The best cell phone deals for September 2024
Big carrier trade-ins, unlocked deals, and everything in between
You'll find all of this week's best cell phone deals neatly lined up and arrayed in one easy-to-navigate list right here on this page. We've included all the top devices from the likes of Apple, Google, and Samsung to name just a few and you'll also find plenty of options for both unlocked and carrier choices. In short, there are some superb options right now including free devices, accessories, and straight-upfront discounts too.
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
- Google Pixel 9: $620 off with a new line, or up to $800 off with a trade-in at Verizon
- Google Pixel 9: save up to $1,099 with trade-in, plus gift card at Best Buy
- Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: was
$1,099now $699 at Mint Mobile - Galaxy Z Fold 6: $1,200 off w/ trade, plus free memory upgrade at Samsung
- Free iPhone 15: with an eligible plan (no trade-in), plus free iPad at Verizon
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus: was
$999now $799.99 at Amazon - Apple trade-in: save up to $600 on a new iPhone with a trade
Carrier phone deals
Google Pixel 9 series: $620 off with a new line, or up to $800 off with a trade-in at Verizon
Verizon's opening Google Pixel 9 preorder deals offer a nice flexible array of options. Firstly, you can simply pick up either of these devices alongside a new line on an Unlimited Ultimate plan to get a straight-up discount of $620 across a three-year plan. If you're ineligible for that, you can instead trade in a device to get a discount of up to $800 - a deal that also applies to the slightly less expensive Unlimited Plus plan. In addition to these savings, you'll also get a free storage upgrade and the option to bundle in a Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE tablet worth $550 - although note that an accessory cellular line is required and paid separately.
See this same deal on the Pixel 9 Pro or Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: free with a trade-in and unlimited plan, plus free storage upgrade at AT&T
Probably the strongest trade-in Google Pixel 9 deal of them all is AT&T's current preorder 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 you also get the free storage upgrade as a preorder bonus.
See this same deal on the Google Pixel 9 Pro
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: was $1,099 now $699, plus a free six-month plan at Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile's latest Google Pixel 9 Pro XL deal brings the flagship down to a record-low price - barely a few weeks after launch, no less. Pick up your Pixel 9 Pro XL alongside one of Mint's excellent cheap prepaid plans and get a massive $400 price cut upfront. In addition, the carrier is also throwing in a free six months of service on the house so you'll get a full year of service for extremely cheap too.
Google Pixel 9 phones: get $240 off with plan at Visible
Looking to bundle up your phone with a cheap unlimited plan? Right now, Visible Wireless offers an exceptional $240 discount across the entire new Google Pixel 9 range, including the stunning Pro XL. This is a deal that we previously saw on the Pixel 9 range at Visible so we're glad that the carrier has brought it back for the new series. As always, however, this promo is eligible for new customers only and is only available with the Plus plan. Note that you'll also receive your discount via monthly bill credits (paying for device upfront in full).
Apple iPhone 15: free with an unlimited data plan, plus free iPad and Apple Watch at Verizon
No trade-in needed: Got your eye on the latest iPhone 15 but don't have an old device ready to trade-in for the usual discount? No problem - Verizon currently has a deal that lets you get this device for free alongside a new line on the Plus or Ultimate unlimited plans. Variations of this deal have been included in our list for a while now but this week is a particularly good time to buy since you can also throw in a free iPad 10.2 and an Apple Watch SE. That's a ton of extra value - although note that you will need to pay for accessory cellular lines if you claim your freebies here ($5 to $10/mo extra).
Apple iPhone 15 Pro: $820 off with a new unlimited line, plus free iPad and Apple Watch at Verizon
And, if you'd prefer a more premium device we'd also recommend Verizon's cell phone deals on the iPhone 15 Pro right now. As with on the standard iPhone 15, no trade-ins are currently needed to get a massive $820 discount alongside a new line and you can also take advantage of the additional freebies on offer here. Bundle in an iPad 10.2 and Apple Watch SE for extra value but note you will need to pay $15/mo extra for cellular lines if you claim them both!
Samsung Galaxy S24: free with an unlimited line, plus free tablet and Galaxy Watch at Verizon
Easily the best deal on the latest Galaxy S24 we've seen at Verizon, right now the carrier is giving the device away for free when you bundle it up with a new line on an eligible unlimited data plan. Previously you had to trade-in to get this device (which is worth $800) for free alongside your plan, so this is an awesome deal. In addition, you can also throw in a free Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Tab S9 FE - two freebies worth over $800 by themselves. Note, however, that you will need to pay for additional accessory cellular lines if you claim these free devices.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: up to $1,100 off with a trade-in, plus tablet and smartwatch for $0.99/mo at AT&T
AT&T's best deal right now is easily on the new Galaxy Z Fold 6 - the latest foldable flagship from Samsung. Right now, you can not only get a record-breaking trade-in rebate of up to $1,100 off, but the carrier is also throwing in an additional tablet and smartwatch for just $1 per month each. Of course, you'll still need any relevant cellular lines here but the trade-in rebate alone is an outstanding offer and enough to significantly cut this flagship's price right down to size.
