Black Friday 2024 is right around the corner, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the most competitive shopping events of the year. Top retailers and carriers are vying to bring you the best phone deals. Whether you’re starting your holiday shopping early or making up for missing last month’s Prime Day, there are incredible offers from Samsung, Google, Motorola, and Apple.
Also: The best Black Friday deals live now
The phone deals below will save you a significant amount of money on some of the best handsets we’ve tested and recommend at ZDNET. For example, carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile<!–> are offering “On Us” promotions that can get you the latest iPhone, Samsung, or Google Pixel for free with a qualifying trade-in. You’ll also find links to the retailer with the best offer for various phones below, whether that’s Best Buy–>, Amazon<!–>, or AT&T–>. Keep an eye out, as we’ll be continuously updating the list with new deals this week.
Our favorite smartphone deals for Black Friday 2024
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra<!–>: $1,300 (save $120 at Samsung): The best phone we’ve tested so far, the Galaxy S24 Ultra packs the best specs across key categories, including display, performance, battery life, and camera. It also has a built-in S-Pen for precision inputs.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6–>: $1,600 (save $300 at Samsung): If you opt for one of the special edition colors (Crafted Black or White), the Korean giant will discount a total of $800 with no trade-in required.
iPhone 16 On Us<!–>: $25/month (save up to $3,200 at T-Mobile): The carrier will sell you four iPhone 16 models for free when you trade in eligible devices, start 4 new lines at $25 per line, and agree to 24 months of bill credits.
Apple iPhone 16–>: $0.00/month (save $830 at Verizon): The carrier will credit you the cost of Apple’s base-model iPhone when you open a new line and are under an Unlimited Ultimate plan.
Clicks Keyboard for iPhone 16 series<!–>: $139 (save $20 at Best Buy): A snap-on case that’ll bring you back to the glory days of physical phone keyboards and quick dial. The Clicks Keyboard can also be programmable to fire up shortcuts, apps, and more.
Nomad USB-C to USB-C ChargeKey–>: $19 (save $6 at Nomad): One of my essential travel accessories is this keychain with two USB-C connectors that can pump out up to 60W of power.
Google Pixel 9<!–>: $649 (save $150 at Amazon): Possibly the best Android phone for most people in 2024, the comfortably sized, very capable Pixel 9 is selling at close to its all-time low price.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold–>: $1,500 (save $300 at Amazon): In content for best foldable phone, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold features an improved, more ergonomic design, a massive 8-inch display, and support for the latest Google AI tools.
Google Pixel 8a<!–>: $400 (save $100 at Amazon): A fantastic, compact, and AI-ready Android that’s priced to compete, the Pixel 8a is 20% off right now.
OnePlus Open–>: $1,200 (save $500 at Amazon): One of the best foldable phones we’ve tested is selling at a $500 discount for Black Friday.
OnePlus 12<!–>: $550 (save $250 at Best Buy): The OnePlus flagship is the fastest-charging phone you can buy in the US, with a beefy 5,400mAh battery that should last you well into a second day.
Motorola Razr+ 2024–>: $750 (save $250 at Best Buy): The best flip phone you can buy right now is $250 off and comes with 256GB of storage.
Current price: $950
Original price: $1,420
While the year hasn’t ended yet, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra remains ZDNET’s top pick for best phone of 2024. The big selling point with the Ultra model is its maximalist approach to being a smartphone, giving you all the features you could need, including a built-in S Pen stylus, upwards of 1TB of storage, and a quad-camera system. For a limited time, you can pick up the 512GB of storage variant for the same price as the 256GB.
Review: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
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Current price: $649
Original price: $799
The Google Pixel 9 is the phone I recommend to most people in 2024. It doesn’t have the flashiest features, like a dedicated telephoto lens or LTPO display, but it’s a well-rounded package that holds up against phones that cost hundreds of dollars more. With seven years of software support, Google AI features, and a very capable camera system, you’ve got one of the safest, best-value phones on sale for Black Friday.
Review: Google Pixel 9
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Current price: $772
Original price: $1,100
One of the best flip phones on the market, you can buy Samsung’s latest foldable for $300 off for Black Friday. For the money, you get a compact handset with dual cameras, dual screens, and up to seven years of software features, operating system, and security updates. The new Z Flip 6 model is also Samsung’s most durable one yet.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
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Current price: $65 a month
Original price: $999
Carrier deals are almost always too good to be true, but if you meet all the right requirements and are willing to exchange loyalty for a discounted iPhone, things may just work out. Case in point, this Boost Mobile deal will cover the cost of the latest iPhone 16 Pro, with the requirement being to enroll in the brand’s wireless plan ($65 a month over 36 months). If you were already considering switching carrier plans or starting a new one, this deal is worth considering.
