If you aren’t sure which plan or carrier you should go with, you may want to snag an unlocked model — which you can pick up on sale at retailers like Amazon or Best Buy — and then sign up later. Or, if you already know which network works best for you, you can take advantage of serious savings with a trade-in or new line through major carriers like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. Below, we’ve gathered up some of the best offers in both categories so you can find the bargain that works best for you.
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 that you can take advantage to bring down the starting price. These deals won’t save you as much as the carrier deals below, but also 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 has the most versatile camera setup on a smartphone available right now. The 10x zoom telephoto lens is unmatched when it comes to taking detailed distance shots. It is combined with powerful performance, top-notch battery life, excellent display and a design that’s comfortable to hold.
The Pixel 7 Pro may be a generation old, but due to some issues with the new Pixel 8 Pro, it’s still our favorite Android on the market right now. It features Google’s Tensor G2 processor, a 6.7-inch OLED display, a 50MP camera and 12GB of RAM, and the base model has 128GB of 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 only allow you to take advantage of these deals 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
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. 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. Verizon is also offering a few bonuses, including up to $280 off an eligible iPad and $120 off the Apple Watch SE 2, Apple Watch Series 8 or Apple Watch Ultra with the purchase of an iPhone SE and activation on any plan.
Verizon customers with an old phone to trade in can save up to $1,000 on the Pixel 8 Pro with a new line on a qualifying unlimited plan or up to $800 if they’re already on an unlimited plan and qualify for an upgrade. Verizon is also offering some other bonuses, including a $220 promo credit on a Google Pixel Watch 2 with the purchase of a Pixel phone or $350 in credit for an eligible Galaxy Watch 6 for new customers who switch their existing number over from another carrier. And if you need more than one new phone, you can buy one and save $800 on another.
New customers can get this phone free with a new line of service. Verizon is also offering $280 off an eligble iPad and $120 off an Apple Watch SE 2, Apple Watch Series 8 or Apple Watch Ultra, though you’ll need a service plan for those devices as well.
Trade in your old Galaxy phone to Verizon and get up to $1,000 off your new Galaxy Z Fold 5 when you sign up for a new line on a qualifying unlimited plan. Or, 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 a 36-month period, 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 up front.
Verizon is also offering some other bonuses with this purchase, including $350 off a Galaxy Watch 6 and a free Galaxy Tab S9 FE 5G, but note that you’ll need a new line of service for these devices as well. You can also buy one phone and save $800 on a second if you need more than one.
AT&T is offering up to $730 in trade-in value for the Z Flip 4, though sadly there aren’t any other incentives or direct discounts.
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 to $830 with trade-in on a Go5G Plus plan for an iPhone 14 or 14 Plus. You can also get an iPhone 14 Pro Max for up to 100% off with a trade-in on Go5G Next. And if you need more than one new phone, you can save up to $700 on a second iPhone when you add at least one new line of service on an eligible plan.
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 $830 off with a qualifying trade-in while on a Go5G Plus plan; up to $350 off if you’re on a Go5G, Magenta or One Rate plan; or $200 off if you have another qualifying service plan. You can also save 50% if you’re adding a new line of service.
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