What is the Best Time to Buy a New Phone?

Most Americans — 97% to be exact — own a smartphone of some kind.At an average price of $823, it’s not a purchase to make lightly.If you’re in the market for a new mobile phone, there are better times of the year than others to purchase one.

Preorder mobile phone deals While a new phone model is in production and not yet available through retail outlets, mobile phone providers often put the newest model on presale.Rehan of North Carolina bought a new Samsung S23 Ultra when it was available to preorder on Google Fi.“They offered $600 off for switching your number over to Google Fi and double storage.

So I got a 512 GB S23 Ultra for $599 before trading in my old S21 for which I got $270 in trade-in.” An iPhone buyer also preordered the iPhone 15 Pro earlier this year because they wanted to upgrade their phone.They received three months of Apple News+ and Apple Arcade.“I preordered the phone on September 15 and received it on September 22, the phone’s release day.” Raechelle, also of North Carolina, didn’t get any extra perks with a preorder, “but it did give me early access to the actual phone.

I learned that people who went into the store to purchase after the release were mostly limited to one model because the stores received very few of the other models outside of the iPhone 15, unlike the 15 Pro, which is what I have.People who wanted to order the Pro or Max had an almost two-week wait from the time of purchase.I was able to preorder online, and the phone arrived on the actual date it was released for purchase (two days after I ordered).” Black Friday phone deals Black Friday is traditionally a major retail store and online shopping day for getting great deals on just about anything, and mobile phones are no exception.

In fact, “nearly 13% of all retail sales in the United States occur between Black Friday and Christmas,” according to Zippia.com.Many providers release Black Friday deals early, turning a single day of deals into a month-long discount opportunity for pre-holiday shopping.If you don’t want to wait until the holidays, check your favorite provider’s website early for deals they may release ahead of the holiday season.

Cyber Monday mobile phone deals This day is specifically set aside for online retailers on the Monday following Thanksgiving.Providers will take advantage of this additional shopping day to put current mobile phones on sale.According to Adobe Analytics, Americans spent a record $12.4 billion on Cyber Monday last year, more than on any other holiday season shopping day in 2023.

Prime Day phone deals Online shopping giant Amazon annually holds two days of sales in the middle of July called Prime Day.It’s a great time to get mobile phones and other tech-related deals. There is usually another Prime Day event in the fall, too.Motorola, for example, offered $200 off select phones, as well as 25% off Moto Care.

Another deal this year was an iPhone 15 for free with a trade-in and an unlimited data plan with AT&T wireless.Best time to buy an iPhone Apple releases new iPhone models every September.As mentioned above, preorder sales are usually available, offering you hundreds in savings and perks on the latest model.

However, if you want to save even more money, consider buying the previous year’s iPhone since it’ll no longer be sought after and will most likely be discounted.Best time to buy an Android phone Special events like Prime Day are the best times to purchase a new phone, but if you see that new Android models are being released throughout the year, you can save money buying the previous version because retailers usually try to reduce their stock before the new model arrives.Worst time to purchase a new phone Late summer and early fall are generally the least optimal times to purchase a new phone since this is when many companies, like Apple, release new and upgraded phone options.

When new models are released, older models are also usually discounted.If you are in the market for a new phone, wait until after this period to capitalize on the best deals.Even better, Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer great discounts for smartphones.

Best time to buy a phone from providers Providers use seasonal trends like Black Friday and gift shopping to offer great deals on their plans and devices.“AT&T gives new and existing customers our best cell phone deals throughout the year, and seasonal and holiday promotions can offer additional savings,” says AT&T.Providers keep deals and offers fresh year-round to attract new customers, including device discounts, gift cards or streaming service options.

Trade-in Watch your provider closely for new releases or trade-in deals; you may be able to save hundreds while getting the latest cellphone model.Brian in Florida has a strategy that ensures his family uses the latest tech while saving money: “I always trade in my old phone when the new phones come out — in stock, not a preorder.Whether it’s my Android Samsung Galaxy phones or my kids’ iPhones.

The cellular carriers always run insane trade-in promotions.I usually get at least $500 off of the new device.” Upgrading your internet If you plan to upgrade or switch your internet plan anytime soon, check to see if your internet service provider offers mobile and internet bundles.This is often a good way to save on your monthly bill for both services.

For example, if you sign up for select T-Mobile plans, you can get its 5G home internet service for just $40/mo., compared to its regular price of $60/mo.Verizon also offers a discount if you pair a mobile line with its fiber or 5G internet service.Keep an eye out for perks or deals around the holiday season as well.

Many providers will offer holiday deals on tech, phones and internet plans that you can take advantage of.Best time to buy a mobile phone FAQs When is the best time to buy a mobile phone? Any time during special promotions like Amazon’s Prime Day or holiday sales like Black Friday and Cyber Monday are excellent times to get new cellphones for great prices.When is the best time to buy an iPhone? Apple releases new models every September, so you can save money with a preorder or by purchasing the previous model at a discounted price.

Can I save money by trading in my old mobile phone? Yes, most providers will give you credit toward a new phone if you trade in your old model.Written by: Robin Layton Editor, Broadband Content Robin Layton is an editor for the broadband marketplace Allconnect.She built her internet industry expertise writing and editing for four years on the site, as well as on Allconnect’s sister site MYMOVE.com.

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