The best cell phone deals for February 2023

You’ll find all of this week’s best cell phone deals all neatly lined up and compared right here on this page. On the hunt for a new iPhone? Perhaps an Android flagship is more to your taste. Regardless of what you’re on the lookout for our cell phone deals roundup covers all the bases and we’ve even got options for prepaid and unlocked devices too.

This week’s cell phone deals roundup includes the addition of a brand-new range of flagships from Samsung. We’ve made sure to include our favorite Galaxy S23 deals from this week’s initial launch so there’s some really fantastic Android options right now, alongside the usual Apple goodness.

Generally speaking, you’ll find cell phone deals coming in two forms – first as an outright sale on an unlocked device, and secondly as part of a carrier-plan tie-in. The latter can be a bit tricky, involving new cell phone plans and also trade-ins on old devices, but the savings can be absolutely huge if you’re eligible. We’ve also included a third alternative option – cell phone deals from prepaid carriers. These smaller carriers don’t tend to offer huge savings on a device, but you’ll generally be scoring a much cheaper cell phone plan so it’s worth considering the switch for sure.

Which type of cell phone deal should you go for? Well, that will depend on your personal needs. If you’re looking for the latest flagship device and an unlimited plan to pair it up with then you’ll be well served by Verizon or AT&T’s latest promotions. If you’re looking for maximum flexibility or long-term savings, then it’s generally better to consider either buying a device unlocked and then going with a prepaid carrier, or buying a prepaid device directly from that carrier.

Note, all of the devices featured on our list have been personally reviewed by the staff here at TechRadar. They’re all fantastic picks in their own right and you won’t find any sub-par choices included. If you’d like to find out which is best for you we’d recommend checking our updated guide to the best phones for 2023.

Today’s best cell phone deals at a glance

Carrier phone deals

Samsung Galaxy S23: up to $1,000 off with a trade, plus $100 store credit at Samsung (opens in new tab)
Now the initial preorders phase is over you can no longer get a free memory upgrade with Samsung’s own cell phone deals on the latest Galaxy S23 series. The good news, however, is that exceptional trade-in rebates are still up for grabs on both unlocked and carrier devices – up to $1,000 off in fact. Bundle that in with an additional $100 of store credit and you’ve got a promotion that’s almost as good as that which was offered during preorders. It’s worth noting that you can also get a carrier device directly from Samsung now too, covering Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and US Cellular devices. See this same deal on the Galaxy S23 Ultra (opens in new tab).

Samsung Galaxy S23: up to $800 off with a trade-in, or free tablet and smartwatch at Verizon (opens in new tab)
If you’re looking to pick up a device directly from a carrier itself, Verizon’s initial cell phone deals on the new Galaxy S23 range are offering a trade-in rebate of up to $800 or the option to bundle in a free Galaxy Watch and Galaxy tablet if you’d prefer. Whichever promo you go for, new users will also get a $200 gift card as a switching bonus. As always, these promotions are eligible with an unlimited data plan only, so factor that into your costs before you jump in. See this same promo on the Galaxy S23 Plus (opens in new tab) or the Galaxy S23 Ultra (opens in new tab).

Samsung Galaxy S23: free with a trade-in at AT&T (opens in new tab)
AT&T is always up there with the most competitive options for big carrier deals and today’s promotions are extremely strong for the series Galaxy S23 series. It’s trade-in rebates that rule the roost right now but the carrier is offering a particularly generous range of options for eligible devices right now. Put simply, if you have a relatively new Apple, Samsung, or Google device ready to hand over you should be able to get a shiny new Galaxy S23 for free – granted you’re willing to go with an unlimited plan too. See this same deal on the Galaxy S23 Plus (opens in new tab) or the Galaxy S23 Ultra (opens in new tab).

iPhone 14 Series: up to $1,000 off with trade, plus discounts on iPads and smartwatches at Verizon (opens in new tab)
Verizon’s switched out its cell phone deals on the iPhone 14 series to offer a combination of a trade-in rebate and discounts for bundle buys if you’re interested in additional smartwatches or an iPad. Right now, the maximum trade-in rebate is up to $1,000 off on the Pro and Pro Max, and up to $800 off the standard iPhone 14 – all of which are only eligible with an unlimited data plan. See this same deal on the iPhone 14 Pro (opens in new tab) and iPhone 14 Pro Max (opens in new tab).

