The best cell phone deals for November 2024

We've rounded up all of this week's best cell phone deals into one handy list right here - including carrier, prepaid, and unlocked devices. Right now is a great time to be checking in as things are really, really heating up in the cell phone deals world. We're just about to hit the Black Friday deals season and we're already seeing excellent options for both iPhone and Android devices. Regardless of what you're looking for, this week's promotions are likely to be some of the best cell phone deals we'll see all year.

Cell phone deals: quick links

Assorted Apple, Samsung, and Google devices on a light blue background

(Image credit: Future)

Jump to the section that's relevant for you:
1. Carrier phone deals
2. Unlocked phone deals
3. Specific pages for more phone deals
4. Phone deal tips

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 seen many carriers throw in freebies alongside their deals recently as an extra incentive to sign up for those plans.

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 find great options at carriers like Verizon and AT&T. 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 weighing up your plan options separately. This isn't a bad idea since there are a number of great prepaid plans on the market right now and there are often bring-your-own-device savings at the major carriers, too.

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 2024.

Today's best cell phone deals at a glance

Carrier phone deals

Apple iPhone 16 Pro: free with a new unlimited line, plus free iPad and Apple Watch at Verizon
iPhone 16

Apple iPhone 16 Pro: free with a new unlimited line, plus free iPad and Apple Watch at Verizon
My favorite iPhone deal in the build-up to Black Friday is Verizon's current promo on the iPhone 16 Pro. The carrier has just bumped up its promotion on this awesome device to offer not just a free phone, but also a free iPad and Apple Watch. Note, you will need a new line on an Ultimate unlimited plan here and these accessories also need their own cellular lines ($15/mo total extra) if you're going to claim them. Still, this is an amazing promotion overall if you're looking to upgrade and want a high-end device to go alongside a high-end postpaid unlimited plan. Note that this deal is also available on the standard iPhone 16 if you want a smaller device.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: $33.33 $5/mo with an unlimited plan, plus free iPad and Apple Watch at Verizon

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: $33.33 $5/mo with an unlimited plan, plus free iPad and Apple Watch at Verizon
If you're looking for a Pro-level device, right now the best Verizon deal is on the stunning iPhone 16 Pro Max. For the first time ever you can currently get this device for just $5/mo alongside a new line on an Ultimate unlimited plan without the need for a trade. This equates to a total saving of over $1,000 and you can also bundle in a free Apple Watch and iPad if you're willing to pay the $15/mo extra a month for their cellular lines. While the plan is still pretty pricey here the savings are potentially massive.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max: free with a new unlimited line plus free iPad and Apple Watch at Verizon

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max: free with a new unlimited line plus free iPad and Apple Watch at Verizon
Want to go big? Here's low-key one of the best iPhone deals on the entire Verizon site right now. The stunning (and still good) iPhone 15 Pro Max is currently available for free alongside either an Ultimate OR Plus unlimited plan. The 'Or' is the critical part of this deal here because the Plus plan is a lot cheaper than the high-tier Ultimate plan - meaning you can bag this extremely high-end device for a relatively reasonable monthly price. Note that you can also throw in that free iPad and Apple Watch here as long as you're willing to pay for those additional cellular lines.

Apple iPhone 16 series: up to $1,000 off with a trade-in at AT&T
 iPhone 16  iPhone 16 ProiPhone 16 PlusiPhone 16 Pro Max

Apple iPhone 16 series: up to $1,000 off with a trade-in at AT&T
AT&T's opening iPhone 16 deal offers excellent trade-in rebates of up to $1,000 off alongside an eligible unlimited data plan of $75.99/mo and up. Available for both new and existing customers, the trade-in criteria needed to get the full rebate is particularly generous at this carrier right now. According to the fine print, you'll need a trade-in value of at least $180 to get either the excellent iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro for free or a significant discount on either the iPhone 16 Plus or iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro: device, plus unlimited plan for $65/mo at Boost Mobile

Apple iPhone 16 Pro: device, plus unlimited plan for $65/mo at Boost Mobile
Looking for a cheap way to bundle in your shiny new iPhone alongside an unlimited data plan. Boost Mobile's Infinite Access for iPhone plan throws in an iPhone 16 alongside an unlimited data plan for as little as $65/mo. Similar discounts are available across the other three devices in the range and you'll also be eligible for a free device upgrade down the line when the time comes. Overall, a great deal but note that the unlimited plan here isn't likely to be as speedy as those offered at the major carriers and more limited in terms of perks.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: free with a trade-in and unlimited plan at AT&T

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: free with a trade-in and unlimited plan at AT&T
Probably the strongest trade-in Google Pixel 9 deal of them all is AT&T's current promo on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Despite its hefty upfront cost, the carrier is willing to let this one go for free with a trade-in of any Pixel device of any year. While you'll still need an unlimited plan, this is an exceptionally generous offer considering how much this brand-new flagship from Google retails for upfront.

