- Free iPhones: Major carriers are offering free iPhones with qualifying plans or trade-ins – for example, Verizon will give you an iPhone 17 free with a 36-month unlimited plan commitment [1], and T-Mobile is running promotions to get the iPhone 17/17 Pro at no cost with an eligible trade-in or new line [2].
- Huge Android Discounts: Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold – barely a month old – is already $300 off, on sale for $1,499 (down from $1,799) at Amazon, Best Buy, and even Google’s own store [3]. Likewise, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 is 55% off its launch price (now $549 unlocked for the 512GB model) as an early Black Friday deal [4].
- Last-Gen Flagships on Sale: Prices on last year’s premium phones are plummeting. The iPhone 16 Pro (256GB), which launched at $1,099, can now be found around $825 on Amazon (Renewed) [5] – and even the 1TB iPhone 16 Pro is about $600 off its original list price [6] [7]. Similar steep cuts apply to Android flagships like the OnePlus 13 (now $749) and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge (now $809), each hundreds of dollars below MSRP [8].
- Carrier Promotions Everywhere: T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon are all dangling aggressive deals. T-Mobile is giving phones like the Pixel 10 or Galaxy S25 away for free with new lines on certain plans [9] [10], and even budget-friendly options (e.g. iPhone 16e, Pixel 9a) are 100% free on lower-tier plans or trade-ins [11]. AT&T and others similarly advertise up to $1,100 off new iPhone 17 models with trade-in credits on unlimited plans [12] [13].
- Experts: Don’t Wait for Black Friday: Tech deal experts note that some early November deals can be as good as (or better than) Black Friday’s. “The best early Black Friday deals can actually yield even better offers” than those on the day itself, observes one analyst [14]. With prices already hitting all-time lows, shoppers are advised there’s “no need to wait” if you spot a great phone deal now [15].
Early Black Friday Deals Kick Off Phone Bargains
Black Friday may still be weeks away, but the smartphone deals have already begun in force. Retailers and carriers are rolling out early Black Friday promotions on popular handsets, some of which match or exceed the expected discounts of the big day itself [16]. Industry observers note that consumers don’t necessarily have to wait until Thanksgiving weekend – in fact, now might be the time to snag certain phones at their lowest prices. “It’s Black Friday month already,” writes Tom’s Guide, noting a “particularly delicious deal” on a just-launched foldable that has emerged ahead of schedule [17]. Many of these offers come with no gimmicky hoops to jump through beyond standard sale terms, meaning shoppers can score massive savings without complex requirements in some cases [18] [19].
Premium flagship phones that normally cost a fortune are seeing dramatic price cuts. The headline offers include things like free iPhones, steep price drops on cutting-edge Android phones, and unprecedented bargains on year-old models. Below, we break down the standout deals and what they mean for shoppers looking to upgrade their phones.
Apple iPhone Deals: Free iPhone 17 and Big Price Drops on iPhone 16 Pro
Apple’s latest iPhones are already part of early Black Friday promotions, especially through carrier deals. Verizon, for instance, is touting arguably the best iPhone deal so far – a free iPhone 17 with the catch of a 36-month unlimited plan commitment [20]. Under that deal, instead of paying ~$23 per month for the device, Verizon credits the payments so that your only cost is the service plan [21]. T-Mobile is similarly offering free iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, and 17 Pro models via different routes: new line activations on premium plans or trade-ins (even “any condition” trade-ins for the Pro) will wipe out the cost of the device [22]. In fact, up to $1,100 off the iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max is on the table at both T-Mobile and AT&T with eligible trade-ins – essentially making the base models free [23]. Keep in mind, these carrier “free” deals do require sticking with a pricier unlimited plan for 2–3 years and often a device trade-in [24]. Still, for those who were already planning to upgrade and stay on a top-tier plan, it’s a chance to get Apple’s newest flagship without paying $1,000+ out of pocket.
Meanwhile, last year’s iPhones are hitting record-low prices, especially through retail channels. The iPhone 16 Pro, released just a couple months ago, can now be found at a steep discount if you don’t mind refurbished units. Amazon’s Renewed Premium program has been selling the iPhone 16 Pro (256GB) for around $824.97 in like-new condition [25] [26] – that’s down from a $1,099 original price. Higher storage configurations have similar savings: for example, the 512GB iPhone 16 Pro has been spotted under $870, and even the 1TB model (originally $1,499 new) is marked down to $899 – a full $600 off its list price [27] [28]. “The 16 Pro remains a compelling pickup, especially when you can grab one for $600 off the original list price,” notes 9to5Toys, underscoring that last year’s “best smartphone on the planet” is now much more attainable [29]. In other words, the previous-gen iPhone’s price has collapsed in the wake of the iPhone 17 launch, giving bargain hunters a chance to own a premium Apple device for hundreds less. Retailers are also discounting new older models – for example, one promotion briefly offered the iPhone 16 Pro free at T-Mobile with a switch, and Apple itself is providing rebates (up to $700 off) for trade-ins [30]. If you don’t need the absolute latest, this holiday season is the cheapest we’ve seen flagship iPhones in some time.
