8 Best Smartphones for Black Friday 2026
Black Friday 2026 is almost here, and if you have been waiting to upgrade your smartphone, this is the perfect time.
The deals are getting better every year. Major brands are offering incredible discounts on their flagship phones. You can save hundreds of dollars on premium devices.
Shopping for a new phone can feel overwhelming. There are so many options available. Different brands offer different features. Some phones focus on camera quality.
Key Takeaways:
- Massive Discounts on Flagship Models: This year, you can save up to $400 on premium smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. The iPhone 16 Pro and Google Pixel 9 Pro are also getting significant price cuts. These are phones that rarely go on sale.
- Best Time to Buy Unlocked Phones: Unlocked smartphones give you freedom. You can switch carriers anytime. Black Friday 2026 offers better unlocked phone deals than ever before. You save money on the phone itself and avoid long term carrier contracts.
- Trade In Programs Sweeten the Deal: Many retailers are offering enhanced trade in values during Black Friday. You can get extra credit for your old phone. This makes upgrading much more affordable.
- Bundle Deals Add Extra Value: Look for bundle deals that include wireless earbuds, cases, or screen protectors. These accessories usually cost extra. Getting them free with your phone purchase adds real value.
- Early Bird Gets the Best Deals: The best Black Friday deals often sell out fast. Starting your search early gives you better chances. Many retailers launch early bird sales in November. You do not have to wait until Black Friday itself.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge represents the cutting edge of smartphone technology. This phone brings premium features at a more accessible price point during Black Friday 2026. Samsung designed this device for people who want flagship performance without paying the highest price.
The S25 Edge features a stunning ProScaler display that makes everything look crisp and vibrant. Whether you watch videos, play games, or browse photos, the screen delivers exceptional quality.
The display adjusts automatically to different lighting conditions. You get perfect visibility outdoors and comfortable viewing at night.
Pros:
Large 512GB storage capacity
Excellent night video recording
Fast processor for smooth performance
All day battery life
Premium titanium design
Cons:
Higher price point even with discount
No expandable storage option
Large size may not suit smaller hands
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
The iPhone 16 Pro continues Apple’s tradition of excellence. This phone brings powerful features wrapped in a sleek titanium design. Black Friday 2026 makes the iPhone 16 Pro more affordable than usual. This is your chance to join the Apple ecosystem or upgrade your current iPhone.
The Black Titanium finish looks absolutely stunning. It feels premium in your hand. The titanium construction makes the phone both durable and lightweight. You get a phone that can handle daily wear and tear while looking elegant. The finish resists fingerprints better than previous iPhone models.
Pros:
Premium titanium construction
Excellent camera system
Powerful A18 Pro processor
Long term software support
Great integration with Apple ecosystem
Cons:
Higher price than Android alternatives
Limited customization options
No USB C to Lightning adapter included
Google Pixel 9 Pro
The Google Pixel 9 Pro brings Google’s AI power directly to your pocket. This phone showcases what happens when software and hardware work together perfectly. Black Friday 2026 pricing makes the Pixel 9 Pro an incredible value. You get flagship features at a reduced cost.
Gemini AI integration sets this phone apart from competitors. The AI assistant helps with everyday tasks. You can ask questions, set reminders, edit photos, and compose messages using natural language.
The AI understands context and provides helpful suggestions. It learns your habits and becomes more useful over time.
Pros:
Advanced AI features with Gemini
Exceptional camera quality
True 24 hour battery life
Clean Android experience
Fast software updates
Cons:
Limited availability during sales
128GB base storage may fill up quickly
Higher price for more storage
OnePlus 13R
The OnePlus 13R delivers flagship performance at a mid range price. This phone proves you do not need to spend over $1000 for excellent features. Black Friday deals make the OnePlus 13R even more attractive. You get premium specs without the premium price tag.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor provides incredible power. This is the same chip found in much more expensive phones. You get smooth performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps. The processor handles anything you throw at it. Frame rates stay high during intense gaming sessions.
Pros:
Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor
Extremely fast 55W charging
Generous 12GB RAM
Dual SIM capability
Excellent value for money
Cons:
Camera quality trails flagship competitors
Limited availability in some regions
OxygenOS updates slower than pure Android
Motorola Moto G Stylus 2026
The Motorola Moto G Stylus 2026 brings unique functionality at an affordable price. This phone includes a built in stylus for note taking and drawing. Black Friday pricing makes it an incredible deal for anyone who wants stylus capabilities without paying flagship prices.
The integrated stylus pops out easily whenever you need it. You can take quick notes, sketch ideas, or mark up screenshots. The stylus works smoothly with minimal lag. It feels natural like writing on paper. Students, artists, and professionals find the stylus incredibly useful. You never need to carry a separate stylus or worry about losing it.
Pros:
Built in stylus adds unique functionality
50MP camera for the price
Large 256GB storage
Affordable Black Friday pricing
Good battery life
Cons:
Performance trails flagship phones
Display refresh rate lower than competitors
Camera struggles in very low light
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra represents the pinnacle of Android smartphones. This phone delivers everything a power user could want. Black Friday 2026 makes the S24 Ultra more accessible. You can get last year’s flagship at a significant discount while still enjoying cutting edge features.