Apple iPhone 14 Plus: $5/mo with new unlimited line, plus $200 off an iPad at Verizon (opens in new tab)
The excellent iPhone 14 Plus is available for just $5 per month on an unlimited data plan right now – one of the strongest cell phone deals on the entire Verizon site. If getting your hands on a super-cheap flagship device wasn’t enough, then note that you can also bundle in those additional savings on an iPad and Apple Watch – two nice little bonuses on top of the cheap iPhone.

Apple iPhone 14 & 14 Plus: free with eligible trade-in and unlimited plan at AT&T (opens in new tab)
If AT&T is your preferred carrier of choice, you’ll also find very similar cell phone deals for the 14 and 14 Plus at this carrier too, with an $800 maximum saving available. Again, you’ll need to trade in and be on an unlimited data plan to be eligible for a saving but this is a fantastic way to cut down those monthly fees over your new plan’s duration. See this same deal on the iPhone 14 Plus (opens in new tab).

Apple iPhone 14 Pro & 14 Pro Max: up to $800 off w/ trade-in and unlimited plan at AT&T (opens in new tab)
AT&T’s cell phone deals on the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max have been paired down slightly this week to feature a trade-in rebate of up to $800 – down from the record of $1,000 off. Even though this isn’t the best deal we’ve ever seen from this carrier this promotion is still worth considering if you’re interested since it’ll take a significant chunk off the overall cost. See this same deal on the iPhone 14 Pro Max (opens in new tab).

Google Pixel 7: $10/mo with unlimited plan at AT&T (opens in new tab)
AT&T’s recently switched up its cell phone deals on the Google Pixel 7 to offer a really nice 50% monthly discount with an unlimited plan. Paying just $10 per month for this device is a steal ($360 in total), and you don’t even need to trade in to be eligible for the saving here. If you do have a device to trade, then you could consider the Google Pixel 7 Pro (opens in new tab) at this carrier also, which is available with a rebate of up to $800.

Google Pixel 7: $5/mo with unlimited plan, plus free Galaxy tablet at Verizon (opens in new tab)
This particular promotion on the Google Pixel 7 could be in contention for the best deal at the carrier this week. Not only is this brand-new Android flagship available for just $5 per month with a new unlimited plan (no trade-in needed), but the carrier is also throwing in a free Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE – an outstanding freebie considering how new this smartwatch is. Interested in a more premium device? You can also get the free Pixel Watch with the Google Pixel 7 Pro (opens in new tab), although you’ll have to trade in for a discount on that device.

Google Pixel 6a: free with unlimited data plan, plus free Galaxy tablet at Verizon (opens in new tab)
This is quite possibly the best Verizon deal this week for Android fans on a budget. Not only can you get the excellent Google Pixel 6A for free right now on an unlimited data plan, but the carrier will also throw in a free Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE as a bonus. The promotion here is essentially the same as those on the Pixel 7 above, but this is definitely a strong option if you want to cut out those pesky device payments.

Apple iPhone 13 series: from $10/mo with new unlimited plan at AT&T (opens in new tab)
The iPhone 13 is one of the best deals on AT&T right now due to a healthy price cut – a discount that’s not tied to a trade-in, either. Right now you can get the basic iPhone 13 for just $10 per month on an unlimited data plan, which is pretty damn cheap compared to the latest models. Similar deals on the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max have already sold out on this carrier’s website so don’t hesitate to pick this one up before it’s gone.

Verizon
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– has a whole section of their site dedicated to phone deals
AT&T
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– also offers a huge range of phone deals
Sprint – currently offering free phones and other great phone deals

If you don’t mind switching carriers, you can find many of the best smartphone deals from the big four. The major carriers will often let you split the cost of the phone into monthly payments anywhere from 18 to 30 months, and sometimes longer. The deals they offer frequently cut the price of the phone in half, sometimes even offering the phone for free.

To get these deals, you’ll generally need to be adding a new line and signing up for a specific mobile plan. But, as long as you’re planning to get an unlimited data plan anyway, they can make it a lot more affordable to pick up a brand new phone.

If you’d like to deep dive into specific carriers, we’ve got some great content for you in the form of our Verizon deals and AT&T deals pages. There you’ll find a full list of what’s available, including discounts on plans and even free phones.

