You should be aware that even better discounts on older iPhone models could be just around the corner, though. We are also approaching the time of year when we see the best discounts. Between Black Friday and Christmas many resellers will cut their prices, so you may be able to pick up a great deal on a new iPhone if you can wait until then.
When Is The Best Time To Buy A Phone
Whether your child is ready for a phone depends not just on their age but how mature they are. Do they lose things often? Are they likely to say or do things they will regret? How sensitive to criticism are they? Do they respond well to limits on screen time?
You'll find all of this week's best cell phone deals neatly rounded up and compared right here on this page. We've included everything from the latest Apple flagships to humble entry-level Android devices - and, plenty of choices in the middle so all the bases are covered. Looking for a new plan? Want a discounted unlocked device? You'll also find cell phone deals that cover all carrier types here so you can easily compare and find the right promotion for your specific needs.
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 2023.
iPhone 14 Series: up to $1,000 off with trade, plus free iPad and Apple Watch at Verizon (opens in new tab)
One of the best cell phone deals we've ever seen is back again this week at Verizon, with the chance to bundle in a free Apple Watch SE and 9th gen iPad with most iPhones. This stacks on top of the usual trade-in rebates of up to $1,000 that you'll find on the latest iPhone 14 series for some exceptional value. While you'll still need a pricey unlimited data plan here to be eligible for this promotion, the freebies alone are worth over $500 so it's well worth considering this one. See this same deal on the iPhone 14 Pro (opens in new tab) and iPhone 14 Pro Max (opens in new tab).
Apple iPhone 14 Pro & 14 Pro Max: up to $800 off w/ trade-in and unlimited plan at AT&T (opens in new tab)
AT&T's cell phone deals on the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max have been paired down slightly this week to feature a trade-in rebate of up to $800 - down from the record of $1,000 off. Even though this isn't the best deal we've ever seen from this carrier this promotion is still worth considering if you're interested since it'll take a significant chunk off the overall cost. See this same deal on the iPhone 14 Pro Max (opens in new tab).
Apple iPhone 13: free with unlimited plan, plus free Apple Watch and iPad at Verizon (opens in new tab)
Quite possibly the strongest phone deal on the entire Verizon site right now, no trade-ins are needed to get the still-excellent iPhone 13 for free right now on an unlimited data plan. This is actually the first time the carrier has offered this flagship device for free under these terms and there's also the option to bundle in a free Apple Watch and iPad on top if you'd like to add even more value to this promo.
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.
Apple iPhone 12: $699.99 $599, plus up to $650 off with an eligible trade-in at Apple (opens in new tab)
Price drop - It's not all about cell phone deals on the newer devices this week. If you're on more of a budget you may want to consider the older (but still great) iPhone 12, which is now a full $200 cheaper upfront versus launch. Surprisingly, Apple hasn't phased out this device yet, which still holds up really well for 2023. It's not quite as powerful as the latest iterations but still features the same basic design, a similar screen, and a camera that can still snap pics with the best of them.
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.
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G: $449.99 $399.99 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
The top pick over at our best cheap phones guide, we heartily recommend the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G if you're on a budget but want a powerful device. Not only is it fully 5G compatible (which you'd expect at this price), but it's got a great display and decent camera. Basically, everything you need from a cheap phone is there on this device and it's a really solid pick, even if it's not the lowest-costed device on the market currently.
Strictly on a budget? No worries, we've got you. Super-cheap phone deals on budget devices aren't exactly the most glamorous options out there when compared to the latest Apple or Samsung flagships but they are essential for many. Not everyone wants to (or can afford) to spend over $500 on a cell phone. Luckily, there are some great budget options out there and plenty of price cuts at Amazon especially to take advantage of.
These deals will generally let you save a little bit of money upfront, while the low cost of prepaid plans can help you save even more money over time. If you want the freedom to switch carriers later on, you'll want to double check what big network these smaller carriers are with and their policy around unlocking phones. If you find them a little too restrictive, we'd recommend checking out the unlocked phone deals above.
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 XR deals
The iPhone XR was the budget flagship until the new iPhone SE superseded it earlier this year. That's not to say it's still not an excellent phone however with its powerful A12 bionic chip and massive battery life. Better still the prices just keep getting lower and lower, so you're really spoilt for choice when it comes to cheap iPhones right now.
OnePlus 9 deals
Check out this week's best cell phone deals on the latest devices from the well-known Chinese brand OnePlus - the 9 and the 9 Pro. With co-designed Hasselblad camera systems, powerful Snapdragon 888 processors, and gorgeous 120Hz displays, these are a great alternative to the likes of Google, Apple, and Samsung.
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.
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.
Buying older phones from the manufacturer, such as directly from Apple or Samsung, might be the optimal way to get the best of both worlds. Since the device is no longer the top of the line, you can usually expect a significant discount.
In fact, while smartphones are often blamed for children spending less time outdoors, a Danish study of 11- to 15-year-olds found some evidence that phones actually give children independent mobility by increasing parents' sense of security and helping to navigate unfamiliar surroundings. Children said phones enhanced their experience outside through listening to music, and keeping in touch with parents and friends.
One factor parents shouldn't overlook is how comfortable they feel with their child having a smartphone. In one study by Stevic and colleagues, when parents felt a lack of control over their children's smartphone use, both parents and children reported more conflicts over the device.
It's worth remembering, though, that having a smartphone need not open the floodgates to every single app or game available. "I'm increasingly hearing, when I interview children, that parents are giving them the phone but introducing requirements to check and discuss which apps they get, and I think that is probably really wise," says Livingstone.
Young children are not patient when wanting answers, and they are curious creatures. The internet gives students countless ways to find information on any subject. Cell phones for kids have made that possibility even greater.
iPrice Group, an e-commerce aggregator with a database of more than 7 billion products and 8 million sellers across Southeast Asia, collected the price data of smartphones from July 16 to December 31, 2021, the period when online sales drive the most traffic.
October (including the 10.10 sale) was the worst time to buy a smartphone. In 2021, prices started marking up by September 30 until the median price reached Php22.1k on October 2. It then drops by 8% during the 10.10 sale (Php20.5k) when in fact, the price was even 15% lower on September 25 (Php18.3k).
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