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Smartphones are expensive. We get it. We use them every day. That still doesn't mean we want to spend over a grand just to get the latest tech. Thankfully, there are plenty of deals out there that can slash the cost by hundreds of dollars, if you know where to look. That's where we come in. High-end phones like the iPhone 15, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 9 Pro will get you premium features. However, on the other end of the spectrum, there are plenty of more budget-friendly offerings worth looking at.
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To help you out, we've rounded up some of the best bargains on the internet right now, so you can focus on buying the phone that best fits your needs and meets your financial requirements. If you aren't sure which plan or carrier you should go with, you may want to go for an unlocked model at retailers like Amazon or Best Buy and sign up for service later.
If you know which network works best for you, you can take advantage of discounts, trade-ins or new lines through major carriers like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile.
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 pick up an unlocked model instead. Opting for an unlocked phone means you won't be immediately locked into a multiyear contract or service plan, and you can always activate it with your preferred carrier after the fact. Plus, there are plenty of no-strings-attached deals to bring down the starting price.
These deals won't save you as much as the carrier deals below but don't require a trade-in or a new line of service. Below, we've rounded up some of the best discounts on unlocked phones that you can shop right now.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a previous-gen model, but it has a versatile camera setup that makes it worth checking out. The 10x zoom telephoto lens is unmatched when taking detailed distance shots. It is combined with powerful performance, top-notch battery life, an excellent display and a comfortable design.
The Pixel 7 Pro may be a generation old, but it's still a great Android phone. It features Google's Tensor G2 processor, a 6.7-inch OLED display, a 50-megapixel camera and 12GB of RAM, and the base model has 128GB of storage. In addition to the listed discount, you can save up to an extra $260 through Amazon's trade-in program.
The unique Samsung Z Flip 5 is our favorite compact foldable phone on the market right now. It features a convenient 3.4-inch cover screen and a 6.7-inch main display, a 12-megapixel camera and comes equipped with a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for smooth performance. The phone is available in four different color options. There are currently no discounts on it, but you can save up to $540 through the company's trade-in program.
This is as cheap as it comes for a new smartphone from 2024. The Motorola Moto G Play has 64GB, a sleek sapphire blue color design, a 6.5-inch screen as well as a rear-facing camera capable of 50 megapixels and a front-facing camera that offers eight megapixels. It's unlocked and ready to go.
If you're looking for a 5G phone that won't break the bank, the Samsung A54 5G is one of our favorite budget-friendly options out there at the moment. It has a 6.4-inch AMOLED display, a 5,000-mAh battery and 128GB of built-in storage (which you can expand with a microSD card). The phone is available in two colors. In addition to the discount off its list price, you can save an extra $240 through Amazon's trade-in program.
If you're happy picking up a smartphone that's not completely brand-new, Amazon has the brilliant Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus with 5G and 128GB available for under $200.
Despite being renewed, Amazon is still offering trade-in deals for this phone, which can help you save even more.
It might be renewed but don't let that put you off the price of this sleek Samsung Galaxy S21 FE with 5G. That's a huge $470 discount that brings a 6.4-inch screen, 32-megapixel front-facing camera, graphite color scheme and 128GB storage.
Best phone deals from carriers
You can also save by trading in your old device or activating a new line of service at major carriers, meaning you have plenty of places to look for phone deals. That's why CNET is working with Navi to help cut through the confusion. Navi is an independent marketplace that aggregates information on service plans and phone deals to help consumers find the best choices and prices on the market. Below you'll find some of the best deals out there for both 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 be around anymore, but these newer phone deals from Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and more are similar in many ways. Through monthly bill credits, you can get a phone for next to nothing in many cases. The stipulation is that you must remain a customer for a set length of time while you're receiving the credits. Otherwise, you're responsible for the remaining costs and potentially more, depending on the carrier.
In addition, some carriers will allow you to take advantage of these deals only on specific plans, which are usually some of their more expensive 5G plans. So be sure to understand the monthly costs associated with switching before taking advantage of that "free phone" deal you see advertised.
