When Is The Best Time To Buy A New Mobile Phone

With new phones hitting the market regularly, a lot of people are left wondering whether they should upgrade their phones. Models come and go and the bottom line remains the same - the best time to buy a new phone is when you truly need an upgrade, whether that’s due to physical wear, poor battery life, or your device no longer receiving software updates. 

But what about timing your purchase to get the best deal? While Black Friday and Boxing Day sales are well-known, there are other strategic times in the year where you can snag big discounts on both brand-new and slightly older models. 

Here’s when to buy a new phone in 2025 — and how to make sure you’re not overpaying.

Best Time of the Year to Save Money on a New Phone

We often think that finding the best price on a new phone is pure luck, but knowing when to get lucky and find a good deal requires more than just stars aligning. For instance, Black Friday, Boxing Day, and post-Christmas sales are known for retailers lowering prices on electronics. But, beware of false discounts as not all deals are as great as they may seem.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday (Late November)

(Good for SIM plan bundles and older model discounts)

We all expect phones and electronics to cost peanuts during Black Friday, but deals on the latest models are usually non-existent. Retailers sweeten the deal with SIM plan offers to lure you in, but the phone cost is rarely discounted. Apple typically does not offer discounts on its products, so it would be unrealistic to expect a price reduction on the latest iPhone or Apple product.

Although, bear in mind that you may be able to get a good deal on an older generation model instead! Remember that retailers and networks start offering deals well before Black Friday even during summertime, so look around ahead of time. Don’t forget about Cyber Monday, when prices are cut even further online once Black Friday is over.

"We found that 86% of products were the same price or cheaper outside of the sales period."

However, you should still do your research, because genuine discounts are often few and far in between. Some retailers even offer misleading discounts that can confuse customers and push them to buy products, making them believe they are cheaper. This makes it even more worthwhile to compare prices to get the best deal and avoid spending more than you need to.

Amazon Prime Day (Mid-July)

 (Strong discounts for Prime members on Samsung, Google Pixel, and more.)

According to Which?, Amazon Prime members get access to the best deals on phone brands such as Samsung, Google Pixel, and other electronics. Even if you don’t have a Prime account, you may still be able to save some money through these deals. You can sign up in the first week of July or even the day before Prime Day, shop all the deals, and take advantage of any pre-sales and their benefits. Once your free trial is over, just remember to close your account before getting charged!

Just Before New Model Launches

(Prices on older models drop as new devices are about to be released.)

At the moment, Apple’s loyal customers are keeping their eyes peeled for its latest smartphone to launch. Despite the hefty iPhone 17’s price tag, retail prices are dropping steadily for older models as existing users trade-in their iPhones. This makes it one of the smartest times to save money on a new phone. 

You can get a still-powerful phone at a lower price, especially from premium brands like Apple and Samsung. Retailers and network providers may offer bundle deals or flat discounts on last year’s model in the weeks leading up to a big release.

Here's when major brands release their phones — and when to find deals:

• Apple iPhones: New models arrive in September. Look for price drops on older models starting late August and carrying on through September, early October.

• Samsung Galaxy Series: Flagships (like Galaxy S series) launch in February–March. Discounts begin around August.

• Google Pixel: Typically released in October. Best discounts appear pre-launch and three months after.

3–4 Months After Launch

(Initial bugs are resolved, and prices typically soften as manufacturers aim to entice potential buyers to hit their sales targets.)

Typically, three to four months after a model launches is when retailers and Android manufacturers lower their prices as the initial hype dies down. So if you’re not in a rush, this can be a good time to save some money on a new phone. 

At this point, any launch bugs or performance issues will likely have been fixed through software updates, so you’ll also be buying a more stable and refined version of the device. This is especially common with Android phones, where pricing tends to drop faster.

FAQs When Buying a New Phone

It’s natural to be buzzing with questions when you’re about to buy a new phone; after all, it’s a large purchase and you’re spending your hard-earned money. That’s why we’ve compiled the most common questions people ask when it comes to saving money on a new phone.

Q: Are phones cheaper during Black Friday or after Christmas?
A: While Black Friday gets attention, the best discounts are often available after Christmas, especially on older models. A lot of networks offer great deals on mid-range and high-end phones well into January. 

Q: When is the best time to buy an iPhone in 2025?
A: August to September, just before the new launch, or 3–4 months after release when demand drops.

Q: How can I get the best phone deal without waiting?
A: Consider buying refurbished, or look for trade-in deals that give you cash for your current phone.

Q: Will Pre-ordering A New Phone Work Out Cheaper?
A: If you’re absolutely keen on getting the latest model once it launches, your best bet is to compare pre-order offers. Some network providers offer flat discounts to those who pre-order to ensure more interest and sales. Manufacturers tend to bundle up the new phone with gifts, accessories, or a few months of free subscriptions.

How To Find A Good Deal On A New Phone

Want to save even more? Consider buying a refurbished phone — they’re cheaper, more sustainable, and often indistinguishable from new.

What to Look For When Buying a Refurbished Phone

Getting a refurbished phone may seem a bit confusing however, it is easier than it seems. Follow our tips on what to look for and get the most value for your money!

3 MIN READ

If you're looking to upgrade your phone, then the best time to buy an iPhone is August-September, just before the new model launches and 3-4 months after launch for an Android device. It's also worth checking out refurbished phones if you’re hunting for a specific model because this means you can save even more money on your next phone. Another great way to save money when buying a new phone is to sell your old phone. You can use our free online comparison to see how much your phone is worth — and offset your upgrade costs.