See this same deal on the Google Pixel 9 Pro

Google Pixel 9: $799 $399, plus a year of unlimited data for $15/mo at Mint Mobile

Google Pixel 9: was $799 now $399, plus a year of unlimited data for $15/mo at Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile's current deal on the Google Pixel 9 might just be one of the best value cell phone deals on the market right now. The carrier is currently offering new customers a massive $400 upfront discount if they port their number over and pick up the device alongside an eligible plan. Adding to the value here is a bundle deal on the unlimited data plan, which lets you get a full year of service for just $15/mo - pretty impressive.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus: free with a new unlimited line, plus free Galaxy Watch and tablet at Verizon

Galaxy S24 Ultra: $5/mo with new unlimited line, plus free Galaxy Watch and tablet at Verizon

Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus: free with a new unlimited line, plus free Galaxy Watch and tablet at Verizon
This is the first time Verizon has offered the excellent Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus for free without a trade-in. That alone makes this a deal worth shouting about but you can also throw in a free Galaxy Watch 7 and a Galaxy Tab S9 FE as accessories right now. As with the freebies on the iPhones, note that you will need to pay for an additional cellular line for these accessories, which runs at $5/mo for the watch and $10/mo for the tablet.

Galaxy S24 Ultra:
$5/mo with new unlimited line, plus free Galaxy Watch and tablet at Verizon

Google Pixel 9 Pro: free with a trade-in, plus free Pixel Watch 2 and tablet at Verizon

Google Pixel 9 Pro: free with a trade-in, plus free Pixel Watch 2 and tablet at Verizon
Not into your Samsung devices? Here's a really superb early Verizon Black Friday deal on the stunning Google Pixel 9 Pro. Right now, this one is free with an eligible trade-in and you can also get yourself a free Pixel Watch 2 and the Galaxy Tab S9 FE. Much like the above deal on the Galaxy S24 Plus, this one requires additional accessory cellular lines if you claim your freebies but it's overall an outstanding deal considering how new and popular this device is. 

  • Verizon - has a whole section of their site dedicated to phone deals
  • AT&T - 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

Samsung Galaxy S24 series: up to $750 off with a trade-in, or up to $250 off upfront at Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S24 series: up to $750 off with a trade-in, or up to $250 off upfront at Samsung
The official Samsung Store's cell phone deals for unlocked devices are strong all year round and a great option if you're on the hunt for one of the latest flagships. Right now, for example, you can either choose between a really decent trade-in rebate of up to $750 or an upfront discount of up to $250 - both incredibly strong considering these deals are for unlocked devices.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (512GB):$2,019$1,699.99, plus to $1,200 off with a trade-in at Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (512GB): was $2,019 now $1,699.99, plus to $1,200 off with a trade-in at Samsung
Samsung's been cycling through some fantastic cell phone deals on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 recently and this week is no exception. A number of color and storage variants are available with an exceptional $200 upfront discount as well as an additional trade-in rebate of up to $1,200. That's easily the biggest saving possible for an unlocked device on the market currently.

Google Pixel 8 series: up to $400 upfront, plus up to $240 off with a trade-in at Best Buy
Google Pixel 8 ProGoogle Pixel 8

Google Pixel 8 series: up to $400 upfront, plus up to $240 off with a trade-in at Best Buy
They're a little older now but the Google Pixel 8 series is still a good option for 2024. Right now, Best Buy has some decent upfront price cuts and trade-in rebates to take advantage of on both the Google Pixel 8 Pro and the Google Pixel 8. Either device is available at a discount unlocked as well as a trade-in rebate of up to $240 right now. Overall, the upfront discount is the stand-out deal here but the trade-in could potentially be another decent avenue for savings. 

Apple iPhone 16 series: save up to $650 off with a trade-in at Apple

Apple iPhone 16 series: save up to $650 off with a trade-in at Apple
Apple's opening iPhone 16 deal is... well, it's typical Apple, with a maximum trade-in rebate of up to $650 off. This is the exact rebate it's been offering across all devices recently so it's not a ground-breaking deal by any stretch of the imagination. It is, however, a pretty good discount overall and the sole option right now if you want to skip the pricey unlimited plan at one of the major carriers.

Apple iPhone SE 2022: get up to $630 off with a trade-in at Apple

Apple iPhone SE 2022: get up to $630 off with a trade-in at Apple
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 $630 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 refurb program: save up to $310 on a refurbished iPhone

Apple refurb program: save up to $310 on a refurbished iPhone
Looking for an iPhone and don't mind getting an older model? The official Apple certified refurbished store is a great choice for upfront discounts. Yep, these devices are 'pre-loved' but Apple itself has serviced them itself and with official parts. Apple has just re-stocked its store pages with the freshly discontinued iPhone 12 series so it's a great time to check out a refurbed iOS device.

  • Apple - offers upfront discounts on unlocked phone deals with trade-ins
  • Samsung - save up to $500 on select phone deals with trade-ins
  • Amazon - has a vast selection of unlocked phone deals on a range of brands
  • Best Buy - also an excellent place to find unlocked phone deals
  • OnePlus - 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.

