I review phones for a living, and these Memorial Day mobile deals are worth it

1 week ago 26

Buying a new smartphone can be a hassle, with dozens of models, configurations, designs, and price points to shop from. Even as a phone reviewer whose SIM card has switched between iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and others over the past year, I still work up an imaginary decision tree when making recommendations to family and friends.

Also: The best Memorial Day deals live now

So when it comes to vetting smartphone deals, I try to find offers that will save readers a significant amount of money on a handset that's been personally tested and recommended. Right now, there are plenty of phone offers live for Memorial Day weekend, and I've gathered five of my favorite offers that will please anyone looking to upgrade their device, whether they're on an iPhone or Android. One of the best offers I've seen so far is a preorder bundle for the new Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, which comes with a free storage upgrade (from 256GB to 512GB) and a $50 gift card, but I'll be updating this list daily with my favorite picks as the deals keep coming in ahead of Monday's holiday.

Also: Is your Pixel phone's battery life tanking? You're not alone - here's what we know

My favorite Memorial Day phone deals

Current price: $1,099
Original price: $1,319

Samsung's latest smartphone pitch features a large 6.7-inch screen but is super-thin and weighs just 163 grams. For reference, the iPhone 16 Plus, with a similar-sized screen, weighs 199 grams. This sleek, ultra-thin design makes the new Galaxy S25 Edge a standout in a crowded smartphone market, and I expect other manufacturers to release something similar soon.

Review: Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

At a regular price of $1,319 (with the $50 Amazon gift card priced in), you can buy the new Samsung phone at a $170 discount ahead of Memorial Day weekend. That gets you 512GB of storage, the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 12GB of RAM, and a 200MP wide lens similar to Samsung's more expensive S25 Ultra model.

Current price: $799
Original price: $999

While the Motorola Razr Plus (2024) is no longer the latest model -- there's even a $1,300 Razr Ultra that exists now -- it's one of my favorite flip phones from last year. In fact, for most of 2024, I had the Razr Plus listed above its closest competitor, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, for its well-roundedness, from the larger external and internal displays to the flagship Qualcomm processor, to the fashionable back covers.

Review: Motorola Razr Plus (2024)

It's even better that you can now buy the phone at a $200 discount, bringing it closer to the standard slab phone pricing, but with a more innovative form factor. At the time of writing, Motorola's four colorways for the Razr Plus are on sale. I'd recommend the Hot Pink, which has a textured backing that gives the phone some much-needed grip.

Current price: Free with Unlimited Ultimate plan
Original price: $799

Carriers ramp up their trade-in/installation promotions as we end the school year and head into the summer. Case in point: Verizon is currently running its Red Hot Deal Days event, which covers most smartphones it offers, including the iPhone 16 series. Right now, when you trade in a qualifying phone and agree to a 36-month installment plan with Unlimited Ultimate, the carrier will cover the cost of the iPhone.

Review: Apple iPhone 16

Of course, this means you'll have to commit to Verizon for at least three years. But on the bright side, you'll be using a reasonably reliable and long-lasting iPhone 16, which features a handy 6.1-inch display, the latest A18 chipset to power Apple Intelligence features, and more.

Current price: Free
Original price: $999

T-Mobile is running an even more aggressive iPhone deal on its website. The carrier offers the Pro model "On Us" when you agree to a 24-month installment plan under an Experience Beyond or Go5G Next data plan. There's no qualifying trade-in required here, meaning you can keep your existing device as a backup, and the commitment time is just two years instead of three. (You're also signing up to T-Mobile for this deal, for better or worse.)

Review: Apple iPhone 16 Pro

I tested the iPhone 16 Pro when it was released last year and have used it as my secondary phone since then. If photo and video capture are near the top of your phone features tier list, the flagship iPhone model is worth the money.

Current price: $349
Original price: $429

Of all the phone brands I've tested in recent years, Nothing stands out for its design-forward approach to hardware and software. The brand's Phone 2a Plus model, which I tested last year, proved an exceptional midrange offering, besting Google, Samsung, and Apple's offerings in the sub-$500 category. Right now, for just $349, you're getting a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, a 5,000mAh battery with 50W wired charging, Nothing's signature Glyph Lights for notifications, and more.

Review: Nothing Phone 2a Plus

As for the limitations, remember that Nothing phones perform best when connected to a GSM network, meaning AT&T and T-Mobile users will benefit the most. If you're on Verizon or Visible, I'd highly advise checking with your carrier regarding network support before committing.

When is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day in the US is on Monday, May 26, and while most of the event's deals happen during the weekend, major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Target often start listing them earlier.

How did I choose these Memorial Day deals?

I focused on deals that not only saved you a notable amount of money (especially if it's on a phone that typically isn't discounted) but were on devices that I've personally tested and recommended. Whether it's a non-Pro iPhone or a budget Android device, I've spent enough time throughout the market to know what's truly worth investing in.

What are the tariffs in the US?

The recent US tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.

CNET: Tariff Pricing Tracker: We're Watching 11 Products You Might Need to Buy

The new US tariffs also hit laptops and PCs hard, with import duties potentially increasing prices by up to 35%. Many major brands still rely on Chinese and Vietnamese factories for assembly, meaning consumers could soon pay significantly more for everything from budget Chromebooks to high-end gaming rigs.

These tariffs may accelerate efforts to move production to regions like Mexico or India, but shoppers can expect higher costs and fewer discounts in the short term.