Review: Apple iPhone 16 Pro
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Current price: $350
Original price: $700
The Motorola Razr (2023) is one of the more accessible foldable phones on the market, and this Black Friday deal makes it even more so. While the outer display is not as large as the flagship flip phones, its inner display is the same size as Razr’s more expensive sibling, Razr Plus. Right now, you can buy the Razr at a $350 mark-down.
: $700 (save $100 at Amazon): The base model of the Galaxy S24 series has also been discounted by $100. It’s a more compact option if you’re not a fan of big phones.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6–>: $1,600 (save $300 at Samsung): If you opt for one of the special edition colors (Crafted Black or White), the Korean giant will discount a total of $700 with no trade-in required.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6<!–>: $772 (save $328 at Amazon): For a flagship foldable that won’t break the bank, consider Samsung’s latest Z Flip 6, which is selling for a record-low price, so long as you opt for the green color.
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G–>: $300 (save $100 at Amazon): One of the best budget phones on the market, with a 120Hz display and triple camera setup.
: $65/month (save $1,000 at Boost): Want a Pro iPhone that’s actually comfortable to hold and use? Consider the smaller iPhone 16 Pro.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus–>: $65/month (save $930 at Boost): Apple also offers the standard iPhone 16 in a Plus size, with a 6.7-inch display.
Apple iPhone 16 On Us<!–>: $25/month (save up to $3,200 at T-Mobile): The uncarrier will sell you four iPhone 16 models for free when you trade in eligible devices, start 4 new lines at $25 per line, and agree to 24 months of bill credits.
Best Black Friday Motorola phone deals
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Kerry Wan/ZDNET
Motorola Razr+ 2024<!–>: $750 (save $250 at Best Buy): The best flip phone you can buy right now is $250 off and comes with 256GB of storage.
Motorola Razr+ 2023–>: $550 (save $450 at Amazon): Another foldable phone contender, the higher-end Razr+ model is also discounted and is arguably a better flip phone than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip thanks to a more customizable and functional outer screen.
Motorola Razr 2024<!–>: $450 (save $250 at Best Buy): It’s not as big of a discount, but if you want a Motorola Razr with more future-proofed specs, consider the 2024 model.
Motorola Razr 2023–>: $350 (save $350 at Motorola): The most affordable foldable phone on the market right now just got cheaper, with the 2023 Motorola Razr marked even lower at $350.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2024<!–>: $237 (save $263 at Motorola): For a budget phone with stylus support, consider Motorola’s G Stylus model, which comes with 256GB of storage.
Motorola Moto G Power 2024–>: $200 (save $100 at Best Buy): Motorola’s G Power line doesn’t have the flashiest features, but its large battery and efficient processor make it a fantastic pick-up for kids, students, elders, or a secondary device.
: $1,120 (save $680 at Walmart): The brand’s first foldable phone has a compact 5.8-inch display on the outside and an expansive 7.6-inch screen on the inside.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold–>: $1,500 (save $300 at Amazon): In content for best foldable phone, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold features an improved, more ergonomic design, a massive 8-inch display, and support for the latest Google AI tools.
Google Pixel 8a<!–>: $400 (save $100 at Amazon): A fantastic, compact, and AI-ready Android that’s priced to compete, the Pixel 8a is 20% off right now.
Google Pixel 9 Pro–>: $0.00/month (save $999 at T-Mobile): When you trade in an eligible device, are on a Go5G Plus or Go5G Next plan, and agree to a 24-month installment plan.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL<!–>: $5.55/month (save $1,200 at Verizon): When you trade in an eligible device, are on an eligible Unlimited plan, and agree to a 36-month installment plan.
Google Pixel 7a–>: $350 (save $150 at Amazon): One of the best budget phones on the market, with Google AI features and a 90Hz display.
Google Pixel 8<!–>: $450 (save $250 at Amazon): Coming with 128GB of storage, the year-old Pixel 8 is still a fantastic mid-range option if you value camera quality above all else.
Best Black Friday OnePlus deals
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Kerry Wan/ZDNET
OnePlus Open<!–>: $1,200 (save $500 at Amazon): One of the best foldable phones we’ve tested is selling at a $500 discount for Black Friday.
