The best Prime Day phone deals to shop before the deals end

2 weeks ago 15

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale is almost over, so consider this your last call before the discounts end. If you're in the market for a new phone, now may just be the best time to pull the trigger, with most manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, and Google, running Amazon promotions on their latest handsets.

Most importantly, Amazon is offering deals on phones we've thoroughly tested and recommended at ZDNET. Considering how close Prime Day is to Black Friday, there's a good chance the prices won't drop any lower. (When in doubt, take advantage of Amazon's 30-day return policy or contact customer service for a price adjustment.) Here are the best Prime Day phone deals we've found so far. Snatch them up before the deals end tonight.

Our favorite Amazon October Prime Day phone deals

Google Pixel 8a for $379 (save $120): Google's latest mid-ranger is in the running for best cheap phone this year, and it's even more accessible during Prime Day.
Motorola Razr+ 2024 for $759 (save $240): The best flip phone you can buy right now is $240 off and comes with 256GB of storage.
OnePlus Open for $1,139 (save $560): One of the best foldable phones we've tested is selling at a $400 discount during Prime Day.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for $1,046 (save $373): The best phone we've tested so far, the Galaxy S24 Ultra packs the best specs across key categories, including display, performance, battery life, and camera. It also has a built-in S-Pen for precision inputs.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max for $70.55/month (save $1,199): Boost Mobile will cover the cost of the latest iPhone 16 model when you sign up for an eligible wireless plan and 36-month financing.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 for $840 (save $259): A refined foldable with 512GB of storage that's ideal for small-phone enthusiasts, content creators, and Samsung fans.
OnePlus 12 for $599 (save $200): The OnePlus flagship is the fastest-charging phone you can buy in the U.S., with a beefy 5,400mAh battery that should last you well into a second day.
Google Pixel 8 for $515 (save $200): Coming with 128GB of storage, the year-old Pixel 8 is still a fantastic mid-range option if you value camera quality above all else.
Google Pixel Fold for $1,139 (save $660): The brand's first foldable phone has a compact 5.8-inch display on the outside and an expansive 7.6-inch screen on the inside.
Motorola Razr 2023 for $349 (save $350): The most affordable foldable phone on the market right now just got cheaper, with the 2023 Motorola Razr hitting an all-time low of $349.
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G for $285 (save $115): One of the best budget phones on the market, with a 120Hz display and triple camera setup.

Best Amazon October Prime Day Samsung deals

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for $1,046 (save $373): The best phone we've tested so far, the Galaxy S24 Ultra packs the best specs across key categories, including display, performance, battery life, and camera. It also has a built-in S-Pen for precision inputs.
Samsung Galaxy S24 for $599 (save $200): The base model of the Galaxy S24 series has also been discounted by $200. It's a more compact option if you're not a fan of big phones.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus for $749 (save $250): If you want a big-screen flagship that doesn't feel as bulky as the Ultra model, consider the Galaxy S24 Plus that's $250 off.
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G for $285 (save $115): One of the best budget phones on the market, with a 120Hz display and triple camera setup.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 for $840 (save $255): A refined foldable with 256GB of storage that's ideal for small-phone enthusiasts, content creators, and Samsung fans.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 for $1,399 (save $500): The company's flagship foldable has a sturdier yet lighter and thinner design, an improved ultra-wide camera, and a host of Galaxy AI features meant to improve your productivity and creativity.

Best Amazon October Prime Day iPhone deals

iPhone 16 Pro outside a mall Apple Store

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max for $70.55/month (save $1,199): Apple's most competent iPhone model features a 6.9-inch display and the best battery life among the 16 line.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro for $65/month (save $999): Want a Pro iPhone that's actually comfortable to hold and use? Consider the smaller iPhone 16 Pro.
Apple iPhone 16 for $65/month (save $829): If you can live without the faster refresh rate and video-recording features, consider the non-Pro iPhone 16.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus for $65/month (save $929): Apple also offers the standard iPhone 16 in a Plus size, with a 6.7-inch display.

Best Amazon October Prime Day Motorola deals

Motorola Razr+ 2024 for $759 (save $240): The best flip phone you can buy right now is $240 off and comes with 256GB of storage.
Motorola Razr+ 2023 for $549 (save $350): Another foldable phone contender, the higher-end Razr+ model is discounted even more heavily and is arguably a better flip phone than Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip thanks to a more customizable and functional outer screen.
Motorola Razr 2023 for $349 (save $350): The most affordable foldable phone on the market right now just got cheaper, with the 2023 Motorola Razr hitting an all-time low of $349.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 for $249 (save $150): For a budget phone with stylus support, consider Motorola's G Stylus model, which comes with 256GB of storage.
Motorola Moto G Play 2024 for $109 (save $40): One of the more reliable cheap Android handsets you can buy today just dropped to an all-time low of $109.

Motorola Moto G 5G 2023 for $128 (save $121): Motorola's G 5G line doesn't have the flashiest features, but it has a large battery and efficient processor that makes it a fantastic pick-up for kids, students, elders, or a secondary device.

