years makes it very easy to upgrade to one Best phones In the market.
For others, staying on a long-term plan isn’t ideal. While carriers often compete with each other and offer some deep discounts or extra freebies, manufacturers now tend to offer their own trade-in and financing programs to make upgrading affordable without involving the carrier in the process.
https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/49cc8aed7d07733961f492e543297dd86be68c3a/hub/2023/05/05/44d5ce0f-2b0a-412f-8c09-37279a6dcdb1/20230305-samsung-galaxy-s23-ultra-cameras-01.jpg?auto=webp&fit=crop&height=675&width=1200
Source link