Getting a new phone in your hands doesn’t have to be as expensive as you might think. However, if you’re hoping to buy one of the latest devices on the market, finding a good deal is easier than ever. There are always deals on Android phones, but they tend to come and go rather quickly, with other discounts appearing in their place.
When buying a new smartphone, there are two main types of deals to consider. You could buy your new phone unlocked so you own it and bring it to any carrier where it’s compatible, or you can purchase devices through carrier deals at a retailer such as Verizon or T-Mobile.
Carrier deals generally make you pay for the device in monthly installments and require adding a line of service, which means you’ll be locked into paying for the device (and your service contract) for a few years. Deals like these can be excellent if you’re willing or need to switch carriers, but if you don’t want to change your service, you probably want to stick to deals on unlocked devices.
Best unlocked Android phone deals
OnePlus 9 5G | Up to $81 off at Amazon
Amazon is currently offering up to $81 off the new OnePlus 9. This 5G smartphone is unlocked and equipped with 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, a Hasselblad triple camera system, and even features built-in Alexa. This marks the best deal we’ve seen on this device so far.
from $648.66 at Amazon
Samsung Galaxy S21 | As low as $199.99 at Samsung
Samsung is the best place to snag the new Galaxy S21 right now. While you won’t get a direct price drop, you will receive six months of Sirius XM and four months of YouTube Premium for free if you order there. You can instantly trade in your old phone to save up to $600 off its total price; eligible customers can use the Samsung Discount Program to save another $40.
From $199.99 at Samsung
Nokia 5.4 | $18 off at Amazon
The 128GB Nokia 5.4 Android smartphone is now on sale, unlocked for just $232, saving you close to $20 off its usual cost. With a 6.39-inch HD display, this phone features 4GB RAM, expandable storage, and dual SIM support for two phone numbers.
$232.16 at Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 256GB | $260 off at B&H
The unlocked 256GB Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is now available at a $260 discount via B&H for a limited time. This device comes with a built-in stylus and is compatible with GSM carriers. Plus, the deal’s available on the Mystic Black, Mystic Bronze, and Mystic White colorways.
$1,039.99 at B&H
Moto G7 Plus | from $199.99 at Best Buy
The Motorola G7 Plus is now on sale for only $199.99 at Best Buy when you activate it today with AT&T. This unlocked device can only be used on GSM networks.
from $199.99 at Best Buy
TCL 10 Pro | from $290 at Best Buy
TCL’s 10 Pro is an affordable powerhouse with a 6.47-inch AMOLED display with NXTVISION tech, a quad-camera setup, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 octa-core processor, and 6GB of RAM. It has a 128GB capacity, expandable via microSD. Best Buy offers up to $80 off its regular price when you choose ‘Activate Today’ on the product page. Activating the device later will save you $30 instead.
from $290 at Best Buy
TCL 10L | $174.99 at Amazon
The 64GB TCL 10L offers great bang for your buck with an expansive, adjustable display and clean TCL UI software. Its hardware is solid for the price, and including NFC for mobile payments is rare in the phone’s price range. Today’s deal saves you $75 at Amazon when you clip the coupon on its product page.
$174.99 at Amazon
Samsung Note 20 Ultra | Up to $450 off with a trade-in at Samsung
Save up to $450 on the Note 20 Ultra when you trade in an eligible device at Samsung. Even devices with cracked screens can earn you up to $293 off. The Samsung Discount Program can save some customers an additional $90.
Shop at Samsung
OnePlus 8T with free case | $150 off at OnePlus
The unlocked OnePlus 8T is now discounted by $150 at OnePlus! This is one of the fastest Android phones on the market. It features a stunning 120Hz AMOLED flat display with 256GB storage and 12GB RAM. You’ll also score a free case with the purchase.
$599 at OnePlus
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Best carrier Android phone deals
Samsung Galaxy S21 | Free at Verizon
Verizon’s offering $800 off the S21 when you trade in an eligible phone and add a line on select Unlimited plans.
Shop at Verizon
Samsung Galaxy S21 | Free with trade-in at AT&T
Get the Galaxy S21 for free when you trade in an eligible device at AT&T and add a line on an Unlimited plan! This deal is available for new and existing customers and saves you $800 off the device’s regular cost.
Shop at AT&T
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra | Up to $700 off at AT&T
Both new and existing AT&T customers can get up to $700 off any Samsung Galaxy S21 series phone with the trade-in of an eligible device and choosing 30-month installment payments while adding a line on an AT&T unlimited plan. That means you can get the Galaxy S21 Ultra for just $499.99. You can add the Galaxy Tab S5e to your purchase for only $5 monthly.