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

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

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 16 deals

iPhone 16 deals
Our bespoke page for the latest and greatest devices from Apple. Looking for a shiny new iPhone 16? We've got you covered. With outstanding new components and a new focus on AI integration, these latest flagships are not just the most powerful devices yet from Apple, but also the smartest and most feature-packed.

iPhone 15 deals / iPhone 15 Plus deals

iPhone 15 deals / iPhone 15 Plus deals
We've got also pages specifically handling this week's best promotions on the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. These 'standard' models are a little older now but still fantastic buys thanks to their modern design, powerful chipsets, and hand-me-down features from the previous year's flagship Pro models. Put simply, they're excellent options and great if you don't want to splurge on the higher-end options.

iPhone 15 Pro deals / iPhone 15 Pro Max deals

iPhone 15 Pro deals / iPhone 15 Pro Max deals
The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max may have officially been discontinued now by Apple but they're still stocked a many retailers for the time being. Plus, they're fantastic buys if you can line-up a deal thanks to their gorgeous titanium design, 5x camera zoom, and plenty powerful chipsets.

iPhone 14 deals / iPhone 14 Plus deals

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, even if they're not the latest and greatest from Apple.

iPhone SE 2022 deals

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 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.

Samsung Galaxy S24 deals

Samsung Galaxy S24 deals
The latest and greatest from Samsung, the Galaxy S24 range brings a number of hardware upgrades (namely a new chipset) and a focus on AI software integration. While outwardly almost-identical to the previous iteration, the Galaxy S24 range are the smartest, most powerful, and easiest to use flagships from Samsung yet.

Samsung Galaxy S23 deals / Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra deals

Samsung Galaxy S23 deals / Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra deals
Released in February 2023, the Galaxy S23 series is Samsung's slightly older generation of flagship phones. 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 Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 deals

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 deals
Samsung's latest series of foldable flagships are here and they offer the most refined experience yet for fans of these unique phones. Alongside a powerful new chipset and refreshed design, the 6-Series Z devices also feature the same focus on AI as the S24 models. Subsequently they're not just super powerful phones, but super smart phones.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 deals

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 deals
Samsung's 5th-gen foldable devices are still a great buy for 2024 if you can line-up a great deal. While they've been superseded they offer decent performance, refined designs, and a good software experience. If you're happy to skip the latest generation then these 2023 devices still have a lot to offer.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 deals / Galaxy Z Flip 4 deals

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 deals / Galaxy Z Flip 4 deals
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Flip 4 may not be the latest devices in the range anymore but they're still up there with the best foldable money can buy right now. With a great chipset, display, and camera, both of these devices still hold up for 2023 - just note that they're a little chunkier and the overall design is a little less refined versus the latest iterations.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold deals

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold deals
Google has upped its foldable game with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold - the latest and greatest flagship from the brand yet. This excellent device includes a well-thought-out redesign, powerful Tensor G4 chipset, and host of innovative new AI features. It's the slimmest, lightest, and most clever foldable on the market right now - although it does come at a pretty penny.

Google Pixel Fold

Google Pixel Fold
The brand's first-ever foldable, the Google Pixel Fold is a fantastic device that's more than capable of giving the more established Samsung devices a run for their money. With a superb premium design, AI smarts, and a top-notch camera system, the Pixel Fold is a great choice if you're planning on making the most of that tablet-like screen real estate on a daily basis.

Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL deals

Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL deals
Google's latest flagships are the biggest step forward the brand has taken for a few generations. Alongside a refreshed design, all devices carry the powerful Tensor G4 chipset and a host of innovative new AI features. The Pro model now also comes in two separate sizes, which is perfect if you want a pocket-sized flagship that doesn't skimp on any of the higher-end features.

Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro deals

Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro deals
Now superseded by a new generation, both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are still great with their Tensor G3 chipset, upgraded cameras, and host of improvements to AI software integration. Outwardly, they look similar to previous iterations from Google but they're fantastic flagships that boast fantastic cameras and software.

Google Pixel 7 deals / Google Pixel 7 Pro deals

Google Pixel 7 deals / Google Pixel 7 Pro deals
The Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro were the flagship devices from the brand in 2022. Generally speaking, they still hold up great thanks to a powerful chipset and great camera setup. If you can get them for cheap they make a great option right now for Android fans.

Google Pixel 7a deals

Google Pixel 7a deals
Android fans on a budget may want to consider the Google Pixel 7a - the brand's latest mid-range device. This phone is essentially a slightly scaled-down version of the standard Pixel 7 but still manages to pack in the same chipset, an outstanding camera, and a 90Hz display, despite being on average $100 cheaper.

Galaxy S23, iPhone 14, and Google Pixel 7 on blue background

(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.

Alex Whitelock
Deals Editor

Alex is TechRadar's deals editor, specializing in getting our readers the bang bang for the buck on the tech that we know and love. He's a dab hand at covering retailer events like Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day having over seven years of e-commerce experience at Future PLC; including bylines at our sister sites T3 and GamesRadar. Alex's expertise touches on most areas of TechRadar but he has a particular love for phones, laptops, and cameras, being an avid photographer. Outside of work, you'll find him indulging his love for street and travel photography, at home working on music, or down at the local climbing gym.

With contributions from