If you’ve ever bought a phone and immediately watched the price drop the next week, this blog is for you.

If you’ve ever been peer-pressured by your battery life (…or lack of it), this blog is also for you.

Getting the timing right can save you hundreds of dollars — and getting the timing wrong can mean paying top dollar for a phone that goes on sale the moment you open the box.

Let’s fix that.

The Best Times of the Year to Buy a Phone (Ranked)

1. Black Friday & Cyber Monday (Late November) — The Undisputed Champion

If you want the absolute best phone deals of the year, Black Friday is the main event. Carriers, retailers, and manufacturers all bring out their biggest offers, often competing with each other in real time.

What you’ll typically see:

• Deep discounts on both new and older phones
  
  
• Gift card bundles from big retailers
  
  
• Trade-in bonuses
  
  
• BOGO (buy one, get one) phone deals
  
  
• Major carrier plan discounts with lower monthly rates

If you’re thinking about upgrading, this is the week when prices drop the hardest.

2. The iPhone Release Cycle (September–October)

Apple has one of the most reliable release schedules in tech: new iPhones arrive every September, like clockwork.

Here’s why that helps you:

• When the new models drop, older iPhones get immediate price reductions
  
  
• Carriers offer aggressive trade-in deals to get people onto the latest model
  
  
• Android brands often lower their prices to stay competitive
  
  
• You can get a nearly-new phone at a significantly lower cost

This is a great time to upgrade if you want something newer without paying launch-day prices.

3. Carrier Holiday Promos (December)

Carriers love holiday shopping season almost as much as they love offering you a phone “for $0 with eligible trade-in and 36 monthly credits.”

During December, you’ll usually find:

• Half-off flagship devices
  
  
• Bill credits for switching
  
  
• Family plan discounts
  
  
• Holiday bonus trade-in values
  
  
• Seasonal plan promotions to lock in a lower monthly bill

If you didn’t catch the Black Friday rush, December is the next-best time to find a deal.

4. New Year Inventory Resets (January)

It’s not the flashiest month for sales, but it’s a quietly good time to buy.

January is when retailers want to:

• Clear out overstock
  
  
• Mark down any unsold holiday inventory
  
  
• Make room for spring product launches

You’ll often find:

• Clearance pricing
  
  
• Open-box deals
  
  
• Older models dropping even further

If you’re flexible on which model you get, January can stretch your budget surprisingly far.

Other Great Times to Buy a Phone

Spring (March–April)

New Samsung Galaxy phones typically release in early spring. When that happens, older Galaxy models — and often older Pixels — drop in price.

You’ll also see:

• Spring sale events
  
  
• Carrier trade-in promos
  
  
• Random discounts as retailers move last quarter’s inventory

Back-to-School Season (July–August)

Most people think laptops and tablets, but phones frequently get discounted during this season too.

Expect:

• Bundle savings
  
  
• Gift card offers
  
  
• Student/teacher carrier deals
  
  
• Lower prices on mid-tier models

Random Flash Sales (All Year Long)

Carriers and MVNOs run unannounced flash promotions throughout the year. These can include:

• $100–$300 off phones
  
  
• Limited-time plan discounts
  
  
• Double data
  
  
• Cheaper upgrade options

They’re unpredictable — but often some of the best values.

Should You Wait… or Upgrade Right Now?

Waiting for sales is smart, but not if your phone is currently:

• Dying at 20% battery even when fully charged
  
  
• Randomly shutting off
  
  
• Taking blurry or faded photos
  
  
• Crawling so slowly it might as well be running on dial-up

If your phone is on its last leg, you don’t need to wait months for the “perfect” sale. There’s always a decent deal running somewhere — especially from MVNOs looking to compete with big carriers.

And don’t forget: sometimes the biggest savings come from switching plans, not buying a new phone.

Goji’s Phone-Deal Calendar

Here’s your month-by-month cheat sheet for the best times to score phone and plan deals all year long.

Tips to Score the Best Phone Deal Year-Round

• Check trade-in offers — they can dramatically cut costs
  
  
• Compare unlocked vs. carrier prices
  
  
• Look for plan discounts, not just phone discounts
  
  
• Wait a few months after a phone launches for the first price drop
  
  
• Consider MVNOs for cheaper monthly rates
  
  
• Don’t underestimate open-box or certified refurbished options

FAQ: When Is the Best Time to Buy a Phone?

What month has the best phone deals?

November takes the crown. Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer the biggest discounts of the entire year — on both phones and phone plans.

Is it cheaper to buy a phone on Black Friday or wait for Christmas sales?

Black Friday almost always wins. Christmas and holiday promotions are good, but Black Friday deals tend to be deeper and include bigger trade-in bonuses and better plan discounts.

How long after a new iPhone comes out do prices drop?

Immediately. As soon as Apple launches the new model in September, the previous generation typically drops in price — both from Apple and from carriers.

Are refurbished phones a good option?

Yes, especially through Goji. Our refurbished phones are fully inspected, tested, and work like new — but cost noticeably less. They’re one of the easiest ways to save without sacrificing quality.

Do carriers run phone plan deals too, or just device deals?

They absolutely do. Carriers often discount phone plans during major sale seasons — especially Black Friday, back-to-school, and holiday promos. You can save on your monthly bill and your phone at the same time.

When do Samsung phones usually go on sale?

Samsung launches new Galaxy devices in early spring (around February–March). When that happens, older Samsung models drop in price immediately.

Are Prime Day phone deals worth it?

Sometimes! Prime Day can have good phone deals, especially on mid-range models and unlocked phones. But it usually doesn’t beat Black Friday or iPhone season.