Unlocked cell phone deals

Google Pixel 6a: was $449 now $299 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
A strong choice if you’re on a budget, the Google Pixel 6a is currently matching its record-low price at Amazon. With a speedy chip, great camera, and modern design, this device is a great option if you want some of the perks of a flagship device without the hefty price tag. It’s definitely no match for the Pixel 7, but in its own right it’s a fantastic device.

Samsung Galaxy S22: was $799 now $699 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
The Galaxy S22 remains a strong choice for 2023 – even though the Galaxy S23 has just been released. Generally speaking, the devices are roughly equivalent save a few internal upgrades so going with the Galaxy S22 could be a shrewd move if you’re looking to save some cash. Today’s deal at Amazon offers a really decent discount, although we’re still $50 off from the cheapest ever price.

Google Pixel 6: $599 $475 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
The Pixel 6 may be an older model now but it’s still a fantastic choice – especially since today’s deal at Amazon brings it close (like $10 off) to its lowest-ever price. You’re still getting a great chip, good camera, and modern design with this device, which is at least $100 cheaper than the most recent Pixel 7.

Apple iPhone SE 2022: get up to $650 off with a trade-in at Apple (opens in new tab)
Ahh, the classic. Yes, the Apple trade-in program is, as you would expect, available on the latest budget device from the brand. At launch, you’ll need an iPhone 8 or later to be eligible here but a maximum saving of up to $600 will be in effect. While enough to technically cover the entire cost of the device, it’s likely you won’t get the full amount if you’re upgrading from a 2020 SE, so bear that in mind.

Apple iPhone 12: $699.99 $599, plus up to $650 off with an eligible trade-in at Apple (opens in new tab)
Price drop – It’s not all about cell phone deals on the newer devices this week. If you’re on more of a budget you may want to consider the older (but still great) iPhone 12, which is now a full $200 cheaper upfront versus launch. Surprisingly, Apple hasn’t phased out this device yet, which still holds up really well for 2022. It’s not quite as powerful as the latest iterations but still features the same basic design, a similar screen, and a camera that can still snap pics with the best of them.

Apple refurb program: save up to $280 on a refurbished iPhone (opens in new tab)
Refurb tech has a bit of a bad rep but hear us out – picking up a refurbished iPhone directly from the Apple store itself has a number of benefits outside of simply being cheap. Being refurbed by Apple itself means you’re getting fully official replacement parts, quality assurance testing, and a really generous warranty and return period too. Definitely consider it if you’re looking to save some cash.

Apple
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– offers upfront discounts on unlocked phone deals with trade-ins
Samsung
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– save up to $500 on select phone deals with trade-ins
Amazon
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– has a vast selection of unlocked phone deals on a range of brands
Best Buy
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– also an excellent place to find unlocked phone deals
OnePlus
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– price cuts, trade-in rebates, and freebies with own-brand devices

Deals on unlocked smartphones aren’t always the most eye-popping, as they tend to offer only small cuts to the retail price. Occasionally you’ll find a major deal on a new smartphone, usually late into the one-year refresh cycle for that brand. We’ve seen this kind of price drop commonly for Samsung flagships, but they aren’t frequent and rarely match the up-front discounts carriers offer.

However, the savings you get from unlocked cell phone deals can be hidden. That’s because an unlocked phone will let you freely move between carriers, so you can always choose the mobile plan that suits you. This can make your savings add up over time, as you won’t be stuck on an expensive data plan for 24 months as you pay off your phone on an installment plan.

You can also sometimes get deals directly from the phone’s manufacturer, as they can offer trade-in discounts that retail stores generally won’t.

Cheap phone deals under $500

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G: $449.99 $399.99 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
The top pick over at our best cheap phones guide, we heartily recommend the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G if you’re on a budget but want a powerful device. Not only is it fully 5G compatible (which you’d expect at this price), but it’s got a great display and decent camera. Basically, everything you need from a cheap phone is there on this device and it’s a really solid pick, even if it’s not the lowest-costed device on the market currently.