Read more: Cheap Phone Plans, Compared
The new iPhone 15 Pro comes with USB-C and a few other minor upgrades here and there. If you're just entering the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 15 Pro is likely the way to go, with an improved A17 chip, the better 3.2 USB protocol, and the new optical zoom, which is better than the competition. With this deal, you will only pay taxes and shipping and a $60 activation fee, which gets credited to your account. Then it's $60 a month for Boost Infinite, which gives you unlimited talk, text and data. Plus, you can upgrade to the latest iPhone every year.
If you don't mind being tied to a carrier and service plan, Best Buy is offering even more trade-in savings than Apple right now. The tech retailer has partnered with both AT&T and Verizon to offer some massive trade-in discounts when you activate through the carrier. Both carriers are offering enhanced credit, which can save you up to $700 at AT&T or up to $600 at Verizon, each with an eligible trade-in and qualified activation.
Plus, AT&T and Verizon customers can save $100 on select iPhone 15 models right now. AT&T customers can save $100 on a 256GB model of the iPhone 15 Plus as well.
Apple's budget-focused iPhone SE is available for the low price of $0 (plus a $35 activation fee) at Verizon with a new line on an unlimited data plan, which starts at $65 a month. Verizon is also currently offering a $430 discount with a promo credit. The deal applies to the 64GB model, and the discount is applied via monthly bill credits. You can up the storage capacity for just a few bucks per month extra.
You can score an Apple iPhone 13 at a low price thanks to Verizon's current $630 promo credit.
Trade in your old Galaxy phone to Verizon and get up to $800 off your new Galaxy Z Fold 5 when you sign up for a new line on a qualifying unlimited plan. If you're an existing Verizon customer who qualifies for an upgrade, you can still save up to $800 with just an eligible trade-in. The credit is doled out over 36 months, and if you cancel service before the 36 months is up you'll have to pay the remaining balance. Also, be aware that credits begin within three bills and require that you pay all taxes and associated fees on the retail price upfront.
Verizon is currently waiving the activation fee on the Z Fold 5 and offering free 2-day shipping on online orders.
Right now T-Mobile is offering new customers quite a few ways to save on the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Folks with an old phone to trade in can save up $1,000 in monthly bill credits with a trade-in on a Go5G Next plan, $830 with a Go5G Next or Go5G Plus plan, $730 off on a new line, up to $630 off when you switch to T-Mobile from another carrier and up to $300 off with a trade-in. These offers are valid for the iPhone 14, 14 Plus or 14 Pro Max.
Note that the iPhone 14 Pro Max is listed as out of stock at T-Mobile right now.
Released in March 2022, the third-gen iPhone SE offers a familiar design with enhanced internals. For people who are looking to stick with Touch ID and who have an older phone, this is the best bet. T-Mobile is offering up to $1,000 in monthly bill credits with a Go5G Next plan, up to $830 with a qualifying trade-in while on a Go5G Next or Go5G Plus plan, up to $630 when you switch to T-Mobile, or up to $300 off with a trade-in. You can also save 50% if you add a new line of service.
Do you get the best phone deals when you switch carriers?
To attract new customers, carriers often reserve their steepest discounts for switchers. That means you may find a more appealing phone deal if you consider moving carriers. It's a straightforward process for individuals but can be a little complicated for those with multiple lines. Ultimately, it's worth shopping around when it comes time to upgrade your phone in case another offers some kind of switcher bonus or switcher-exclusive phone deal.
Unlocked vs. carrier: Which phone deals are the best for most people?
Whether you want to get your new phone on a carrier deal or unlocked will depend on your preferences and circumstances. For a lot of folks, being able to spread the cost of the phone over two or three years makes it much easier to upgrade to one of the best phones on the market.
For others, being locked into a long-term plan is less ideal. While carriers often compete with each other for and offer some steep discounts or added freebies, manufacturers now tend to offer their own trade-in and financing programs to make it more affordable to upgrade without involving a carrier in the process.