OnePlus Nord N30 5G–>: $230 (save $70 at Amazon): This is a great budget option with a large 6.7-inch screen, a 5,000mAh battery, and 50W wired charging.
OnePlus 12<!–>: $550 (save $250 at Best Buy): The OnePlus flagship is the fastest-charging phone you can buy in the U.S., with a beefy 5,400mAh battery that should last you well into a second day.
OnePlus 12R–>: $400 (save $100 at OnePlus): A sleeper pick for the best mid-range Android phone this year, the OnePlus 12R is currently being sold at its lowest price in 30 days.
: $19 (save $6 at Nomad): One of my essential travel accessories is this keychain with two USB-C connectors that can pump out up to 60W of power.
Nomad Magnetic Leather Back–>: $36 (save $4 at Nomad): If you’re not a case guy, consider this magnetic leather back cover, which gives you the texture, look, and smell of the material without adding much bulk to your phone.
Spigen Tough Armor MagFit Case<!–>: $20 (save $40 at Amazon): For a protective phone case that’s soft to the touch, highly functional (thanks to its magnetic ring mount and kickstand), and won’t break the bank, consider the Spigen Tough Armor.
Apple AirPods Pro 2–>: $154 (save $95 at Amazon): You can now use your AirPods with your Apple Watch and as hearing aids, and this is a great deal on one of our favorite AirPod models.
Torras MiniMag 5,000mAh MagSafe Battery Pack<!–>: $40 (save $13 at Amazon): ZDNET’s favorite thin MagSafe battery pack is on sale right now. It’s lightweight, powerful, and perfect for topping off your phone’s battery on the go.
FAQs
When is Black Friday?
Black Friday takes place on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. However, expect retailers to begin early discounts and sales weeks before.
When is Cyber Monday?
Cyber Monday is happening on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, following Black Friday.
Are phone deals really better on Black Friday?
Yes, phones, including recent iPhone models, are often cheaper on Black Friday, matching (if not beating) the level of discount you’d find during any other major shopping event. This is partly because Black Friday happens months after most manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, Google, and Apple have launched new devices. With the amount of time that has passed, you’ll often see the more recent phones discounted by a good amount at this time.
iPhones are cheaper during this time because carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T offer competitive trade-in and sign-on promotions. As long as you read the fine print about the qualifications, most of these deals will cover the retail cost of the new iPhone. You’ll just have to agree to a long-term installment plan that ranges between 24 months to 36 months.
Which retailer will have the best smartphone deals?
While Amazon has traditionally been the most competitive with its Black Friday smartphone deals, other retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target have caught up in recent years. In fact, we’re seeing top offers available across a variety of stores versus just one, which is a good thing for the retail landscape.
That said, I’d highly advise scanning the catalogs of the manufacturers themselves, such as Samsung–>, Motorola<!–>, Google–>, and Apple<!–>. Beyond discounts to the retail cost, manufacturers often bundle free wireless earbuds, chargers, and other accessories with your purchase. Since you’re purchasing directly from the manufacturer, you’ll also have a direct line with their customer support, should any problems with the product arise.
What’s the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
While Black Friday’s online presence has risen exponentially over the past decade, Cyber Monday was the original “online only” commerce event. Still, you’ll find deals in-store and online for both occasions. In some cases, retailers will list new deals during Cyber Monday, especially for products or inventory that didn’t sell as much during Black Friday a few days earlier.
How did we choose these Black Friday deals?
ZDNET chooses Black Friday deals based on the percentage of discount compared to the original price ($5 off a $20 item is just as good as $250 off a $1,000 item), how significant the discount is compared to pricing history, and whether our experts have tested and recommended the product.
We also look at deals from a wider scope, considering better alternatives, unique use cases, stock, and existing customer reviews on websites like Amazon, Best Buy, and Reddit. The best deals will save you a decent amount of money while giving you a truly worthwhile product.
Where can you shop the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals?
There’s no beating in-person shopping that begins on the eve of Black Friday, and retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart have made it a point to reward those who do. However, you can still find similar discounts online – and with a higher chance of securing a product before it’s snatched by someone else.
Besides big-box retailers, most carriers and e-commerce brands will also host some form of Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotion; simply visit your preferred destinations and see what’s available. It won’t hurt to try.
What are the best Black Friday 2024 deals?
ZDNET’s experts have been searching through Black Friday sales live now to find the best discounts by category. These are the best Black Friday deals so far, by category:
