Best cell phone deals in July 2024

Cell phone deals
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Cell phone deals are easy to find these days. Whether you're looking for unlocked phones, prepaid phones, or the best cheap phones worth buying, retailers have made it easier than ever to score cheap cell phone deals any time of the year.  

However, when shopping for cell phone deals it's important to first figure out what kind of deal you want. Sales generally fall into three categories: unlocked phones, prepaid phones, and those tied to a carrier. You'll pay more out of pocket for the former, but the other two options essentially tie you down to one carrier. 

To help you find the best sales, we're rounding up the best cell phone deals for every kind of user. From the latest iPhone 15 to the budget friendly Google Pixel 8, here are the best cell phone deals right now. (Also, make sure to check out the best AT&T phone deals, Verizon phone deals, and the best iPhone deals available right now.

Best cell phone deals right now

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Best value

New Galaxy series: $50 credit + $1,500 off w/ trade-in @ Samsung

New Galaxy series: $50 credit + $1,500 off w/ trade-in @ Samsung
The Galaxy Unpacked Summer 2024 event will take place Wednesday, July 10 at 9 a.m. (ET). Preorder your new Galaxy device before the event and you'll get a free $50 Samsung credit and $1,500 off (via trade-in). Although Samsung hasn't confirmed what it will launch, it's expected we'll see a new Galaxy Z Fold 6 and/or Galaxy Z Flip 6. 

iPhone 15 Pro Max: up to $830 off w/ trade-in + unlimited @ Verizon

iPhone 15 Pro Max: up to $830 off w/ trade-in + unlimited @ Verizon
New Verizon customers adding a new line can knock up to $830 off the iPhone 15 Pro Max when you trade in any old iPhone in any condition. In our iPhone 15 Pro Max review, we said the Editor's Choice phone sports a stronger/lighter titanium design that makes a big difference in everyday use. Add in the powerful A17 Pro chip for next-gen gaming, USB-C port, and super-long battery life (14 hours and 2 minutes) and you have the best iPhone money can buy. It features a 6.7-inch 2796 x 1290 OLED 120Hz display, A17 Pro chip, 48MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide camera, 12MP telephoto, 12MP front camera, and USB-C connectivity.

Google Pixel 8a: was $499 now $399 @ Best Buy
Price check: $499 @ Amazon

Google Pixel 8a: was $499 now $399 @ Best Buy
Best Buy is taking $100 off your Pixel 8a purchase. (To get this price, choose the option that says "We'll help you connect this phone to a carrier"). The phone features a 6.1-inch OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, Tensor G3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. Rear cameras include a 64MP (f/1.89) main and 13MP (f/2.2) ultrawide. There's also a 13MP (f/2.2) front camera. In our Google Pixel 8a hands-on review we said it could very well be the budget phone to beat for the rest of 2024. 
Price check: $499 @ Amazon

Carrier cell phone deals

Samsung Galaxy A35: $5/month w/ unlimited @ AT&T

Samsung Galaxy A35: $5/month w/ unlimited @ AT&T
The Galaxy A35 is Samsung's new budget smartphone. It packs a 6.6-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED 120Hz display, Exynos 1380 CPU, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. Rear cameras include a 50MP f/1.8 main, 8MP f/2.2 ultrawide, and 5MP f/2.4 macro. There's also a 13MP f/2.2 selfie/front camera. In our Samsung Galaxy A35 hands-on, we called it an excellent contender in the budget space.

Google Pixel 8a: free w/ new line + unlimited @ Verizon

Google Pixel 8a: free w/ new line + unlimited @ Verizon
Verizon is offering the newly announced Pixel 8a for free when you open a new line with unlimited data. (An Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Ultimate plan is required). Additionally, you'll get a free Google Pixel Watch 2 ($399 value). It features a 6.1-inch OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, Tensor G3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. Rear cameras include a 64MP (f/1.89) main and 13MP (f/2.2) ultrawide. There's also a 13MP (f/2.2) front camera. In our Google Pixel 8a hands-on review we said it could very well be the budget phone to beat for the rest of 2024. 

iPhone 15: free w/ new line + unlimited @ Verizon

iPhone 15: free w/ new line + unlimited @ Verizon
New and returning customers can score an iPhone 15 for free at Verizon. Additionally, you can trade-in any iPhone for a credit toward the purchase of a new iPhone 15. Note that you'll need to activate a Verizon unlimited plan. You'll get up to $1,000 off on the Unlimited Ultimate plan, up to $830 off on the Unlimited Plus plan, and up to $415 off on the Unlimited Welcome plan.