Android Flagships on Sale: Google Pixel 10 Series and Samsung Galaxy Deals
On the Android side, Google and Samsung phones are seeing aggressive early discounts that normally wouldn’t appear until Black Friday proper. Google’s newly launched Pixel 10 series is a prime example. The top-of-the-line Pixel 10 Pro Fold – Google’s first foldable phone in the Pixel family – is already $300 off even though it was released in October [31]. Multiple retailers have the Pixel Fold priced at $1,499 (down from $1,799) for the unlocked 256GB version [32] [33]. What’s remarkable is how new this device is; as Tom’s Guide quips, it’s “not even a month old” yet on sale. “It’s hard to imagine the discount getting any deeper during Black Friday or Cyber Monday,” one expert observed, suggesting it may be wise to pull the trigger now if the Pixel Fold is on your wishlist [34]. The consensus is that Google is price-cutting early to drive momentum, and indeed even the Google Store itself is matching Amazon’s deal, so you can buy direct from Google at the same $300-off price [35]. Other members of the Pixel 10 family are similarly at all-time low prices: for instance, the standard Pixel 10 is marked down to $599 (from $799), and the Pixel 10 Pro to $749 (from $999) – significant $200–$250 discounts [36]. Retail analysts note these are new record lows for Pixels, beating the deals seen during October’s Prime Day [37]. Even Google’s affordable model, the Pixel 9a, has dropped under $400 now [38]. In short, Google’s latest phones are far cheaper than their launch prices, giving Android fans something to celebrate well before Black Friday.
Samsung’s foldables and flagships are likewise enjoying steep early-bird discounts. Perhaps the most eye-popping is the deal on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, which is essentially half-price. The Flip 6 (unlocked, 512GB) that debuted around $1,219 is on sale for $549 via a limited-time deal at Woot [39]. That’s roughly 55% off – a massive cut that had one tech reviewer raving “I can go on and on about why this deal…is so good” [40]. It’s rare to see a current-gen Samsung phone drop over $600 in price, but this early Black Friday special does exactly that, making the stylish flip-phone form factor much more accessible. For those more interested in Samsung’s slab-style flagships, check out the Galaxy S25 Edge (Samsung’s ultra-thin premium model this year): it’s currently about $290 off, selling for $809 (vs. $1,099 MSRP) on Amazon [41]. That discount still nets you a high-end device “much thinner and lighter than your typical Samsung flagship” but with all the same top-tier features of the pricier S25 Ultra sibling [42].
Other Android makers are in the mix too. OnePlus, for instance, has its flagship OnePlus 13 marked down by 25% — from $999 to $749 at Best Buy [43] [44]. While the OnePlus 13 is due for replacement by a newer model soon, reviewers note it “still offers a solid bang-for-the-buck value” at this price [45]. In fact, Best Buy’s deal not only matches OnePlus’s own website price but also throws in a storage upgrade to 512GB and activation with a carrier (Verizon or AT&T) at that $749 price [46], making it one of the better OnePlus deals around. Even budget phones aren’t left out: a device like Motorola’s Moto G Power 5G (2024), known for its long battery life, is currently on sale for just $129 (a 57% discount off its $299 list price) [47]. That kind of sub-$150 price for a capable unlocked phone shows the breadth of early discounts – from ultra-premium foldables to basic mid-range handsets, there are deals to fit every budget in this year’s early Black Friday phone sales.
Big Carrier Promotions: T-Mobile, Verizon, and More
Beyond straight retail discounts, the wireless carriers are vying for attention with hefty promotions of their own this month. T-Mobile in particular, as the “Un-carrier,” has a slew of deals for both new and existing customers, often involving free devices when you add lines or trade in old phones. According to Android Authority, T-Mobile will cover the full price of many flagship phones right now under certain conditions [48] [49]. For example, you can get the Google Pixel 10 or Pixel 10 Pro for free by switching to T-Mobile and activating a new line on an eligible plan (such as their Experience More or Experience Beyond tiers) [50]. Prefer Samsung? The brand-new Galaxy S25 and S25+ are also advertised as free with a new line or qualifying trade-in on the right plan [51]. Even the top-end models like the Galaxy S25 Edge or S25 Ultra can be had for up to $1,000 off via trade-in promotions [52], which puts a serious dent in those premium price tags. And as mentioned earlier, T-Mobile isn’t leaving out Apple fans – they’ll give you an iPhone 17 or 17 Air for $0 with either a new line on a Go5G Next/Experience Beyond plan or a trade-in if you don’t need a new line [53]. The iPhone 17 Pro similarly is free with any-condition trade-in on those top plans, or up to $830 off with just a new line activation [54]. In fact, even the giant iPhone 17 Pro Max can be essentially free ($1,100 off) if you trade in a device on T-Mobile’s latest plans [55].
