Timing matters when you're shopping for a phone. If you buy at the right time, you can score flagship phones for cheap. But if you buy at the wrong moment, you'll probably pay top-prices for a device that'll be discounted the following month.
The best time to buy a phone depends on what you're looking for. For the widest selection of deals across all brands, Black Friday and holidays like Memorial Day have the best deals in general. But if you're targeting a specific phone (say an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy), buying right after the new model launches can save you the most money.
Phone prices follow predictable patterns throughout the year based on new model releases, seasonal sales, and carrier competition. Keep reading to learn what makes the best time to buy a phone so you'll never overpay again.
| Phone | Best time to buy new models | Best time to buy older models |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone | September (with preorder deals) | September–October (right after new launch) |
| Samsung Galaxy S series | February (with preorder deals) | February–March (right after new launch) |
| Google Pixel | August (with preorder deals) | August–September (right after new launch) |
| All brands | November (Black Friday and Cyber Monday) | November/January (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and January clearance) |
Why do cell phone prices change throughout the year?
Cell phone prices fluctuate due to new model launches, holiday sales, carrier deals, and inventory cleanouts. Understanding these patterns helps you predict when specific phones will drop in price and when they'll stay expensive.
The biggest driver is new model releases. When Apple drops a new iPhone in September or Samsung unveils its latest Galaxy in February, last year's flagship suddenly needs to go. Retailers slash prices to clear shelf space, and those older models that were premium just months ago become significantly more affordable.
Carriers also play a major role. Since they make money from service plans rather than selling phones, they'll subsidize device costs with your service contract. However, you can easily save hundreds with trade-in offers or switching bonuses.
Seasonal sales events (like Black Friday or Amazon's Prime Day) also offer steep device discounts. Retailers need to clear out inventory, usually resulting in price drops on older models for buyers.
When is the best time of year to buy a cell phone?
Get ready to mark your calendar because these are the best times of the year to buy a cell phone. That includes newer and older models.
1. Black Friday and Cyber Monday (November) for the widest selection of deals and devices
Black Friday is when carriers, retailers, and manufacturers bring out their biggest offers. You can expect flagship phones with substantial trade-in credits, buy-one-get-one-free promotions, and bundle deals that include free accessories or even discounted streaming subscriptions.
The deals typically start appearing in early November and run through Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving). Some retailers extend these promotions into early December, but don't count on it just in case they cut the promotions short while you're perusing.
It's important to note that if you are looking at a carrier deal (like T-Mobile's Black Friday promotions), these deals often require new lines or trade-ins. Plus, they usually lock you into installment plans.
Pro tip: Make sure you understand the commitment before signing up. If you want to understand how carrier financing deals work, we've got a detailed breakdown to walk you through it. And if you want to avoid credit checks and contracts, check out our guide on how to get a cell phone with no credit check.
2. Right after new phone launches (September, February, August) for iPhones, Samsungs, and Pixels
Major phone manufacturers follow predictable release schedules, and these launch windows create the best opportunities to save money on specific phones. If you're looking at a particular brand, buying right after the new model launches often delivers better deals than waiting for Black Friday.
The best time to buy an iPhone is in September
Since the iPhone launch is usually in September, you can expect cheaper older versions around the same time. The moment Apple announces the new model, last year's iPhone suddenly becomes significantly cheaper. If you want an iPhone but don't care about having the absolute latest model, this is your best window.
However, if you want to get your hands on the newest rendition, a preorder carrier deal saves you the most usually. Apple typically opens preorders about a week after the announcement, which is also when carriers compete with aggressive promotions. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon all offer trade-in deals during this window that can save you a good amount on the newest model (or make it free).
Can't wait until September? You can save now
You can save now on current models by shopping carrier deals and retailer promotions. Check out the best iPhone deals to see what's available right now. If you're wondering whether an iPhone upgrade is worth it, we've got an article that explains when to commit or skip.
iPhone 17e 256GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 16 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 17e 512GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
The best time to buy a Samsung device is in February (or August)
Samsung typically unveils its newest Galaxy S models in late February, and the newest Galaxy Z series in August or September. That means both periods are prime times to snag a cheap Samsung phone.
As soon as the new model is announced, last year's version drops in price. That's also when major carriers offer sign-up promotions and major discounts on the latest models. Samsung also offers its best trade-in deals of the year, so there's no reason you can't save on an upgrade.
Can't wait until the new launch? You can save now
Check out the latest Samsung Galaxy deals to see what's available. Want to see the full lineup of Android devices? Our guide to the best Android phones breaks down top picks for every budget.