iPhone 15 Pro: free w/ trade-in + unlimited @ AT&T

iPhone 15 Pro: free w/ trade-in + unlimited @ AT&T
New and existing AT&T customers can get the iPhone 15 Pro for free with trade-in. You'll also need be signed up to one of AT&T's qualifying 5G unlimited data plans. In our iPhone 15 Pro review, we called the Editor's Choice phone a compact powerhouse. It features a 6.1-inch 2556 x 1179 OLED 120Hz display, A17 Pro chip, 48MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide camera, 12MP telephoto, 12MP front camera, and USB-C connectivity.

Galaxy Z Flip 5: up to $500 off w/ trade-in @ Samsung

Galaxy Z Flip 5: up to $500 off w/ trade-in @ Samsung
Samsung is knocking up to $500 off the Galaxy Z Flip 5 when you trade-in an older phone. The phone features a 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2640 x 1080) inner display w/ 120Hz refresh, 3.4-inch Super AMOLED (720 x 748) outer display w/ 60Hz refresh, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. You also get 12MP f/1.8 main and 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide rear cameras and a 10MP f2.2 selfie cam. In our Galaxy Z Flip 5 review we said several upgrades like its larger outer display and gapless design make it a more usable phone than predecessors. 

Google Pixel Fold: $20/month w/ unlimited @ AT&T

Google Pixel Fold: $20/month w/ unlimited @ AT&T
The Pixel Fold is Google's first foldable phone. Normally priced at $1,799, new and existing customers can get it for $20.99/month with eligible data plan. In our Google Pixel Fold review we said it's comfy to use, features smart multitasking software, and it includes strong cameras. It features a 5.8-inch OLED (2092 x 1080) cover display w/ 120Hz refresh, 7.6-inch OLED (2208 x 1840) main display with 120Hz refresh, Tensor G2 CPU, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. Rear cameras include a 48MP (f/1.7), 10.8MP ultrawide (f/2.2), and 10.8MP telephoto (5x optical zoom). There's also a 9.5MP (f/2.2) front camera and 8MP (f/2.0) inner camera. 

iPhone SE 2022: free w/ unlimited + new line @ Verizon

iPhone SE 2022: free w/ unlimited + new line @ Verizon
New and existing Verizon members can get a new iPhone SE 2022 for free when you open a new unlimited line. That's $429 off and one of the best cell phone deals we've seen from Verizon. No trade-in is required for this deal. 

iPhone 13: free w/ new line + unlimited @ Verizon

iPhone 13: free w/ new line + unlimited @ Verizon
For a limited time at Verizon, you can get the iPhone 13 for free when you open a new line with any 5G unlimited plan. (This offer excludes the "Welcome" unlimited plan). Plus, you'll get an additional $200 if you switch from a competing carrier. This offer is available online only.

Motorola Edge Plus 2023: up to $800 off w/ trade-in @ Verizon

Motorola Edge Plus 2023: up to $800 off w/ trade-in @ Verizon
The Motorola Edge Plus (2023) packs a top-performing CPU, expansive display, and outstanding battery life (15:47). In our Motorola Edge Plus (2023) review, we said it's the best phone Motorola has produced in years. It features a 6.7-inch pOLED display (2400 x 1080) with 165Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB storage. Rear cameras include a 50MP (f/1.8) main; 50MP (f/2.2) ultrawide; and 12MP (f/1.6) portrait.  On the front you'll find a 60MP (f/2.2) lens. 

Unlocked cell phone deals

Pixel 8: was $699 now $449 @ Best Buy

Pixel 8: was $699 now $449 @ Best Buy
The Pixel 8 features a 6.2-inch OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, Tensor G3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. Camera lenses include a 50MP main (f/1.68) with 8x Super Res Zoom, 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2), and 10.5MP (f/2.2) front camera. In our Pixel 8 review, we said it's a good all-around flagship for your money and likely the best Android phone for most people. 

Pixel 8 Pro: was $999 now $749 @ Amazon

Pixel 8 Pro: was $999 now $749 @ Amazon
The Pixel 8 Pro features a 6.7-inch OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, Tensor G3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. You also get a 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto (5x zoom) lenses. There's also a 10.5MP front camera. In our Pixel 8 Pro review, we said it's a big leap for AI with a smarter, more human sounding Google Assistant at the helm. 

