When's the best time to buy a new phone?

💡 Need to know

• The best deal isn't always launch day. It depends on whether you want the newest phone or the lowest price.
• Trade-ins matter more than ever. Some of the biggest discounts now come through carrier and manufacturer trade-in programs.
• Last year's flagship is often the sweet spot. You can save hundreds without giving up much performance.
• Don't forget software support. A discounted phone isn't a bargain if it's nearing the end of its update life.

There's nothing quite like getting a brand-new phone—you get the shiny screen, flashy features, and fresh-start feeling. But paying full price can dampen all that excitement, and figuring out when to get the best deal can be tough.

Between product release cycles, seasonal promotions, trade-in offers, and your own personal needs, when is the best time to buy a new phone?

At Asurion, we know phones—whether yours keeps crashing, won't turn on, or runs slower than usual. Here's our guide to the best time to buy a new phone.

During the preorder period

To attract buyers, manufacturers and retailers often offer incentives during preorder periods.

Sometimes that's a discount. Other times it's a bonus gift, store credit, free accessories, or subscription perks.

One of the biggest preorder benefits today is enhanced trade-in value. Manufacturers and carriers frequently offer boosted trade-in promotions during launch windows that can significantly reduce the cost of a new phone.

For the best deal, compare offers from manufacturers, retailers, and wireless carriers before placing an order.

Up to one month before a new model comes out

If you're comfortable buying the outgoing version of a phone instead of the newest release, this can be one of the smartest times to buy.

Retailers often start lowering prices before the next model launches, and discounts can sometimes reach hundreds of dollars. These discounts frequently continue through launch season, though inventory may become limited as older models sell out.

During Black Friday and Cyber Monday

If you've ever wondered when cell phones go on sale, Black Friday is one of the biggest answers.

Every year, retailers offer some of their deepest discounts on electronics during the holiday shopping season. Many stores now begin offering Black Friday promotions well before Thanksgiving, and Cyber Monday often extends those deals online.

If you're shopping for a new phone and don't need it immediately, this is often one of the best times to buy.

During Prime Day

Amazon's Prime Day has become one of the largest shopping events of the year. Held during the summer, the event frequently includes discounts on smartphones, accessories, smartwatches, headphones, and other electronics.

While not every phone receives a major discount, Prime Day is still worth watching if you're already considering an upgrade.

After Boxing Day

The day after Christmas—December 26—is known as Boxing Day in countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.

Even if you don't live in those regions, many retailers run post-holiday promotions around this time, making it another opportunity to find discounts on phones and electronics.

When your carrier is running promotions

Wireless carriers often offer some of the most aggressive phone deals available. Major promotions frequently appear:

• Around new phone launches
• During holiday shopping periods
• During back-to-school sales
• During upgrade events

If you're already planning to stay with your carrier, these promotions can sometimes beat retailer pricing. Just be sure to read the fine print regarding trade-ins, installment plans, and service requirements.

Before you buy, ask one question

Before upgrading, consider whether you actually need a new phone.

If your current device still does what you need, a repair may be the more affordable option. A battery replacement, charging-port repair, or screen repair can often extend the life of a phone for a fraction of the cost of a replacement.

If you're happy with your current device aside from a specific issue, it may be worth exploring repair before committing to a new purchase. Read more on the pros and cons of repairing vs. replacing your phone.

Advice on when to buy a specific model

If you're a diehard Apple or Android fan and not willing to make the switch, this info is for you:

When is the best time to buy an iPhone?

Apple® typically announces new iPhone® models in September.

If you want the latest features, launch season is the time to buy. If you're focused on value, waiting until the newest iPhone launches often creates discounts on older models. It's also worth comparing carrier and retailer promotions during launch season, as many companies offer enhanced trade-in deals and other incentives.

When is the best time to buy Samsung Galaxy phones?

Samsung® typically launches new Galaxy S devices early in the year.

Trade-in promotions are often strongest around launch periods, making them one of the easiest ways to save money on a new Galaxy phone. If you don't have a device to trade in, waiting a few months after launch can sometimes lead to discounts that don't require one.

FAQ

What month do phones usually go on sale?

Major sales often happen around product launches, Prime Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and post-holiday promotions.

Is it better to buy a phone when it first comes out?

If you want the latest features, yes. If you're focused on value, waiting for discounts—or buying the previous generation—can often save money.

Are trade-in deals worth it?

Often, yes. Trade-in promotions can be among the largest discounts available, especially during launch periods.

How long should a smartphone last?

Many modern smartphones remain useful for four to six years or longer, particularly when they continue receiving software updates.

What's the best value when buying a new phone?

For many people, it's last year's flagship model. You often get premium features, strong performance, and years of software support at a much lower price than the newest release.