Galaxy A26 5G
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
Galaxy A37 5G 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 5MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Galaxy S26 5G 256GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 10MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
The best time to buy a Google Pixel is in August
Google usually announces its flagship Pixel lineup in August, meaning you can expect serious savings soon after. When the new Pixel series launches, the previous generation immediately becomes more affordable. Google also releases its mid-range Pixel A-series in late winter or early spring, which pushes down prices on older budget models.
Want a new Pixel before August? Don't wait, save now
Current Pixel models often go on sale between launch cycles, especially during Amazon Prime Day. Check out our guide on the best Android phones to compare options across all budgets.
Pixel 10a 128GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
Pixel 9a 128GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
Pixel 10 128GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 10.8MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 10.5MP
3. Amazon Prime Day (July) for mid-summer savings
Amazon Prime Day in mid-July has become a huge competitor shopping event for phones. If you're a Prime member, you can find some of the best deals on unlocked phones, refurbished phones, accessories, and occasionally carrier-locked devices. The selection focuses heavily on Android phones, particularly mid-range models from brands like Samsung, Motorola, and Google Pixels.
Honorable mention: Back-to-school season (August) for students and families
Summer is another underrated season for phone deals, especially if you're shopping for mid-range or budget devices. With students going off to college and families getting ready for the start of the school year in August, you can find promotions on phones from brands like Motorola, OnePlus, and some Samsung phones, too. Student and teacher deals or discounts, bundle savings with accessories, and lower prices on mid-tier models are common nowadays.
When should I get my kid a phone?
If you're a parent considering getting your kid their first phone for the school year, check out our guide on when kids should get a cell phone that walks through safety considerations, age-appropriate features, and the best time to buy.
When is the worst time to buy a cell phone?
Just as important as knowing when to buy is knowing when to avoid buying. The worst times are right before major launch announcements when prices are at their peak.
Here's when to avoid buying a new phone:
- Avoid August if you want an iPhone. Apple typically announces new iPhones in September, so buying in August means paying full price for a phone that'll cost significantly less in just a few weeks.
- Avoid January if you want a Samsung Galaxy. The new Galaxy S launch happens in late February, making January one of the worst times to buy last year's model at full price.
- Avoid late July if you want a Google Pixel. Google usually announces new Pixel phones in August, so late summer means you're buying right before the price drops.
That said, if your phone is genuinely broken or unusable, you don't need to wait for the perfect sale. There are decent deals running year-round, especially from carriers looking to steal customers from competitors. Sometimes the best time to buy is when you actually need it.
Want to know if upgrading early is worth it? Check out our article on why you should skip the early phone upgrade.
What are the best cell phone deals right now?
The best way to save on a new device right now is by taking advantage of a carrier deal. We track all the best deals on popular phones from carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, so you're sure to find a device and plan to fit your budget. Carrier deals come in many types, including trade-in deals, switching deals for joining a new carrier, and BOGO promotions.
If you do decide to switch, check out our guides to walk you through the process:
Best time to buy a phone: FAQs
When do cell phone prices drop?
Cell phone prices drop right after manufacturers release new models. Expect cheaper prices in September for iPhones, February for Samsung Galaxy phones, and August for Google Pixel phones.
Is Black Friday the best time to buy a phone?
Black Friday offers the widest selection of phone deals across all brands, but September is often better for iPhones and February is better for Samsung Galaxy phones.
Should I wait for a new phone to come out?
You should wait for a new phone to come out if you're happy with last year's model, but don't want to pay full price for it. Since prices drop after the new release, you can get a new-ish phone at a much cheaper price.
Is it cheaper to buy a phone outright or through a carrier?
It depends on your situation. Buying outright gives you flexibility, but carriers often offer better overall value if you're willing to commit to service for a few years on a pricier plan.
How WhistleOut reviews phone deals
Our mobile experts track phone deals year-round from major carriers and retailers. We monitor pricing trends, compare deals across multiple carriers, and test whether promotional offers deliver genuine value or come with hidden restrictions.
- Price tracking
We monitor phone prices throughout the year to identify genuine deals versus inflated "sale" prices. - Fine print analysis
We read the terms and conditions so you don't have to, highlighting hidden requirements like trade-ins, new lines, or installment plans. - Real-world testing
We've personally purchased phones through carrier deals and retailer promotions to understand the actual customer experience.
From there, we weigh each deal's pros and cons and determine whether it's a worthwhile purchase for most cell phone users.
Jessica Santero
Staff Writer
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