The S Pen integration provides desktop level productivity. You can write notes, draw sketches, and control the phone precisely. The S Pen feels responsive and accurate. It stores inside the phone body for convenience. You can use it for signing documents, editing photos, or taking quick notes during calls.
Camera versatility stands unmatched. The quad camera system includes a main sensor, ultra wide lens, and two telephoto lenses. You can zoom incredibly far while maintaining image quality.
Pros:
Integrated S Pen for productivity
Exceptional camera system
Massive 512GB storage
Premium titanium build
Excellent 5G performance
Cons:
Large size uncomfortable for some users
Higher price even with discount
Battery life varies with heavy use
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max remains an excellent choice during Black Friday 2026. While not the absolute latest model, this phone still delivers flagship performance. The price drops significantly during Black Friday. You get premium Apple quality at a much better value.
The titanium design introduced with the 15 Pro Max looks and feels fantastic. It is lighter than previous Pro Max models. The phone feels comfortable despite the large screen size. The titanium frame proves more durable than stainless steel. It resists scratches and dings better.
Pros:
Premium titanium construction
Excellent camera performance
Powerful A17 Pro chip
Good battery life
Strong Black Friday discounts
Cons:
Not the latest iPhone model
Expensive even with discount
Lightning port instead of USB C
Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Google Pixel 8 Pro offers exceptional value during Black Friday 2026. This phone combines Google’s AI expertise with excellent hardware. The price drops make it one of the best deals available. You get flagship features at mid range pricing.
The AI capabilities enhance every aspect of the phone. Call screening blocks spam calls automatically. Magic Eraser removes unwanted objects from photos. Best Take combines multiple shots to create the perfect group photo. The AI assistant helps with daily tasks naturally.
Pros:
Advanced AI features throughout
Exceptional camera quality
True 24 hour battery life
Beautiful Super Actua display
Guaranteed Android updates
Cons:
Base model only has 128GB storage
Can get warm during heavy use
Limited color options
What to Consider Before Buying a Smartphone on Black Friday
Budget planning helps you get the best deal. Know how much you want to spend before shopping. Black Friday deals can tempt you to overspend. Stick to your budget but be ready to act fast on genuine deals. The best offers sell out quickly.
Carrier compatibility matters if you buy an unlocked phone. Check that your chosen carrier supports the phone model. Most modern smartphones work with all major carriers. However, some phones lack support for specific network bands. Verify compatibility before purchasing.
Storage needs vary by person. Think about how you use your phone. If you take many photos and videos, get more storage. Cloud storage helps but local storage remains important. You cannot expand storage on most modern phones.
How to Maximize Your Black Friday Smartphone Savings
Start shopping early to catch the best deals. Many retailers launch Black Friday sales in early November. You do not need to wait until the actual Friday. Early shopping gives you better selection and less competition.
Compare prices across retailers. Amazon often has great deals but check other stores too. Best Buy, Walmart, and carrier stores all offer competitive pricing. Some retailers price match so you can get the best price anywhere.
Use trade in programs to reduce costs significantly. Many retailers offer enhanced trade in values during Black Friday. Your old phone can be worth more than you think. Even phones with minor damage often qualify for trade in credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Black Friday smartphone deals start in 2026?
Black Friday smartphone deals start in early November 2026. Many retailers launch early bird sales weeks before Black Friday itself. Amazon typically begins deals in late October or early November. You can find excellent discounts throughout November leading up to Black Friday on November 29, 2026.
Are unlocked smartphones better than carrier locked phones?
Unlocked smartphones offer more flexibility and freedom. You can switch carriers anytime without restrictions. Unlocked phones often receive software updates faster. You save money by choosing cheaper carrier plans. However, carrier locked phones sometimes come with additional discounts or promotions. Your choice depends on whether you value flexibility or initial savings more.
How much can I save on smartphones during Black Friday 2026?
Savings vary by phone model and retailer. Flagship smartphones typically see discounts of $100 to $400 during Black Friday. Mid range phones drop by $50 to $150. Premium models like the iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge offer the biggest dollar savings. Percentage wise, mid range phones often provide better deals. Trade in programs can add another $100 to $300 in savings.
Should I buy the latest model or last year’s flagship?
Last year’s flagship phones offer incredible value during Black Friday. They still provide excellent performance and features. You save significantly compared to the latest models. The newest phones include incremental improvements but not revolutionary changes. If you want the absolute latest features, buy current models. For best value, choose last year’s flagship at a steep discount.
What is the best time to buy a smartphone on Black Friday?
The best time depends on your priorities. Early November offers good deals with better availability. The week of Black Friday brings the deepest discounts but higher competition. Cyber Monday sometimes features additional phone deals. Shopping early Monday through Wednesday of Black Friday week often provides the sweet spot of good prices and decent availability.
Do I need to worry about warranty when buying discounted phones?
Legitimate Black Friday deals from major retailers include full manufacturer warranties. Always verify the warranty terms before purchasing. New phones should include at least one year manufacturer warranty. Renewed or refurbished phones may have shorter warranties. Buy from reputable sellers like Amazon to ensure warranty coverage. Check return policies in case you encounter issues.