Flip 6: free with an eligible trade trade, add tablet or watch for $0.99
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: up to $800 off with a trade-in, plus free Galaxy Watch and tablet at Verizon
Verizon's current trade-in rebate of up to $800 isn't the biggest we've ever seen from the carrier (the record is $1,000) but it's a great discount regardless. Even better still, you can also bundle in a free Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Tab S9 FE tablet on the house right now if you're willing to pay for their accessory cellular lines.
Flip 6: up to $800 off with a trade-in, plus free Watch and tablet
Apple iPhone 14 Plus: free with a new unlimited line at Verizon
Don't mind opting for a slightly older iPhone? Here's another superb cell phone deal at Verizon to check out. While it's an older device, the plan criteria needed to get the still-excellent iPhone 14 Plus for free is less restrictive than on the iPhone 15 deals outlined above. That means you'll be able to get this superb flagship for free alongside a new line on one of the more basic unlimited plans at Verizon.
Apple iPhone 15: device plus unlimited plan for $65/mo at Boost Mobile
If you're looking for a decent all-in-one plan and phone combo that doesn't break the bank, consider Boost Mobile's Infinite Access for iPhone plan. This option will bundle in the latest iPhone 15 alongside an unlimited data plan for just $65 per month, which is cheaper than the plan itself at some major carriers. Even better still, Boost will automatically make you eligible for a free upgrade every year as long as you stick with the Infinite Access plan.
- 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 Z Fold 6: get up to $1,200 off with a trade, or $300 credit at Samsung
Samsung's been leading the way for unlocked cell phone deals recently with quite frankly ridiculous offers on the Fold 6. Right now, you can get an incredible rebate of up to $1,200 off this device right now - which is amazing for an unlocked trade-in deal. If that doesn't float your boat, you can instead opt to get $300 in store credit, which is perfect if you want to pick up some cheap accessories on the side.
Google Pixel 9 series: save up to $1,099 with trade-in, plus get a free gift card of up to $200 in value at Best Buy
You can get multiple devices in the latest Pixel 9 series for free if you have an eligible device to trade in at Best Buy today. The retailer will also throw in a free gift card of up to $200 to use across the store. You can put it towards the new Pixel Watch 3 or spend it on any of the vast tech offers available at Best Buy.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5: was $1,799 now $1,399.99 at Amazon
Don't mind going for an older model? Right now you can instead opt for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 for a great price at Amazon. We're a full $100 off the record low here but the upcoming new generation won't be this cheap for a long, long time. We'd still highly recommend this one as a great buy for 2024 if you want a powerful foldable flagship device.
OnePlus 12R: $499 $399.99 with a trade-in at OnePlus
Another one of our favorite budget devices - the OnePlus 12R - is available with a great trade-in rebate this week at the official OnePlus Store. This device was already good value at $500 but the trade-in will get you at least $100 off here and potentially more depending on the value of your old phone. The OnePlus 12R misses out on a few of the more advanced features from the standard 12 but it still has an excellent display, decent camera, and excellent battery life.
OnePlus 12 (unlocked, 512GB): was $899 now $799 at Amazon
Amazon currently has a nice $100 discount on the brand new OnePlus 12 in its 512GB variant - essentially giving you a free storage upgrade. If you're looking for a powerful Android flagship with a class-leading display, excellent cameras, and eye-catching design, then this phone might just be for you. Our OnePlus 12 review gave this one four stars out of five, praising its performance and overall look.
Apple iPhone 15: up to $650 off with a trade-in at Apple
Apple itself isn't offering the best trade-in rates for the initial batch of iPhone 15 deals, but it is the only option if you want a shiny new unlocked device at launch. Right now, you can get up to $650 off with a trade-in at the official store, which is still pretty good and enough to cut that hefty price tag for a new model right down to size. To get the full amount ($650), you'll have to trade in an iPhone 14 Pro Max or equivalent device, although those handing over an iPhone 14 can still get a decent $430 off a new device.
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
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
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
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 15 deals / iPhone 15 Plus deals
Looking for the latest and greatest from Apple? We've got pages specifically handling this week's best promotions on the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. These 'standard' models are fantastic buys thanks to their refreshed design, new 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
For those who want the best of the best - consider our pages on the stunning iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. These outstanding devices carry the lion's share of upgrades for 2023 and bring a new chipset, 5x camera zoom, and a titanium chassis to the table as the main features. In a nutshell, these are extremely pricey devices but worth every penny - especially if you can line up a great trade-in deal.
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 14 Pro deals / iPhone 14 Pro Max deals
Arguably the 'real' flagship Apple devices for 2022, the vast majority of this year's upgrades have been consolidated on the stunning 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max. These lavish devices feature a heavily upgraded camera system and novel 'Dynamic Island' - a unique feature that hides that pesky front camera bump with a combination of interesting software integrations.
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 mini 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.
iPhone 13 Pro deals / iPhone 13 Pro Max deals
Feeling a bit flush? Why not check out our articles on how to save some cash on the premium flagships of 2021 from Apple, the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max. These devices are the first to include a 120Hz refresh rate - a welcome improvement that, alongside an upgraded processor and camera system, means they're easily some of the most powerful devices you can get in 2021.
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
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'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'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
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 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
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'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
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
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
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.
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.
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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.