Up to $700 off at AT&T
Samsung Galaxy A12 | $1 per month at AT&T
Picking up the Galaxy A12 at AT&T will cost you just $1 monthly when you activate the device on a new or existing Unlimited plan. Along with a 6.5-inch HD+ display, this device features an octa-core processor, a quad-rear camera system, and a 5000mAh battery that offers up to 34 hours of talk time.
Shop at AT&T
Google Pixel 4a with $150 back at Visible
Visible uses Verizon’s 4G LTE network while offering some of the most affordable phone plans at just $40/month! Today you can score a $150 prepaid Mastercard when you switch to Visible and buy the Google Pixel 4a outright or with monthly device payments starting at $14/month. You’ll also score a free Nimble Fast-Charging Bundle with the purchase.
Shop at Visible
Google Pixel 5 with $100 back at Visible
Visible is offering a $100 prepaid Mastercard with your purchase of the Google Pixel 5 today. You’ll also receive a free Nimble Fast-Charging Bundle with the purchase. The Pixel 5 has a 6-inch FHD+ display, 128GB storage, dual rear cameras, an 8MP front-facing camera, and an integrated fingerprint sensor.
Shop at Visible
Moto G Power | $216 at Visible
One of the best low-cost Android phones you can buy right now is the Moto G Power. The big draw to the phone is its 5,000 mAh battery, which allows for up to three days of use on a single charge. Talk about long endurance. Visible includes a $100 prepaid Mastercard and a free Amazon Fire TV Stick when you switch to Visible, the port in your current number, and purchase this device.
$216 at Visible
Note 20 or Note 20 Ultra | Save up to $1,100 at Verizon
Verizon offers up to $1,100 off the Note 20 or Note 20 Ultra when you trade in an eligible device for a limited time or up to $1,000 for select LG trade-ins.
Shop at Verizon
OnePlus 8 | Free $50 prepaid Mastercard at Visible
Visible offers a free $50 prepaid Mastercard Virtual Account when you switch to Visible, the port in your current number, and buy the OnePlus 8. Though the phone has higher monthly payments here than at the retailers above, Visible’s $40 all-in monthly plan for unlimited talk, text, and data helps to make this a better deal overall. You’ll also score a free Amazon Fire TV Stick with the purchase for a limited time.
Shop at Visible
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Free at Verizon
Score the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G device for free when you add a new line on an Unlimited plan at Verizon. This phone has a vivid 6.5-inch Infinity-O display, a quick 120Hz refresh rate, triple rear cameras with Space Zoom, and a 32MP front-facing camera.
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 | Up to $1,100 off at Verizon
Verizon offers $1,100 off the all-new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 when you trade in an eligible device and choose an Unlimited plan. This 256GB device has a foldable screen that you can use like a phone or tablet.
Shop at Verizon
Samsung Galaxy A42 with a free $150 prepaid Mastercard
Score a $150 prepaid Mastercard virtual account for free when you switch to Visible and purchase the Samsung Galaxy A42. You’ll need to port in your current number, too. Visible also includes a free Nimble Fast-Charging Bundle with the purchase!
Shop at Visible
Samsung Galaxy A32 | $1 per month at AT&T
Get the Galaxy A32 in your hands today for just $1 per month at AT&T! Along with its 6.5-inch HD+ Infinity-V display, this device has a fast-charging, long-lasting battery, expandable memory, and a quad rear camera system.
Shop at AT&T
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How much should you spend on a phone?
The weird thing about shopping for a phone is that there are two ways to do it: outright or through your carrier. (There are a few more ways to do it — financing it through the manufacturer itself or buying it used, but we’ll focus on the first two now.)
Buying a phone unlocked means you’re spending more for the phone upfront in exchange for spending less on your monthly phone bill. That’s because when you buy a phone through your carrier, its cost is amortized over the length of your contract, usually around 18 to 24 months.
Things get more complicated on Black Friday and Cyber Monday because companies are playing with their prices in ways they don’t usually work during other times of the year. Yes, phones go on sale in March and August, but November is when things start getting competitive.
The other thing to remember is that the more expensive phones — the Galaxy Note 20 Ultras of the world, for example — will usually have the most significant percentage drop in discounts. However, overall, they’re still going to be far more expensive than the mid-range options that offer almost as good an experience for less than half the price.
If you’re set on getting a phone through your carrier, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the best times to get them since they’re more willing to negotiate or make exceptions on your monthly plan pricing in exchange for picking up a new phone. Most carriers are looking for new signups, so if you’re willing to switch providers entirely, you can likely get at least one, if not two, free smartphones for your trouble.
Either way, do a bunch of research before you buy. We have a list of the best Android phones and cheap Android phones to help you decide. I recommend you give those a look before pressing buy on anything above. We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
