The air is buzzing with anticipation, not just for the festive season, but for one of the most anticipated shopping events of the year: Black Friday. And if you’ve been eyeing that sleek new smartphone, this is your golden ticket to snagging a top-tier device without breaking the bank. Gone are the days of being tied to carrier contracts; savvy shoppers are increasingly opting for unlocked phones, offering freedom and flexibility. But the price tags can still feel daunting. That’s where the magic of Black Friday deals comes in, transforming those ‘dream phones’ into ‘can-have-now’ realities. Whether you’re drawn to the futuristic charm of a foldable, the minimalist elegance of a slim-profile device, or the sheer power of the latest flagship, this year’s Black Friday offers a smorgasbord of incredible savings.
For those seeking more than just phone deals, our comprehensive guide to the ‘Absolute Best Black Friday Deals’ is your compass to navigating the vast ocean of discounts across all categories.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Series: Flagship Powerhouse with Notable Savings
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series, including the S25, S25+, and the mighty S25 Ultra, are all seeing significant price cuts this Black Friday. This is a smart move by Samsung, likely anticipating the imminent arrival of the Galaxy S26 lineup early next year. But let’s be clear: ‘last year’s’ flagship is still an absolute powerhouse, and for many, the incremental upgrades in newer models might not justify the premium price. This year, you can grab the well-regarded Galaxy S25 for around $675 (a 16% discount) at Amazon or direct from Samsung, making it an even more attractive proposition than its original $800 tag. The S25+ offers a larger display and enhanced battery life for $1,110 (down from $1,250), while the S25 Ultra, a true marvel of mobile technology, can be yours for $900 (a substantial 31% off its $1,300 retail price). The S25 Ultra is a standout, boasting a sophisticated dual telephoto camera system for unparalleled zoom capabilities, an integrated S Pen stylus for creative and productive tasks, and a battery that keeps going and going. If you want to dive deeper into Samsung’s offerings, our ‘Best Samsung Phones’ guide provides a detailed breakdown of each device.
Google Pixel 10 Series: Magnetic Charging and Smarter Software Steals the Show
Google’s Pixel 10 series – the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL – are making waves this Black Friday with a compelling 25% discount across the board. The Pixel 10, originally priced at $799, is now a steal at $599 on Amazon. The larger Pixel 10 XL sees a similar reduction, available for $899 instead of $1,199. The Pixel 10 Pro is also a fantastic deal at $749, down from $999. What truly sets the Pixel 10 series apart, and a feature that will appeal to many iPhone users looking to switch or integrate, is its pioneering adoption of Qi2 magnetic wireless charging. This technology, similar to Apple’s MagSafe, allows for effortless attachment of magnetic accessories and faster wireless charging speeds. Beyond the charging convenience, these Pixels are renowned for their exceptional camera systems, fluid performance powered by Google’s advanced Tensor chips, and a suite of intelligent software features designed to simplify your life. For instance, the ‘Call Screen’ feature is a godsend for combating spam calls. And in a move that bridges ecosystems, these are the first Android phones to offer seamless AirDrop-like functionality with iPhones, Macs, and iPads. For a closer look at Google’s mobile innovations, consult our ‘Best Pixel Phones’ guide.
Google Pixel 9a: The Smart Choice for Most Consumers
For the majority of users seeking a new smartphone, the Google Pixel 9a stands out as the most sensible and value-packed option, and Black Friday deals make it even more irresistible. Priced at an accessible $399 (a 20% discount from its usual $499), this device is available through Amazon, Best Buy, and the Google Store. The Pixel 9a is a testament to striking the perfect balance between advanced features and affordability. Its camera system is arguably best-in-class at this price point, and its understated, flat-back design is a welcome relief for those who dislike overly prominent camera bumps. Under the hood, it boasts flagship-level performance thanks to the same Tensor chip found in the more premium Pixel 9 Pro, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience. You also gain access to many of the signature Pixel software enhancements, like the aforementioned Call Screen. If you’re looking for a device that punches well above its weight class, the Pixel 9a is your answer. Our ‘Best Cheap Phones’ guide further highlights its exceptional value.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 & Z Flip7: The Future of Folding is Now More Affordable
Folding phones have shed their reputation for fragility, evolving into robust and stylish devices. Samsung’s latest offerings, the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, are prime examples, and this Black Friday presents an opportune moment to embrace this innovative form factor. The Galaxy Z Fold7, my personal favorite ‘book-style’ foldable, has undergone a remarkable slimming process, now feeling more like a sleek candy bar phone than its predecessors. Its large internal display is perfect for immersive viewing and effortless multitasking with split-screen capabilities, while the external screen offers all the functionality of a traditional smartphone. For those who prefer a more compact foldable, the Galaxy Z Flip7 is a solid upgrade, featuring a significantly more usable external display. While these devices remain premium purchases, Black Friday discounts bring them within closer reach. You can find the Z Flip7 for $900 (an 18% saving from $1,100) and the Z Fold7 for $1,600 (a 20% reduction from $2,000) at Amazon and Samsung directly. For a broader perspective on foldable technology, our ‘Best Folding Phones’ guide is an essential read.