Motorola Moto G Fast: $199.99 $143 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
It’s a little older now but the Moto G Fast is a great low-cost buy if you’re looking for a reliable device. It’s got a bright 6.4-inch display, enough power to chug through the basics, and a 16MP camera system. As always with Motorola devices, you’re getting a really beefy battery in this thing too with enough power to last two days on a single charge.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11: $175 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
You may not know Xiaomi, but it’s a Chinese brand that makes some absolutely fantastic budget Android devices. This Note 11 is a particularly good choice with its 50MP quad-camera system, 128GB of storage, and gorgeous AMOLED screen. For the price, these specs are unbeatable but this device comes with two drawbacks. First, it’s not 5G compatible. Secondly, this particular variant will only work with GSM carriers (T-Mobile, AT&T). It won’t work with CDMA carriers such as Verizon or Sprint.

Samsung
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– certified renewed products and new phones under $200
Amazon
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– the best retailer for price cuts on cheap phone deals
Best Buy
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– often offers activation rebates and discounts on cheaper devices
OnePlus
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– decent prices and loyalty rewards on Nord budget devices
Walmart
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– great prices on refurbished Apple iPhones

Strictly on a budget? No worries, we’ve got you. Super-cheap phone deals on budget devices aren’t exactly the most glamorous options out there when compared to the latest Apple or Samsung flagships but they are essential for many. Not everyone wants to (or can afford) to spend over $500 on a cell phone. Luckily, there are some great budget options out there and plenty of price cuts at Amazon especially to take advantage of.

Generally speaking, these devices may forgo some of the latest features and gadgets but you’d be surprised at how decent cheap phones are getting now. Exceptional battery life, expandable storage, and increasingly great screens are a commonplace feature now on even devices in the $200 mark. Cheap phone cameras too have come a long way in recent years.

Prepaid phone deals

Verizon prepaid: $300 off select iPhones (opens in new tab)
Verizon’s been offering a respectable $300 off a range of its iPhones since Black Friday and we’re super happy to say this promo is still available now (prepaid phone deals can be rare at this carrier. Eligible devices include the iPhone 14 (opens in new tab), 14 Pro (opens in new tab), 14 Pro Max (opens in new tab), and the iPhone 13 (opens in new tab) – the latter being a particularly good buy for those on a budget. It’s not every day you see this carrier offer promotions outside of its pricey unlimited data plans so this is definitely not one to miss if you’re looking to cut out those pesky long contracts.

Apple iPhone SE 2022: free $150 gift card with switch at Visible Wireless (opens in new tab)
The prepaid carrier Visible Wireless is a great choice for data-hungry users on a budget thanks to completely unlimited data plans for as little as $30 per month. Right now, this carrier is also throwing in a free $150 gift card for new users who switch over and pick up an eligible iPhone. One of the cheapest options for a device is the excellent iPhone SE 2022, which is a great pairing with Visible thanks to its full 5G compatibility.

Apple iPhone SE 2022: $429 $379.99 at Boost Mobile (opens in new tab)
Sure, it’s not the biggest price cut in the world, but this week’s $50 discount at Boost Mobile is its best yet on the new Apple iPhone SE 2022. Valid with any data plan, you’ll be saving a decent chunk here – not to mention the savings you’ll be making on your monthly payments should you forgo the usual unlimited data plans at one of the bigger carriers. With some great pay-monthly and family options, Boost is one of the better prepaid carriers out there at the moment.

Apple iPhone 13: $150 gift card with switch at Visible (opens in new tab)
Another really good pairing with Visible Wireless is the iPhone 13, which is not only cheaper than the iPhone 14 upfront but features a nearly identical design overall. This week’s cell phone deals at Visible are offering this device with a free pair of AirPods and a $150 gift card if you switch on over, which isn’t a bad idea considering an unlimited plan costs as little as $30 per month at the carrier. Note, this promotion is also available on most flagship devices (opens in new tab) at the Visible store.

Apple iPhone 13: 6 months of free service /w device purchase at Mint Mobile (opens in new tab)
Another iPhone 13 deal that’ll set you quite a bit upfront but save you a lot in the long run is this one over at Mint Mobile. This excellent prepaid carrier is currently bundling in free months for those who buy a device outright at its website. While a bit pricey upfront, if you’re in it for the long haul this carrier is going to save you heaps of cash versus the big companies.

