Why You Can Trust CNET
Our expert deal-hunting staff showcases the best price drops and discounts from reputable sellers daily. If you make a purchase using our links, CNET may earn a commission.
One of the markers of the end of summer in the US is Labor Day weekend, even though technically we've got a few more weeks before we hit autumn. As one of the bigger shopping events left of the year, Labor Day sales are already kicking in. With sales on everything from mattresses to TVs, it's a great time to do some bargain hunting. That includes finding discounts on mobile phones.
If you've been considering upgrading to a new phone but have been put off by the prices, fret not. We've combed through the latest offers to get you the best-of list of Labor Day phone deals on offer. We've focused this roundup on direct discounts on unlocked phones, and we'll keep it updated as we move into Labor Day weekend.
The Pixel 8 may have just been superseded by the Pixel 9 series, but it's still a solid phone in 2024 for those that don't need the latest and greatest. And at under $550, it's pretty affordable too.
For a more affordable midrange Android phone, the 2023 Motorola Edge Plus got decent marks from our reviewer, thanks to battery life and a good display and audio. It's currently on sale for $300 off at Amazon, making it even more appealing.
According to our reviewer Pattrick Holland, the Galaxy S24 and 24 Plus feature improvements from the Galaxy S23 series, including longer battery life and better screens. Right now you can get the S24 Plus for a nice $201 discount at Amazon, so you can try these features out for yourself.
Best Apple Labor Day phone deals
Right now we're seeing the best Apple phone deals on carrier models, however there are some unlocked offers, such as older model iPhone 14 and 13 at a modest discount of $50 from Best Buy. Keep an eye on this page as we'll continue to keep it up to date as new offers come available.
If you're still rocking the iPhone 13 or earlier, the upgrade to the 14 Plus will give you a bigger screen and a few nice perks including an improved camera. Right now you can save $50 at Best Buy, plus you can save up to $365 when you trade in an eligible device.
Best Google Pixel Labor Day phone deals
The recent release of the Pixel 9 series has prices fluctuating on earlier models, but we're seeing some solid deals on the Pixel 8A (released in early 2024). There are also lots of offers -- especially from carriers -- to entice you to order the newest Pixel 9 lineup, so be sure to check out our Pixel 9-specific deals roundup if you don't see what you're looking for here.
The Pixel 8A came out in May of 2024 and our reviewer found it a superior phone to the other phones in the Pixel 8 lineup, with a great camera and battery life at a decent price. Right now Best Buy has that price lowered by $50, bringing this phone to you for under $500.
Best Samsung Labor Day phone deals
Thanks to Samsung's Labor Day sale, you can find deals on a number of their phones directly through the Samsung website, especially if you have an older phone to trade in.
Right now at Best Buy not only can you save a straightforward $120 off of the regular retail price, you can also get up to $1,000 credit for an eligible trade in.
The S23 FE already brings you many of the essentials from last year's Galaxy S23 lineup at a more affordable price. Right now you can save $100 if you pick one up from Amazon.
More Samsung phone deals
- Galaxy Z Flip 6 512GB: $1,100 (save $120)
- Galaxy Z Fold 6 1TB: $1,920 (save $240)
- Galaxy Z Fold 6: Save up to $1,500 in trade-in credit or $600 without trade-in directly through Samsung
- Galaxy Z Flip 5: Get up to $540 instant trade-in credit directly through Samsung
Best OnePlus Labor Day phone deals
TheOnePlus Open phone has been lauded for its cameras, giving Google Pixel phones a run for their money. Right now at One Plus site, their models are on sale for between 8% and 17% off, which can save you as much as $300. We've found some other deals as well.
TheOnePlus 12released earlier in 2024 and quickly found a spot on our list of best Android phones. It gives a lot of the higher-end features of other Android phones without the extra-high price tag. It's currently down by $100 at Best Buy, too.
- OnePlus 12 512GB: $800 (save $100)
- OnePlus 12R 128GB: $450 (save $50)
- OnePlus 12R 256GB: $550 (save $50)
- OnePlus Nord N30 128GB: $250 (save $50)
- One Plus Open 512 GB: $1,400 (save $300)
- Save up to 17% on unlocked phones directly through OnePlus
Best Motorola Labor Day phone deals
Motorola is having a Labor Day sale of their own where you can save up to $400 on a variety of their bestselling phones. Plus, we're seeing similar discounts at Best Buy.
A fast-charging phone with good Dolby Atmos audio and image quality, this is a great starter phone for a teen or if you just want a break from those monthly payments.
- Motorola Moto G Play 64GB: $130 (save $20)
- Motorola Edge 256GB: $450 (save $100)
- Motorola Razr Plus 256GB: $800 (save $100)
- Get up to $400 off directly through Motorola
Is Labor Day a good time to buy a phone?
In general products including tech deals likelaptops and monitors are discounted around this time of year, thanks to both Labor Day and back-to-school season. Other shopping events such as Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday tend to bring even bigger discounts on items like phones and tablets, but we're still seeing good deals on a number of phones.
What should I buy during Labor Day sales?
Labor Day brings savings on major home appliances, so this can be a good time to get deals on refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, washer and dryer sets, and similar, but don't overlook this shopping event for smaller items and lots of tech, too. We're seeing deals on phones, laptops, smartwatches and monitors as well.
What other sales are happening during Labor Day?
Big-box retailers like Target and Walmart are having major discounts for Labor Day as well as Best Buy, where we're seeing plenty of phone deals right now. And as always, Amazonresponds to any sales event by slashing prices. Because Labor Day ties in with back-to-school season, you can also spot great deals on clothing, backpacks, school supplies and more across retailers like Macy's and Kohl's as well as many smaller retailers.
How we choose the best Labor Day deals
At CNET, our team of expert shoppers and deal-hunters have years of experience helping buyers understand which major sales and deals are legitimately good and which are more routine. That includes Black Friday, Prime Day, Fourth of July and countless other shopping events. We've gotten very adept at sorting out the scams or superficial deals. We look for real discounts, quality reviews and remaining sale time when choosing a deal to show you.
- Real discounts mean exactly that. We look at the price history for all items sold to make sure no manufacturers are inflating prices to make the discount seem more substantial than it is.
- Quality reviews are important for any product, but especially for an everyday essential like a new phone. If it breaks the first time you use it, the discount isn't really worthwhile.
- Remaining sale time is a huge part of our vetting process. If a deal seems like it will only be around for a short while or will only be available for the remaining stock, we'll let you know upfront so you don't come back to the deal later only to be disappointed.