Best Amazon October Prime Day Google Pixel deals

Google Pixel 8a for $379 (save $120): Google's latest mid-ranger is in the running for best cheap phone this year, and it's even more accessible during Prime Day.
Google Pixel 7a for $329 (save $170): One of the best budget phones on the market, with Google AI features and a 90Hz display.
Google Pixel 7 Pro for $429 (save $570): The older flagship is still relevant in 2024, with a large display, a reliable camera system, and 256GB of storage.

Google Pixel 8 for $515 (save $200): Coming with 128GB of storage, the year-old Pixel 8 is still a fantastic mid-range option if you value camera quality above all else.
Google Pixel 8 Pro for $599 (save $400): Last year's flagship Pixel phone is more affordable than ever, with specs that play well even in 2024.
Google Pixel 9 for $762 (save $49): It's not a major discount, but still one that's worth considering if you're after the latest AI-enhanced handset by Google.
Google Pixel Fold for $1,139 (save $660): The brand's first foldable phone has a compact 5.8-inch display on the outside and an expansive 7.6-inch screen on the inside.

Best Amazon October Prime Day OnePlus deals

OnePlus Open for $1,139 (save $560): One of the best foldable phones we've tested is selling at a $400 discount during Prime Day.
OnePlus 12 for $599 (save $200): The OnePlus flagship is the fastest-charging phone you can buy in the U.S., with a beefy 5,400mAh battery that should last you well into a second day.
OnePlus 12R for $379 (save $120): A sleeper pick for the best mid-range Android phone this year, the OnePlus 12R is currently being sold at its lowest price in 30 days.
OnePlus Nord N30 5G for $229 (save $70): A great budget option with a large 6.7-inch screen, a 5,000mAh battery, and 50W wired charging.

More October Prime Day phone deals

Current price: $1,046
Original price: $1,419

While the Galaxy S24 Ultra was released in January, Samsung packed so many features and flagship specs in the device to keep it ever-relevant seasons later. In fact, it's still regarded as the best phone we've tested so far this year, besting the newest Google, OnePlus, and Apple phones. This offer is for the 512GB model, with a 200MP main camera, and built-in S Pen.

Current price: $1,139
Original price: $1,699

Last year's OnePlus Open was so ahead of the competition that it's still one of the best foldable phones you can buy in 2024. Its current discount of $560 nets you a dual-screen foldable with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage (basically double that of most flagship phones), and 67W wired charging. The phone is also surprisingly comfortable to hold, with a smaller outer display and lighter build than most foldables.

Current price: $65 a month
Original price: $999

Carrier deals are almost always too good to be true, but if you happen to meet all the right requirements and are willing to exchange loyalty for a discounted iPhone, then things may just work out. Case in point, this Boost Mobile deal will cover the cost of the latest iPhone 16 Pro, with the requirement being to enroll in the brand's wireless plan ($65 a month over 36 months). If you were already considering switching carrier plans or starting a new one, this deal is worth considering.

Current price: $841
Original price: $1,099

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is much more accessible than its foldable sibling, the Z Fold 6, and this Prime Day discount only widens the gap. At nearly $300 less than retail, you're getting a sizeable 6.8-inch display when the phone is unfolded, a handy external display for framing photos and videos and accessing quick widgets, and 12GB of RAM to help power Samsung's Galaxy AI features.

Current price: $515
Original price: $699

Regarded as one of the best Android phones last year, right now you can snag the Pixel 8 at a $185 discount. I tested the handset last fall and highly recommend it for anyone who wants a compact phone and/or is tight on cash.

Current price: $349
Original price: $699

The Motorola Razr (2023) is one of the more accessible foldable phones on the market, and this October Prime Day deal makes it even more so. While the outer display is not as large as the flagship flip phones, its inner display is the same size as Razr's more expensive sibling, Razr Plus. Right now, you can buy the Razr at a $350 mark-down.

FAQs

When is Amazon's October Prime Day 2024?

This year, Amazon's October Prime Day event takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 8, and ends on Wednesday, Oct. 9. However, there are already deals available for shoppers to take advantage of, and we can expect them to last a day or two after the official event ends.

Are phones really cheaper on Prime Day?

Yes, phones are often cheaper on Prime Day, matching the level of discount you'd find in a Black Friday or Cyber Monday deal. This is partly because Prime Day is happening in October, months after most manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, Google, and Motorola have launched new devices in the first half of the year. With the amount of time that has passed, you'll often see the more recent phones discounted by a good amount at this time.

When is the best time of the year to buy a phone?

It depends on urgency. If your phone is damaged, cracked, or usable in a significant way, you should buy a new device as soon as you can -- whether through a carrier or brand retail store. In the case of an emergency, I'd advise buying it from the former, as your local carrier can best help you transfer contact information and data while potentially giving you an upgrade deal. If you can wait things out, consider buying a phone during major shopping events like Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. For more, here's our list of the best Prime Day deals so far.

How did we choose these Prime Day deals?

ZDNET chooses Prime Day deals based on the percentage of discount compared to the original price ($5 off a $20 item is just as good as $250 off a $1,000 item), how significant the discount is compared to pricing history, and whether our experts have tested and recommended the product.

We also look at deals from a wider scope, considering better alternatives, unique use cases, stock, and existing customer reviews on websites like Amazon, Best Buy, and Reddit. The best deals will save you a decent amount of money while giving you a truly worthwhile product.