Apple iPhone SE 2020: $449.99 $0 with switch at Cricket Wireless (opens in new tab)
Price drop – Get yourself a cheap plan and a cheap device with this Cricket Wireless promotion on the iPhone SE 2020. Even though this device is a bit older now it’s still a great budget pick – especially since you can get it for absolutely nothing upfront. Note, to be eligible for this price you’ll need to be porting your number over from another carrier and select Cricket’s $60/month plan, so bear that in mind.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: $600 off with activation at Google Fi (opens in new tab)
Google has carried on its excellent cell phone deals on the S22 Ultra over to the new Galaxy S23 Ultra – offering a really decent prepaid option if you’re going with the Google Fi network. Plus, you can get a whopping $600 discount on your device payments if you port their number over to Google Fi and activate an eligible device. Note, if you’re interested, this deal is also available on the Galaxy S23 (opens in new tab), Galaxy S23 Plus (opens in new tab).

Mint Mobile
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– one of our favorite prepaid carriers offers excellent bundles
Visible
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– has a great unlimited plan plus great phone deals if you switch
Boost Mobile
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– offers upfront savings on a range of phone deals

Pre-paid carriers aren’t locking you into a contract, so they don’t have the same incentive to offer massive discounts and device installment plans. But even still, there are still some phone deals to be found, even if their sales don’t quite match those found on the big carriers.

These deals will generally let you save a little bit of money upfront, while the low cost of prepaid plans can help you save even more money over time. If you want the freedom to switch carriers later on, you’ll want to double check what big network these smaller carriers are with and their policy around unlocking phones. If you find them a little too restrictive, we’d recommend checking out the unlocked phone deals above.

If you’d like to see more prepaid phone deals, we recommend checking out our main page on this week’s best Mint Mobile deals (opens in new tab) and Visible wireless deals (opens in new tab).

iPhone and Android deals

Looking for something specific? We’ve got a whole host of dedicated phone deal pages that are super handy if you’ve got your eye on that new iPhone or Galaxy in particular.

Cell phone plans
Looking to simply save on that bill? Perhaps it’s time to switch or upgrade that old plan you’ve been on for years. Our roundup of the best cell phone plans in the US is one of the best resources on the web for finding the right plan for you. No matter whether you’re looking for a cheap plan, unlimited or a plan for your family, our guide will help you out.

iPhone deals
Not sure which Apple device is for you? If you need a guide to the best prices on the whole range, our iPhone deals roundup is the place to start. You’ll find the best offers from all the big carriers right here, as well as the cheapest prepaid and unlocked iPhone deals currently available.

iPhone 14 deals / iPhone 14 Plus deals
For 2022, Apple’s ‘standard’ flagship offerings have diverged into the fantastic iPhone 14 and new iPhone 14 Plus models – the latter of which is essentially an upscaled version. While many of the internals are similar to the prior iPhone 13, minor adjustments to the camera system, battery life, and new SOS satellite feature make these devices worth considering if you’re looking for a reasonably priced flagship for 2022.

iPhone 14 Pro deals / iPhone 14 Pro Max deals
Arguably the ‘real’ flagship Apple devices for 2022, the vast majority of this year’s upgrades have been consolidated on the stunning 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max. These lavish devices feature a heavily upgraded camera system and novel ‘Dynamic Island’ – a unique feature that hides that pesky front camera bump with a combination of interesting software integrations.

iPhone SE 2022 deals
Apple’s latest budget-focused device is here and 2022’s iteration of the iPhone SE brings a number of welcome updates. Above all else, the A15 Bionic chip in this device gives it superb power to cost and enough grunt to easily zip through nearly any task. It is, however, rocking an oldschool design – one that’s essentially based on the iPhone 8 from way back in 2017. Is this the right device for you? Check out our standalone piece for a full breakdown of this budget pick.

iPhone 13 deals / iPhone 13 mini deals
Apple’s flagship devices for 2021. With a powerful new processor, improved battery life, camera upgrades, and an expanded storage capacity, both the 13 and 13 Mini are great choices for the average user. See our bespoke guides to score yourself a nice little price cut today.

iPhone 13 Pro deals / iPhone 13 Pro Max deals
Feeling a bit flush? Why not check out our articles on how to save some cash on the premium flagships of 2021 from Apple, the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max. These devices are the first to include a 120Hz refresh rate – a welcome improvement that, alongside an upgraded processor and camera system, means they’re easily some of the most powerful devices you can get in 2021.