Verizon and AT&T are countering with their own aggressive offers. Verizon’s early Black Friday promo, for instance, not only revived its “free iPhone” deal (with 36-month bill credits) but even started bundling extras – one standout Verizon deal gives a free iPhone 17 Pro, plus a free iPad and six months of Apple One, when you trade in a phone and sign up to a high-end Unlimited Ultimate plan [56] [57]. AT&T has been offering up to $830 off new iPhone 17 models with trade-ins as well [58], similar to T-Mobile’s structure. According to TechRadar’s roundup of carrier deals, such “free device” offers are now commonplace at the big three carriers, though “free” usually comes in quotes – you’ll be getting monthly bill credits and need to meet eligibility criteria [59]. Still, for those who qualify, it means huge savings (often $700–$1100 off) on the latest devices, effectively nullifying the retail price [60] [61]. Even customers on more modest plans have options: T-Mobile, for one, has special offers where if you’re on a lower-tier plan (like Essentials or certain legacy plans), you can still snag a free phone such as an iPhone 16e, a Galaxy S25 FE, or a Pixel 9a via new line or trade-in deals [62]. And if you’re considering switching carriers entirely, T-Mobile will pay your switching costs (up to $800) when you bring your own phone and come over to their network [63], essentially covering early termination fees or device payments from your old carrier. The bottom line is, carriers are pulling out all the stops to attract subscribers during this critical holiday period – leveraging the allure of “free” devices and bill credits to lock in customers for the long term. Consumers should compare the fine print (plan costs, trade-in requirements, contract length) but can absolutely capitalize on these offers to get premium phones for far less than retail.
Expert Shopping Tips: Act Early, Do Your Research
The flurry of early deals raises an important question: should you buy now or wait for Black Friday proper? According to experts and seasoned deal watchers, the advice is to act when you see a great deal, rather than assume something better is coming later. “No need to wait!” is how Tom’s Guide framed it in one early-November deal report [64]. Because some of these phone discounts are already at historically low levels – and high-demand items could sell out or see shipping delays – waiting could actually mean missing out. In the case of Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold, for example, analysts noted it’s unlikely that Black Friday will bring a steeper price drop than the $300-off available now [65]. Early Black Friday sales in recent years have sometimes matched the best Black Friday doorbusters, a trend which seems to be repeating in 2025. “The best early Black Friday deals can actually yield even better offers” than the day-of sales, tech writer John Velasco observes, emphasizing that excellent deals on flagship phones “are happening right now” if you do a bit of digging [66].
That said, savvy shopping still requires some homework. One piece of advice: compare across retailers and carriers. Often the same phone might be discounted by multiple stores (as we saw with the Pixel Fold being $1,499 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Google Store simultaneously [67]), so you can choose the retailer you prefer or find the fastest shipping. Also consider if a certified refurbished unit could save you more – Amazon’s Renewed offerings on iPhone 16 Pro, for instance, slash hundreds off the price for like-new devices [68]. And if you’re going the carrier route, weigh the total cost of that “free” phone deal (e.g. expensive plan fees over 36 months) against buying a phone outright on sale. Alex Whitelock at TechRadar reminds buyers that those carrier deals usually demand a pricey unlimited plan and a trade-in, but if you’re eligible, the savings are real [69]. “Do a bit of research first before making any major changes. You never know when you’ll find a killer deal!” advises Android Authority’s Andrew Grush [70]. In other words, stay informed: check deal roundups, follow trusted tech news sources, and even set alerts for price drops on models you’re eyeing.
Finally, remember that Black Friday proper (Nov. 28, 2025) and Cyber Monday will likely bring additional deals, especially bundle offers or accessories thrown in. But as this month’s news shows, many of the headline phone deals are already available or even selling out early. Experts suggest it’s wise to grab a great deal when you see it – particularly on popular phones – rather than gamble on a better discount later that might only be marginally better (or might not appear at all) [71]. As one deals editor put it, “you should never pay full price on your next phone, and these deals ensure you don’t have to” [72]. With freebies like new iPhones and hundreds of dollars in savings up for grabs right now, tech shoppers have a golden opportunity to upgrade for less, well ahead of the holiday rush.
Sources: Early Black Friday phone deals roundup by Tom’s Guide [73] [74]; Forbes/9to5Toys analysis of iPhone 16 Pro discounts [75] [76]; Android Authority on T-Mobile promotions [77] [78]; TechRadar on carrier iPhone deals [79] [80]; Tom’s Guide on Pixel 10 Pro Fold sale [81] [82]; commentary from tech experts at Tom’s Guide and Android Authority [83] [84].
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