Samsung Galaxy A35: was $399 now $299 @ Best BuyNote

Samsung Galaxy A35: was $399 now $299 @ Best Buy
The Galaxy A35 is Samsung's new budget smartphone. It packs a 6.6-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED 120Hz display, Exynos 1380 CPU, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. Rear cameras include a 50MP f/1.8 main, 8MP f/2.2 ultrawide, and 5MP f/2.4 macro. There's also a 13MP f/2.2 selfie/front camera. In our Samsung Galaxy A35 hands-on, we called it an excellent contender in the budget space. Note: To get this price choose the option that says "We'll help you connect this phone to a carrier" and you'll need to activate your phone during checkout.

Galaxy A54: was $449 now $349 @ Best Buy

Galaxy A54: was $449 now $349 @ Best Buy
Samsung's mid-tier Galaxy A phone features a 6.4-inch FHD AMOLED 120Hz display, Exynos 1380 chipset, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. Rear camera lenses include a 50MP main (f/1.8), 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2), and 5MP macro (f/2.4). On the front you'll find a 32MP (f/2.2) lens. 

Motorola Razr+: was $999 now $549 @ Best Buy
Price check: $649 @ Amazon

Motorola Razr+: was $999 now $549 @ Best Buy
The Motorola Razr+ is one of the best foldable phones you can buy. In our Motorola Razr+ review, we said it sets the standard for all other clamshell foldables and even tops the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4. We also loved its long battery life (10 hours and 9 minutes), which is better than that of the average smartphone. The Razr+ features a 6.9-inch OLED FHD+ 165Hz inner display, 3.6-inch OLED 144Hz outer display, Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB storage. There's also a 12MP main (f/1.5), 13MP ultrawide (f/2,2), and 32MP (f/2.4) front camera.
Price check: $649 @ Amazon

OnePlus 12R: up to $460 off w/ trade-in @ OnePlusPrice check: $499 @ Amazon

OnePlus 12R: up to $460 off w/ trade-in @ OnePlus
The OnePlus 12R is one of the top midrange phones we've tested. In our OnePlus 12R review, we said it delivers outstanding performance and record-setting battery life (18:42) for an amazingly low price. It features a 6.78-inch display with 120Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. It also sports 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, and 2MP macro rear camera lenses as well as a 16MP front camera lens. Trade in any phone in any condition and you'll get $100 off. Otherwise, you'll get up to $450 off with an eligible trade. Additionally, students can get 5% off the 16GB/256GB model.
Price check: $499 @ Amazon

Galaxy S23: up to $535 off w/ trade-in @ Samsung

Galaxy S23: up to $535 off w/ trade-in @ Samsung
Samsung is one of the best sites for Galaxy S23 promos. Purchase your Galaxy S23 at Samsung and you'll get up to $535 off after trade-in. If you're already committed to a specific carrier, Samsung will let you purchase your phone on your carrier of choice direct from the Samsung website.

Galaxy Z Fold 5: up to $1,000 off w/ trade-in @ Samsung

Galaxy Z Fold 5: up to $1,000 off w/ trade-in @ Samsung
Samsung is knocking up to $1,000 off its Galaxy Z Fold 5 when you trade-in an older phone. The phone features a 7.6-inch QXGA+ (2176 x 1812) Dynamic AMOLED inner display w/ 120Hz refresh, 6.2-inch HD+ (2316 x 904) Dynamic AMOLED 2X outer display w/ 60Hz refresh, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 CPU, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. On the rear you get a 50MP f/1.8 main wide-angle lens, 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide lens, and 10MP f/2.4 telephoto lens. Selfie cams include a 10MP f/2.2 outer lens and 4MP f/1.8 inner lens. In our Galaxy Z Fold 5 review we said the Editor's Choice features a better hinge, thinner/lighter design, and functions better with multitasking. 

Louis Ramirez

As deals editor-in-chief at Tom’s Guide, Louis is constantly looking for ways to avoid paying full price for the latest gadgets, appliances, and apparel. With over 10 years of deals-hunting experience, Louis price checks against multiple retailers and searches high and low for the best deals to bring readers. He's also always on the look out for the best coupon codes to use when shopping. A born-and-bred New Yorker, Louis is also an avid swimmer and marathoner. His work has appeared on Gizmodo, CNET, and Time Out New York.