Google and Samsung are driving this year's Black Friday smartphone deals with deep discounts on flagship devices including the new Pixel 10 series and Galaxy Z Fold7. The timing comes as manufacturers clear inventory ahead of next-generation launches expected in early 2025, creating rare opportunities for premium phone savings.
The smartphone market is seeing its deepest Black Friday discounts in years as manufacturers rush to clear inventory before 2025's next-generation launches. Google and Samsung are leading the charge with substantial markdowns on their latest flagship devices. Google's new Pixel 10 series is already seeing $200 discounts despite launching just weeks ago, according to Wired's Black Friday roundup. The Pixel 10 starts at $599, down from $799, while the Pro models drop to $749 and $899 respectively. These are the first Android phones to support Qi2 magnetic wireless charging, putting them on par with Apple's MagSafe ecosystem. The timing isn't coincidental - Samsung is expected to announce the Galaxy S26 series in January, putting pressure on current-generation pricing. The Galaxy S25 lineup sees discounts ranging from $125 to $400, with the base S25 dropping to $675 and the Ultra falling to $900. Industry analysts point to channel inventory buildup as a key driver. "We're seeing unprecedented discounts for devices this new," says tech reviewer Julian Chokkattu in the original Wired analysis. "The Galaxy S25 Ultra at $900 represents 31% off MSRP for a phone that launched in February." Folding phones are hitting historic price lows. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold7 drops to $1,600 from $2,000, while the Z Flip7 falls to $900 from $1,100. Google's Pixel 10 Pro Fold sees a $300 discount to $1,499 despite launching just last month. The budget segment tells a compelling story with Google's Pixel 9a leading at $399, down from $499. The device delivers the same Tensor chip as the Pixel 9 Pro but in a more affordable package. Competing offerings include Motorola's Moto G Stylus 2025 at $285 and Galaxy S25 FE at $475. Notably absent from major discounting are Apple iPhones, which maintain pricing discipline through carrier subsidies rather than direct markdowns. , , and are offering bundle deals requiring new lines and multi-year commitments. The deals landscape reflects broader smartphone market dynamics. Q3 2024 data shows Android manufacturers facing inventory pressures while Apple maintains tighter supply control. Premium Android makers are using aggressive pricing to compete for holiday upgrade cycles. For consumers, the window represents optimal timing for Android upgrades. introduction of AirDrop compatibility and Qi2 charging removes key iPhone advantages, while folding phone refinements address durability concerns that plagued earlier generations.