iPhone 12 deals / iPhone 12 Mini deals
Apple’s 2020 flagship is a fantastic choice – especially since it’s now at least $100 cheaper than release across the board. Check out our latest deals roundup for this week’s news on this great new device, and, where to pick yourself one up for much less than you would think….

iPhone 12 Pro Max deals
The biggest, baddest, and of course, most expensive Apple device from 2020, the iPhone 12 Pro Max, is still a great choice for 2021 – especially for avid phone photographers. Check out our bespoke deals page to see how you can potentially dodge that eye-wateringly high price tag.

iPhone 11 deals
The cheapest of Apple’s latest flagship trio, the iPhone 11 is an excellent phone to go for. It sports a dual camera set-up, an ultra fast CPU, IP68 rating and a 3110mAh battery. This luxury phone has a lot to offer, and better still – it even comes at a lower introductory RRP than the also excellent iPhone XR.

iPhone XR deals
The iPhone XR was the budget flagship until the new iPhone SE superseded it earlier this year. That’s not to say it’s still not an excellent phone however with its powerful A12 bionic chip and massive battery life. Better still the prices just keep getting lower and lower, so you’re really spoilt for choice when it comes to cheap iPhones right now.

Samsung Galaxy S23 deals
Released in February 2023, the Galaxy S23 series is Samsung’s latest range of flagship devices. superbly powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, refined design, and camera improvements make these devices collectively the best yet from Samsung – although some may have been hoping for a bigger leap from the previous Galaxy S22 range.

Samsung Galaxy S22 deals / Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus deals / Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra deals
The Galaxy S22 range has now been officially superseded by the latest Galaxy S23 series but these devices still hold up. While they no longer collectively represent the cutting edge, unlocked prices in particular are now starting to really drop on these still-great flagship phones. Note, however, that stocks won’t last long now.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 deals / Galaxy Z Flip 4 deals
Want to try something new? Samsung’s latest series of foldable phones have just been released with two excellent devices to choose from. While pricey, both the Flip 4 and Fold 4 are on the very bleeding edge of what’s possible with smartphones. They’re quite simply special devices with incredibly powerful components, stunning designs, and of course those beautiful foldable screens.

Google Pixel 7 deals / Google Pixel 7 Pro deals
The latest Google Pixel devices on the market. Both the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro offer relatively iterative improvements over the previous generation but a powerful Tensor G2 chip and upgraded cameras make them compete against the very best from the likes of Apple and Samsung.

Google Pixel 6 deals / Google Pixel 6 Pro deals
Google’s range of 2021 flagships are still a fantastic choice if you’re on a budget. A completely redesigned aesthetic, powerful in-house Tensor chip, and above all else – a compelling price point has meant these new devices are very worthy choices indeed. Check out our bespoke pages on these two phones for more information.

OnePlus 9 deals
Check out this week’s best cell phone deals on the latest devices from the well-known Chinese brand OnePlus – the 9 and the 9 Pro. With co-designed Hasselblad camera systems, powerful Snapdragon 888 processors, and gorgeous 120Hz displays, these are a great alternative to the likes of Google, Apple, and Samsung.

best phone deals sales cellphone smartphone unlocked prepaid

(Image credit: Future)

Phone deal tips

If you want to be sure you’re getting a good deal on a phone, there are a lot of factors you need to consider.

Compare your favorite retailers

For one thing, you should look around for different deals on the same phone. Carriers often offer heavy discounts, but occasionally they can be beat by deals on unlocked phones that will let you avoid getting stuck on an expensive mobile plan. So, if you see what seems like a good deal from a carrier, double check that you can’t find a better deal elsewhere. And, be prepared to do some math to consider the price of the phone plus the price of the plan you’ll be more or less locked into.

Shop at the right time of year

Shopping around big sales events is also a good time to find a phone deal. While major retailers cut prices on popular products, carriers can also take those opportunities to make their usual discounts even more enticing. Carriers also offer some of these major discounts around the launch of a new phone. Even if the price of the phone doesn’t change, there may be some freebies that add extra value.

Switch to get the best phone deals

If you’re after the steepest discounts, though, you’ll likely need to be ready to switch carriers or at least add new lines to your account. Major carriers strongly incentivize this, and it’s one of the few ways you’ll get a new phone for more than 50% off. These deals can sometimes be easier if you have a second person you’re shopping with, as buy-one-get-one deals are also incredibly common and often only entail one new line of service.