Best Phone Deals: Free iPhones, $420 off the Samsung Z Fold 6 and More
Even more affordable phones are still pretty expensive and high-end models from Apple or Samsung can cost $1,000 or more. So if you’re looking to upgrade, you’ll want to determine what savings are available first. Fortunately, there are many deals out there right now on unlocked and carrier models that can save you hundreds or even put a free phone in your pocket.
You’ll find a handful of direct discounts on unlocked models, which offer greater flexibility and won’t tie you to a multiyear contract. Or you can sign up with a primary carrier like AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon and score substantial savings with a new line or an eligible trade-in. Phone offers come and go frequently, so we’ll continue to update this page with the latest and greatest offers. And if you have any concerns about the future price of electronics because of tariffs, now might be a great time to upgrade if you’ve already been meaning to do so.
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Best unlocked phone deals right now
Shopping for a new phone from a carrier comes with 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. Choosing an unlocked phone means you won’t be immediately tied to a multiyear contract or service plan and you can always activate it with your preferred carrier later. Plus, there are plenty of no-strings-attached deals to reduce the starting price.
These deals won’t save you as much as the carrier deals below, but on the plus side, they 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.
Samsung makes some of the best Android phones, and its latest Galaxy S25 lineup has taken the world by storm. If you’re hoping to get your hands on one for less, you can grab an unlocked model for less at Amazon. The online retailer has knocked $80 off the basic S25, $120 off the S25 Plus or a whopping $250 off select configurations of the S25 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: $1,600
Although it’s pricey, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is one of the best foldable phones on the market. Amazon is offering a pretty great direct discount but only on select configurations. You can grab the silver 512GB model for $1,600 ($420 off) or grab the navy blue or pink variant for just $20 more ($400 off). All other configurations are being sold by a third-party vendor, which we recommend avoiding.
With a 3.6-inch cover screen and a stunning 6.9-inch OLED interior display, the 2024 Motorola Razr Plus is our favorite flip phone on the market. Even at full price, it’s cheaper than the similar Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and this deal drops the price even lower. If you don’t need an unlocked model, you’ll get an extra $100 off if you sign up with Verizon and you can trade in an old phone for even more savings.
Although its phones might not be as popular as Apple’s or Samsung’s, OnePlus’ devices have consistently impressed our reviewers here at CNET. The OnePlus 13 is its latest flagship model and you can pick one up for less right now. Both the 256GB and 512GB models are $50 off and you’ll get an extra $100 in credit with the trade-in of an eligible device. OnePlus is also offering up to 20% off add-on bundles.
Motorola Moto G Play (2024): $130
This is as cheap as it comes for a new smartphone from 2024. The Motorola Moto G Play has 64GB of storage, a sleek sapphire blue color, a 6.5-inch screen, a 50-megapixel rear-facing camera and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera. It’s already extremely affordable at just $150 and Best Buy is offering a slight $20 discount right now as well. Plus, you can save even more with a trade-in and you’ll get $100 off if you sign up with Verizon.
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 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 be around anymore, but these newer phone deals from AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and others 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 to keep 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 committing to that “free phone” deal you see advertised.
Read more: Cheap Phone Plans, Compared
Apple iPhone 16 and 16 Pro at T-Mobile
T-Mobile is offering many trade-in and new-line discounts on the iPhone 16 series. Exchanging your old phone will save you as much as $1,000 if you have an Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plan, which scores you a free basic iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro or the new budget-friendly 16E. Those on an Experience More, Experience Beyond, Go5G Plus or Go5G Next plan can get up to $830 off with a trade-in, which still gets you the basic iPhone 16 or 16E free. Folks on most other service plans can get as much as $300 off.
You can also save up to $830 with a new line and a trade-in, and military members, first responders and people older than 55 can take advantage of special trade-in offers for up to $800 off.
Samsung Galaxy S25 series at AT&T
You can score some savings on all the Galaxy S25 phones right now at AT&T. If you’re after the basic Galaxy S25, you can save $404 when you purchase it on an installment plan, which drops the price down to just $11 with no trade-in required. If you do have an old phone valued at just $95 or more, you can trade it in for up to $1,000 off, which gets you the S25 Plus free or the S25 Ultra for just slightly more than $8 per month. AT&T is also offering 50% off select Samsung accessories.
Google Pixel 9 at Verizon
Google’s latest flagship phone, the Pixel 9, is the best model for Android purists. And you can pick it up free with the activation of a line on an Unlimited Welcome, Plus or Ultimate plan at Verizon. You can also bundle a free Pixel Watch 3 or Galaxy Tab S10 FE 5G with the purchase but you must also activate a line for these devices.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus at Boost Mobile
The iPhone 16 Plus is part of Apple’s latest smartphone lineup. Alhough prices normally start at $900, you can score the 128GB model free at Boost Mobile if you sign up for its $65-per-month Infinite Access for iPhone plan.
The iPhone 16 has an A18 chip that supports intense gaming, a 6.7-inch screen and a 48-megapixel Fusion camera, among other improved specs over its predecessors.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 at Verizon
Trade in your old Galaxy phone to Verizon and get up to $1,000 off your new Galaxy Z Fold 6 when you sign up for a new line on an Unlimited Ultimate plan, dropping the cost down to $25 per month. The credit is spread out over 36 months so if you cancel service before the 36 months are 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.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 at AT&T
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is a retro-inspired flip phone that includes the latest tech upgrades. This includes Galaxy AI, a 50MP camera and Photo Assist (a feature that improves photos). Although the phone can be pricey, you can save up to $1,000 with an eligible trade-in and unlimited plan from AT&T, which drops it down to just $3 per month. You can also save 50% on select Samsung accessories with the purchase.
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, spreading 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 than ideal. While carriers often compete with each other to offer 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.
Impulse Buys Under $25 That Make Surprisingly Great Gifts
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