The best time to buy a new phone is typically during major sales events like Black Friday in November, or right after manufacturers release new models when older versions drop in price. Early spring and back-to-school season in late summer also offer strong deals. Timing your purchase around the phone release cycle and seasonal promotions helps you save significantly while getting a quality device that meets your needs.

When do phone manufacturers release new models?

Major phone manufacturers follow predictable release schedules throughout the year:

• Samsung: Launches flagship Galaxy S series in late January or early February; Galaxy Z foldable phones arrive in July or August
• Apple: Releases new iPhones every September
• Google: Pixel phones typically debut in October

Understanding these patterns helps you time your purchase strategically.

When a new model launches, the previous generation typically drops in price by 20-30% within weeks. You’ll find the best discounts on older models about 2-3 months after the new release, once retailers need to clear inventory. This makes February through April excellent for buying last year’s Galaxy S phones, and October through December ideal for previous iPhone models.

Mid-range phones don’t follow strict schedules like flagships do. Manufacturers release budget and mid-tier devices throughout the year, making the phone buying season less predictable for these models. However, retailers still discount them during major sales periods regardless of when they launched.

What times of year have the best phone deals?

Black Friday and the holiday shopping season from November through December consistently deliver the deepest smartphone deals. Retailers compete aggressively during this period, offering discounts of $200-400 on flagship phones and bundling accessories. You’ll find deals on both current models and previous generations, with carriers and retailers both participating heavily in promotions.

The back-to-school season in late July through September brings another wave of phone discounts. Retailers target students and parents with deals that often include gift cards, accessory bundles, or account credits. While discounts aren’t quite as deep as Black Friday, you’ll still save $100-300 on many models during this period.

Spring sales events in March and April offer solid opportunities when to buy a new phone. Presidents’ Day weekend and the period after tax season both see promotional activity. These sales work well if you’re targeting last year’s flagship that launched in late winter or early spring, as retailers want to move aging inventory.

Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends bring shorter promotional windows but worthwhile deals. Carriers particularly push trade-in offers during these three-day weekends, making them good times to upgrade if you have an older device with decent trade-in value.

Should you wait for a new model or buy the current one?

Buying the current model at a discount usually makes more sense than waiting for the next release. New phones typically offer incremental improvements rather than revolutionary changes. If the current model meets your needs and you find it discounted by $150 or more, you’re often better off buying now rather than paying full price for the newest version months later.

Wait for the new model if:

• You need specific features that upcoming releases will include (improved camera systems, better battery life, new connectivity options)
• You keep phones for 3-4 years and want longer before it feels outdated
• Reliable tech news sources confirm significant improvements coming in the next release

Buy the current model if:

• You find it discounted by $150 or more
• Your current phone barely holds a charge or runs extremely slowly
• You upgrade every 1-2 years anyway
• The current model already meets all your needs

Consider your current phone’s condition when deciding. If your phone barely holds a charge or runs extremely slowly, buying the discounted current model now improves your daily life immediately. The frustration of waiting 3-6 months with a problematic device often outweighs any benefits from having the absolute latest model.

How do carrier promotions affect the best buying time?

Carrier promotions often provide better deals than retail pricing, but they come with trade-offs. Major carriers run aggressive promotions during new phone launches, offering devices for $0-5 per month with eligible trade-ins and new lines. These deals peak during Black Friday, new iPhone launches in September, and Galaxy S releases in February. However, you’ll need to stay with that carrier for 24-36 months to receive the full discount value.

Trade-in values fluctuate significantly throughout the year. Carriers offer inflated trade-in values during major promotional periods, sometimes paying $400-800 for phones worth $200-400 on the open market. Time your upgrade during these promotional windows if you plan to trade in your current device. Outside promotional periods, you might get better value selling your old phone privately.

Carrier-locked vs. Unlocked Phones:

New line promotions offer the strongest carrier deals but only help if you’re switching carriers or adding lines. If you’re an existing customer doing a simple upgrade, carrier deals are less compelling. Many people find better value buying unlocked during retail sales events, giving them freedom to shop for the best service plans without being locked into expensive unlimited plans that carrier promotions often require.

Making the timing work for you

Steps to maximize your savings:

1. Track prices for your desired phone starting 6-8 weeks before major sales events
2. Sign up for price alerts from retailers
3. Check carrier websites for upcoming promotions
4. Compare trade-in values across carriers and private sales
5. Evaluate whether you need carrier flexibility or prefer lower monthly payments

Your personal situation matters more than finding the absolute perfect moment. If your phone stops working or your needs change, buying during the next available sales period makes more sense than waiting months for marginally better deals. The best smartphone deals balance good pricing with actually meeting your current needs.

We cover phone releases, deals, and buying guides year-round to help you make informed decisions. Whether you’re shopping for flagship devices or budget-friendly options, understanding when phones go on sale and how release cycles affect pricing helps you get the right device at the right price.