At the end of every November, the entire world goes into one big craze that is the Black Friday sale – a day when most retailers drop their prices or offer significant discounts and deals. Although this applies to every industry, from clothing brands through to furniture, the technology sector and in particular, smart devices, is by far the most popular.
Many people hold off buying a new smartphone until Black Friday, hoping to save themselves a pretty penny. However, just showing up on the day doesn’t guarantee you the best deal. So here’s how to find one:
Smart tips for Black Friday phone deals
Start tracking prices early
If you have an idea of what smartphone brand or model you want to get, make sure to do your research and have a clear reference point of the average prices, before the deals kick in. Unfortunately, a lot of reseller websites have previously been known to increase their pricing just before Black Friday, so they can then have better-looking “deals” on their products, without losing out on profit. But, even when the deals are legitimate, it’s always good to have an idea on how much you’re expecting to pay beforehand.
Check SIM-free options
Black Friday is the time when network companies offer particularly attractive phone contract deals. You usually get a brand new smartphone and a SIM plan, in exchange for fixed monthly payments. These contracts usually lock you in for anywhere between 24 and 48 months, with payments ranging from £30 to £60 a month. While this suits some people, it’s generally not the best deal for your money in the long run, compared to buying a SIM-free phone outright.
Consider going refurbished
For those who really want to get the best deal for their money, a refurbished smartphone is the way to go. Here’s why – a brand-new iPhone rarely drops more than 10-15% even during Black Friday, but a refurbished one is already 30-50% cheaper before any sale even starts. Besides, with new smartphones coming out every year, the latest offering is rarely much better than last year’s flagship in terms of specs.
Where to buy a phone on Black Friday?
If you’re looking for a brand new phone, your best bet is the major online retailers, where you can check reviews and get guarantees (aim for a minimum of 12 months warranty). While it’s worth checking the manufacturer stores, these usually aren’t where the best Black Friday deals can be found. Apple, for instance, usually offers promotional gift cards, rather than actual discounts.
When it comes to reconditioned phones, Back Market is the leading marketplace for verified refurbished electronics. All of their smartphones are professionally refurbished and customers are provided with various options for their chosen model, from condition and battery life to colour and storage capacity. Back Market smartphone deals come with savings up to 50% compared to new retail prices.
What are the best Black Friday phone deals?
The best Black Friday deals will become more clear as we get closer to November. However, the most savings usually happen on previous-generation flagship phones or mid-range devices. For example:
- For Apple Black Friday deals, look out for a refurbished iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
- For Samsung, browse refurbished Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy 24 models, as well as the Galaxy Z Flip 6.
- For Google phones, search for refurbished Google Pixel 10 series (10 Pro, 10a and 10 Pro Fold).
Choosing the right deal
During Black Friday, it’s easy to get distracted by loud signs and big discount numbers. But, remember, a good deal is not just about the price, but also everything included within it: guarantees and warranties, return policies, shipping costs, etc… So, choose wisely!