Motorola Razr Series: Iconic Flip Phone Design Reimagined
If the allure of a compact, pocketable flip phone is calling your name, Motorola’s Razr lineup deserves serious consideration. The Razr Ultra, a device that truly embodies the modern flip phone, is available for a compelling $885 (a significant 32% off its $1,300 price) on Amazon and for $900 at Best Buy. Imagine folding your current phone in half – that’s the kind of delightful portability the Razr Ultra offers. It’s a leader in its category, boasting a fresh design, robust performance, surprisingly capable cameras, and a highly functional external display. Its compact form factor is perfect for those who dislike large phones and value easy portability. For a more budget-friendly entry into the flip phone world, the Razr (2025) is also on sale for $600 (a 14% discount from $700) at Amazon and Best Buy. While it offers slightly less performance and a less advanced camera system, it still represents incredible value, especially with these Black Friday markdowns. For more insights into Motorola’s mobile offerings, check out our ‘Best Motorola Phones’ guide.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 2025: The Feature-Rich Budget Champion
Do you value a headphone jack and a microSD card slot? Do you appreciate thoughtful design and practical features? If so, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 2025 might just be your perfect match, and it’s an absolute steal this Black Friday. Available for just $285 (a 29% discount from $400) at Amazon and Best Buy, and $300 at Motorola, this phone offers an astonishing amount of value. It delivers surprisingly smooth performance, a bright and crisp display, and the convenience of an integrated stylus. Its textured back gives it a sophisticated look, and while it may not receive the most frequent software updates, its price-to-performance ratio is simply unbeatable. Plus, you get a generous 256 GB of internal storage to boot. For more affordable yet capable devices, our ‘Best Cheap Phones’ guide is an excellent resource.
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE: Solid Performance at an Unbeatable Price
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE might not be the flashiest device on the market, but at its Black Friday price of $475 (a 27% discount from $650), it’s a perfectly serviceable and highly recommended Android phone. Frankly, its MSRP of $650 is a bit steep, especially when you can often find a standard Galaxy S25 on sale for a similar price. However, dipping below the $500 mark makes the S25 FE an exceptional value. You’re getting a capable triple-camera system featuring a 3X optical zoom lens, smooth everyday performance, and battery life that will comfortably last you all day. It also includes coveted flagship features like Qi2-ready wireless charging and IP68 water resistance. Crucially, it’s slated to receive seven years of software updates, ensuring your device remains current and secure for a long time to come. Explore more of Samsung’s devices in our ‘Best Samsung Phones’ guide.
Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Pixel Power Meets Foldable Innovation
For the Pixel loyalists who crave the foldable experience, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold presents your primary, and frankly, only, option in this category. While its cameras may not quite reach the heights of the standard Pixel 10 Pro series, they remain highly respectable. The phone isn’t as svelte as the Galaxy Z Fold7, but it stands out as one of the few foldables offering robust IP68 dust and water resistance. Launched just last month, this Black Friday’s 17% discount, bringing the price down to $1,499 from $1,799 at Amazon, Best Buy, and the Google Store, is a significant saving. The inclusion of Qi2 magnetic charging in a foldable device is a particularly welcome and convenient feature.
Nothing Phone (3): A Statement of Unique Style
Nothing’s Phone (3) is a device that boldly defies convention, offering a visual and functional departure from the typical smartphone aesthetic. Available for $639 (a 20% discount from $799) on Amazon and directly from Nothing, this phone is a conversation starter. Its distinct design extends to its beautiful and unique Android interface. The signature Glyph Matrix display on the back isn’t just for show; it provides at-a-glance notifications and even offers interactive games like rock, paper, scissors. While its unique charm is undeniable, the Phone (3) also delivers slick performance, capable cameras, 256 GB of storage, and commendable battery life. Although not the absolute best value in terms of pure specs-for-price, its distinctive character might be exactly what you’re looking for if you value individuality and cutting-edge design.
OnePlus 13: Still a Contender with Impressive Speed
Despite being succeeded by the OnePlus 15, the OnePlus 13, launched earlier this year, remains a compelling smartphone, especially with Black Friday deals significantly reducing its price. You can snag it for $700 (a 22% discount from $900) on Amazon and OnePlus, or for $800 (a 20% off $1,000) for the 512 GB model at Best Buy. While it’s no longer the absolute latest, the OnePlus 13 continues to impress with its strong battery life, incredibly fast charging capabilities, and a decent camera system co-developed with Hasselblad (a partnership that has since concluded for the OnePlus 15). If you’re seeking a high-performance device with rapid charging and a legacy of quality, the OnePlus 13 is a smart buy.
What About iPhone Deals?
Apple traditionally avoids direct sales, and you’ll rarely find discounted iPhones at third-party retailers. The primary avenue for saving money on iPhones is through carrier-specific Black Friday promotions. While we generally advise against carrier-locked devices due to the lack of flexibility, it’s undeniable that most people upgrade their phones through their carriers. If this is your path, here’s a glimpse of what the major carriers are offering:
- Verizon: Their Black Friday promotion could offer a free iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple Watch, and iPad when you activate a new line on select unlimited plans. This offer requires cellular plans for both the watch and iPad.
- T-Mobile: Similar to Verizon, T-Mobile is providing a free iPhone 17 Pro, iPad (A16), and Apple Watch SE3 if you trade in an eligible phone (in any condition) and sign up for their ‘Experience Beyond’ plan. Remember to meticulously review the fine print, as these ‘savings’ are typically disbursed as bill credits over time.
- AT&T: For new lines, AT&T is offering the iPhone Air for less than $3 per month. This online-exclusive deal is valid until December 1 and requires a 36-month commitment from ‘well-qualified customers.’
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